CATHODE SURFACE CHANGES IN THE PRESENCE OF GELATIN DURING ELECTRODEPOSITION OF COPPER

Abstract

Measurements of the cathode polarization during electrodeposition of copper from acid copper sulphate solutions indicate that introduction of gelatin into the electrolyte decreases the area of the cathode available for deposition, or active area, owing to adsorption of gelatin on the active centres. This decrease in area causes an increase in the true current density, with a resulting increase in cathode polarization, the former being assumed the main factor in causing an increase in the rate of nuclear formation and decrease in grain size.