Electrochemical deposition

Electrochemical deposition, also known as electrolytic deposition, is a surface technology process in which metal layers are deposited on substrates using electrochemical reactions. This process is used in various industrial applications, from the electronics industry to metal processing.

The basic mechanism of electrochemical deposition is that metal ions are deposited from an electrolyte solution onto an electrically conductive surface. This takes place in an electrolytic cell in which the substrate to be coated acts as the cathode. An external voltage source is used to cause a current to flow through the electrolyte solution, causing the metal ions to migrate to the cathodes and deposit on the surface.

During the process, the metal ions are reduced to metallic material, which gradually builds up on the cathode. The thickness of the deposited metal layer can be controlled by the duration of the electrochemical process. This process enables precise control of the coating thickness and the production of uniform, high-quality metal layers.

Electrochemical deposition is used in various industries, particularly in electronics, where the thinnest metal layers are required for conductor tracks or semiconductor components. It is also used in jewelry manufacturing, the surface finishing of workpieces and in the production of coatings for corrosion protection and decorative purposes. Precise control of the process parameters makes it possible to produce customized coatings with specific properties such as hardness, smoothness and adhesion. Electrochemical deposition is therefore an important process in modern manufacturing technology that helps to produce high-precision, high-quality surfaces.