Electrode potential

The electrode potential in electroplating plays a decisive role in electrochemical processes, especially in the electrochemical deposition of metals on surfaces. Electrode potential refers to the electrical voltage between an electrode and a reference electrode in an electrochemical cell.

In electroplating, an electrode serves as a site for the reduction or oxidation of ions in the electrolyte solution. The type and quantity of metals deposited depends heavily on the electrochemical reactions at the electrodes. The electrode potential is a measure of the tendency of a metal to gain or lose electrons and therefore influences the selectivity of the metal deposition.

During the galvanic process, electrons are released by the anode and absorbed by the cathode. The difference in electrode potential between the anode and cathode determines the direction and intensity of the electron flow. A more positive electrode potential at the cathode leads to the reduction of metal ions, while a more negative electrode potential at the anode leads to the oxidation of metal atoms.

Precise control of the electrode potential is essential to ensure accurate and uniform metal deposition on the surfaces. Electrodes with specific potentials are carefully selected to achieve the desired results in electroplating and to realize high-quality coatings on different materials.