ELECTRODEPOSITION OF SILVER FROM NITRATE-TARTRATE SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The electrodeposition of silver from AgNO 3 solutions with the addition of L-tartaric acid was investigated. The cathodic reaction was accompanied by low electrode polarization and run under activation control for AgNO 3 concentrations of above 70 mM. Tartaric acid only slightly shifted the polarization curves towards more electronegative potentials (by approx. 50 mV), but it did not change the rate-determining step. The activation control of the process resulted in the formation of rough and coherent deposits, while the mixed or diffusion control of the process promoted the formation of dendritic-like structures and spongy deposits.