Effect of organic additives and current efficiency on electrodeposition of Nickel from sulfate bath

The properties of nickel metal electrodeposited in presence of organic additives in various concentrations were studied with respect to current efficiency of the bath. Films were electrodeposited in various pH and temperatures and for different time in order to get high current efficiency and uniform deposit. Locally available salt of sulfate is preferably used as source of nickel. Sodium sulfate is used to improve the conductivity of the bath and it is found that the rate of deposition linearly increases with the increase in concentration of the sodium sulfate in the electrolytic bath. Nickel chloride is primarily added to the bath not only to increase the corrosion of the anode but also to enhance the uniformity of the deposited layer. Surface structure analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analyses are done by energy dispersive x-rays. Reasons for variation in properties and structural characteristics of metal deposit are discussed.