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Copper plating without electricity

What are the reactions involved in copper plating without electricity? Description: When we immersed the iron nail in copper sulphate ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] solution (5% CuSO4 solution in 1% H2SO4), the nail became brown in color. It looks like more corroded than plated. Why is it so?

Andrew P.
Student - Mandaluyong, NCR, Philippines
2003

Because this is an immersion coating of copper and not an electroless or electrolytic deposition of copper. I am not sure of the exact chemical reaction, but it stops as soon as there is a thin copper layer formed. This layer of copper just lays on the surface and there is no chemical bond to the iron.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2003

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