Thread 393/17

What solution should I use for electroplating with copper?

I'm doing a science project where I'm electroplating aluminum with copper with three different voltages and seeing which one electroplates the fastest. But I haven't found a definite solution to use. I read about using copper sulphate ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , but exactly would that solution contain? And do you think that using different voltages is a good way to test it? Thanks, I need all the help I can get.

Avia L
student - Hannibal, Missouri, United States of America
publicly reply to Avia L

You didn't say what grade you are in, Avia, and a 12th year electroplating project should be a far more impressive demonstration than a 3rd grade science project. You need to plate nickels, dimes, quarters, silver objects, or brass keys, not aluminum (aluminum cannot be directly electroplated). If you are in high school, just assuring you that the answers are on this site should be enough for you to find them.

As to the question of whether using 3 different voltages is a good way to test it, I have to answer with a question: "What is the hypothesis you are trying to test?"

Good luck. I am trying to be a helper rather than an enabler.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006
publicly reply to Ted Mooney

P.S.: Anybody see "Stupid in America"? A wake-up call!

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