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Why use copper complexes instead of simple copper ion in alloy plating or electroplating on zinc substrate?

In alloy plating or electroplating on zinc substrate, copper complexes(e.g. copper cyanide) are commonly used as the metallic salts for electroplating. State the reasons for using copper complexes instead of simple copper ion.

Jeff C.
student - Hong Kong
November 23, 2009

November 23, 2009

Hi, Jeff. "State the reasons" is the language of homework questions, and your teacher wrote that we should "Tell Jeff to do his own homework!". So let me just say that the Nernst Equation and electrochemical potentials is the answer for now. Good luck.

Regards,

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

Get a high school chemistry book and look at the activity series. It probably has an example of a zinc bar in a copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]solution, with pictures. Your complex will not be listed, but you can find that on line. Also look up immersion plating.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
November 23, 2009

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