Effect of Surfactants on Electrodeposition of the Sn–Ni Alloy from Oxalate Solutions

Abstract

The effects of surfactants on the electrolytic deposition of tin–nickel alloys from oxalate–ammonium electrolytes were determined. The adsorption of the nonionic surfactant at the interface decreases the rate of charge transfer across the interface. As a result, the electrochemical stage of the electroreduction of metals slows down, and the alloy is deposited in the form of shiny finely crystalline coatings. The range of optimum surfactant concentrations in the oxalate–ammonium electrolyte was determined based on the simulation of the interface impedance obtained during the alloy deposition and the electron microscopy studies of the obtained coatings.