I have a solution containing silver that I got from dissolving old X-ray film in a mixture of bleach and sodium hydroxide. To reduce the silver, I
suspended a copper sheet in the solution.
The sheet quickly gets covered with a beautifully smooth layer of silver. However, it apparently completely covers the copper since the reaction then
stops.
I know there are agents that can be added to electroplating baths that help to obtain a smooth coating (urea for instance). Does anyone know compounds
that are known to do the opposite, i.e. interfere with forming a smooth coating?
[Edited on 21-8-2012 by phlogiston] |