me2
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metal nodules / crystals by electrolysis
Hi,
On the wiki-page of Nickel I encountered this image
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nickel_electrolytic_and_1c...
the description says :
"Electrolytically refined pure (99.9 %) nickel nodules, and a high purity (99.99 % = 4N) 1 cm3 nickel cube for comparison. Crystallized
nickel-electrolyte salts (green) can be seen in the pores of the nodules"
So, this modules were made bij electrolysis of a Ni-salt. How is that possible ?? Every metal I saw on the cathode (except Zn) is just pain 'mud'.
Very fine crystals, nothing like this.
So how would you attempt making these ones ?
note : These electrolytical noduls appear of other metals too. I found nodules of Mg, Cu and Pb.
[Edited on 17-10-2012 by me2]
[Edited on 17-10-2012 by me2]
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tetrahedron
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you need the right electrolyte composition, otherwise the reduced Ni won't stick together. these nodules also appear in commercial nickel plating as
an unwanted phenomenon, due e.g. to irregularities in the cathode (part to be plated).
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me2
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Quote: Originally posted by tetrahedron  | | you need the right electrolyte composition, otherwise the reduced Ni won't stick together. these nodules also appear in commercial nickel plating as
an unwanted phenomenon, due e.g. to irregularities in the cathode (part to be plated). |
tnx. Next question. Which electrolytes will make such nodules and which not?
Is the electrolyte itself being reduced ? If so these nodules wouldn't be 99% pure. So I guess there must be something else ?
Do you know how this phenomenon is called? (if it has a name) So I can google the term myself.
edit : just a remark. Many industrial electrolysis use liquid metal-choride to obtain the meatl and chloride gas. In first instance I thought
this would be the origin of these nodules. But because the description I think these are made different.
| Quote: |
Crystallized nickel-electrolyte salts (green) can be seen in the pores of the nodules |
[Edited on 17-10-2012 by me2]
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hissingnoise
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And in plants chrome-plating hand tools!
Chromium is applied to a pre-plate of nickel . . .
The deposits can often look like metal dentures!
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tetrahedron
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google nickel plating. try this to get 99% purity: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/3755113.pdf
[Edited on 17-10-2012 by tetrahedron]
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me2
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thank you very much !
In a quick search the same image showed up in this page about sulfamate nickel plating ... I think I can start experimenting 
But this doesn't need to be the end of this thread  If any have more
suggestions (other metals) or remarks, just shoot
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12AX7
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Thiourea is another common additive, at least for copper. It probably works with nickel too. A few drops of something which contains it, such as
Tarn-X, will turn your deposits from crystalline dross to flat (or lumpy!) dense deposits. More sophisticated (and secretive!) additives are
similarly in the "leveler" and "brightener" category; some can apparently create a nearly mirror finish direct from the bath.
Tim
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