Elettrodeposizione

Elettrodeposizione, also known as electroplating, is an electrochemical process used to deposit a thin layer of one metal onto another by using an electric current. This process is primarily employed for decorative purposes, to prevent corrosion, or to improve the electrical conductivity or wear resistance of a surface.

The fundamental principle of electrodeposition involves immersing the object to be plated (the cathode) and a piece of the plating metal (the anode) into an electrolyte solution containing ions of the plating metal. When a direct electric current is applied, the metal ions in the electrolyte are attracted to the cathode and deposit onto its surface, forming a coherent and adherent layer. Simultaneously, the anode dissolves, replenishing the metal ions in the electrolyte.

The thickness of the deposited layer, its uniformity, and its adhesion depend on several factors, including the current density, the temperature of the electrolyte, the concentration of metal ions, and the composition of the electrolyte itself. Common applications of electrodeposition include plating of decorative items with gold or chromium, protecting steel parts with zinc (galvanizing), and improving the conductivity of electronic components with copper or nickel. This technique is widely used across industries such as automotive, electronics, jewelry, and aerospace.