Effect of Fe(II) concentration on the electrodeposition of nickel-iron alloys

Abstract

A systematic investigation of the dependence of NiFe electrodeposition on Fe2+ concentration has been carried out in a chloride-based solution without complexing agents. Both alloy composition and plating current efficiency are strongly influenced by Fe2+ concentration. Partial-reaction analysis shows strong inhibition of Ni deposition but no significant enhancement of Fe deposition. Hydrogen evolution rates increase with increasing Fe content of the depositing alloy causing a drop in current efficiency with increasing Fe2+ concentration at low current densities. Fe2+ reduction as well as surface hydrolysis of both Fe2+ and Fe3+ may also contribute to this observation.