Electrodeposition & Electroplating
Electrodeposition and Electroplating with a Potentiostat
A potentiostat gives full control over potential, current and pulse shape when depositing metals, alloys, oxides or conductive polymers. This page covers techniques, thickness calculations and equipment from small samples to high currents.
- Potentiostatic & galvanostaticplus multi-step and pulse
- Up to ±100 Awith Corrtest boosters
- Up to ±50 VCS5010B booster
- Test the coatingTafel and EIS on the same instrument
Why a potentiostat rather than a plain power supply?
A DC power supply only sets the cell current or voltage roughly. A potentiostat controls the working electrode potential against a reference, so the reaction can be chosen precisely: for example depositing copper without evolving hydrogen, or tuning alloy composition. Pulse techniques refine grain size and reduce residual stress in the coating.
For larger areas, Corrtest boosters raise the current to ±20, 50 or 100 A, or the voltage to ±50 V. The Corrtest brochure cites power batteries, electrolysis and electrodeposition as the applications.
Deposition techniques
| Technique | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary CV | Finds metal reduction potential and the hydrogen evolution limit | First step for any new system |
| Potentiostatic (chronoamperometry) | Fixed potential; current recorded over time | Nucleation, nanostructures, phase control |
| Galvanostatic (chronopotentiometry) | Fixed current; thickness easily calculated from charge | Metal plating, thick layers |
| Multi-step potential / current | Several steps in sequence in one programme | Layered coatings, nucleation then growth |
| Pulse plating | Current or potential switched on and off repeatedly | Fine grains, alloys, uniform layers |
| Electropolymerisation | Repeated CV or fixed potential in monomer solution | Polypyrrole, PEDOT, polyaniline for sensors and supercapacitors |
Calculating coating thickness
m = (Q · M) / (z · F) · η Q = I · tm = deposited mass (g), M = molar mass (g/mol), z = electrons per ion, F = 96485 C/mol, η = current efficiency.
d = m / (ρ · A)ρ = metal density (g/cm³), A = area (cm²). Example: copper (M = 63.55; z = 2; ρ = 8.96) at 10 mA/cm² for 10 minutes with η = 100% gives about 2.2 µm.
Models and boosters
| Product | Best for | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrtest CS350M (EIS to 1 MHz, ±2 A) | Lab-sample deposition up to ±2 A; booster-ready. | Rp 167.884.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS1350Pro (±5 A) | Up to ±5 A without a booster. | Rp 183.885.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS2020B 20 A current booster | Up to ±20 A for larger areas. | Rp 132.425.000 | Buy online |
| Corrtest CS5010B 10 A / 50 V booster | Up to ±50 V for high-resistance electrolytes or anodising. | Rp 300.985.000 | Buy online |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Cells and accessories
| Accessory | Purpose | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS935 electrolytic cell 50/100 mL | Lab-scale plating bath | Rp 2.204.000 | Buy online |
| CS931 jacketed cell 50 mL | Bath temperature control | Rp 3.030.000 | Buy online |
| CS945 specimen clamp | Holds thin plates (< 1 mm) as the working electrode | Rp 4.076.000 | Buy online |
| CS911 platinum plate 20 × 20 mm | Inert anode | Rp 7.849.000 | Buy online |
| CS900 SCE | Reference electrode | Rp 2.066.000 | Buy online |
| CS924 copper working electrode | Test substrate | Rp 2.617.000 | Buy online |
Store catalogue prices before 11% VAT and shipping; subject to change. Stock and delivery time are confirmed in the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need a current booster?
When total current exceeds the potentiostat's rating. Example: 20 mA/cm² on a 10 × 10 cm plate needs 2 A, the limit of a ±2 A model; larger areas need a booster.
Can a potentiostat be used for anodising?
Yes, at sample scale. Anodising aluminium or titanium often needs tens of volts, so the CS5010B booster (±50 V) is relevant.
Can I test the coating with the same instrument?
Yes. Corrosion-test the coating with Tafel and EIS on the same potentiostat. See corrosion and coating testing.
Need help choosing?
Tell us about your samples, methods and budget. Our team will put together the equipment and supplies with a formal quotation.
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