Electroplating Copper
Electroplating Copper

How to Electroplate Copper How it Works

by Lewis Loflin


Electroplating is a chemical process utilizing electric current. Electroplating is an industry in itself. Like electro-chlorination and battery charging, it is a form of electrolysis. In many cases, such as steel, there is a multi-layer metal plating.

In electroplating chrome or nickel onto a substrate like steel, a copper layer is typically applied first.

The steel substrate is cleaned to remove grease, dirt, or oxides.

A layer of copper is electroplated onto the steel. Copper serves several purposes. It acts as a barrier to prevent the steel from reacting with the subsequent metal layers. Copper provides a good base for the adhesion of the final metal layer since it plates uniformly and has good electrical conductivity. It also helps lighten the surface, which can be beneficial if the steel has minor imperfections.

3. After copper, nickel is often plated for corrosion resistance and to provide a good base for chrome. If chrome is the final layer, it's plated over the nickel because chrome offers excellent wear resistance, hardness, and a bright, decorative finish. Direct chrome plating on steel or copper might not yield the best adhesion or surface quality.

So, the sequence generally goes: Steel → Copper → Nickel → Chrome (if chrome plating is desired). This layering enhances both the functional and aesthetic properties of the final product. However, the exact process might vary depending on the application, desired properties, and the electroplating setup. Ref. GROK.

The direction of current flow from the power supply is electron flow from negative (cathode) to positive (anode). Within the cell it is ion flow from positive to negative.

This copper example combines electricity and chemistry. I did this at home as a teenager.

In this case, we calculate the current needed (100mA rate in this example) to plate one gram of copper.

This, in an industrial setting, would use a low voltage at a controlled current from a constant current source. If the current is too high, the platted metal is an uneven mess with poor adhesion due to excess gas bubbles.

Avogadro's Number is approximately 6.022 × 10^23 entities per mole.

So, one coulomb is equal to approximately 6.2415093 × 10^18 charges.

1 mol copper = 63.55 u.

Copper-63 with an atomic mass of about 62.9296 u, making up approximately 69.17% of natural copper.

Copper-65 with an atomic mass of about 64.9278 u, comprising approximately 30.83% of natural copper.

How many mols is 1 gram of copper?

Number of moles = Mass in grams / Molar mass = 1 / 63.55 = 0.01574 mol

How many atoms in 1 gram copper?

Number of atoms = (Number of moles) × (Avogadro's number)

Number of atoms = 0.01574 mol × 6.022 × 10^ 23 atoms/mol

Number of atoms ≈ 9.48 × 10^21 atoms

Because I need 2 electrons for every copper ion: 9.48 x 10^21 x 2 is how many coulombs?

The number of atoms as 9.48 × 10^21 x 2 = 18.96 × 10^21 = 1.896 × 10^22 electrons.

1.602176634 × 10^−19 is the charge of 1 electron.

Total Charge = 1.896 × 10^22 × 1.602176634 × 10^−19 C = 3.03 x 10^3 coulombs.

Electric current is coulombs / time in seconds or I = Q / t.

In an electroplating solution how long to move 3.03 x 10^3 coulombs at 100mA?

Where t = Q / I where I = 0.1A = 0.1 C / sec.

Thus t = 3.03 × 10^4s, change to hours / 3600; t = 8.41 hours.

Electroplating copper example.

Click for larger image.


Yes, you can buy copper sulfate at farm supply stores, including:

Seven Springs Farm Supply: Sells copper sulfate powder in 1 lb and 50 lb bags.

Farm and Home Supply: Sells copper sulfate in 5 lb quantities.

Fleet Farm: Sells copper sulfate crystals in 50 lb quantities.

Tractor Supply Co. Sells copper sulfate crystals in 15 lb quantities.

Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound that can kill: bacteria, algae, roots, plants, snails, and fungi.

It's used as a fungicide, algaecide, root killer, herbicide, antimicrobial, and molluscicide in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings.

Lewis: What is copper sulfate used for at farm supplies?

Answer: Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) is utilized in various agricultural applications due to its properties as a fungicide, algaecide, and nutritional supplement. Here are some of the primary uses in farm supplies:

Fungicide and Bactericide: Copper sulfate is widely used for controlling fungal diseases on a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and field crops. It can be applied as a foliar spray or used in soil treatments. For example, it's a key ingredient in Bordeaux mixture, which is a combination of copper sulfate and slaked lime used to control downy mildew, powdery mildew, and other fungal pathogens.

Algae Control: In farm ponds, irrigation systems, or any water storage used for agriculture, copper sulfate is effective in controlling algae blooms. This is crucial because excessive algae can clog irrigation equipment, deplete oxygen in water (which can harm fish in aquaculture), or simply make water unsuitable for use.

Root Killing: When trees or large plants are cut down, copper sulfate can be applied to the stumps to prevent regrowth by killing the root system.

Animal Health: Foot Baths for Livestock: Copper sulfate solutions are used in foot baths for livestock, particularly in dairy cows, to treat and prevent foot rot and other bacterial infections in hooves.

Dietary Supplement: Though less common due to the risk of toxicity if overused, copper sulfate can be a copper supplement in animal feed to ensure livestock like pigs, poultry, and cattle receive sufficient copper, which is essential for various enzymatic processes, immune function, and growth.

Soil Amendment: While not as common as a fertilizer, copper sulfate can be used to correct copper deficiencies in the soil, although care must be taken due to its potential toxicity at high levels.

Snails and Slugs: In some horticultural practices, copper sulfate can be used to repel or kill snails and slugs, which are common pests in many farming operations.

Herbicide: Although not its primary use, copper sulfate has some herbicidal properties, particularly when part of certain formulations to control weeds or unwanted vegetation.

When using copper sulfate, it's crucial to handle it with care:

Environmental Impact: Copper can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to toxicity that affects plant growth and soil health. Runoff can also impact aquatic ecosystems.

Safety: Protective gear should be worn when applying copper sulfate because it can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

Application Rates: Proper application rates must be followed to avoid poisoning plants, animals, or the environment.

Because of these considerations, alternative organic or less toxic methods are sometimes preferred, but copper sulfate remains a staple in certain agricultural practices due to its effectiveness and broad range of applications.

Electroplating Chrome
Electroplating Chrome

Zinc Sulfate

Note that zinc sulphate like copper sulphate are not laboratory grade, but good enough to excrement with. Both can be toxic if consumed or mishandled.

A preventative and treatment for footrot in sheep and goats. Mix with water and add to a Premier Foot Bath to treat afflicted animals. Mix 4 lbs. to 5 gallons water for use in livestock foot baths.

What is zinc sulfate used for at farm supplies?

Answer: Zinc sulfate is used in agriculture for several key purposes:

Soil Fertilization: Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plant growth. Zinc sulfate is commonly used to correct zinc deficiencies in the soil, which can be crucial for crops like corn, rice, wheat, and various fruits and vegetables. Zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield, and poor plant health.

Animal Feed Supplement: In livestock farming, zinc sulfate is added to animal feeds to ensure animals receive enough zinc in their diet. Zinc is vital for various biological processes in animals, including immune function, growth, and reproduction. It helps in preventing diseases and improving the overall health of livestock.

Foliar Sprays: It can be applied as a foliar spray to plants. This method allows for quick absorption of zinc by the plants, which can be particularly useful when soil conditions prevent adequate zinc uptake through the roots.

Seed Treatment: Zinc sulfate can be used for treating seeds before planting. This treatment can promote better germination and initial growth stages of the plant.

Pest Control: While not its primary use, zinc sulfate can sometimes be found in mixtures used for controlling certain types of pests or as a component in Bordeaux mixture (which is more commonly known for copper sulfate but can include other sulfates for various formulations).

Algae Control in Irrigation: In some farming operations, especially where water management is critical, zinc sulfate might be used to control algae growth in irrigation ponds or systems.

When using zinc sulfate at farm supplies, it's important to follow recommended application rates because excessive zinc can be toxic to plants and can accumulate in the soil, potentially leading to environmental issues or affecting future crop health.


The above material credit GROK the X AI with additions by Lewis Loflin.

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I've been a part-time adjunct professor at a local community college teaching electricity and electronics.

Today I do this for the shear love of electronics.

I have 45 years experience in electronics, from vacuum tubes to modern solid state and industrial controls. I tend to teach from a general science viewpoint.

Some sample projects. New 7/15/2024 on my electronics website.



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