Electrodeposition of Ni from Various Non-Aqueous Media: The Case of Alcoholic Solutions

Although electrodeposition from aqueous media has been widely used to obtain metallic deposits, there are cases where the application of non-aqueous solutions offers advantages over the traditional baths or even represents the only way to electrodeposit some metals. For this reason, a study of the electrodeposition of Ni from various alcoholic solutions was performed. Apart from a detailed cyclic voltammetry study of these solutions, the surface morphology, crystal structure and texture as well magnetic properties of the deposits have also been investigated. The best results were obtained with methanol as solvent, so results on Ni deposits prepared from this solution will be presented in more detail whereas the case of the other alcoholic solutions investigated will be summarized only briefly. Structural and magnetic properties of the deposits obtained have been compared to literature data on Ni samples obtained from various non-aqueous solvents.