Importance of anions in electrodeposition of nickel from gluconate solutions

Abstract Electrodeposition of nickel from slightly acidic gluconate solutions containing chloride or/and sulfate ions was investigated. Electrochemical measurements correlated with bath speciations showed complex and complexes as crucial species affecting cathodic reactions in a potential range up to ?1.3V. At more negative potentials, deposition governed by release cation nickel-gluconate complex. This further evidenced differences nucleation modes, morphology, structure the deposits. Wettability as-plated chemically modified layers were determined their morphology corrosion resistance.