Abstract
Electroplating processes are widely employed in industrial environments for a large variety of metallic coatings, ranging from technological to decorative applications. Even if the galvanic electrodeposition is certainly a mature technology, new concepts, novel applications, environmental legislation and the new material requirements for next-generation devices make the scientific research in this field still very active. This review focuses mostly at the decorative and wearable applications, and aims to create a bridge between the past knowledge and the future direction that this process, i.e., electrodeposition, is taking. Both the theoretical fundamentals as well as some of the most widespread practical applications—limited to metallic and alloy coatings—are explored. As an integral part of the industrial process, we take a look at the main techniques thought which the quality control of deposits and surfaces is carried out. Finally, global industrial performance and research directions towards sustainable solutions are highlighted.
Highlights
With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution research and development within metal finishing sectors is rising [1,2]
If the deposition of M and N occurs via a multi-step process, intermediates of the two species may compete for adsorption sites at the substrate, and the rate of deposition of each element may vary based on the solubility of such intermediates
The cyano-alkaline baths have been used as first but these are going into disuse because of their danger in operation and toxicity, due to the use of cyanide and disposal costs. They are still utilized to deposit a first layer of copper on non-precious metals that would be attacked by strong acids or which would be affected by an uncontrolled chemical deposition
Summary
With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution research and development within metal finishing sectors is rising [1,2]. Due to adverse ecological impacts, the adoption of plating processes involving toxic metals, such as lead or cadmium, is prohibited by global legislation Another issue facing industrial development is the price volatility of highly on-demand electroplated materials, i.e., gold, copper, and nickel. Significant technological and processing advancements occurred in the past forty years, industrial firms are still struggling to provide viable solutions to energy conservation, reduction of costs and toxic wastes, as well as strategic challenges such as product durability and corrosion protection [27] In this respect, alloy plating offers better answers in terms of economic impact and environmental sustainability due to fine tuning the composition, morphology, crystallinity, as well as tailored properties [28,29,30]. The state of the art of the science and technology, future directions and open challenges are highlighted from an industrial perspective
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