Mass Balance in Diaphragm-type Electroplating Process with Anion Exchange Membrane

Abstract

Diaphragm-type electroplating process with anion exchange membrane has been investigated to prevent the anode oxidation of Fe²⁺ ion on insoluble anode in Zn-Fe alloy electroplating solution.
(1) Insoluble anode is separated from electroplating solution with anion exchange membrane, and ion balance between anode compartment and cathode compartment is maintained with ion supplier.
(2) This process is capable of high current density electroplating up to 100 A/dm² without any damage of membrane by using sulfuric acid in anode compartment, and membrane potential drop is about 1 V.
(3) In continuous electroplating pilot line tests, ion balance of electroplating solution is proved to be maintained and this process is effective to prevent the anode oxidation of Fe²⁺ ion on the insoluble anode.