The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 27, 1979
Filed:
Sep. 09, 1977
Thomas J O'Keefe, Rolla, MO (US);
The Curators of the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (US);
Abstract
A method is provided for evaluating an unknown electrolytic system comprising an electrolytic solution and electrodes for electrodeposition of metal with respect to determining the performance characteristics of the electrolytic solution, detection of impurities and additives in the electrolytic solution, estimation of the current efficiency characteristics of the system, or determining the performance characteristics of an electrode. An electrolytic circuit is established comprising a sample of the electrolytic solution for the system, two electrodes immersed in the solution and spaced from one another therein, and a variable and reversible voltage source having its output terminals respectively connected to the electrodes. A predetermined initial voltage is applied to one of the electrodes constituting a working electrode. Thereafter, the voltage is varied in the negative direction until a predetermined cathodic current or predetermined maximum voltage sufficient to cause a cathodic reaction is attained at the working electrode. The direction of the voltage change is then reversed and the voltage is varied in the positive direction until a predetermined minimum voltage or a predetermined minimum current is attained at the working electrode. This process is repeated through a plurality of cycles and the current obtained is recorded as a function of voltage for a selected cycle. The performance characteristics of the sample solution, the presence of an impurity or additive, the current efficiency, or the working electrode characteristics are determined according to the recorded relationship between current and voltage. This method is useful in the control of electrodeposition processes since it not only provides a basis for evaluating electrolytic solutions and electrodes but further constitutes an analytical tool adapted for determining compositional adjustments necessary for optimum cell performance.