Electroplating

Precious Metal electroplating is used to deposit thin layers of precious metals onto surfaces of less expensive substrate materials via an electrochemical process.

By plating a less expensive substrate material with a thin layer of precious metal, desirable characteristics (e.g. electrical conductivity, optical attractiveness or protective layers against corrosion, temperature and mechanical stress) can be added to a material in an economic and ecological way by using only a minimum amount of valuable precious metals.

A key component of the electroplating process is the electrolyte or electroplating bath, which serves as the source for the precious metal in form of dissolved precious metal ions. By applying a direct current, the substrate (cathode) is plated with a thin layer of precious metals (ions from the electrolyte).

Use Cases and Application Examples of Electroplating

Precious metals are especially used for plating components in the electronics industry. However, also other industries like automotive, jewelry, tableware or aerospace (turbine airblades) rely on components plated with precious metals (e.g. plating of decorative surfaces).

Heraeus’ broad portfolio covers a variety of applications (an exemplary overview is shown below). In combination with our trading and recycling services, Heraeus can secure a stable supply of precious metals and cover all your needs around precious metals!

Electronic Parts

Applications

Au

Ag

Pt

Pd

Rh

Ru

Connectors, Resistors & Contacts
Lead Frames      
Smartcards      
Relays        

 

Decorative Surfaces

Applications

Au

Ag

Pt

Pd

Rh

Ru

Cosmetic Packaging
Writing Utensils
Frames/Glasses
Jewelry & Watches
Clothing Accessoires
Bathroom Fittings
Cuttlery

Industry & Other

Applications

Au

Ag

Pt

Pd

Rh

Ru

Aerospace Coatings        
Hydrogen Economy        
Medical/Implants/Dentistry        
Protective Layers

High-Quality Precious Metal Compounds for Electroplating

Heraeus Precious Metals offers a broad range of high-quality precious metal compounds for electroplating companies and electrolyte manufactures.

15 Results

Best Delivery
Quotation
5027843Ruthenium Chloride14898-67-0Ru39.00 - 42.00 SolidRuCl3 · xH2OEMEA, APACRequest a quote
5126809Ruthenium Chloride 14898-67-0Ru38.00 - 44.00 SolidRuCl3 · xH2OAMERRequest a quote
5126816Dihydrogen Hexachloroiridate 16941-92-7Ir38.00 - 42.00 SolidH2IrCl6AMERRequest a quote
5126823Iridium Chloride 14996-61-3Ir50.00 - 56.00 SolidIrCl3 · xH2OAMERRequest a quote
5127022Platinum Dinitrosulfato12033-81-7Pt5.00 - 7.00 SolutionPt(NO2)2H2SO4AMERRequest a quote
5127094Dihydrogen Hexachloroiridate in Pentanol16941-92-7Ir16.80 - 18.60 SolutionH2Cl6Ir·pentanolAMERRequest a quote
81147140Iridium Chloride 10025-97-5Ir50.00 - 55.00 SolidIrCl4 · nH2OEMEA, APACOnline available
81147161Dihydrogen Hexachloroiridate 16941-92-7Ir40.00 - 45.00 SolidH2IrCl6 · xH2OEMEA, APACOnline available
81147165Iridium Chloride - Type G14996-61-3Ir50.00 - 55.00 SolidIrCl3 · nH2OEMEA, APACOnline available
81147175Iridium Chloride 14996-61-3Ir52.00 - 56.00 SolidIrCl3 · xH2OEMEA, APACOnline available
81147180Dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)platinum15604-36-1Pt23.00 - 25.00Solidcis-[PtCl2(PPh3)2]EMEA, APACRequest a quote
81147407Ruthenium Chloride 14898-67-0Ru39.00 - 42.00 SolidRuCl3 · xH2OEMEA, APACOnline available
81147423Palladium Chloride7647-10-1Pd59.20 - 60.0 SolidPdCl2EMEA, APACOnline available
81147449Ruthenium Chloride 14898-67-0Ru19.00 - 24.00 SolutionRuCl3 EMEA, APACOnline available
81147453Dihydrogen Hexachloroiridate 16941-92-7Ir20.00 - 25.00 SolutionH2IrCl6 EMEA, APACOnline available

If a compound of interest is not covered, please contact us for further information. We are at your service!

Plating of Bipolar Plates with Platinum

A rather new application of electroplating is the plating of bipolar plates with Platinum – e.g. with Dihydrogen dinitrosulfatoplatinate (Pt DNS). The Platinum coating protects the bipolar plates against the corrosive environment and helps to avoid the undesirable formation of poor conductive oxidation layers on the bipolar plate which would otherwise lead to ohmic losses. Thus, a platinum can enhance the durability and extend the lifetime of bipolar plates. With Heraeus’ decades of experience as supplier for the electroplating industry as well as titanium coating companies (e.g. MMO Anode manufacturers) and complementary activities in the hydrogen economy we are the perfect partner to serve your needs. As an international market leader in precious metals, Heraeus Precious Metals is also in position to deliver larger volumes during scale-up of the hydrogen economy.

Get in Touch With Us

Contact our experts today to discuss how we can serve you with Heraeus’ precious metal portfolio and global production footprint!

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