Influence of pH on nickel electrodeposition at low nickel(II) concentrations

The effect of pH on the nucleation stages of nickel electrodeposition on vitreous carbon has been analysed using low nickel concentrations, without additives. The experimental results indicated that there was a change in the electrochemical response of the system at 4 < pH < 4.5. A predischarge adsorption ascribed to nickel(II) species was observed with a different surface coverage depending on the pH. Moreover, different inhibition and 3D nucleation processes were detected in varying experimental conditions.