Studies of the electrodeposition of palladium from baths based on [Pd(NH3)2X2] salts. I. [Pd(NH3)2Cl2] baths

Spectroscopic techniques are used to confirm the chemistry of solutions of Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂] in aqueous NH₄Cl at various pH. In addition, potential sweep and step methods at rotating and stationary disc electrodes (both vitreous carbon and freshly plated palladium) are used to investigate palladium deposition from a standard electroplating bath, Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂] in NH₄Cl/NH₃ (pH 8.9). The relative importance of oxygen reduction, hydrogen absorption and hydrogen evolution as competing cathode reactions under various conditions is defined and the advantage of strong convection for high rate plating is demonstrated.