How to Electroplate Nickel

Electroplating works using the principles of electrochemistry. By running an electric current through a solution of a metal, it is possible to cause metal ions (which are dissolved in solution) to come out of the solution onto another metal object. Electroplating can be used for cosmetic purposes or to apply a thin coating of a metal to another object to help prevent wear or corrosion. It can also be used to expand the size of small metal parts.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nickel sulfate
• Nickel chloride
• Boric acid
• Titanium bucket
• Piece of nickel
• DC rectifier

1. Create a nickel electrolyte solution. One of the easiest to use is Watts nickel plating solution, which can be made by dissolving 240 grams of nickel sulfate, 30 grams of nickel chloride, and 30 grams of boric acid in one gallon of water. Pour this solution into a bucket made out of titanium.

2. Completely clean the object you would like to electroplate. Remove any rust or dirt on the surface.

3. Pour the Watts solution into the titanium bucket. Immerse the object you would like to electroplate in the solution.

4. Place a small amount of pure nickel in the solution as well. A small, 1-inch square of nickel will work.

5. Hook up a power source. You will need a direct current power source for electroplating. The best way to do this is to purchase a rectifier, which will plug into your wall socket and provide a DC current. DC rectifiers come with different "amperages," which is a measure of current. In general, you will need about 20 amperes for every square foot of surface that you are trying to electroplate.

6. Hook up the nickel piece and the object to be plated to the power source. The DC power source will have two wires, one marked "anode" and the other marked "cathode." Attach the cathode wire to the object to be plated and the anode wire to the piece of pure nickel.

7. To electroplate your object, turn on the power source and let it run until your object is nickel-plated to the thickness you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Boric acid is a strong acid and corrosive. Be very careful about letting it come into contact with your skin, as it can cause a chemical burn. Wear rubber gloves whenever handling any chemical. When working with metals, be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling metal dust. Always be careful when working with electricity. Although the DC converter used in this experiment generates a fairly small current, any amount of electricity can be harmful, so be careful when connecting the electricity and avoid contact with the electroplating liquid while the current is flowing.