Study of the role of sodium hypophosphite in electroless nickel bath solution

Abstract

Cyclic voltametric investigations have been made to understand the electrochemical behaviour of sodium hypophosphite in electroless plating bath solution. The possible reaction steps at the anode and cathode have been identified. An ECE type of mechanism appears to be operative in the overall reaction during electroless plating. Both organic and inorganic species in the bath solution influence the voltammetric pattern of the hypophosphite. Temperature enhances the peak currents and changes the reaction mechanism. The oxidation potentials of the reaction steps vary with temperature and also the presence of organic components in the bath solution.