Comparative studies on the codeposition of antimony and tin from acidic chloride and sulfate-chloride solutions

Abstract

Codeposition of antimony and tin from acidic chloride and chloride-sulfate baths was investigated. The calculations of distribution of species showed domination of neutral SnCl2 and anionic SbCl4– complexes in chloride solution, while in the presence of sulfate ions neutral SnSO4 and cationic SbCl2+ complexes were found. Cyclic voltammetry, anodic stripping analysis and potentiostatic measurements showed that antimony deposited favorably and the reaction run under limiting control. Analysis of chronoamperometric curves suggested instantaneous nucleation of the solid phase in the chloride bath, but progressive model was more probable in the presence of sulfate ions.