Electrodeposition of Aluminum from Alkyl Benzene Electrolytes

Abstract

Aluminum was electrodeposited onto metallic substrates from a number of electrolytes consisting essentially of an AlBr3 solute of commercial purity and technical grade alkyl benzene solvents or solvent mixtures. Bright, fine-grained, adherent aluminum coatings were obtained at cathode efficiencies of the order of 70–85% and at anode efficiencies approaching 100%. Specific conductance of the electrolytes was Formula while applied potentials of 3–6V provided current densities of 10 mA/cm2. The most effective solvents were those of the ethylbenzene family. Ethylbenzene solvents are also effective in promoting plating with other solvents particularly benzene, toluene, and xylene. Technical grade solvents in equilibrium with atmospheric moisture were successfully employed throughout the tests.