The deposition of smooth metallic molybdenum from aqueous electrolytes containing molybdate ions.

A process is described for the electrodeposition of metallic Mo from a highly concentrated, up to 10 M, acetate bath containing sodium molybdate in the presence of a very low concentration of 60 microg/l of bone glue. The effects were investigated of current density, pH, plating time and the presence of electrowinning additives such as saponin, DowFroth, 5-sulphosalicylic acid and bone glue. Bone glue was the only additive which exhibited a positive effect, resulting in a smoother, more adherent deposit. Smooth deposits were obtained in baths with pH less than 6.6 and a water/acetate ratio of 1.9:1. The deposit was amorphous or nano- crystalline and consisted of completely reduced Mo with very little or no oxygen detected. The process is relatively cheap, uses readily available molybdate ions and may be applied to improving the wear resistance of materials.
A process is described for the electrodeposition of metallic Mo from a highly concentrated, up to 10 M, acetate bath containing sodium molybdate in the presence of a very low concentration of 60 microg/l of bone glue. The effects were investigated of current density, pH, plating time and the presence of electrowinning additives such as saponin, DowFroth, 5-sulphosalicylic acid and bone glue. Bone glue was the only additive which exhibited a positive effect, resulting in a smoother, more adherent deposit. Smooth deposits were obtained in baths with pH less than 6.6 and a water/acetate ratio of 1.9:1. The deposit was amorphous or nano- crystalline and consisted of completely reduced Mo with very little or no oxygen detected. The process is relatively cheap, uses readily available molybdate ions and may be applied to improving the wear resistance of materials.