Application of Rhodium Electroplating

Application of Rhodium Electroplating

Rhodium plating traditionally has been used as decorative plating in jewelry and silverware. However, the use of rhodium plating for electronics and other industrial applications has been increasing in recent years.

For decorative plating, rhodium baths contain 1.3 to 2.0 g/L of rhodium phosphate or rhodium sulfate concentrate and 25 to 80 ml/L of phosphoric or sulfuric acid. Current densities typically range from 20 to 100 A/m2.

For industrial and electronic applications, rhodium plating baths contain approximately 5.0 g/L of rhodium metal as sulfate concentrate and 25 to 50 ml/L of sulfuric acid. Current densities typically range from 10 to 30 A/m2, and cathode efficiency ranges from 70 to 90 percent with agitation or 50 to 60 percent without agitation.