Umicore Metal Deposition Solutions has developed a new electrolyte for electroplating with pure platinum: Platuna PT. The electrolyte enables the deposition of thick, homogeneous and crack-free platinum layers, which are particularly suitable for various technical applications.
Platinum is a precious metal with outstanding properties such as high corrosion and abrasion resistance, excellent electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and catalytic activity. Platinum coatings can improve the performance, durability, efficiency and effectiveness of technical applications or increase the sensitivity and accuracy of measurements. In addition, platinum is a highly recyclable metal that contributes to the circular economy.
The electrolyte is highly acidic and has a low sulphuric acid content, making it less aggressive towards the substrate to be coated. It also has a deposition rate of approx. 0.13 μm/min at 5 A/dm², independent of the current intensity. Compared to many conventional platinum electrolytes, it has a very long shelf life without precipitation and can be easily transported and stored without cooling, enabling large storage quantities. Platuna PT consists of 99.9% pure platinum and proves its high layer quality with the following properties: crack-free layers up to 5 μm, very uniform layer thickness distribution at a density of 21.4 g/cm3, hardness of approx. 350 HV, absolutely haze-free, without color cast, very bright (L* value: 87) and shiny, high abrasion resistance, excellent corrosion resistance, very good tarnish resistance.
The electrolyte is suitable for many technical applications, e.g. as a catalyst in electrolyzers, for hydrogen production or for medical sensors.
