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Electroplating (Silver over Copper)(aka Christmas Tree)

Electroplating (Silver over Copper)(aka Christmas Tree)

Last updated

Aug 15, 2020
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Required Training	Required PPE
UC Lab Safety Fundamentals	Lab coat, safety glasses/goggles, nitrile gloves

Equipment	Chemicals
Crystalizing Dish	130 mL 0.1N AgNO₃
Copper plate (tree)	Dropper of conc. H₂SO₄
Paper towel

Procedure:

Drop 13 drops of conc. H₂SO₄ into a large crystalizing dish filled with 130 mL 0.1 N AgNO₃.
Gradually placed the flattened copper plate (cut in the outline of a tree) into the solution.
In a short time, the tree will be covered with silver needles.
Gently lift the copper plate out and set it on a paper towel.

Discussion:

The standard chemical potential of the reactions involved are listed below:

Ag⁺ + e⁻ Ag(s)	+0.7996
Cu²⁺ + 2 e− Cu(s)	+0.340

In sum, the balanced reaction is 2 Ag⁺ + Cu Cu²⁺ + 2 Ag. As a silver ion pulls an electron off of the crystalizing silver, the silver pulls an electron from the copper metal. For every two silver ions crystalized out, one ion of Cu²⁺ is formed in solution.

Hazards:

Silver nitrate can stain the skin and clothing—please wear all suggested PPE. Concentrated sulfuric acid is a corrosive and should be handled with care. In the event of a spill, consult with the substance’s SDS.

SOP:

Acutely Toxic – Silver Nitrate

Corrosive – Silver Nitrate, Sulfuric Acid

Oxidizer – Silver Nitrate

Disposal (by Storeroom):

Return the solution, in whatever vessel it what provided in, to the dispensary for proper disposal. Please do not dispose of the silver, copper plate, or solution in the general waste stream

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