Thermodynamic analysis of electrodeposited Ni-Mo and Ni-Mo-P alloys

The potential-pH diagram of Ni-P-H2O system is calculated and constructed by use of thermodynamic data. On the basis of the potential-pH diagram the electrochemical behaviors of electrodepositing Ni-Mo and Ni-Mo-P alloys are analyzed. The phases of Ni-Mo and Ni-Mo-P coatings are identified by means of X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermodynamic analysis shows that it is difficult to deposit Mo or P individually from its aqueous solution, and they must be co-deposited with other metals by induced deposition; P and Ni can be deposited as compound Ni3P on the cathode; Mo is deposited in two forms: one is in the form of MoO3 solid particles and the other is in the form of compound MoC. X-ray diffraction analysis is in agreement with the thermodynamic analysis.