Abstract:The characteristics and properties of amorphous chromium deposited from sulphuric acid-catalyzed chromic acidic solution containing formic acid have been investigated. Both bright and satisfactory amorphous chromium deposits have been obtained.The polarization curves on copper and vitreous carbon electrode and current efficiency of the electrolyte have also been examined.The results showed that formic acid was an effective catalyst for electrodeposition of amorphous chromium, which can inhibit reduction of Cr(Ⅵ) to Cr(Ⅲ) and hydrogen evolution,and increase cathodic current efficiency of amorphous chromium deposition.

Key words: amorphous materials; electrodeposition; catalysis; formic acid; chromium