Ultrasound in electroplating

Ultrasonic degassing limits gas bubble accumulation at the electrode 

Ultrasonic agitation (via cavitation) disturbs the diffusion layer and stops the depletion of 

Ultrasonic agitation provides more even transport of ions across the electrode double layer Ultrasonic irradiation continuously cleans and activates the electrode surfaces 

An alternative method to irradiation of the whole plating tank is to apply ultrasound directly to the cathode. Using this technique for hard chromium plating a better quality of plate was obtained in terms of both brightness and increased microhardness [34]. 

Another example of ultrasonic treatment of metals is in electrolytic polishing. This is an economical method of surface treatment for metal work-pieces. In particular delicate products such as metal filters made from fine wire can be finished more rapidly and economically by this method than by mechanical cleaning. The condition of the electrolyte in this case plays an important part. Investigations on ultrasonically treated electrolyte solutions have shown that they enable workpieces to be polished in half the time required by conventional solutions. In addition it is possible to attain improved metal structures with sonicated electrolytes as a result of their particularly aggressive action on the surface of the product [35]. 

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Lorimer P, Mason TJ (1999) Sonoelectrochemisry. The application of ultrasound in electroplating. Electrochemistry 67 924—930... 

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