The Effect of Sodium 1-Naphthalene Sulfonate and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Additives on Electrodeposition of Iron in Acidic Sulfate Electrolytes

Abstract This study investigated the effects of two additives, sodium 1-naphthalenesulfonate (SNS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), on electrodeposition of iron in acidic sulfate baths. Focusing on their influence on cathodic polarization and back-dissolution, as well as changes in the morphological characteristics and crystallographic orientation of iron deposits, the study utilized electrochemical assessments and morphological evaluations. Results indicate that SNS and SDS significantly reduce the nucleation overpotential (NOP) of iron, from 351 to 154 and 127 mV with optimal concentrations at 1 g/L and 0.1 g/L, respectively. Both additives enhance the corrosion potential (Ec), thereby improving corrosion resistance. The additives can also reduce solution resistance (Rs) and charge transfer resistance (Rct), facilitating faster Fe²⁺ ion charge transfers and reducing dissolution of deposited iron. Moreover, SNS and SDS synergistically adjust the crystallographic plane orientation of Fe, promoting the formation of the (110) and (211) planes while suppressing the (200) planes, resulting in finer iron grains. Additionally, the TChkl index reaches a maximum value of 1.69. These findings underscore the crucial role of SNS and SDS in optimizing the iron electrodeposition process and enhancing the quality and stability of electrodeposited iron.