Effect of 2-butyne-1, 4-diol on silver electrodeposition from 5, 5-dimethyl hydantoin solutions

The effect of 2-butyne-1, 4-diol on silver electrodeposition process from 5, 5-dimethyl hydantoin solutions was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetric measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Cyclic voltammetric studies indicate that the reduction process of silver electrodeposition is influenced by adding 2-butyne-1, 4-diol. Owing to its adsorption on the electrode surface, 2-butyne-1, 4-diol moderately hinders the mass transfer of the silver complexed ions from the bulk solution to the outer limit of the electrode double layer and affects the electrocrystallization step. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that the presence of 2-butyne-1, 4-diol in the electrolyte is beneficial and the silver deposits obtained are smoother, more compact and more leveled. X-ray diffraction analysis of the silver deposits obtained at 0.5 g·L^-1 2-butyne-1, 4-diol indicated that the (110) plane is the most preferred plane and is not affected by the presence of 2-butyne-1, 4-diol in the electrolyte.