New IGF project "GaGoKom" launched

Since the end of last year, the Chair of Materials and Surface Technology has been working together with Prof Frank Köster's Surface/Electroplating Technology working group at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences to replace cyanide in gold electroplating with alternative complexing agents. The project is supported by 16 industry-related specialist companies on the project committee.

Galvanic gold layers are widely used in electrical contacts in medium and small load ranges. However, the majority of the commercially available gold electrolytes required for this are based on cyanide formulations. The cyanide released during the plating process is highly toxic. Processes must therefore be elaborately designed so that there is no danger to plant personnel or the environment.

The problem is now to be tackled with other electrolyte formulations. In a new basic gold electrolyte, dithiourea gold(I) methanesulphonate is the starting component. The processing conditions and application properties of the gold layers are being investigated in comparison to the standard process. In addition, other new gold(I) complexes are synthesised and characterised and their application potential for electroplating is determined.

Picture:
Source: Julius Nickisch/Fabian Menzel

2.3.2022 – Projects of the professorship ( thomas.grund@mb… )