Coating gold dust with rhodium

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Category: Surface Coatings

Subject: Coating gold dust with rhodium

Question

We want to do some experiments with rhodium-coated gold dust particles (30 to 200 microns diameter). Can this be done and how?

Answer

Rhodium can be electroplated directly onto gold.

Rhodium plating methods are outlined in the now rather dated “Modern Electroplating”, F. A. Lowenhiem, John Wiley and Sons, 1973. It is technology which has not changed greatly over the years. Application to a powder will become increasingly difficult as the particles get smaller, and it may also be difficult to ensure a shiny finish.

Answer posted 25 January 2007

Submitted by: Mr Robin Grayson

Answered by: Dennis Murphy

Affiliation: Johnson Matthey