The morphology and properties of electrodeposited copper powder

Copper powder was produced by electrodeposition from an electrolyte containing copper sulphate and sulphuric acid. The effect of varying the current density, the solution temperature and agitation as well as the addition of different chemicals was investigated on the size, shape and properties of the powder and the energy consumed. The best conditions were found to be a low current density, a high bath temperature, solution agitation and a low concentration of copper sulphate. The addition of sodium sulphate, cupric chloride and benzotriazole was beneficial and reduced the energy consumption.