The Electroplating of Metallic Selenium

The electroplating of metallic selenium from acid baths has been achieved and reduced to practice. The paper discusses in succession the polymorphism of selenium; selenium ions in selenious acid solution; cathodic deposition as the amorphous and metallic phase; the nucleation characteristic and crystal growth of the metallic modification; the properties of various types of plating baths; a selenium-carbon anode for the stabilization of the bath composition; and finally a number of influences affecting the crystallization habit of the deposit. The current density of 200 amp./ft.2 attainable in a well-balanced plating bath compares favorably with standard baths for true metals.