| abstract |
An acidic aqueous electrolyte solution for production of a nickel cathode is provided which includes nickel ions, and 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne-2,5-diol. The 2,5- dimethyl -3-hexyne-2,5-diol may be present in the acidic aqueous electrolyte solution in an amount ranging from about 5 ppm to about 300 ppm. Also provided is a process for electrowinning or electrorefining a nickel cathode which includes providing an acidic aqueous electrolyte solution including nickel ions, and 2,5- dimethyl -3-hexyne-2,5-diol; and electrolytically depositing nickel to form a nickel cathode. Addition of 2,5- dimethyl -3-hexyne-2,5-diol results in a reduction of striations and other defects which may occur on the surface of cathodes made by electrowinning or electrorefining. |