The X-ray fluorescence determination of Cd, Ni, and Zn electrodeposited from aqueous solutions

The concentrations of cadmium, nickel, and zinc in standard solutions were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of deposits prepared by flow electrolysis on graphite cloth electrodes. Reduction of the metal species in solution was complete only if cadmium or zinc was the major constituent (80 or 90 mole%, respectively). Deposits of cadmium and zinc, and cadmium-rich Cd---Ni, Cd---Zn, and Cd---Ni---Zn deposits were analysed. For pure metals the detected X-ray intensity displayed a power-law relationship, Rn^p, for up to 10⁻⁴ moles. The enhancement effect of the cadmium on the nickel and zinc signals, and the absorption and enhancement effects between nickel and zinc, were corrected empirically. The absorption of cadmium X-rays by nickel and zinc was insignificant. Deposits of pure copper on heavier electrodes displayed similar fluorescent intensities.