Coated articles, electrodeposition baths, and related systems

Abstract

Coated articles, electrodeposition baths, and related systems are described. The article may include a base material and a coating comprising silver formed thereon. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a silver-based alloy, such as a silver-tungsten alloy. The coating can exhibit desirable properties and characteristics such as durability (e.g., wear), hardness, corrosion resistance, and high conductivity, which may be beneficial, for example, in electrical and/or electronic applications. In some cases, the coating may be applied using an electrodeposition process.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A bath, comprising:
 silver ionic species;   tungsten and/or molybdenum ionic species; and   sodium hydroxide, wherein the bath is suitable for electrodeposition processes.   
     
     
         2 . An article, comprising:
 a base material; and   a coating formed on the base material, the coating comprising a silver-based alloy, the silver-based alloy further comprising tungsten and/or molybdenum, the silver-based alloy having a grain size of less than about 100 nm, wherein the grain size changes by no more than 30 nm following exposure to a temperature of at least 125 C. for at least 1000 hours.   
     
     
         3 . An electrodeposition system, comprising:
 an anode comprising silver;   a cathode;   a bath; and   a power supply, wherein the bath comprises tungsten and/or molybdenum ionic species and at least one complexing agent, wherein the bath is associated with the anode and the cathode, wherein the power supply is connected to at least one of the anode and the cathode, and wherein the surface area of the anode is at least five times the surface area of the cathode.