Formulation and characterization of electrolyte for decorative gold plating based on mercaptotriazole

A procedure for the formulation and characterization of a gilding electrolyte based on mercaptotriazole is described. It was found that the electrolyte can be synthesized in a wide pH range, so solutions with different pH values (2, 4, 7, 9 and 12) have been prepared and analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were used for the chemical characterization of the prepared solutions. Electrochemical characterization is performed by open circuit potential measurement, cyclic voltammetry and polarization measurements.