Electrodeposition of tellurium from phthalic acid bath

Electrodeposition of tellurium from metal salt solutions in the presence of phthalic acid and inorganic substances at controlled pH has been investigated. The current density ranged from 0.28 to 11.34 mA cm−2. The percentage cathodic current efficiency was relatively low and increased with increasing concentration of tellurion ions in the bath. The purity of the deposited metal was better than 99%. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the deposit belongs to the hexagonal structure.