Can alkaline and acidic electrolytes be mixed?
Alkaline and acidic electrolytes should not be mixed because they are chemically incompatible due to their different pH levels. Mixing alkaline and acidic electrolytes can lead to undesirable reactions, such as the precipitation of metals or other substances. These chemical reactions render the electrolyte unusable and can result in uneven or defective coatings. Therefore, it is not advisable to mix alkaline and acidic electrolytes.
Additionally, the additives in each type are formulated to function within their respective pH ranges, so mixing them would prevent the additives from working effectively.