The effect of Cr3+ on the cathodic current efficiency (CE), deposit morphology, crystallographic orientations and polarisation behaviour during nickel electrodeposition from acidic sulfate solutions containing boric acid was investigated. A progressive decrease in CE was seen with increase in Cr3+ concentration showing a maximum decrease in CE of similar to 10-13% at concentration similar to 100 mg dm(-3). The presence of Cr3+ did not change the fcc structure of the electrodeposited nickel but affected the peak intensities of the crystal planes. Polarisation of the cathode was seen in the presence of Cr3+ in the electrolyte along with a shift in the electroreduction potential of nickel (II) ion towards more negative values. The effect of Cr3+ on the electrokinetic parameters: Tafel slope (b), transfer coefficient (alpha) and exchange current density (i(o)) has also been investigated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.