The removal of cadmium and cupric ions from 0.50 mol dm(-3) Na2SO4 at pH 2 and 298 K was studied using a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) rotating cylinder electrode (RCE). The cathode was a 100 pores per linear inch porosity grade with a radius of 0.5 cm, a height of 1.2 cm and a volume of 0.94 cm(3). The cathode was rotated a constant speed of 1500 rev min(-1). A rate enhancement of approximately three times is reported for the removal of cupric ions from a chloride solution (0.05 mol dm(-3) cupric ions in 0.1 mol dm(-3) NaCl at pH 7) when compared with the analogous reaction in acid sulfate solutions (0.50 mol dm(-3) Na2SO4 at pH 2). SEM images of the metal deposit morphology allow the morphology of the metal deposits to be characterised. The deposits showed incomplete coverage of the RVC surface and appreciable roughness developed with time due to dendritic growths. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.