Barrel zinc electrodeposition from alkaline solution

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of electrochemical parameters on the concentration–time relationship in an electrolytic zinc deposition reactor using a three-dimensional electrode. The dynamic behaviour of a zinc plating unit is obtained from the fundamental material balance. Two stages are considered: (i) the batch electrolytic reactor, and (ii) the electrolyser surrounded by rinses (i.e., contribution of drag-out). This theoretical approach shows that good control of the operating parameters helps stabilise the zinc electrolyte and, therefore, the properties of the zinc deposits. The aim of the experiments is to investigate, in a statistically designed test program, the effects of the composition of the alkaline zinc electrolyte on cathode efficiency and on the morphologies/textures of the deposits.