Electrodeposition of Ni‐Zn Alloy: II . Electrocrystallization of Zn, Ni, and Ni‐Zn alloy

Abstract

The initial stages of the electrodeposition of nickel, zinc, and nickel‐zinc alloy were investigated by nucleation analysis. A novel deconvolution technique was applied to obtain the individual chronoamperometry of each species and elucidate the nucleation and growth mechanism of nickel‐zinc alloy deposition. In agreement with earlier conclusions (part I of this study), codeposition of hydrogen and nickel occurs in the initial stage of deposition. Adsorption and evolution of hydrogen are significant and cause the enhancement of nickel content. From the deconvoluted chronoamperograms of nickel‐zinc deposition, we see that the nucleation and growth mechanism of the alloy is similar to that of the pure metals (i.e., nickel or zinc). This similarity implies a weak interaction between nickel and zinc nuclei in the initial stages of deposition.