Substrate Effects on Zinc Deposition from Zincate Solutions: I . Deposition on Cu, Au, Cd and Zn

Abstract

The deposition of zinc on Cu, Au, and Cd from alkaline zincate solutions has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry, potential pulse methods, x‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Deposits on Zn were examined by scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction. In the case of Au and Cu approximately a monolayer of zinc is formed in the underpotential deposition region prior to bulk deposition. The respective underpotential shifts of Au and Cu are 0.45 and 0.22V and are in good agreement with the difference in work function between zinc and the substrate. Electrodeposited zinc forms an undetermined surface brass phase on Cu and two alloys (and ) with Au. The deposits on all substrates are oriented preferentially parallel to the basal plane.