The Electrocrystallization of Zinc Dendrites in High‐Purity, and Inhibitor Doped, Alkaline Zincate Solutions

Abstract

The influence of electrolyte purity on the initiation times and propagation rates of zinc dendrites grown in alkaline zincate solution is examined. No significant difference was found to exist between the results obtained in the present high‐purity systems and those reported previously for the unpurified system. It is proposed that this is due to the fact that the zinc deposition potential is so far removed from the pzc of zinc that the electrode coverage with impurities present in unpurified solutions is far below that known to affect both morphology and kinetics. Evidence supporting this view was obtained in the case of benzene‐doped zincate solutions, where 10−4 mole liter−1 benzene did not affect the growth of dendrites. Lead and organic cation‐doped zincate solutions were found to be effective in retarding dendrite initiation, the degree of retardation depending on their concentration.