Controlled Current Deposition of Zinc from Alkaline Solution

Electrodeposition of zinc onto foil electrodes from alkaline zincate solutions with direct current results in dendritic or black, porous mossy deposits. Smoother deposits are obtained with a pulsed current source or periodic reversal of current. The nature of the deposit with pulsed charging depends on the current density, the amount of charge passing through the electrolytic cell, the on time, and off time. The optimum values of these parameters are dependent on the cell geometry and the differences between the apparatus used in the present study and a cell containing a secondary zinc electrode are discussed.