Electrodeposition of Ni-Zn Alloy II. Electrocrystallization of Zn, Ni, and Ni-Zn alloy

The initial stages of the electrodeposition f nickel, zinc, and nickel-zinc alloy were investigated by nucleation analy-sis. A novel deconvolution technique was applied to obtain the individual chronoamperometry of each species and eluci-date 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. Adsorpt ion and evolution of hydrogen are significant and cause the enhancement of nickel content. F rom the deconvoluted chronoamperograms of nickel-zinc deposition, we see that the nucleation and growth mechan ism 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. Literature reports show that different electrodeposition conditions cause different phase structures even if the chemical composition of the deposited alloys is similar. 1'2 The orientation of deposits and their phase composition are influenced not only by the electrodeposition rate but also, sometimes strongly, by the substrate. This is not surprisin