Switching transition states with changing electrode potential: Zn(II)/Zn electrodeposition on glassy carbon in the N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid

The mechanisms for the electrodeposition and stripping of Zn 2+|Zn in the N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid are investigated via cyclic voltammetry. Analysis showed that the deposition of Zn onto a bulk Zn surface occurred via a two-electron process, with the first electron transfer being rate determining. The electrodissolution was found to occur via a potentialdependent mechanism with the first electron transfer being rate determining near the formal potential, while an intermediate chemical step became rate determining at more positive potentials. © Springer-Verlag 2012