Electrodeposition of zinc coatings from the solutions of zinc oxide in imidazolium chloride/urea mixtures

Abstract: To solve the inherent disadvantages in conventional processes for electrodeposition of zinc, it’s necessary to develop more high-efficiency and environmentally friendly electrolytes. In this work, it was found that the dissolution of ZnO was remarkably enhanced in some imidazolium chloride by the addition of urea, and the solubility of ZnO in 1:1 [Amim]Cl/urea mixture was as high as 8.35 wt% at 373.2 K. Electrochemical measurements showed that zinc could be readily electrodeposited from the solutions of ZnO. Bright, dense and well adherent zinc coatings with good purity were obtained from 0.6 M solution of ZnO in 1:1 [Amim]Cl/urea at 323.2–343.2 K. It’s expected that the solutions of ZnO in imidazolium chloride/urea mixtures have the potential to replace the traditional electrolytes, especially toxic zinc chloride-based ones for zinc electroplating, as well as preparation of zinc materials.