Potential controlled electrochemical coating and characterization of nanocrystalline Sn-Zn based thin films

Abstract

Sn-Zn thin films are commonly used in many areas of the industry, and the facile production of these layers is vital. This study aims to produce Sn-Zn layers via potentially controlled electrochemically deposited coatings. The potentially controlled mode was used to eliminate the extensive hydrogen evolution reaction during the electrochemical processes. The electrochemical reduction and oxidation reactions were first investigated with cyclic voltammetry to determine the applied potential sets. Later, cathodic pulse potential electrodeposition of the layers was performed. The characterization of the coated Sn-Zn thin films was performed with an X-ray diffraction device (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), four-point probe, potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectrometry. As the cathodic pulse potential value increased, the ratio of Zn in the Sn-Zn alloy increased, and the microstructure of the layers was also affected. Electrochemical studies showed that the corrosion resistance of the Sn-Zn thin films increased with the increasing Zn amount in the coating.