Electrochemical preparation of ZrO2 nanopowder: Impact of the pulse current on the crystal structure, composition and morphology

Formation of the negatively charged colloidal zirconia species i.e. [ZrO]− at the cathode surface and low adhesion of the hydroxide deposit to its surface are common problems in the cathodic electrodeposition of zirconia. Deposition experiments with the direct current mode led to the total spallation of the deposit from the cathode surface and no deposit was obtained in practice. In order to minimize these problems, pulse current deposition was applied in the electrodeposition of ZrO2. The results showed that the control of the base electrogeneration and deposit formation on the cathode surface is achievable using the pulse current mode. The XRD analysis and SEM observations revealed that the crystal structure, phase content and surface morphology of the prepared zirconia powders are significantly affected by the variation of toff or ton/toff ratio. This work clearly showed that the pulse current electrodeposition can be introduced as an alternative route in the ZrO2 cathodic electrodeposition and preparation of its nanostructured powder.