Electrochemical deposition of thin zirconia films on stainless steel 316 L

Zirconia films (ZrO2) have been deposited electrochemically on stainless steel SS 316 L in a non-aqueous electrolyte based on absolute ethyl alcohol and ZrCl4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies have shown that the film consists of crystallites with a spheroidal shape, forming agglomerates with a very large surface area. Their sizes vary within the range of 0.1–0.5 μm. The layer composition is very close to the stoichiometric ZrO2, as has been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).