Electrochemical deposition of CeO2 on ZrO2 and Al2O3 thin films formed on stainless steel

A new electrochemical method using a non-aqueous electrolyte was utilized for deposition of cerium oxide layers on different substrates. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to examine the nature of cathodically deposited cerium thin films on stainless steel (SS), ZrO2/SS and Al2O3/SS substrates as a function of the preparation conditions and thermal treatment. It was established that in the case of a naturally aerated solution, Ce2O3 was formed during the process of electrolysis by the oxygen present in the electrolyte whereas in a deaerated medium cerium was deposited in the metal state being oxidized to a CeO2 upon exposure to air. Due to the thermal treatment, mixing of the deposited cerium oxide layer with ZrO2 and Al2O3 films was observed.