Layer-by-layer analysis of hot-dip zinc coating by anodic dissolution in acetate bath

► We studied a method for layer-by-layer anodic dissolution of hot-dip zinc coatings. ► We constructed a suitable cell to perform this study. ► Results show that the dissolution of η-phase is uniform. ► δ-phase dissolves partially together ζ-phase. ► A black film interferes with the subsequent dissolution processes.