Electrodeposition of Zn in acid sulphate solutions: pH effects

The kinetics of zinc electrodeposition from acid sulphate solution on a platinum electrode was investigated by means of stationary polarization curves, interfacial pH measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effect of pH, namely pH 2, 3 and 4, was analyzed. A significant dependence of Zn electrodeposition with solution pH was verified. The results obtained cannot be predicted by the available models for Zn electrodeposition. A reaction model is then proposed based on the predominant steps as a function of the potential and the electrode surface nature.