Electrodeposition onto magnesium in air and water stable ionic liquids: From corrosion to successful plating

Magnesium is very reactive and therefore magnesium electroplating in aqueous solutions is hazardous. Mg is classified as a water sensitive substrate from the electrodeposition point of view. Therefore, it was suggested that ionic liquids be used as electrolytic solvents for electrodeposition onto Mg and its alloys. Five air and water stable ionic liquids based on choline chloride (ChCl) were investigated to deposit Zn onto several Mg alloys in air. The ChCl/urea mixture was found to be the most feasible liquid for successful electrodeposition. Other liquids produced powdery deposits or resulted in corrosion of Mg substrate. Application of a pulsed current was superior to a constant current in producing smooth, sealed and more corrosion-resistant Zn layers.