Effects of introduced electrolytes on galvanic deposition of ZnO films

The effects of supporting electrolytes on galvanic deposition of ZnO films have been investigated in detail by respectively introducing K2SO4, KNO3 and KCl into Zn(Ac)2 electrolytes. It reveals that the chemical nature of introduced electrolytes plays important roles in acting on the growth of ZnO films. ZnO nanorods tend to grow in KNO3 and KCl electrolytes, while sheet-like zinc hydroxysulfate tends to be formed in K2SO4 electrolyte. Besides, KNO3 electrolyte is inclined to accelerate the passivation of Zn anode, resulting in the sharp decrease of driving force for galvanic deposition. In contrast, KCl and K2SO4 electrolytes facilitate zinc dissolution by anionic adsorption on the metal surface and subsequent participation in the active dissolution process, thus leading to the incorporation of anions in nanocrystals.