Electrodeposition of zinc coatings from the solutions of zinc oxide in imidazolium chloride/urea mixtures

To solve the inherent disadvantages in conventional processes for electrodeposition of zinc, it＇s necessary to develop more high-efficiency and environmentally friendly electrolytes. In this work, it was found that the dissolution of ZnO was remarka- bly enhanced in some imidazolium chloride by the addition of urea, and the solubility of ZnO in 1：1 [Amim]C1/urea mixture was as high as 8.35 wt% at 373.2 K. Electrochemical measurements showed that zinc could be readily electrodeposited from the solutions of ZnO. Bright, dense and well adherent zinc coatings with good purity were obtained from 0.6 M solution of ZnO in 1：1 [Amim]C1/urea at 323.2-343.2 K. It＇s expected that the solutions of ZnO in imidazolium chloride/urea mixtures have the potential to replace the traditional electrolytes, especially toxic zinc chloride-based ones for zinc electroplating, as well as preparation of zinc materials.