Electrochemical behaviour of zinc acetate complexes: a cyclic voltammetry study

The search for eco-friendly non-cyanide zinc plating solutions has resulted in the development of zinc acetate baths. Cyclic voltammetric studies of the dissolution and deposition of zinc in the presence of acetate complexes were carried out. In the pH range of 4·5–5·5, zinc acetate complexes underwent successive reduction to zinc. Acetate ions and OH− ions were shown to affect both the dissolution and deposition of zinc. The dissolution of zinc required the participation of OH− ions.