Morphology and Composition of Electrodeposited Cobalt‐Zinc Alloys and the Influence of Boric Acid

The morphology and composition of cobalt‐zinc alloys electrodeposited on a Pt rotating disk electrode were investigated. Three unique morphologies have been identified by scanning electron microscopy and the composition of each characterized by solid‐state stripping voltammetry. The effect of boric acid on the morphology of the surface films was also investigated. The results indicate that addition of boric acid to the plating bath increases the nucleation density of the deposit and increases the content of Zn in the alloy. The current efficiency for the deposition process is also enhanced in the presence of boric acid. These effects have been attributed to the adsorptive interactions of boric acid at the electrode surface.