Effect of citrate, tartrate and gluconate ions on the behaviour of zinc in 3 M NaOH

Citrate, tartrate and gluconate are examined for their influence as additives to 3 M NaOH electrolyte for use with zinc. Solubility, turbidity and conductivity measurements are presented. Electrochemical oxidation and redeposition of zinc in the medium is investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Products of electrochemical reaction are analysed by IR and Raman spectroscopy. Tartrate and gluconate appear to produce micelles in the zincate medium whereas citrate appears to stabilize a polymeric structure in solution. Hull cell patterns of electroplating of zinc from zincate in presence of additives and morphology of the coatings by SEM pictures are also discussed.