Electrodeposition of Cu-Zn alloy from EMImTfO ionic liquid/ethanol mixtures for replacing the cyanide zincate layer on Al alloy

In order to replace the highly poisonous cyanide zincate process of Al alloy, an eco-friendly approach was developed, i.e., electrodeposition of Cu-Zn coating from ionic liquid/ethanol mixed bath. It was demonstrated that the Cu5Zn8 alloy produced from 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate (EMImTfO) and 20% (Volume percent) ethanol mixtures under optimal conditions showed cauliflower-shaped structure with a (330) preferred orientation, which could significantly improve the corrosion resistance of Al substrate in Watts bath, thereby elevating Ni coating quality. The overall property of Cu-Zn intermediate layer and its subsequent coating, including compactness, adhesive strength and corrosion resistance is approximately the same as that of cyanide zincate layer and its surface coating, suggesting that the new method is an ideal alternative to conventional zincate treatment.