Zn-Sn electrodeposition from deep eutectic solvents containing EDTA, HEDTA, and Idranal VII

The use of deep eutectic solvents for metal electrodeposition has become an area of interest in the recent years. In this study, ethaline, propeline, and reline were used as solvents for the electrodeposition of Sn-Zn alloys. Ethaline, propeline, and reline displayed identical voltammetric profiles for the reduction of Zn(II) and Sn(II). Further studies were carried out in ethaline which is the liquid with lowest viscosity. To improve physical and morphological properties of the Sn-Zn deposits, additives were added to the ionic liquid solution. In this study, the addition of three chelators (EDTA, HEDTA, and Idranal VII) and their effects on the voltammetric behavior of zinc and tin and the resultant morphology was described. The structure and composition of the Zn-Sn deposit was largely affected by the additives with the largest effect being obtained in the presence of Idranal VII.