Characterization of nanocomposite CeO2-Al2O3 coatings electrodepo sited on stainless steel

A new electrochemical method using a non-aqueous electrolyte was utilized for deposition of nanocompositc ceria-alumina coatings on stainless steel substrates. The coatings were obtained in a solution of saturated absolute univalent alcohol with different content of AlCl3 center dot 6H(2)O and CeCl3 center dot 7H(2)O salts. The as-deposited layers were dense and without cracks. The thickness of the coatings was 2-3 mu m. After annealing SEM examination showed a microstructure formed by small (100-200 nm) compacted spherical grains. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to examine the chemical composition and the oxidation state of the as-deposited and annealed coatings depending on the ceria loading. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.