Zn–TiO2 composite films prepared by pulsed electrodeposition

• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-004-0573-2
• Publication Date: 2004-11-30T08:42:30Z
• Authors: A. Gomes; M. I. da Silva Pe...; M. H. Mendonça; F. M. Costa
• Keywords: Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; Matrix (chemical analysis)

The preparation of a Zn–TiO2 composite film has been performed by pulsed electrodeposition, from acidic zinc sulphate solutions, on an Fe support. The influence of the bath pH and the presence of a cationic surfactant (CTAB) on the composite’s structural and morphological characteristics has been investigated. The characterization of the samples was made by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The experimental data show that for the composites prepared at pH 2, the metallic matrix presents a (0 0 2) preferential orientation. At pH=4, the deposit loses the preferred c-axis orientation and in addition a higher content of TiO2 particles is obtained. The use of the surfactant modifies the shape of the metallic grains, but little effect is observed on the dispersion of the semiconductor particles.