Influence of surfactants on electrochemical behavior of zinc electrodes in alkaline solution

The effects of different ionic types of perfluorosurfactants (including hydrocarbon chain surfactant CTAB) on the electrochemistry behavior of zinc have been examined using voltammetric and potentiostatic polarization techniques. The results show that these surfactants can be used as substitute of mercury for decreasing the corrosion in zinc batteries. It is also shown that the deposition of zinc from zincate electrolyte in the presence of these surfactants can be improved to some extent. The morphology of the electrodeposited zinc shows that these surfactants can bring about more uniform and compact deposits and, thereby, reduce dendritic growth. FC-170C and CTAB are found to be the most effective inhibitors. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.