Characterization of nanocomposite CeO2–Al2O3 coatings electrodeposited on stainless steel

A new electrochemical method using a non-aqueous electrolyte was utilized for deposition of nanocomposite ceria–alumina coatings on stainless steel substrates. The coatings were obtained in a solution of saturated absolute univalent alcohol with different content of AlCl3 · 6H2O and CeCl3 · 7H2O salts. The as-deposited layers were dense and without cracks. The thickness of the coatings was 2–3 μm. 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.