Tin–zinc electrodeposition from sulphate–tartrate baths

The electrodeposition of tin–zinc alloys with 20–30% Zn by weight from sulphate–tartrate baths at pH 4 and 5 and different cL/(cSn + cZn) ratios was studied. The anodic stripping analysis of the deposits was correlated with their morphology, composition and phase structure both on vitreous carbon and on copper electrodes. The use of tartrate anion as a complexing agent allows deposits to be obtained with a uniform composition and morphology under stirred conditions during the electrodeposition process. The deposited tin–zinc alloy is a mixture of Zn and βSn phases, with a Zn content of around 20% by weight.