Electrolytic deposition of zirconia and zirconia organoceramic composites

Thin films of zirconia and an organoceramic composite consisting of zirconium hydroxide and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were obtained via cathodic electrodeposition. Films up to 10-μm-thick were obtained on Ni and porous Ni–yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cermet substrates. By varying the current density, concentrations of PDDA and zirconium salt, the amount of the deposited material and its composition could be controlled. The deposits were studied by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A mechanism of electrochemical intercalation of the cationic polymer into zirconium hydroxide deposit is discussed.