Electrochemical processing and characterization of nickel hydroxide–polyelectrolyte films

Cathodic electrodeposition of composite materials based on nickel hydroxide and cationic polyelectrolytes was performed from NiCl2 solutions in ethanol–water solvent containing polyethylenimine and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The deposition mechanisms are based on electrolytic deposition of nickel hydroxide and electrophoretic deposition of the polyelectrolytes. The mechanisms of charging of polyelectrolyte macromolecules and the role of the solvent are discussed. The deposits were studied by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of heat treatment on the phase content of the deposits was analyzed.