Electrolytic deposition of ZrO2–Y2O3 films

Cathodic electrodeposition of pure zirconia and yttria-doped zirconia films was performed by means of hydrolysis of ZrOCl2 and YCl3 salts dissolved in mixed ethyl alcohol–water solvent. The deposits were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. By varying the Y/Zr atomic ratio in solutions and deposition time, the amount of the deposited material and its composition could be controlled. Deposits as obtained were amorphous. The crystallization behavior of the deposits was studied as a function of temperature. A possible mechanism of electrodeposition is discussed.