Electrosynthesis of Ln(OH)(3) (Ln = La, Nd) coatings on stainless steel substrates

Micrometer thick coatings of the hydroxides of La and Nd can be electrodepo sited on stainless steel substrates by cathodic reduction of aqueous soluti ons of the corresponding nitrates. The coatings are uniform, adherent, and stable to thermal treatment up to moderate temperatures. At high temperatur es (>900 degrees C), the coatings react with the substrate to yield surface oxides having a perovskite-like structure. This technique can be adapted a s a simple chemical alternative to conventional methods of fabricating hydr oxide and oxide films and coatings.