Raman spectroscopy of cemented cobalt on zinc substrates

Micro-Raman spectroscopy is used to characterize the cemented product forme d during cobalt cementation with zinc dust in zinc sulfate electrolytes, Th e effect of copper and antimony on the cementation process is also examined . A Raman spectrum characteristic of a basic cobalt salt or mixtures of suc h salts is observed. The spectrum is similar to those found for Co(OH)(2) i n a ZnO matrix. The main Raman band of this salt has a frequency at 550 cm( -1). Raman mapping over a larger area, 1000 X 1000 mu m, of cemented produc ts shows that the occurrence of this peak decreases dramatically during re- dissolution of cemented cobalt. The data indicate that a large fraction of the cemented Co2+ exists as a mixture of cobalt containing oxide and hydrox ide. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved.