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-ra y diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma sp ectroscopy. By varying the Y/Zr atomic ratio in solutions and deposition ti me, the amount of the deposited material and its composition could be contr olled. Deposits as obtained were amorphous. The crystallization behavior of the deposits was studied as a function of temperature. A possible mechanis m of electrodeposition is discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.