Template‐Free Electrodeposition of Zinc Nanowires from an Ionic Liquid

Abstract

The template‐free synthesis of zinc nanowires was achieved from Zn(TfO)2 in 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethylsulfonate ([Py1,4]TfO) at 125 °C. The electrodeposition process was evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry. The electrodeposited zinc was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction. SEM images indicated that the zinc deposits on gold contain nanowires of varying lengths, ranging from approximately 400 nm to 1.2 μm, whereas intertwined nanowire structures were observed on indium tin oxide (ITO) from the same solution. A similar kind of intertwined nanowire structure was also observed on both gold and ITO from ZnCl2/[Py1,4]TfO at the same temperature. The results show that zinc nanowire structures can be achieved from ionic liquids without a template at elevated temperatures.

Anion Effects on the Solid/Ionic Liquid Interface and the Electrodeposition of Zinc

“…Nanowire-like structures, which twisted and turned in random directions, were obtained. Template-free deposition of metal and semiconductor nanowires in ILs has been demonstrated. − The deposition parameters such as concentration, temperature, and potential have a great influence on the morphology, and both the mass transport and surface passivation seem to play important roles in the formation of nanowires in ILs. − …”

Ionometallurgical Step‐Electrodeposition of Zinc and Lead and its Application in a Cycling‐Stable High‐Voltage Zinc‐Graphite Battery

“…[ 23,24 ] For this, the zinc ores are converted to zinc oxide (ZnO) through a series of high‐temperature procedures and then leached with sulfuric acid to produce the ZnSO 4 solution. [ 23,25 ] In the search for alternatives, Zn metal has been successfully electrodeposited from chloridoaluminate ILs, [ 26–29 ] some air‐ and water‐stable ILs, [ 30–38 ] and choline chloride (ChCl)/ethylene glycol (EG) DES. [ 39,40 ] To address the economic and environmental aspects for an application, to transfer the electrodeposition to biodegradable ILs as well as ILs that are in part or as a whole composed of naturally occurring molecules appears to be important.…”

Voltammetric Study and Electrodeposition of Zinc in Hydrophobic Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium Bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]): A Comparison between Chloride and TFSI Salts of Zinc

“…Moreover, if aprotic ILs are used, hydrogen evolution, which is usually encountered in the electrodeposition of active metals such as Zn in aqueous solutions, can be significantly suppressed, leading to a more controllable surface morphology and higher current efficiency. Zn has been successfully electrodeposited from the traditional Lewis acidic ILs, 7-10 the air-and water-stable ILs, 3,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] To search a common source of Zn ions and a suitable IL for the electrodeposition of Zn metal, however, is still important.The hydrophobic RTIL 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis ((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]) has been widely used for the study of metal and alloy electrodeposition in view of various advantages, such as wide electrochemical window, wide temperature range as a liquid, relatively high conductivity, low viscosity, high hydrophobicity, and so on. Nevertheless, a problem is always encountered when this IL is used for electrodeposition; that is the poor solubility of common metal salts, such as metal chlorides.…”