The Electrochemical Behavior of Zinc in Alkaline Media

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior of horizontally disposed planar zinc in 30% (6.9M) potassium hydroxide, alone and saturated with zinc oxide at 25°C, has been investigated in a controlled manner, using both galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques. The anodic characteristics have been interpreted in terms of a kinetically controlled process preceding a diffusion step. The cathodic behavior of oxidized zinc has been interpreted in terms of a complex two‐state process, involving the formation of a bound zinc hydroxide, followed by a reduction of both the adsorbed species and the soluble zincate to zinc metal.