Electrolytic Oxidation of Zinc in Alkaline Solutions

Abstract

A study has been made of the mechanism of the reaction taking place when zinc is anodically treated in potassium hydroxide solutions. The zinc-containing ion present in solution as a result of the anodic treatment is Zn(OH)4. However, zinc oxide or hydroxide is an intermediate leading to the formation of Zn(OH)4. This latter ion then decomposes slowly to form zinc oxide. © 1955, The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved.