Opto-electronic and electrochemical evaluations of particulate wo3 and sno2 in electrocodeposited Zn- tio2 nanocomposites coatings for sensor application

Abstract

This study synthesized, characterized and determined the electronic and optical properties of Zn-TiO2, Zn-TiO2-WO3 and Zn-TiO2-SnO2 nano-composite coatings on low carbon steel. It has also determined the effect of these coatings on the corrosion of mild steel in saline environment. This was with a view to produce an active coating to providing alternative to hazardous chromium coating. Active multi functional nano crystalline coatings of the composites were electrolytically fabricated on low carbon steel from Zinc bath, with its Cation and nanoparticulates of TiO2, SnO2 and WO3 were uniformly codeposited in the Zn matrix. The nano-powders were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM/EDS) analyses for confirmation of the chemical compositions and purity. The electrocodeposition bath compositions were developed with 120 gram per litre of ZnCl2, 30 gram per litre of KCl along sides with the nanopowders. Other additives including cetylpridinum chloride, 2- Butyne 1,4diol were added as surfactants and Thiourea was added as stabilizer. The coated specimens were sectioned into parts, some of which were characterized with electrical meters and solar simulator to determine the electrical conductivity and solar response of the coated samples respectively. Samples were also subjected to corrosion experiment in 3.5% NaCl (saline) media to study their corrosion resistance properties in the test media through Potentiodynamic polarization method. The results, the electrical conductivity of the generated nano-composite coatings displayed a better electrical conductivity of 2.45E-01Ω-1m-1 which made it a better sensor material and outstanding corrosion resistance with corrosion rate at 0.10116 mm/year. The study concluded that both matrices with the Nano Particulate WO3 and SnO2 can be use as sensor materials but the WO3 matrix showed a better electrical conductivity both in the presence and absence of uv light and enhanced corrosion protection under light and dark conditions, thus a better sensor’s material.