Zinkdiffusionsbeschichtung

Zinkdiffusions is a term used in materials science and physical chemistry to refer to diffusion processes involving zinc atoms or ions within solids, liquids, or at interfaces. The concept encompasses the movement of zinc species in metallic alloys, zinc-containing coatings, oxide lattices, and electrolyte solutions, as well as diffusion-driven redistribution during processing, aging, or operation.

Diffusion of zinc follows principles described by Fick's laws, though the exact behavior depends on the phase, temperature, and microstructure. Diffusion coefficients for zinc are typically small at room temperature, but can increase with temperature, grain boundary pathways, phase boundaries, and the presence of defects. In multi-component systems, interdiffusion and cross-diffusion terms become important, particularly at interfaces between zinc-containing layers and substrate materials.

Key applications and contexts include corrosion protection through galvanic coatings, where zinc diffusion into steel affects coating adherence and sacrificial protection; in battery technology, zinc diffusion within zinc-ion or zinc-air cells influences charge transport and capacity retention; and in semiconductor and oxide materials, zinc diffusion controls dopant profiles in ZnO and related compounds.

Measurement and analysis rely on techniques such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods to quantify diffusion coefficients and activation energies. Challenges include modeling diffusion across heterogeneous interfaces, suppressing unwanted diffusion during processing, and accurately predicting long-term performance under operating conditions.

Research in zinkdiffusions aims to improve material stability, optimize coatings, and enable reliable zinc-based energy storage and electronics.