Electrochemical codeposition of multilamellar vesicles in an inorganic matrix

Incorporating particles in a solid matrix to improve its surface properties has been performed by electrodeposition since the beginning of this century. The present challenge is to find new types of particles which confer original properties on the material. This work focused on the embodying of new particles, called spherulites, into a metal hydroxide layer by electrolytic codeposition. The novelty of these colloidal particles results from their ability to encapsulate arbitrary compounds. They are prepared by manually shearing a lamellar phase and then are dispersed into an aqueous electrolyte. The layering of these particles, concomitantly to the formation of the metal hydroxide layer, is observed in situ by phase contrast microscopy. Their engulfing is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. These analyses provide evidence for zinc hydroxide coprecipitation on the cathode surface simultaneous to the spherulite engulfing. (C) 2000 The Electrochemical Society. S0013-4651(99)04-069-9. All rights reserved.