Exploring coating electrodeposition protocols from a cross-electrolyte and cross-metal perspective

Metal coating is a prevalent strategy for enhancing surface properties. Among the numerous methods for preparing coatings, electrodeposition stands out due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency, making it widely utilized in various metal coating applications. By meticulously selecting appropriate electrolytes and electrodeposition parameters, metal coatings with diverse structures and morphologies can be obtained, and tailored to meet specific performance requirements. As the demand for superior metal coating performance continues to rise, it is imperative to summarize and forecast electrodeposition techniques to meet the criteria for high quality and precision. This review delves into the electrodeposition preparation of several typical metal coatings in diverse electrolyte systems, including aqueous solutions, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and molten salts. We also examine the electrodeposition process on the cathode, elucidate the correlation between parameters and coating quality, and suggest future research directions. This review aims to provide valuable insights and guidance for the electrodeposition preparation of metal coatings.