Dealloying of zinc alloys: mechanism, dissolution products, and applications. A Review

• A.I. Biryukov¹, N.S. Amelina¹ and O.A. Kozaderov²

¹ Chelyabinsk State University, Bratyev Kashirinykh St., 129, Chelyabinsk 454001, Russia
² Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya pl. 1, Voronezh, 394018, Russia

Abstract: This review presents the patterns and mechanism of selective dissolution of zinc from a range of binary and multicomponent zinc alloys, including Zn-Ag, Zn-Au, Zn-Pt, Zn-Cu, Zn-Ni, etc. The review examines the influence of different factors such as temperature, electrolyte concentration, and solution composition (pH, complexing agents) which are discussed in terms of their influence on the dissolution kinetics, porosity development, and the final surface morphology of the dealloyed products. The review consolidates the results from physicochemical analysis of the dealloyed products using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and adsorption porosimetry to study the structural and textural properties of the porous materials obtained under different conditions. The physico-chemical aspects of the dealloying process are considered, including diffusion-controlled dissolution, surface diffusion, and the percolation threshold leading to the formation of interconnected porous structures. Finally, it is shown that the products of selective zinc dissolution can be used as electrocatalytic materials, electrochemical sensors and electrodes for electrochemical power sources, including fuel cells and batteries.

Keywords: selective dissolution, dealloying, zinc alloys, porosity, morphology, catalysts

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2026, 15, no. 3, 145-163
doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2026-15-3-6

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