Cerium based-conversion coatings were deposited on Al and Mg alloys through electroless deposition at various immersion times.
When subjected to different concentrations of NaCl, these systems showed self-healing behavior in addition to the ability to prevent corrosion. These properties did not show significant changes when the coatings obtained were subjected to vacuum heat post-treatment; however, it was observed that thanks to these post-treatments, it was possible to modify and tune the electronic structure of the cerium species in the coatings, exhibiting photocatalytic properties. On the other hand, depending on the post-treatment conditions, the surface energy of the systems obtained was drastically modified, making them superhydrophobic.
These findings show the potential of Ce-conversion coatings systems on Al and Mg alloys in environments requiring synergistic integration of protective characteristics, whether in corrosive, humid
environments, or both, and photocatalytic characteristics.