ZnO-(ferrous gluconate)-KOH electrolytes were developed as novel alkaline baths for electrodeposition of Zn-Fe alloys. Ferrous gluconate is chosen due to its uniquely high solubility in concentrated KOH solution without an additional complexing agent. The electrical conductivity of the proposed baths is 510-560 mS cm(-1), 2.5-2.7 times that of a known formula. The cathodic current efficiency of the proposed baths is higher than that of the known formula (16-31% vs 10-17%). Fe content in the Zn-Fe deposits increases with increasing ion ratio Fe/Zn in the baths and current density of deposition. The anticorrosion property of the deposits depends on their iron content. Zn-27.5 atom% Fe is the best due to its lowest corrosion current (15.6 mu A cm(-2)) , being 60% lower than that of Zn-only coating and the noblest corrosion voltage (-0.872 V-SCE). Therefore, the ZnO-(ferrous gluconate)-KOH system is promising because it is very simple, highly conductive, nontoxic, and efficient. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.