8. Zn-X and hydrogen codeposits Wet surface treatments generate hydrogen. Hydrogen, derived from the reduction of water (or the hydronium ion), can be produced during : chemical" treatments (chemical pickling, conversion, etc.) involving redox reactions between the metallic material to be treated and the solution; electrolytic treatments in which the part, in the cathode position, is subjected solely to water reduction (e.g. cathodic degreasing); several concomitant reactions (electroplating proper, involving competition between the reduction of water and metal ions).