The Zinc (Zn)-graphene (Gr) composite layer was prepared successfully by using a pulse reverse electro-plating method on the iron substrate. Effect of GO content in the electrolyte on the microstructures of the composite layer and the corrosion behaviors in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were also investigated in detail by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and a series of electrochemical measurements. The results revealed that: 1) GO can be reduced into Gr during the co-deposition of electro-plating; 2) adding GO in the electrolyte changed the Zn growth mechanism in the composite layer, i.e., gradually transforming from the main preferred orientations of (112) and (101) crystal planes into (103), (102) and (110) planes 3) there is an optimal GO adding amount in a range 0.3-0.5g/L in the electrolyte, at which the Zn-Gr composite layer exhibited the highest corrosion resistance and corrosion current density just be a hundredth comparing with that of pure Zn layer in simulated seawater environment; 4) the Zn-Gr composite layer is of a strong adhesion with the substrate. The present work is expected to provide basic data for future practical applications in galvanized steel used for corrosion environment. (C) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.