Galvanostatic cathodic electrodeposition experiments from an additive-free aqueous ZrOCl2 center dot 8H(2)O solution at room temperature (RT) or elevated temperatures resulted no deposit on the steel cathode. Formation of the negative charged colloidal zirconium species (ZrO-) at the cathode surface and low adhesion of the cathodic zirconium hydroxide deposit to the cathode surface are common problems in the cathodic electrodeposition of ZrO2. Low-temperature electrodeposition was proposed as a solution for the cathodic electrodeposition of ZrO2. Electrodeposition experiments from low-temperature bath were successful and thick deposit films were prepared. By varied the applied current density, various nanostructures of ZrO2 including ultrafine nanoparticles, nanospheres and nanocapsules were prepared. Based on the results of XRD, DSC-TGA, SEM and TEM, the impact of the current density on the crystal structure, phase content, composition and microstructure of the products was investigated. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.047203jes] All rights reserved.