The difficulty of studying the metal/solution interfacial region makes the use of non-conventional measurement techniques indispensable. In this way, a careful in situ study by means of acoustic impedance techniques coupled with nano-electrogravimetric techniques allowed this interface to be monitored during the metallic zinc electrodeposition process. This paper proves the formation of a viscoelastic layer consisting of ultra-hydrated Zn(II)/Zn(I) salts as a key step in the metallic zinc electrodeposition mechanism in sulfate aqueous solutions. Surprisingly, this layer is located in the metal/solution interfacial region and not on the reaction substrate. The chloride ions effect on the metallic zinc electrodeposition mechanism at these experimental conditions lies mainly in the stabilization of the zinc ions inside this layer. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.