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Three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) CuIn x Ga 1−x Se 2 (CIGS) film is synthesized by one-step galvanostatic electrodeposition based on polystyrene templates from a special mixture of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetra-fluoroborate and ethanol. X-ray diffraction pattern, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy present the CIGS film has ideal chalcopyrite crystallization. 3DOM CIGS film with high Ga content has photochemical activity and good photo-stability, its band gap is 1.34 eV. This is a simple, feasible and additive free method without selenization process to synthesize 3DOM CIGS film, the film is qualified and available for absorber-layer fabrication or other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a pulsed laser on the electrodeposition of germanium on indium tin oxide glass in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIm]Tf 2 N) was investigated. Cyclic voltammetric analysis of GeCl 4 in [EMIm]Tf 2 N showed that laser irradiation produced a positive shift of the reduction potential and an increase in the reduction current. Laser irradiation influenced the morphology and crystallinity of the Ge deposits. A deposition time of 1200 s gave rise to amorphous Ge deposits when laser irradiation was not applied, whereas laser irradiation led to a polycrystalline branched structure. The length and width of the branched structures were about 9.58 and 2.18 μm, respectively, and the average grain size of the sample was ∼76 nm. The morphology and size of the Ge deposits could be controlled by adjusting the deposition time under laser irradiation. The mechanism of growth of the Ge deposits under laser irradiation was discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synergistic effect of Rhodamine B (RhB) was illustrated to explain the strong suppressing ability of RhB during the reduction of cupric ions. • The strong suppressing influence of RhB was confirmed by electrochemical tests. • Proper RhB is conducive to improving surface morphology and smoothness of copper interconnect layer. • Microvias filling for different blind vias radius is achieved with RhB concentration ranging from 50 mg/L to 150 mg/L. Achieving void-defect copper filling by electrodeposition on microvias is essentially important. Rhodamine B (RhB) is of excellent suppressing ability based on electrochemical analysis. Convection-dependent adsorption analysis demonstrates that 100 mg/L was the optimum value to achieve bottom-up growth. The interaction among sodium 3,3′-dithiodipropane sulfonate, polyethylene glycol, and RhB was investigated and competition adsorption between RhB and SPS is observed. Meanwhile, copper electrodeposition obeys 3D diffusion-controlled progressive nucleation process at low potential but obeys 3D diffusion-controlled instantaneous nucleation process at high overpotential. Density functional theory and in situ Raman spectra were used to study the adsorption behavior of RhB. The calculated results indicates that RhB can effectively increase the energy barrier during copper electrodeposition. The surface morphology is improved and surface roughness is lowered with proper RhB concentration. The influence of RhB on orientation and grain size was analyzed and proper RhB (100 mg/L) is conducive to the formation of Cu (1 1 1) surface and lowering the grain size. Besides, the introduction of RhB can improve the wettability, which is conducive to the bottom-up growth. The electroplating process is optimized and void-defect copper interconnect line with high quality is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamellar tin deposits were prepared by galvanostatical electroplating from the aqueous acidic-sulfate bath, with gelatin and benzalacetone dissolved in ethanol (A) as additive, and their morphologies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Cathodic polarization curves revealed that the absorbability of A on the cathode surface was higher than that of gelatin. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated preferred orientations of tin growth led to the formation of lamellar structure and distortion of tin lattice. The growth mechanism of lamellar tin was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Injection of counter ion into polymer film limits the redox processes. • The kinetic parameters strongly depends on the structure of the polymer and electrolyte composition. • Solvated counterions injection with small activation energy possible even at the temperatures as low as –40 °C. Batteries and supercapacitors are widely used in various types of portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. Typically, they retain energy and power density at room temperature and at temperatures up to +60° C. However, at sub-zero temperatures, the energy as well as the power density of the power sources dramatically decline due to the sluggish kinetics, mostly connected with solvation/desolvation processes. One of the approaches to solving the problem is using organic electrode materials, among which NiSalen-type polymers may be considered as one of the prospective. Here, we investigate the kinetic restrictions of the redox processes in such polymers at sub-zero temperatures. Temperature-dependent relationships of the kinetic parameters of charge/discharge of poly[Ni(Salen)], poly[Ni(CH 3 Salen)] and poly [Ni(CH 3 Saltmen)] were determined in electrolyte solutions based on acetonitrile and ethyl acetate with Et 4 NBF 4 , LiClO 4 and LiTFSI salts. It was shown that injection of counter ions into the polymer film limits the redox processes, and the activation energy of the process depends on the film structure as well as electrolyte composition. Proper combination of the electrolyte and polymer ensures low-activation process of counter ion injection, which corresponds to the absence of desolvation stage. As a result, fast charge and discharge of such materials is possible at the temperatures as low as –40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic summarization of the synthesis-structure-performance-mechanism correlations provides guidance for the rational design of S-doped M-N-C catalysts for ORR. [Display omitted] • Recent review on preparation of S-doped M-N-C catalysts for ORR. • Effects of doping S atoms on the ORR performance of M-N-C catalysts. • The advanced characterization methods and computational methods for S-doped M-N-C catalysts are introduced. • The future development direction of M-N-C catalysts is described. Due to the strong electronegativity of the N atom, the adsorption energy of the transition metal –nitrogen active site for the ORR intermediate is too high to facilitate the subsequent elementary reactions. It is worth noting that introducing sulfur atoms in transition metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts can optimize the charge distribution of nitrogen atoms around metal sites to improve the electronic structure and structural defects of the catalysis, so as to boost the adsorption and transfer of oxygen-containing intermediates. Meanwhile, sulfur-doping can also inhibit metal nanoparticle formation and promote hierarchical porous carbon formation. This review will afford the S-doped M-N-C catalysts rational design principle and strategies and introduce the corresponding ORR electrochemical properties. We will combine advanced characterization techniques and DFT calculation to discuss the coordination environment of active sites and the ORR mechanism of S-doped M-N-C catalysts. Finally, a general perspective on the challenges and opportunities for S-doped M-N-C catalysts will be proposed to facilitate further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stoichiometric Cu 1.00 In 0.51 Ga 0.1 Se 2.04 (CIGS) thin films containing Cu(II), In(III), Ga(III) and Se(IV) are obtained for the first time in ionic liquid/n-propyl alcohol mixtures with controlled pulse electrodeposition parameters at 323 K. The effects of deposition current density, deposition time, frequency and duty cycle are studied in detail. The band gap of obtained CuIn x Ga 1− x Se 2 (CIGS) thin film are approximately 1.35 eV, as measured using UV–visible absorption spectra. The interplanar spacing and average Hall coefficient of the CIGS thin films are approximately 3.315 Å and 1.011×10 −1 cm 3 /C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that surface nanocrystallization and passivation treatment are effective ways of improving corrosion resistance properties of the electrogalvanized steel, but their synergistic effects have rarely been studied. In this study, the effect of surface nanocrystallization on the chromium-free passivation film of electrodeposited zinc coating is investigated. Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of the chromium-free passivation film on electrodeposited zinc coating changing with the reduction of grain sizes from micro to nano-meters is analyzed and a model for the formation mechanism is proposed. The chromium-free passivation film of nanocrystalline zinc coating combines the advantages of passive films and nano-materials, and has better corrosion protection performance than the chromium-free passivation film of coarse-grained zinc coating and nanocrystalline zinc coating as well as a mirror decorative effect with light blue color. The corrosion resistance properties of coarse-grained zinc coating are heightened almost five times due to the synergistic effects of passivation treatment and nano-electrodeposition technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach for synthesizing a CuInxGa1−xSe (CIGS) thin film is reported. The film is prepared by a one-step electrodeposition from 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetra-fluoroborate (BMImBF4) mixed with ethanol followed by post-annealing. This is a two-electrode preparation process without additives. The film is of high crystalline quality p-type semiconductor with a band gap of 1.41 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a combined approach using density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamic simulations, and electrochemical experiments was developed to study organic additives used for a cyanide-free gold electrodeposition process. When 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) is used as the complexing agent, organic additives with either imino groups or nitrogenous heterocyclic rings including polyethyleneimine (PEI), 2,2′-bipyridine, and nicotinic acid (NA) were systematically investigated. Electronic properties and orbital information of these studied additives were determined by quantum chemical calculations based on DFT. Compared to the other additives, PEI was predicted as the most promising one for the introduced DMH based gold electrodeposition. The theoretical prediction was further verified by using experimental results. In particular, the cathodic polarization of the gold electrodeposition was significantly improved in the presence of PEI. Also, the resulting gold electrodeposit shows obviously finer crystalline particles largely. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations determined that PEI molecules possess optimized adsorption behavior on the gold surface, suggesting its effectiveness to be additive in the studied cyanide-free Au-electrodeposition electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g−1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g−1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g−1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g−1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g−1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline Zn–Ni (grain size about 26 nm) alloy coatings were electrodeposited on carbon steel substrates in alkaline bath with 5,5′-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) as the complexing agent. The coatings with 13 wt.%–16 wt.% Ni content and the electrolyte with high current efficiency (> 85%) were achieved at the optimized parameters, i.e., Ni 2 + /(Zn 2 + + Ni 2 + ) ratio 0.32, current density 2 A·dm − 2 , temperature 50 °C and agitation speed 1000 rpm. The electrochemical behavior of the bath has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CE) and cathodic polarization. Results show that the deposition of Zn–Ni alloys occurs at moderate overpotential and the rotation speed and bath temperature have a strong effect on cathodic polarization curves. The effects of Ni 2 + /(Zn 2 + + Ni 2 + ) ratio, current density, temperature and agitation speed on Ni content and cathode current efficiency were investigated. Studies indicate that the phase structure, grain size, microhardness and corrosion resistance of deposits are directly dependent on Ni content in deposits. The phase structure of deposits changes from a mixture of η-phase and γ-phase to single γ-phase with (411) plane orientation. Furthermore, the grain size decreases with the increase of Zn content in deposits and the increase in current density can also lead to the decrease in grain size. The increase in microhardness of deposits is strongly affected by the increase of Ni content in deposits rather than the Hall–Petch relationship. Zn–Ni alloy coatings with about 13 wt.% Ni content present best corrosion resistance and the bath has a good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective composite additive used for an investigated cyanide-free silver plating bath was introduced. Mirror bright silver deposits with an excellent leveling capability as well as a smooth and compact morphology could be obtained from the investigated cyanide-free bath in the presence of the introduced composite additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AuPt catalyst has a prospective application in a lithium air battery because of its bi-function on catalyzing Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). Electrodeposition is an in-situ convenient technology for catalyst preparation without chemical residue. In an acid electrolyte, AuPt alloy catalysts were electrodeposited on carbon paper. The effect of main salt concentration, electrodeposition time and current density were studied by deposit micromorphology observation, structure analyses and composition testing. Catalytic abilities of AuPt alloys were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in an ionic liquid of EMI-TFSI/Li-TFSI [1- Ethyl - 3- methylimidazolium–bis (trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide/lithium–bis (trifluoromethanesulphonyl) imide]. The electrochemical behaviors of Au, Pt and AuPt deposits were also measured. An optimized direct-current electrodeposition process of getting high active AuPt catalyst is concluded, which is an aqueous solution containing 6.7∼10 mmol · L −1 HAuCl 4 , 10∼13.3 mmol · L −1 H 2 PtCl 6 and 0.5 mol · L −1 H 2 SO 4 as the electrolyte, current density of 20mA · cm −2 and electrodeposition time of 8∼34 s. The co-deposition of AuPt alloy is an irregular co-deposition controlled by diffusion, while gold atoms enter the platinum’s crystal lattice in the structure of AuPt alloy. The increase of the concentration of H 2 PtCl 6 in the electrolyte, the extension of the electrodeposition time or the raise of the current density can improve the content of Pt in the deposit. The clusters’ diameters of AuPt catalysts decrease to 150∼250 nm by adjusting current densities during electrodeposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Method of radical polymerization is used to prepare electrolytes. [•] PP14TFSI+LiTFSI+PMMA electrolytes have good electrochemical properties. [•] Conductivity of 6.8×10−4 Scm−1 and of 0.37 are achieve at room temperature. [•] XPS show passivating film comprises multilayer films: Li2O and Li2CO3 layer. [•] Model describing Li electrode/electrolyte interface are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases, and is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of microRNA (miR)-654-3p in NSCLC. The expression levels of miR-654-3p and its target ras protein activator like 2 (RASAL2) mRNA were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. Plasmids expressing miR-654-3p mimics were constructed and transfected into A549 cells. In addition, the viability and apoptotic rate of cells were analyzed by an MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify whether RASAL2 is a target of miR-654-3p. Downregulated miR-654-3p and upregulated RASAL2 expression were observed in tumor tissues and cells. Cell viability was suppressed and the apoptotic rate was increased in the miR-654-3p mimics-transfected cells compared with the control. Luciferase activity was decreased in the RASAL2-3′ untranslated region-wild type group treated with miR-654-3p mimics. Furthermore, the present study revealed that overexpression of miR-654-3p could suppress the viability and induce the apoptosis of cells by targeting RASAL2 in NSCLC. The present findings may contribute to developments in the treatment of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined method using electrochemical analysis, molecular dynamic simulation and quantum chemical calculation was employed to reveal the effects of sorbitol on copper electrodeposition from the pyrophosphate bath. It was demonstrated that sorbitol is a desirable leveler. A possible mechanism responsible for the levelling improvement was that sorbitol displayed lower adsorption energy on the electrode surface than pyrophosphate, due to its smaller energy gap. Therefore, adding sorbitol into the pyrophosphate bath could significantly elevate the adsorption capacity of copper pyrophosphate complex ions {[Cu(P 2 O 7) 2 ]6−} on cathode, thereby increasing the diffusion coefficient (D) of [Cu(P 2 O 7) 2 ]6− and the number density (N) of copper nuclei. And the increased D and N are beneficial to improve the bath's levelling power. It should also be pointed out that sorbitol did not influence the purity and electrical conductivity of copper deposit as well as its nucleation mechanism, i.e., an irreversible and instantaneous nucleation process with three-dimensional growth of nuclei controlled by the diffusion of [Cu(P 2 O 7) 2 ]6−. Unlabelled Image • Effect of sorbitol on copper electrodeposition from pyrophosphate bath is studied. • It is demonstrated that sorbitol is a desirable leveler for the pyrophosphate bath. • Levelling mechanism is revealed via electrochemical and computational chemistry. • Because it changes the kinetic parameters and adsorption behavior of [Cu(P 2 O 7) 2 ]6−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of additive on copper bath is predicted via molecular dynamics simulation. • Copper pyrophosphate bath containing glycerol should have the best throwing power. • The result of electrochemical experiments also confirms the above prediction. • Molecular dynamics simulation is a promising tool for additive screening. The adsorption behavior of glycerol, erythritol, xylitol and glucose on copper surface was investigated via molecular dynamics simulation, in order to predict the effect of additive on throwing power of copper pyrophosphate bath, and then the electrochemical analysis was conducted to verify this prediction. The experimental data supported the simulation result, i.e., the pyrophosphate bath in presence of glycerol has the best throwing power. It is demonstrated that the molecular dynamics simulation is a promising tool with good accuracy for the additive screening in electroplating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method to determine the heating power of ternary cylindrical lithium ion batteries with highly repeatable thermal runaway test characteristics is proposed based on statistical principles. By selecting the key parameters for the process of heating-triggered thermal runaway of a lithium ion battery, such as the heating time and thermal runaway temperature, the standard deviation coefficients in multiple tests are used as the basis for evaluating the repeatability and determining the heating power of the highly repeatable thermal runaway test results. A systematic experimental study of four typical ternary cylindrical lithium ion batteries is carried out and a method for calculating the heating power based on the rated energy and weight of the battery is proposed. The results show that this method could effectively ensure the repeatability of the thermal runaway test for cylindrical batteries. The method is simple, original and innovative for the selection of the thermal runaway heating power of ternary cylindrical lithium ion batteries. The results also serve as a reference to select the heating power for other types of lithium ion batteries. Image 1 • A method is given to determine the optimum heating power to trigger thermal runaway. • Heating time and temperature were used to judge the repeatability of the method. • The heating power was calculated using the rated energy and weight of the battery. • The formula was validated using NCM/C cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key process for the operation of fuel cells. To accelerate the sluggish kinetics of ORR, a wide range of catalysts have been proposed and tested. In this work, a nano-dispersed copper-impregnated platinum catalyst prepared by electrodeposition of platinum on a poly[Cu(Salen)] template followed by polymer destruction is described. In addition to the high activity of the thus prepared catalyst in the oxygen reduction reaction surpassing that of both polycrystalline platinum catalyst and the commercial carbon-platinum catalyst ("E-TEK"), it showed remarkable tolerance to the presence of methanol in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]