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Rational design of high-efficiency, durable and cost-effective electrocatalysts for H 2 production is essential to accelerate hydrogen production from fundamental experiments to practical industrial applications. Herein, cobalt-nickel-iron phosphides are constructed on Ni foam (CoNiFeP@NF) via a simple one-step electrochemical deposition method as self-supported electrodes for efficiently water splitting. The introduction of Fe element significantly enhances the catalytic properties of CoNiP@NF electrode for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Additionally, the optimal HER and OER electrodes are obtained by adjusting the Fe3+ concentration at 0.1 (CoNiFeP@NF-0.1) and 0.15 M (CoNiFeP@NF-0.15), respectively. Benefiting from the modulation of the electronic structure of CoNiP by the Fe element, CoNiFeP@NF-0.1 and CoNiFeP@NF-0.15 electrodes only require the overpotentials (η) of 48 mV for HER and 223 mV for OER to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2, superior to the reference CoNiP@NF electrode (η 10, HER = 89 mV, η 10, OER = 333 mV). Subsequently, the electrolyzer constructed by CoNiFeP@NF-0.1 as cathode and CoNiFeP@NF-0.15 as anode exhibits excellent overall water splitting performance with a cell voltage of 1.56 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. This work provides a convenient and effective strategy for regulating the catalytic activity of bifunctional phosphide catalysts for water splitting. [Display omitted] • The cobalt-nickel-iron phosphides are successfully constructed on Ni foam via electrodeposition. • The catalytic activity can be optimized with the Fe3+ concentration. • CoNiFeP-0.1@NF presents a low overpotential (η 10 = 48 mV) toward HER. • CoNiFeP-0.15@NF presents a low overpotential (η 10 = 223 mV) toward OER. • CoNiFeP-0.15@NF displays excellent durability for OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrolysis of water is the key method for hydrogen production but the high overpotential necessitates electrocatalysts. Traditionally, Pt is used, but it is scarce and costly. Herein, MnCO 3 is unveiled as an electrocatalyst for the production of hydrogen. MnCO 3 is electrodeposited onto pencil graphite by chronoamperometric method and confirmed by XRD and vibrational spectroscopic studies. MnCO 3 electrodeposited for 15 min at 2 V demonstrates a good HER activity (overpotential of 123 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2) in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with a Tafel slope of 79 mV dec−1. In addition, MnCO 3 exhibited good stability during continuous operation (over 3000 cycles and 14 h). Though MnCO 3 requires higher overpotential than the benchmark catalyst (Pt/C) to reach 10 mA cm−2, it outperforms Pt/C at higher current density (≥75 mA cm−2) demonstrating that MnCO 3 could be used as an electrocatalyst to produce H 2 at a high rate from acidic medium. [Display omitted] • MnCO 3 is electrodeposited onto pencil graphite by chronoamperometry method. • MnCO 3 electrodeposited at 2 V demonstrates a good HER activity in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. • MnCO 3 exhibits good stability (over 3000 cycles and 14 h of continuous operation). • MnCO 3 surpassed the performance of Pt/C at 100 and 200 mA cm−2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) are deposited electrochemically on the glassy carbon electrode surface using PdCl 2 dissolved in a deep eutectic solvent composed of choline chloride and urea (reline). The morphology and particle size of the PdNPs are determined from SEM exhibiting a homogeneous distribution with potential deposition depending on particle size. The particles display a core-shell morphology, consisting of Pd(0) as the core and Pd(OH) 2 as the shell. The ethanol oxidation reaction, EOR, is evaluated at different KOH concentrations. The electrocatalyst with the highest mass activity is achieved at −750 mV potential deposition and 1 M KOH, exhibiting 3126 ± 606 mAmg Pd −1. However, when 0.1 M KOH is used the mass activity decreases to one-third the value obtained at 1 M KOH. Notwithstanding, the mass activity displayed by these PdNPs is superior to that reported for other Pd-based nanoparticles synthesized using more complex, time-consuming and costly methods reported in the literature. [Display omitted] • PdNPs were prepared by electrodeposition method using reline as DES. • The morphology of the electrodeposited PdNPs is core-shell Pd@Pd(OH) 2. • PdNPs electrodeposited at −750 mV was the best MA for EOR using 1 M KOH. • Different KOH concentrations were employed to evaluate the EOR. • The optimal concentration of KOH in the EOR was 1 M followed by 0.5 and 0.1 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal, with its high theoretical capacity and low redox potential, is the most promising next‐generation high‐energy‐density battery anode material. However, the formation of uneven surface layers and dead lithium, significant volume changes in the electrode, and dendrite growth lead to rapid capacity degradation, low cycling stability, and safety issues, limiting the commercialization of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). As a strategy to improve the stability of LMBs, introducinga three‐dimensional (3D) structure with a large surface area can accommodate lithium (Li) inside the structure and homogenize local current density. Also, as a current collector and host material, free‐standing carbon materials, with the advantages of lightness, low cost, electrochemical and mechanical stability, and excellent electronic conductivity, can effectively enhance energy density and cycle performance. In this review, we first discuss the chemical properties of carbon, and then summarize recent research progress related to the 3D structuring and chemical modification of carbon materials as a Li metal host. Finally, we present perspectives on future research for the practical application of free‐standing carbon materials for LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the immobilization of cyanobacterial photosystem I (PSI) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass plates to create photoelectrodes for biohybrid solar cells. The fabrication of these PSI–FTO photoelectrodes is based on two immobilization processes: rapid electrodeposition driven by an external electric field and slower adsorption during solvent evaporation, both influenced by gravitational sedimentation. Deposition and performance of photoelectrodes was investigated by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and photocurrent measurements. We investigated the efficiency of PSI immobilization under varying conditions, including solution pH, applied electric field intensity and duration, and electrode polarization, with the goals to control (1) the direction of migration and (2) the orientation of the PSI particles on the substrate surface. Variation in the pH value of the PSI solution alters the surface charge distribution, affecting the net charge and the electric dipole moment of these proteins. Results showed PSI migration to the positively charged electrode at pH 6, 7, and 8, and to the negatively charged electrode at pH 4.4 and 5, suggesting an isoelectric point of PSI between 5 and 6. At acidic pH, the electrophoretic migration was largely hindered by protein aggregation. Notably, photocurrent generation was consistently cathodic and correlated with PSI layer thickness, and no conclusions can be drawn on the orientation of the immobilized proteins. Overall, these findings suggest mediated electron transfer from FTO to PSI by the used electrolyte containing 10 mM sodium ascorbate and 200 μM dichlorophenolindophenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanoflower-like FeCo-hydro(oxy)oxide catalyst is successfully fabricated using a simple one-step electrodeposition technique. The optimized Fe 9 -Co 1 catalyst exhibits good performance for OER (η 50 = 222 mV) and overall water splitting (1.73 V@100 mA cm−2). The reconstructed FeOOH/CoOOH serves as the real active sites, and a small amount of Co species can optimize the activation energies between the active sites and oxygen-containing intermediates, thereby improving the performance of water splitting. [Display omitted] • A nanoflower-like FeCo hybrids is synthesized by a facile electrodeposition method. • The Fe 9 -Co 1 catalyst delivers a good OER activity (η 50 = 222 mV) and stability. • The reconstructed FeOOH/CoOOH serves as the real active sites during OER process. • The synergy between Co and Fe species reduces the activation energies with intermediates and improves OER activity. Iron hydroxide (FeOOH) is a potential active component in iron-based electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. However, its catalytic performance is constrained by its slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics. Herein, we synthesized a nanoflower-like FeCo-hydro(oxy)oxides composite with tunable Fe/Co ratios (Fe x -Co y) on nickel foam (NF) via a one-step electrodeposition technique. This method allows for precise control over the morphology and composition of the hybrid nanoflowers. The optimized Fe 9 -Co 1 discloses favorable OER performance with a low overpotential of 222 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and demonstrates good stability exceeding 60 h at 10 mA cm−2. Further, an assembled Fe 9 -Co 1 (+)||Pt/C(−) dual-electrode configuration achieves a low cell voltage of 1.73 V at the current density of 100 mA cm−2 for water splitting, with long-term stability for 70 h and minimal degradation. Studies indicate that the distinctive nanoflower morphology of Fe 9 -Co 1 enhances active site exposure, while both FeOOH and reconstructed CoOOH serve as catalytic centers, contributing to the observed OER performance. This work introduces a facile approach for synthesizing OER electrocatalysts, underscoring the role of the high-valence state of Fe/Co as active sites in the OER process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electrodes based on liquid metals (LM) are widely used in human‐machine interfacing, wearable bioelectronics, and other emerging technologies. However, realizing the high‐precision patterning and mechanical stability remains challenging due to the poor wettability of LM. Herein, a method is reported to fabricate LM‐based multilayer solid–liquid electrodes (m‐SLE) utilizing electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printed confinement template. In these electrodes, LM self‐assembled onto these high‐resolution templates, assisted by selective wetting on the electrodeposited Cu layer. This study shows that a m‐SLE composed of PDMS/Ag/Cu/EGaIn exhibits line width of ≈20 µm, stretchability of ≈100%, mechanical stability ≈10 000 times (stretch/relaxation cycles), and recyclability. The multi‐layer structure of m‐SLE enables the adjustability of strain sensing, in which the strain‐sensitive Ag part can be used for non‐distributed detection in human health monitoring and the strain‐insensitive EGaIn part can be used as interconnects. In addition, this study demonstrates that near field communication (NFC) devices and multilayer displays integrated by m‐SLEs exhibit stable wireless signal transmission capability and stretchability, suggesting its applicability in creating highly‐integrated, large‐scale commercial, and recyclable wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrate surface modification with a functional material can effectively enhance the electrocatalytic performance of an electrode on oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, a functional Ni‐BDC MOF nanosheet layer was in‐situ grown on the surface of nickel foam (NF). Consequently, the NiFe layered double hydroxides (NiFe‐LDH) electrodeposited on the modified layer exhibited an excellent activity and an amazing long‐term stability on electrocatalytic OER. In alkaline electrolyte, the well‐designed NiFe‐LDH/Ni‐BDC/NF drives a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a small overpotential of 223 mV, with a low Tafel slope of 33.1 mV dec−1 and an outstanding catalytic stability of more than 10 days under continuous electrocatalysis. Such distinguished performances are attributed to the particular hydrophily and electrical conductivity of the Ni‐BDC layer. This work is an important attempt to bring a simple and effective guideline on fabricating a highly efficient catalytic electrode for OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By changing the electroplating deposition duration, such as 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, the NiAg thin films have been synthesised by electrodeposition on copper substrate at a uniform current density of 1 A/dm2. The NiAg thin films were adhered to the substrate at a consistent electrolytic solution temperature of 30°C, and the created electrolyte's pH was maintained within a range of 7 to 8. EDAX, XRD, and SEM techniques have all been used to investigate the structural investigation of electrodeposited NiAg thin films. The FCC crystal structure can be seen by the X-ray diffraction analysis pattern, which indicates that the average crystalline size of the NiAg-coated thin films was between 31 and 64 nm. Images of coated thin films taken with a scanning electron microscope show that, even with longer deposition times, the surface morphology of electrodeposited NiAg thin films is consistent. The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) examination was used to investigate the magnetic characteristics. With a greater saturation magnetization of 7.6930 × E-3 emu/cm3 and a lower coercivity of 92 Oe, the NiAg film deposited at 15 minutes shows a better soft magnetic nature. According to the electrochemical analyses of plated NiAg thin films, the NiAg film coated at the 60-minute deposition period showed the lowest corrosion rate, measuring 0.047286 mm/year with a polarization resistance of 3900.9 O. NiAg thin films' mechanical and magnetic characteristics make them suitable to produce MEMS and NEMS based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative study of the composition of metastable acidic tungstate-vanadate solutions was carried out. The main polyanions coexisting in the solutions were determined by means of UV spectroscopy. Effect of the initial V: W ratio on the nature and concentration of polyanions was determined. Electrochemical deposition of hydrated tungsten oxide films from mixed solutions was carried out. The addition of 5–30 mol.% of vanadium leads to a significant increase in the deposition rate, and these rates are higher than in analogous solutions with the addition of H2O2. It is shown, that the growth of films in mixed solutions is associated with the formation of the Lindquist polyanions [VW5O19]3− and [V2W4O19]4− with high redox potentials. These polyanions are irreversibly destroyed upon reduction. The influence of various polyanions on the film growth was demonstrated in test experiments on the deposition from solutions prepared from individual salts of the polyanions. Films deposited from mixed tungstate-vanadate solutions contain a very low amount of vanadium as it was shown by elemental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for urea electro-oxidation reactions (UORs) will improve wastewater treatment and energy conversion. A low-cost cobalt sulfide-anchored nickel sulfide electrode (CoS/Ni3S2@CP) was synthesized by electrodeposition in DMSO solutions and found to be highly effective and long-lasting. The morphology and composition of catalyst surfaces were examined using comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterization. Specifically, CoS/Ni3S2@CP electrodes require a potential of 1.52 volts for a 50 mA/cm2 current, confirming CoS in the heterointerface CoS/Ni3S2@CP catalyst. Further, the optimized CoS/Ni3S2@CP catalyst shows a decrease of 100 mV in the onset potential (1.32 VRHE) for UORs compared to bare Ni3S2@CP catalysts (1.42 VRHE), demonstrating much greater performance of UORs. As compared to Ni3S2@CP, CoS/Ni3S2@CP exhibits twofold greater UOR efficiency as a result of a larger electroactive surface area. The results obtained indicate that the synthetic CoS/Ni3S2@CP catalyst may be a favorable electrode material for managing urea-rich wastewater and generating H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of composite metal oxide to attain high efficiency in removing phenol from wastewater has a great concern. In the present study, the focus would be on adopting antimony-tin oxide coating onto graphite substrates instead of titanium; besides the effect of SbCl3 concentration on the SnO2-Sb2O3 composite would be examined. The performance of this composite electrode as the working electrode in the removal of phenol by sonoelectrochemical oxidation will be studied. The antimony-tin dioxide composite electrode was prepared by cathodic deposition with SnCl2. 2H2O solution in a mixture of HNO3 and NaNO3, with different concentrations of SbCl3. The SnO2-Sb2O3 deposit layer's structure and morphology were examined and the 4 g/l SbCl3 gave the more crystallized with nanoscale electrodeposition. The highest removal of phenol was 100% at a temperature of 30 oC, with a current density (CD) of 25 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient supercapacitors hinges on the innovation of superior electrodes, which are pivotal in augmenting their energy storage capabilities. Supercapacitors, recognized for their high‐power density and extended cycle life, play a crucial role as sustainable solutions in addressing energy storage challenges. A fundamental aspect of supercapacitor functionality involves the electrode material, which works in concert with other key components such as the current collector, separator, and electrolyte. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of the current collector material on the performance of symmetric supercapacitors. We investigated the electropolymerization of polyaniline on woven steel mesh current collectors of varying mesh sizes, ranging from 20 to 200 mesh per inch, using assorted deposition conditions. The electrochemically modified woven steel meshes were utilized to construct symmetric supercapacitors. The electrochemical performance of the assembled supercapacitors, configured in a two‐electrode system, was investigated using a variety of electrochemical techniques to better understand the kinetics of electrolyte ion migration. Notably, the 20‐mesh size, characterized by the fewest pores per inch, demonstrated superior performance with an optimum capacitance of 4730 mF/cm2, an energy density of 317.8 μWh/cm2, and a power density of 400 μW/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon steel is widely used, but it is prone to corrosion, which can lead to safety accidents. In this study, a novel Ni‐SiC coating was synthesized on the surface of carbon steel using a one‐step electrodeposition method, and the influence of electrodeposition parameters on the wettability of the coating was investigated. This coating possesses abundant micro‐nanostructures on its surface, which, after being placed in a vacuum drying environment for 2 weeks, endows it with superhydrophobic characteristics. Due to its superhydrophobic properties and the rich micro‐nanostructures, the corrosion current density of this coating is 1/18.95 that of bare steel. After immersion in a corrosive medium for some time, the polarization resistance value of the coated sample was observed to be 13.05 times greater than that of bare steel, demonstrating its remarkable ability to enhance the corrosion resistance of the surface. The results of this study can provide a reference for the anticorrosion work on carbon steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we show the electrochemical synthesis of Sb, Sn, and Sb-Sn nanowire arrays from the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonate ([Py1,4]TfO) via templated-assisted approaches. Commercially available track etched polycarbonate template with a nominal pore diameter of 400 nm was utilized as a template. The nanowires were electrochemically deposited inside the pores of the template; then, a supporting copper layer was electrodeposited on the back side of the template. Subsequently, the template was dissolved with dichloromethane, and the structural morphology of the nanowire structures was explored by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Freestanding, mechanically stable nanowire arrays of Sb, Sn, and Sb-Sn with an average pore diameter of 400 nm were obtained. The charge/discharge characteristics of the electrodeposited nanowire films were investigated to explore the Li storage capacity of the fabricated electrodes. The results revealed that the electrodeposited nanowire films are promising anode candidates for the future generation of Li-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodeposition of cuprous oxide thin film is becoming a more and more important method, but higher content of Cu2+ and uneven grain size in cuprous oxide thin films fabricated by direct current (DC) electrodeposition lead to serious reduction of transmission and electron transport capacity of the films. To solve these problems, bidirectional pulse electrodeposition (BPD) was applied in this paper to prepare cuprous oxide thin films and the variety on the photo-electrical properties has been presented. The results indicated that grain uniformity of films fabricated by BPD was improved significantly, the grain size distribution range reduced from 5–50 nm to 10–30 nm, the roughness of the films decreased from 5.83 to 5.26 nm, and the proportion of Cu+ in the resulted films increased from 59.21 to 69.61%. The transmittance of films at 550 nm increased from 65.21 to 70.17%, and the surface resistances of the resulted films decreased from 15.7–18.1 to 10.9–11.7 Ω. This method provided a basis for the production of higher-purity and higher-performance thin Cu2O films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach on the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) followed by deposition of nickel(II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (p-NiTSPc) film by electropolymerization to form CFME-AuNPs/p-NiTSPc, for the sensitive determination of butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the topography, morphology, and elemental composition of CFME, CFME-AuNPs, CFME-p-NiTSPc, and CFME-AuNPs/p-NiTSPc, respectively. Additionally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was employed to evaluate the charge-transfer rate of the tested sensors. To establish the optimal conditions for the electroanalysis of BHA, various parameters were investigated, including the potential scan rate, pH, and electrolysis potential. CFME-AuNPs/p-NiTSPc demonstrated the highest BHA signal, corresponding to the highest active surface area of 0.025 cm2, compared to CFME-p-NiTSPc (0.024 cm2), CFME-AuNPs (0.022 cm2), and CFME (0.021 cm2). In a phosphate buffer solution (PBS, 0.1 M; pH 3), a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.998) was observed between peak current intensities and BHA concentrations in the range of 10–80 µM, resulting to a detection limit (LOD) of 3.60 µM (S/N = 3) and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 12 µM (S/N = 10). The analytical HPLC technique was also tested for BHA determination within the concentration range of 5.55–55.48 µM and the obtained LOD was calculated to be 4.41 µM. The potential interference of certain species that could affect the BHA oxidation signal was also evaluated, followed by the application of CFME-AuNPs/p-NiTSPc in real water and Mitosyl ointment samples. The recovery values of BHA were acceptable, ranging from 96 to 99% and demonstrating that the developed sensor is highly sensitive and effective for detecting trace amounts of BHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonization of transportation sector is critical to achieve net-zero emissions economy by 2060. It is of importance to develop highly efficient electrocatalysts for decarbonization. Ni-Mo-P ternary alloy catalysts were electrodeposited on Cu foam (CF), and the rough surface of Ni-Mo-P/CF catalysts was composed of uniformly dense small clusters with the size of 200 nm. The catalyst was composed of a mixture of nanocrystals and amorphous, with metallic Ni and its solid solution, Ni and Mo oxides, and Ni(OH)2. The Ni70.2Mo27.0P2.8/CF catalyst exhibited Tafel slope of 63.1 mV·dec−1 in alkaline medium, and delivered a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 at an overpotential of 68 mV, demonstrating the excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity due to the large active surface area, the synergistic effect and high electrical conductivity of the electrode. After 1000 cycles testing, Ni70.2Mo27.0P2.8/CF catalyst showed an increase of 2.8 mV in hydrogen evolution overpotential and almost no voltage decay was present in chronopotentiometric test for 10 h. The good HER performance of Ni-Mo-P/CF catalysts had a significant potential to be utilized in commercial water electrolyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an electrochemical technique was used to deposit nickel oxide on stainless steel (SS) substrates with varying amounts of the precursor nickel nitrate (N1-0.5M, N2-1M and N3-1.5M), and nickel hydroxides Ni(OH)2 are electrodeposited on the SS substrate. After that, they were subjected to heat treatment to become a homogeneous nickel oxide nanoparticle layer. The deposited films were performed for the structural and morphological analysis by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR. The maximized N3 film exhibited the highest specific capacitance value of 514 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte with great rate capability, resulting in prolonged cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concern regarding tetrodotoxin (TTX), a highly hazardous marine neurotoxin found in puffer fish, has expanded beyond Asia due to the migration of puffer fish caused by the rise in global temperatures. This highlights the urgent need to develop fast yet reliable methods for detecting TTX. In this study, we developed a peptide-based potentiometric TTX sensor based on a polypyrrole/Au nanoparticle-modified carbon screen-printed electrode (PPy/AuNP SPE). The bioreceptor responsible for recognizing TTX is a specific binding peptide that was discovered through phage display technique. The phage-displayed peptide candidates were sorted based on frequency and similarity, and their binding affinity was subsequently assessed via phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The C-terminal of the specific binding peptide was then modified with cysteamine to facilitate its immobilization through Au–S bonding on the PPy/AuNP SPE platform, thereby constructing the TTX sensor. The sensing platform was prepared by successive electrodeposition of polypyrrole and AuNP onto the surface of carbon SPE as a substrate. Both materials play significant roles to improve the poor conductivity of carbon SPE and provide sufficient immobilization sites for TTX receptors, respectively. Finally, the PPy/AuNP TTX sensor demonstrated a detection limit of around 2.80 ppb with a detection range from 2 to 1000 ppb, making it a promising platform for rapid and reliable marine toxin detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrodeposition of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and their alloys has been a subject of interest since the 19th century. Primarily due to their exceptional features such as good mechanical hardness and electrical conductivity, high resistance to corrosion, and electromigration, Cu–Ag electrodeposits continue to be investigated and developed to improve their properties for different applications. This paper reviews the state of the art in the field of electroplated Cu–Ag alloys in an aqueous solution, with particular emphasis on the observed properties and variety of electrochemical processes used to produce high-quality materials. Moreover, this review paper focuses on the experimental conditions employed for Cu–Ag electrodeposition, intending to understand the basis and manipulate the processes to obtain coatings with superior characteristics and for attractive usage. Finally, the most trending applications of these coatings are discussed depending on different parameters of electrodeposition to provide prospects for potential research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2(ZnSn)(S)4 (copper, zinc, tin, and sulfide (CZTS)) provides possible advantages over CuInGaSe2 for thin-film photovoltaic devices because it has a higher band gap. Preparing CZTS by electrodeposition because of its high productivity and lower processing costs, electroplating is appealing. Recently published studies reported that the electrodeposition process of CZTS still faces significant obstacles, such as the sulfur atomic ratio (about half of the whole alloy), deposits' adhesion, film quality, and optical properties. This work introduces an improved bath that facilitates the direct electroplating of CZTS from one processing step. The precursors used were significantly more diluted than the typical baths mentioned in the last few years. An extensive analysis of the electrochemical behavior at various rotation speeds is presented at room temperature (~22 °C). The deposited alloy's composition and adherence to the molybdenum back contact are examined with agitation. The annealing process was carried out in an environment containing sulfur, and the metal was not added at this stage. The ultimate sulfur composition was adjusted to 50.2%, about the desired atomic ratio. The compound's final composition was investigated using the Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy technique. Finally, X-ray diffraction analysis was applied to analyze CZTS crystallography and to measure thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the fabrication and characterization of a new high surface area nanocomposite electrode containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and titanium nitride (TiN) for electrochemical applications. This approach involves electrochemically depositing rGO on a high surface area TiN nanorod array electrode to form a new nanocomposite electrode. The TiN nanorod array was first formed by the glancing angle deposition technique in a DC (Direct Current) sputtering system. GO flakes of ~1.5 μm in diameter, as confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), were electrodeposited on the nanostructured TiN electrode via the application of a fixed potential for one hour. The surface morphology of the as-prepared rGO/TiN electrode was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the presence of rGO on TiN was confirmed by Raman Microscopy. The CV shows an increase in the capacitive current at rGO/TiN as compared to TiN. The rGO decorated TiN electrode was then used for analyzing the electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid and dopamine, and the reduction of nitrate by CV and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), respectively. CV or LSV show that the electrochemical kinetics of these three analytes are significantly faster on rGO/TiN than TiN itself. Overall, the rGO/TiN electrode showed better electrochemical behavior for biomolecules like ascorbic acid and dopamine as well as another target analyte, nitrate ions, compared to TiN by itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-thin copper foil (UTCF) is the basic material for the electronic industry. However, most of them suffer common problem of low strength and wrinkles. Here, 5-µm UTCF with smooth surface (Rz = 1.68 µm) and high tensile strength (~ 340 MPa) was prepared on the surface of conventional 18-µm copper foil. The 18-µm copper foil acted as a supporting carrier and we call it carrier copper foil. We selected gelatin as the additive in the plating solution and deeply investigated its impact on the surface roughness and tensile strength of UTCF. The results suggest that gelatin refines the shape of the grain and is more favorable to the copper foil the orientation (111) texture which benefits the low profile and high tensile strength. The optimal concentration of gelatin is about 0.2 g/L. Its microstructures as well as the mechanical properties were further analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction and X-ray diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supersaturated alloys can exhibit superior properties and electrodeposition is a cost-effective and versatile technique to produce them. In this review, the chemical, mechanical and structural properties of supersaturated alloys are discussed, and connections with metallic glasses and high entropy alloys are also exposed. After discussing mechanisms causing supersaturation in electrodeposited alloys, an overview of the most important electrodeposited metastable alloys is provided, showing that they are mainly used as protective coatings able to improve corrosion resistance and tribological performance of a large variety of industrial components. Composition of the electrolytic baths and deposition parameters are also considered and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS, CdTe, Hg0.1Cd0.9Te, CdTe, and Ag films were progressively electrodeposited on ITO-coated soda–lime glass to manufacture a short- and mid-wavelength infrared photodetector. A distinctive feature of the applied electrodeposition method is the use of a non-aqueous solution containing ethylene glycol (EG) as the electrolyte in a traditional three-electrode configuration for every film deposition. Using EG as a supplementary electrolyte and using the same deposition conditions with a potential below 0.75 V for all film coatings reduces their environmental incompatibility and offers a low-cost and low-energy route for fabricating the reported photodetector. The produced photodetector has a sensitivity of up to ≈957 nm with a detectivity (D*) of 2.86 × 1012 cm Hz1/2 W−1 and a dark current density (Jdark) of 10−6 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the manufactured photodiode exhibits self-powered performance because Voc and Jsc are self-generated, unlike previously reported photodiodes. The presented all-layer electrodeposition assembly approach can easily be adapted to fabricate sensing devices for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings can be created using various technologies and serve different roles, including protection, functionality, and decorative purposes. Among these technologies, electrodeposition has emerged as a low-cost, versatile, and straightforward process with remarkable scalability and manufacturability. Nickel, extensively studied in the context of electrodeposition, has many applications ranging from decorative to functional. The main objective of the present work is the electrodeposition of double-layer nickel coatings, consisting of a bright nickel pre-coating followed by a black nickel layer with enhanced properties, onto steel substrates. The influence of deposition parameters on colour, morphology, adhesion, roughness, and coefficient of friction was studied. The effects of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and WS2 nanoparticles on the coatings' properties and performance were also investigated. Additionally, the influence of the steel substrate's pre-treatment, consisting of immersion in an HCl solution, prior to the electrodeposition, to etch the surface and activate it, was evaluated and optimized. The characterization of the pre-coating revealed a homogeneous surface with a medium superficial feature of 2.56 μm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results showed a high content of Ni, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed its crystallinity. In contrast, the black films' characterization revealed their amorphous nature. The BN10 sample, which corresponds to a black nickel layer with a deposition time of 10 min, showed the best results for colour and roughness, presenting the lowest brightness (L*) value (closest to absolute black) and the most homogeneous roughness. EDS analysis confirmed the incorporation of WS2, but all samples with CTAB exhibited signs of corrosion and cracks, along with higher coefficient of friction (COF) values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium-based coatings have long been used to protect high-strength steel in aerospace, but due to cadmium's toxic and carcinogenic nature, its use is increasingly restricted. Zinc–nickel coatings, containing 10–14 wt% Ni, offer superior corrosion resistance compared to pure zinc, making them a promising alternative. However, Zn–Ni coatings are prone to cracking, which can compromise their protection. This study investigates how different anode materials influence crack formation and coating properties during electrodeposition. Zinc and nickel anodes produced coatings with consistent thicknesses of 13–15 µm, while 1020 steel and stainless steel resulted in thicker coatings of up to 33 µm. Notably, coatings deposited with nickel anodes demonstrated strong adhesion and consistent interface quality. Zinc anodes achieved a high Ni content of about 13.5 wt%, whereas 1020 steel and stainless steel produced lower Ni content, around 7 wt%. Additionally, zinc and nickel anodes led to fewer defects and minimal porosity, in contrast to the higher porosity observed with 1020 steel and stainless steel anodes. Furthermore, zinc anodes maintained stable voltages (~0.5 V), contributing to more uniform coatings. In terms of corrosion resistance, zinc anodes exhibited a lower corrosion rate of 0.44 mm/year compared to 1.54 mm/year for nickel anodes. This study highlights the importance of anode selection in reducing cracking and optimizing Zn–Ni coatings, presenting them as a safer and more effective alternative to cadmium-based coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoSe is one of the chalcogenides attracting much attention due to its excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and low price. However, CoSe prepared by electrodeposition generally shows lower HER activity and stability under acidic conditions than those prepared by other methods. In this study, it was assumed that the cause of the low HER performance of electrodeposited CoSe is mainly due to the dissolution of Co and Se, which do not form a stable alloy, and annealing of electrodeposited CoSe was introduced to demonstrate this. We compared the HER activity and stability of non-annealed and annealed CoSe in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte and investigated the dissolution behaviors of the two catalysts during HER. As a result, it was found that Co and Se, which did not form a stoichiometric CoSe2 alloy, were found to be vulnerable in acidic conditions. The annealing induced additional CoSe2 formation, improving the HER activity and stability of electrodeposited CoSe. The annealed CoSe exhibited an overpotential of 175 mV at 10 mA cm−2, 27 mV lower than that of non-annealed one, and was stable for 48 h at 10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores a water‐splitting activity using a biphasic electrodeposited electrode on nickel foam (NF). The *Ni9S8/Cu7S4/NF electrode with citric acid reduction exhibits superior OER (oxygen evolution reaction) and HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) performance with reduced overpotential and a steeper Tafel slope. The *Ni9S8/Cu7S4/NF electrode displays the ultra‐low overpotential value of 212 mV for OER and 109 mV for HER at the current density of 10 mA cm−2. The Tafel slope of 25.4 mV dec−1 for OER and 108 mV dec−1 for HER was found from that electrode. The maximum electrochemical surface area (ECSA), lowest series resistance and lowest charge transfer resistance are found in citric acid reduced electrode, showing increased electrical conductivity and quick charge transfer kinetics. Remarkably, the *Ni9S8/Cu7S4/NF electrode demonstrated excellent stability for 80 hours in pure water splitting and 20 hours in seawater splitting. The synergistic effect of using bimetallic (Cu&Ni) sulfide and enhanced electrical conductivity of the electrode are caused by reduction of metal sulfide into metallic species resulting in improved water splitting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and preparing an efficient bifunctional catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for achieving electrochemical water splitting. Constructing amorphous/crystalline heterojunctions catalysts are considered an effective method to enhance bifunctional catalytic activity, In this work, we developed an interfacial engineering strategy to prepare a three-dimensional amorphous NiFe layered double hydroxide/crystalline CoMo bimetallic phosphide heterojunction bifunctional composite material NiFe-LDH@CoMo–P on nickel foam using a simple and efficient electrodeposition method. Combining the crystalline CoMo–P for enhanced HER catalytic activity with the amorphous NiFe-LDH for superior OER catalytic activity ensures the bifunctional catalytic performance. Moreover, the formation of unique amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces accelerates electron transfer, inducing electron rearrangement at the interface and resulting in more suitable Gibbs adsorption energies for catalytic reaction intermediates. This significantly enhances the catalytic reaction kinetics and improves the electrocatalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental studies have shown that the d-band center of the active sites in NiFe-LDH@CoMo–P catalyst shifts towards the Fermi level, thereby optimizing the adsorption strength of catalytic reaction intermediates on the catalyst surface. In 1 M KOH, as a bifunctional catalyst, NiFe-LDH@CoMo–P/NF requires an anodic overpotential of 236 mV to achieve an OER current density of 20 mA cm−2, and a cathodic overpotential of −49 mV to achieve a HER current density of −10 mA cm−2. The study provides a new approach for the efficient and low-cost preparation of amorphous/crystalline heterojunction bifunctional catalysts. [Display omitted] • The heterogeneous interface was formed by coupling amorphous NiFe-LDH with crystalline CoMo bimetallic phosphide through a simple and efficient electrochemical deposition method. • The active area and electrical conductivity of the material were increased by building 3D porous catalyst directly on 3D nickel foam substrate. • The prepared composite catalyst material NiFe-LDH@CoMo–P/NF exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the development and characterization of multi-layered nickel coatings doped with WS2 nanoparticles and electrodeposited on copper substrates. To enhance the solar collector's performance by improving the solar radiation conversion into heat, two distinct undercoatings were evaluated, along with the incorporation of WS2 nanoparticles in the black nickel layer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the bright and dull nickel undercoatings consisted of metallic nickel, whereas the black coatings comprised amorphous nickel oxide, inferred to be Ni2O3 based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the undercoatings and black nickel morphology showed a compact surface with a relatively homogenous microstructure composed of polyhedric grains, which was free of visible cracks or pinholes. The undercoating influenced the brightness, the reflectivity and the reflectance of the black nickel films, with the dull undercoated sample showing the most promising results, with a total absorbance of 0.94. The incorporation of WS2 nanoparticles induced the formation of cracks and increased the porosity of the black nickel film. With an appropriate content of WS2 nanoparticles and the use of a dull undercoat, these drawbacks can be avoided. Concerning the integration of WS2 nanoparticles, a minor decrease in the brightness of the black films and a subsequent increase in the total absorbance ultimately led to an enhancement of the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lab-made biosilica (SiO2) nanoparticles were obtained from waste biomass (rice husks) and used as eco-friendly fillers in the production of nickel matrix composite films via the co-electrodeposition technique. The produced biosilica nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM/EDS. Amorphous nano-sized biosilica particles with a high SiO2 content were obtained. Various current regimes of electrodeposition, such as direct current (DC), pulsating current (PC), and reversing current (RC) regimes, were applied for the fabrication of Ni and Ni/SiO2 films from a sulfamate electrolyte. Ni films electrodeposited with or without 1.0 wt.% biosilica nanoparticles in the electrolyte were characterized using FE-SEM/EDS (morphology/elemental analyses, roundness), AFM (roughness), Vickers microindentation (microhardness), and sheet resistance. Due to the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles, the Ni/SiO2 films were coarser than those obtained from the pure sulfamate electrolyte. The addition of SiO2 to the sulfamate electrolyte also caused an increase in the roughness and electrical conductivity of the Ni films. The surface roughness values of the Ni/SiO2 films were approximately 44.0%, 48.8%, and 68.3% larger than those obtained for the pure Ni films produced using the DC, PC, and RC regimes, respectively. The microhardness of the Ni and Ni/SiO2 films was assessed using the Chen-Gao (C-G) composite hardness model, and it was shown that the obtained Ni/SiO2 films had a higher hardness than the pure Ni films. Depending on the applied electrodeposition regime, the hardness of the Ni films increased from 29.1% for the Ni/SiO2 films obtained using the PC regime to 95.5% for those obtained using the RC regime, reaching the maximal value of 6.880 GPa for the Ni/SiO2 films produced using the RC regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electricity-driven nitrate (NO 3 −) to ammonia (NH 3) conversion presents a unique opportunity to simultaneously eliminate nitrate from sewage while capturing ammonia. However, the Faradaic efficiency and ammonia yield in this eight-electron process remain unsatisfactory, underscoring the critical need for more effective electrocatalysts. In this study, a RuCo alloy nanosheets electrodeposited on pinewood-derived three-dimensional porous carbon (RuCo@TDC) is introduced as a highly-efficient electrocatalyst for the nitrate reduction reaction. The RuCo@TDC catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance, achieving the highest NH 3 yield of 2.02 ± 0.11 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) and the highest Faradaic efficiency of 95.7 ± 0.8 % at −0.2 V vs. RHE in an electrolyte mixture of 0.1 M KOH and 0.1 M KNO 3. Furthermore, the Zn-NO 3 − battery using RuCo@TDC as the cathode provides a maximum power density of 2.46 mW cm−2 and a satisfactory NH 3 yield of 1110 μg h−1 cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of nanostructuring and doping of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) photoanodes have been widely engaged towards improving their photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) response. Here, a FeCl3‐based solution was modified with 0–10 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and used as an electrolyte for the electrodeposition of nanostructured α‐Fe2O3 thin films. The electrolyte containing 10 % PEG was further used to prepare Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3 films by adding 1, 3, 6, and 10 % of MnCl2.4H2O with respect to the molarity of FeCl3. The addition of 10 % PEG into the electrolyte limited particle agglomeration and yielded the best PEC response among the pristine films. The 3 % Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3 photoanodes produced the highest photocurrent, yielding 2.2 and 6.1‐fold photocurrent enhancement at 1.23 V and 1.5 V vs. RHE respectively, over the pristine films. The improved PEC response is linked to the reduced particle agglomeration and improved charge transport properties observed for the films. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the formation energies yielded negative values for the Mn‐doped α‐Fe2O3, which implies that the materials are thermodynamically stable after doping. This work introduces a new pathway for the electrodeposition of doped α‐Fe2O3 films and underscores the roles of Mn‐doping in boosting their PEC response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report the fabrication of a simple electrochemical sensor based on an electrode containing reduced graphene oxide and molybdenum disulphide (RGO/MoS2) as a conducting film onto the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via a drop dry method to form GCE‐RGO/MoS2. The surface (GCE‐RGO/MoS2) was further modified with nickel hydroxide thin film using electrodeposition method to form GCE‐RGO/MoS2/Ni(OH)2. The materials and modification steps were thoroughly characterized using microscopy and spectroscopy methods. The composite electrode, GCE‐RGO/MoS2/Ni(OH)2, showed excellent electrocatalytic potential separation for the detection of dopamine, uric acid, and ascorbic acid. The electrocatalytic oxidation peak potentials were at 3 mV, 157 mV and 303 mV for AA, DA and UA, respectively. The composite electrode was also selective towards the determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and simultaneously in mixture of analytes. The low detection limits for AA, DA and UA were 1.17 μM, 0.15 μM and 1.15 μM, respectively. The composite electrode was applied for the detection of AA, DA and UA in spiked newborn calf serum samples with high percentage recoveries ranging from 96.6–100.8 % for AA, 92.8–104.2 % for DA and 99.4–102.3 % for UA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical deposition method created a CdSe thin film on FTO glass substrates. The film was examined using field scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and optical and electrochemical measurements. The results show that the CdSe nanoparticles were evenly distributed on the substrate, with a Cd/Se ratio of 63.30% Se and 36.70% Cd. The XRD revealed a polycrystalline, hexagonal structure. The film is n-type semiconductor concentration with a carrier concentration of 1.194×1020 cm-3. The CdSe showed 552.5 mF/cm² of specific capacity with energy and a power density of 2.5 mW/cm² and 9000 mW/cm², respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the integration of chips in 3D integrated circuits (ICs) increases and the size of micro-bumps reduces, issues with the reliability of service due to electromigration and thermomigration are becoming more prevalent. In the practical application of solder joints, an increase in the grain size of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) has been observed during the reflow process. This phenomenon results in an increased thickness of the IMC layer, accompanied by a proportional increase in the volume of the IMC layer within the joint. The brittle nature of IMC renders it susceptible to excessive growth in small-sized joints, which has the potential to negatively impact the reliability of the welded joint. It is therefore of the utmost importance to regulate the formation and growth of IMCs. The following paper presents the electrodeposition of a Ni-W layer on a Cu substrate, forming a barrier layer. Subsequently, the barrier properties between the Sn/Cu reactive couples were subjected to a comprehensive and systematic investigation. The study indicates that the Ni-W layer has the capacity to impede the diffusion of Sn atoms into Cu. Furthermore, the Ni-W layer is a viable diffusion barrier at the Sn/Cu interface. The "bright layer" Ni2WSn4 can be observed in all Ni-W coatings during the soldering reflow process, and its growth was almost linear. The structure of the Ni-W layer is such that it reduces the barrier properties that would otherwise be inherent to it. This is due to the "bright layer" Ni2WSn4 that covers the original Ni-W barrier layer. At a temperature of 300 °C for a duration of 600 s, the Ni-W barrier layer loses its blocking function. Once the "bright layer" Ni2WSn4 has completely covered the original Ni-W barrier layer, the diffusion activation energy for Sn diffusion into the Cu substrate side will be significantly reduced, particularly in areas where the distortion energy is concentrated due to electroplating tension. Both the "bright layer" Ni2WSn4 and Sn will grow rapidly, with the formation of Cu-Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs). At temperatures of 250 °C, the growth of Ni3Sn4-based IMCs is controlled by grain boundaries. Conversely, the growth of the Ni2WSn4 layer (consumption of Ni-W layer) is influenced by a combination of grain boundary diffusion and bulk diffusion. At temperatures of 275 °C and 300 °C, the growth of Ni3Sn4-based IMCs and the Ni2WSn4 layer (consumption of Ni-W layer) are both controlled by grain boundaries. The findings of this study can inform the theoretical design of solder joints with barrier layers as well as the selection of Ni-W diffusion barrier layers for use in different soldering processes. This can, in turn, enhance the reliability of microelectronic devices, offering significant theoretical and practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effects of various temperatures on the surface modification of carbon fibers, as well as the effect of differing voltages and currents on the morphology, deposition rate, and thickness of the Ni plating layers. Post-treatment characterization of the samples was conducted utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods, thus facilitating a discussion on the mechanism of Ni plating. The findings demonstrate that at a temperature of 500 °C, the carbon fiber surface exhibits the highest concentration of functional groups, including hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and carbonyl (-C=O), resulting in the most efficacious modification. Specifically, exceeding 500 °C leads to significant carbon fiber mass loss, compromising the reinforcement effect. Under a stable voltage of 7.5 V, the Ni-plated layer on the carbon fibers appear smooth, fine, uniform, and complete. Conversely, at a voltage of 15 V, the instantaneous high voltage induces the continuous growth of Ni2+ ions along a singular deposition point, forming a spherical Ni-plated layer. In addition, a current of 0.6 A yields a comparatively uniform and dense carbon fiber coating. Nickel-plated layers on a carbon fiber surface with different morphologies have certain innovative significance for the structural design of composite reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of targeted electrodeposition of metal coatings in the lead–bismuth binary system is considered. The analysis of metal content in the deposits is performed using square-wave stripping voltammetry of solutions containing both lead and bismuth. The results are supported by the data of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The conditions for the formation of Pb7Bi3 (ε-phase), which is promising for the application in superconducting microelectronics, are found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of permanganate on a rotating disk electrode is accompanied by an inhibition of depositing birnessite. The addition of potassium ferrate(VI) leads to an increase of inhibition. The obtaining of electrode material based on Fe-doped birnessite under alkaline conditions is demonstrated in experiment with deposition at inhibition potentials. This birnessite is single phase and highly disordered. The Fe content varies from 0 to 10 mol % in respect to Mn with increasing ferrate(VI) content in deposition solution. Recharging potentials of birnessite are shifted which is manifested by cyclic voltammetry. Doping allows to increase the rate of oxygen evolution reaction. The specific currents increase with the iron content in birnessite. The Tafel slope is 53 mV/dec and by 2.5 times lower for birnessite containing 10 mol % Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial semiconductor electrodeposition plating cells require recirculation of process chemicals with consistent flow and minimal contaminants to prevent defects from developing during film deposition. This manuscript investigates how recirculation nozzle quality and nozzle machining can affect bath chemical uniformity. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are utilized to visualize bath chemical velocities based on variable nozzle conditions in four case studies. Results show that strict quality control of inlet nozzles, in conjunction with proper mounting angles, induce laminar bath flow. Greater fluid uniformity and laminar flow translate to a reduction of in-line defects and increased wafer yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodeposition, a binder-free technique, enables the formation of uniform and well-defined structures on the electrode surface. Herein, the material has directly grown on nickel foam by deposition through cyclic voltammetry at a fixed scan rate. The surface morphology of as-synthesized electrodes is observed with SEM and the electrochemical examination has been performed in three-electrode assembly. The highest specific capacitance attained from GCD analysis for MnS is 1453 F/g, CoS has 2476 F/g and CuS exhibits 1908 F/g at 6 A/g current density. The quantitative investigation of the inherent charge storage mechanism of an individual electrode is achieved by implementing different mathematical models on experimental data sets. The electrodes displayed a more diffusive contribution which uncovered our findings that each electrode illustrates the battery-grade properties. The results suggested that the fabricated electrode consumes an excellent potential as a high energy source for hybrid energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite consisted of Mn − Ni − S nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was generated on the surface of Ni foam (NF) (hereafter referred to as Mn − Ni − S/rGO/NF) by one-step electrodeposition technique. In the electrodeposition process, the generation of Mn − Ni − S nanoparticles and the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) into rGO were accomplished at the same time. Due to the prior adsorption of Mn2+ and Ni2+ ions on the surface of GO, the Mn − Ni − S nanoparticles were planted on the rGO sheet evenly, which avoided the aggregation of nanoparticles. Moreover, the participation of rGO greatly decreased the size of Mn − Ni − S nanoparticles into the range of 5–15 nm. As a result, higher specific surface area was harvested, which provided more contact sites for electrolyte. Moreover, higher electrical conductivity was achieved due to the excellent conductivity of rGO. Consequently, Mn − Ni − S/rGO/NF electrode presented a higher specific capacity of 1640 C g−1 (3280 F g−1) at 1 A g−1, which was five times of the capacity from Mn − Ni − S/NF electrode prepared without rGO. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed that excellent electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the internal electric field formation at the heterogeneous boundary of Mn − Ni − S and rGO, which facilitated electron transfer, thereby improving the electrochemical performance significantly. Notably, this work provides a new strategy to improve specific capacity of supercapacitors electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Dimethyl-2-imidazolinone (DMI) is low toxicity and has high boiling point, making it an excellent solvent, widely used in the fields of battery and electrodeposition of metals and its alloys. In this study, we found that DMI has good chemical compatibility with metallic magnesium and the electrodeposition of magnesium was studied in the electrolyte composed of DMI and bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide magnesium (Mg(TFSI)2) at room temperature. The results showed that DMI/Mg(TFSI)2 electrolyte has good conductivity and a low overpotential for Mg deposition at room temperature (298 K). The diffusion coefficient of Mg2+ in the electrolyte is 9.66 × 10−10 cm2/s at 298 K. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Raman spectra demonstrate the magnesium ions will solvate with C = O in DMI molecules and form [Mg(DMI)n]2+ complex ions. Nondendritic magnesium was obtained by potentiostatic electrodeposition at − 0.4 V (vs. Mg), which was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium-68 [t1/2: 67.7 min, β+ (89 %)] has application in PET imaging mainly for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. Gallium-68 is generally obtained from a 68Ge/68Ga generator. It is therefore an important task to prepare 68Ge (t1/2 = 271 days) radiochemical for the manufacture of 68Ge/68Ga generator to cater for the needs of various nuclear medicine centres. Germanium-68 has been produced successfully after irradiation of indigenously developed Ga–Ni targets in a 30 MeV cyclotron and chemical processing of the irradiated targets using an indigenous semi-automated module. The Ga–Ni targets were prepared by an electroplating method. The 68Ge has been radiochemically separated from irradiated Ga–Ni targets using Sephadex G-25 column chromatography. The chemical separation yield and radionuclidic purity of 68Ge were about 70 % (n = 3) and about 98.3 % (n = 3), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) is expected to be a biodegradable material because of its high biocompatibility and moderate biodegradability. However, its mechanical properties are poor and must be improved for practical use. In this study, pure Zn was prepared using an electrodeposition process that can produce alloys with fine grains and excellent strength and ductility balance. With the possibility of Zn being expanded to other applications such as alloying, pyrophosphate and chloride baths with simple bath compositions and high current efficiencies were used as basic baths. We succeeded in producing dense specimens using a chloride bath with high current efficiency, where the complexing agent affected the mechanical properties. Pure Zn prepared in an ammonium chloride bath showed the maximum elongation of 44.5%, yield stress of 109 MPa, and tensile strength of 132 MPa. The strength and ductility balance were comparable to those of strongly processed pure Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to investigate the effect of the bath composition, current density and annealing conditions on the properties of the electrodeposited nickel (Ni) seed layer for copper (Cu) contacts in silicon (Si) solar cells. For this purpose, electroplating experiments were performed using two bath compositions and applying various current densities. The electrodeposited Ni layers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and sheet resistance. The results showed that the bath composition and the current density affected the surface morphology, thickness, elemental composition and sheet resistance of the Ni layers. The Ni layers were then annealed at temperatures of 350°C and 400°C under N2 atmosphere and vacuum to obtain the nickel silicide phases, which lower the contact resistivity between Ni and Si. The nickel silicide phases were investigated by diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the annealing conditions affected the formation of the nickel silicide phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanostructured copper oxide (nCO) coating which can be electrochemically reduced to copper metal is demonstrated as an anti‐reflection coating, enabling interference lithography of three‐dimensionally structured templates on a surface compatible with subsequent electrodeposition steps. The nCO presents a black needle‐like structure which effectively absorbs the incident radiation during interference lithography. Specular and diffused reflectivity measurements confirm nCO has near‐zero reflectivity from at least UV (350 nm) to near IR (700 nm) wavelengths. A particularly important aspect of the nCO is its ability to be reduced to copper metal, enabling electrodeposition inside porous templates fabricated on the nCO. It is demonstrated electrodeposition of copper within 3D templates defined by interference lithography and proximity field nano‐patterning processes, forming mesostructured metals which enhance two‐phase cooling. The resultant 5 µm thick structures exhibited up to 3 times the critical heat flux and 2 times heat transfer coefficient of bare silicon. The structures are optimized via computational tools including Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) and COMSOL Multiphysics. The use of the approach demonstrated here can potentially find application in many areas given the broad importance of mesostructured metals for energy, biomedical, and mechanical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined chemical extraction of rare earth elements from acid solutions and electrochemical separation of yttrium by electrodeposition from Estonian phosphorite ore samples containing rare earth elements has been conducted using ionic liquids at room temperature. It is shown that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate can be used to selectively extract yttrium from other low rare earth elements, constituting the basis for further extraction. Electrochemical deposition can then be applied to the concentrated extraction product to separate valuable Y from the more abundant elements, such as Ca, from the natural sample. The addition of Bi salt to the working solution significantly aids REE's deposition. It is shown that this extraction method can be highly efficient as well as selective when well-controlled different electrodeposition conditions are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]