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The synthesis of abundant well-separated nanoparticles by electrodeposition is difficult since the electroplated nanoparticles tend to aggregate in their overlapping lateral diffusion zones. As a result, the facile electrodeposition method is rarely employed to prepare catalysts especially those for ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis. Herein, well-separated amorphous CoFeNiP nanoparticles with a mean size less than 100 nm are obtained on Cu foams using galvanostatic electrodeposition. Remarkably, the glass-to-crystal structural transformation is activated in CoFeNiP after the first cycle of catalytic AB hydrolysis, accompanied by the changes in their morphology from monolithic nanoparticles to flower-like nano-ribbons with a characteristic size of ∼20 nm. The as-activated CoFeNiP alloy catalysts exhibit an enhancement in their performance of catalytic dehydrogenation of AB hydrolysis with a high turnover frequency of 12.5 min−1 at 303 K and a low apparent activation energy of 23.4 kJ mol−1, achieving ultrahigh durability after 5 cycles. The results demonstrate transition-metal phosphides could be used as practical noble-metal free alloy catalysts for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB with low cost, high performance and excellent recyclability. • Amorphous CoFeNiP (CFNP) alloy nanoparticles are successfully synthesized on Cu foam by electrodeposition. • The glass-to-crystal structural transformation is activated in the nanoparticles after the first cycle of catalytic ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis. • The activated flower-like CFNP nano-ribbons with a characteristic size of ∼20 nm have enhanced TOF and durability. • Nano-flower CFNP alloys are ideal catalysts for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB with high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the oxidation resistance and area specific resistance at high temperature of Ni/Co–W and Cu/Co–W electroplated type 445 stainless steels using co-electrodeposition. Coated samples were exposed to oxidation at a high temperatures 800 °C in air containing 3 vol.% water vapour for 96 h. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the oxidation process resulted in the formation of CoWO4 and Co3O4 on the Ni/Co–W sample, and CoWO4, Co3O4, CuWO4 and CoCr2O4 on the Cu/Co–W sample. The Ni/Co–W coated sample effectively suppressed the outward diffusion of chromium. The Cu/Co–W coated sample exhibited a higher oxidation rate than the Ni/Co–W coated sample. The oxidation kinetics of the coated samples obeyed the parabolic rate law. The Cu/Co–W coated sample exhibited a lower area specific resistance compared to the Ni/Co–W coated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC) can be improved through the development of coatings applied to the surface of ferritic steel interconnects in view of mitigating chromium evaporation and reducing the growth rate of low conductive oxides in oxidizing environments. This work investigated the oxidation and area specific resistance (ASR) of two electrodeposited nickel coatings on preoxidized and non-preoxidized AISI 441 ferritic stainless steel substrates. The nickel coating effectively restricted the outward diffusion of chromium after 100 h of exposure at 700 °C in air but led to nickel/iron interdiffusion between the substrate and coating forming an iron-nickel-rich spinel on the surface, with NiO underneath and Cr2O3 at the coating-substrate interface and at the coating grain boundaries. The application of a LSM ((La0.80Sr0.20)0.95MnO3−x) coating on top of the Ni electrodeposited coatings resulted in the same type of oxides but the oxidation kinetics were slower. Interdiffusion continued with the exposure at 700 °C for 2400 h resulting in the growth of a thick iron-rich oxide layer on top of Cr2O3, steadily raising the interconnect ASR to 25 mΩ cm2. The addition of a preoxidation step before the electrodeposit of nickel helped to limit iron-nickel interdiffusion, leading to the formation of a thicker NiO layer on a Cr2O3 layer between substrate and coating. While the ASR was higher than without preoxidation at the beginning of the test, it stabilized at about 33 mΩ cm2 after 1750 h. Despite displaying a higher electrical resistance, the coatings effectively limited the outward chromium diffusion throughout exposure compared to the bare substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stainless steel codeposition on a low-cost substrate is crucial because of economic factors. In this work, codeposition of FeCrNi thin film was successfully prepared galvanostatically from a novel environmentally friendly mixed complex (glycine-formate) bath on a steel surface. The novel bath is characterized by using environmentally benign Cr(III) rather than Cr(IV), at pH 7, applying low current density (id) at 25 °C, and finally producing crack-free nanostructured FeCrNi films with up to 18% Cr. The obtained FeCrNi thin film has a composition resembling that of stainless steel 304 (Ni 8% and Cr ~ 18%). The study was carried out using potentiodynamic polarization curves, chronoamperometric analysis, and anodic linear stripping voltammetry (ALSV), complemented by a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. The atomic absorption test showed an acceptable range of Cr content (from 13.76 to 18.75 At. %) depending on the practical circumstances. The Cr% is enhanced slightly by decreasing the id and pH or raising the temperature. At deposition times of 20 and 60 min, the Cr content slightly decreased with increasing id. For example, the Cr content decreased from 17.88% (at 0.48 mA cm−2) to 13.98% (at 2.41 mA cm−2) and decreased from 17.14% (at 0.48 mA cm−2) to 13.94% (at 2.41 mA cm−2) respectively. The deposition of FeCrNi films has been characterized by instantaneous nucleation followed by 3D growth under charge transfer control. The phases were polycrystalline, and their grain size value was 8.93 nm. At a relatively high current density (2.41 mA cm−2), the coatings' surface morphology became uniform, extremely smooth, and nearly devoid of micro-cracks. However, a low bath pH of 4.0 results in observed multiple pits of varying sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast technological progress in the electronics industry leads to an ever-growing generation of electronic waste or e-waste. Proper recycling of e-waste is, therefore, of great importance, not only for ecological reasons but also to valorize its material content. With gold being the most valuable metal in electronic waste, it is the main driver for recycling, even though it is only present in minor concentrations compared to base metals like copper and iron. This study presents a continuous flow module for potential-controlled electrowinning of gold out of AuCl4− complexes from a multi-metal solution containing nickel, copper, iron, and gold ions, as a representative solution of a typical Printed Circuit Board leachate after a pre-washing and gold leaching step. Concentrations as low as 0.1 mM of AuCl4− were selectively reduced to metallic gold on a glassy carbon plate in a continuous flow cell for 4 h with a maximum recovery of up to 86%. Both electrochemical and engineering parameters were investigated, such as the impact of the flow rate, potential, presence of competing reactions from other ions in the solution, and the addition of turbulence promoters in an attempt to optimize the electrowinning. An increase in recovery was observed by raising the flow rate, whereas the potential showed an optimum at + 0.4 V vs Ag/AgCl, with lower potentials leading to more side reactions and lower current efficiencies. Addition of turbulence promoters mainly played a role in the surface utilization and crystal growth, leading to similar overall recoveries but with a more homogeneous deposit and lower variation. With this technique, it is demonstrated that selective gold electrowinning from small concentrations in the presence of base metals, such as copper, nickel, or iron, is feasible in an efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to electrodeposit Cr from a solution containing only Cr3+ ions but not any other complexing, buffering and pH agents, and study its corrosion behavior. The solution was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. It was obtained that it is rich in native Cr complexes including Cl. Cr was successfully coated from this solution by binary potential loop electrodeposition. First, − 0.7 V potential was applied for a time interval ranging from 5 to 30 s. Then, a − 1.8 V potential was applied to deposit the Cr layer with the thickness changed from 50 to 1000 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that all films are in a bcc crystal structure. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical profilometry measurements inferred that the coatings include hydrated-Cl complexes mostly edges of the coating and cracks. The scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the cracks on the surface are tiny for the layers thinner than 500 nm but prominent for the layers thicker than 500 nm. The corrosion behavior was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel measurements. The coatings electrodeposited by the binary potential loop had a corrosion rate lower and resistance higher than those of the coatings electrodeposited at − 1.8 V potential. The corrosion parameters became superior for the coatings with layers thinner than 500 nm and the aged ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of gold nanoparticles onto electrochemical biosensor electrodes has been widely conducted to improve the performance of biosensors. Gold nanospikes (AuNS), as one of the gold nanoparticle morphologies, can be integrated into biosensors through electrodeposition and has the potential to immobilize bioreceptor on biosensors using the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) method. This paper examines the potential of AuNS-deposited Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes (SPCEs) on immobilizing enzymes as label-based electrochemical biosensor by evaluating the optimum parameter for glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme immobilization on the SPCE that consists of incubation time and concentration of SAM molecule—L-cysteine—and GOx enzyme, then reviews its performances. The developed biosensor exhibits excellent performance in detecting glucose (linear range of 0.2–15 mM and limit of detection (LOD) of 116 µM), with good selectivity against uric acid, urea, ascorbic acid, dopamine, and lactic acid, and superiority towards gold nanosphere modified biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the electrical conductivity of nickel electrodes used in solar cells, this study investigated the effects of six different alcohol-based brighteners on nickel electrodeposition and elucidated their mechanisms during the deposition process. Nickel electrodeposition was conducted on a single-crystal silicon (c-Si) substrate in a Watts nickel plating bath with the addition of various additives at 1 g/L. Surface analysis and microstructure characterization were employed, alongside density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, to analyze the influence of brightener molecule adsorption on metal grain growth and conductivity properties. These results indicate that alcohol-based additives can be automatically absorbed on the surface of the deposit, whereas long-chain polyhydroxy additives result in a smaller energy gap ( Δ E ) and more active adsorption sites than do short-chain additives, facilitating greater reactivity on the Ni surface. This resulted in a preferred orientation shift of the crystal structure from the (200) plane to the (111) plane, along with a refined grain size and conical morphology growth. Among the studied additives, long-chain molecules increased the Ni0 content in the plating layer and increased its conductivity. In particular, sorbitol effectively reduced the resistivity and grain growth rate of the coating, underscoring its potential as an additive for fabricating high-performance electrodes on c-Si substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of coordinated electrodeposition of carboxylated chitosan (CCS), we presented a green method to prepare Cu NCs and Cu NCs/CCS nanocomposite films. The method shows a range of benefits, such as the convenient and eco-friendly process, mild conditions, and simple post-treatment. The experimental results reveal that a homogeneous deposited film (Cu NCs/CCS nanocomposite film) is generated on the Cu plate (the anode) after electrodeposition, which exhibits an obvious red florescence. The results from TEM observation suggest there are nanoparticles (with the average particle size of 2.3 nm) in the deposited film. Spectral analysis results both demonstrate the existence of Cu NCs in the deposited film. Moreover, the Cu NCs/CCS film modified electrode is directly created through electrodeposition of CCS, which enables promising application in the electrochemical sensing. By means of fluorescence properties of Cu NCs, the Cu NCs/CCS film also owns the potential in fluorescence detection. Therefore, this work builds a novel method for the green synthesis of Cu NCs, meanwhile it offers a convenient and new electrodeposition strategy to prepare polysaccharide-based Cu NCs nanocomposites for uses in functional nanocomposites and bioelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline water electrolysis is facilitated through the electrodeposition of trimetallic catalyst on nickel foam using the chronoamperometry technique. Specifically, the trimetallic catalyst CoWRu@NF is deposited onto a nickel foam substrate. The catalytic performance of this trimetallic catalytic electrode for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) is then assessed in a 1.0 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. This specially designed trimetallic catalytic electrode system efficiently provides the more active sites through the Co component. Subsequently, it facilitates the reduction of protons (H+) to generate hydrogen gas using the Ru component. Tungsten acts as a co‐catalyst in the system for water dissociation promotor by removing hydroxide formed after water dissociation and preventing the deactivation of Ruthenium by certain reaction intermediates. The CoWRu@NF trimetallic catalyst demonstrates excellent activity, showcasing a low overpotential (−8 mV) to achieve a current density of (−10 mA/cm2. Additionally, it exhibits low Tafel slope values (101.2 mV dec−1), credited to the presence of cobalt and tungsten alongside Ruthenium in the catalytic system. This configuration is specifically designed to enhance the kinetics of the hydrogen‐evolving reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study employs a multimicroscopy approach, combining Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), to investigate electrochemical nucleation and growth (EN&G). Cu nanoparticles (NPs) are meticulously electrodeposited on glassy carbon (GC), to perform co‐located characterization, supported by analytical modeling and statistical analysis. The findings reveal clear correlations between electrochemical descriptors (i–t transients) and physical descriptors (NPs size and distribution), offering valuable insights into nucleation kinetics, influenced by varied overpotentials, surface state, and electrode's area. Analysis of the stochasticity of nucleation reveals intriguing temporal distributions, indicating an increased likelihood of nucleation with higher overpotential and larger electrode's area. Notably, the local surface state significantly influences nucleation site number and activity, leading to spatial differences in nucleation rates unaccounted for in macroscopic experiments. The updated analytical model for EN&G current transients, considering SECCM geometry, shows excellent agreement with FESEM measurements, facilitating the calculation of active sites within individual regions. These results deepen the understanding of EN&G phenomena from a new perspective, and lay the groundwork for further theoretical advancements, showcasing the great potential of current experimental methods in advancing precise electrochemical manufacturing of micro‐ and nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the potentiostatic electrodeposition of copper indium and cadmium sulfide (CuS, In 2 S 3 , and CdS) thin films on copper substrates, aiming to develop efficient electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 and sustainable hydrogen generation. Utilizing Cu Kα radiation for X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the crystal structures of the electrodeposited films were confirmed, revealing well-defined crystalline phases. The films exhibited average particle sizes of 55.99 nm for CuS, 50.37 nm for In 2 S 3 , and 63.51 nm for CdS. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were employed to optimize the deposition parameters, ensuring efficient nucleation and growth of the metal sulfide films. The electrochemical performance of the synthesized electrocatalysts was rigorously tested, demonstrating their potential for CO 2 reduction under optimized conditions with the highest efficiency for CdS electrodes. Additionally, the electrodeposited CuS and CdS are of the p-type, and In 2 S 3 is of the n-type semiconductor were studied and verified by the Mott–Schottky test. CuS, In 2 S 3 , and CdS were found to have donor and acceptor concentrations (N D) of 1.68 × 106, 1.44 × 105, and 8.9 × 105 cm3, respectively. The photoelectrochemical measurements of the electrodeposited metal sulfides were studied at ambient temperature and under illumination, providing higher photocurrent responses for CdS and demonstrating its strong potential as a photoelectrode material for CO 2 reduction. This work underscores the significance of facile electrochemical synthesis methods in developing cost-effective and scalable electrocatalysts, paving the way for their integration into photoelectrochemical systems for green energy applications. [Display omitted] • Potentiostatic electrodeposition was used for CuS, In 2 S 3 , and CdS thin films. • XRD confirms high crystal phase purity and well-defined crystallinity. • Average particle sizes: CuS 55.99 nm, In 2 S 3 50.37 nm, CdS 63.51 nm. • CdS demonstrates the highest efficiency in electrocatalytic performance. • The study supports scalable, eco-friendly methods for CO 2 and H 2 applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development of Ni-Co/SiO 2 nanocomposite coatings on mild steel surface using pulsed-current electrodeposition method. The effects of incorporating SiO 2 nanoparticle and varying its concentration on the coatings' microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and frictional properties were assessed using field-emission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Vickers microhardness testing, and dry sliding wear tests. The results indicated that the coatings exhibited two-phases of Ni-Co solid solution (α) with a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure and hexagonal Co, a refined crystallite size of approximately 31 nm for Ni-Co and about 25 nm for Ni-Co/SiO 2 , along with a colony-like morphology that did not show any preferred growth direction. The amount of Ni-Co solid solution increased with the addition of SiO 2 nanoparticles. The composite coatings demonstrated enhanced microhardness of 581 HV, which is 52 % greater than that of the Ni-Co coating, as well as improved wear resistance and a reduced friction coefficient compared to the unreinforced alloy coating. However, higher SiO 2 content adversely impacted the tribological properties due to nanoparticle agglomeration. Analysis of the worn surfaces revealed a transition from abrasive wear to oxidative wear with increasing applied force for the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the properties of electroactive polypyrrole and its applications, with a focus on the roughness of the material. This parameter is crucial as it influences the applicability of coated layers, leading to highly adherent coatings or programmed wettability. The first raised aspect covers the electrodeposition procedure, which can help tailor the desired smoothness determined by roughness parameters. Features such as the deposition method, synthetic solution components, potential boundaries, substrate type, and utilized additives are evaluated. In the following section, the application aspects are discussed with a focus on modern, currently developed subjects such as medical applications, including cell-adherent coatings, antibacterial coatings, and drug delivery modules, as well as more technological fields like improved adhesion to the substrate and the improved mechanical properties of the deposited coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, CeO 2 nanoparticles were embedded in Ni-W alloy matrix by pulse electrochemical deposition on copper substrate to optimize their microstructure and corrosion resistance. The effects of CeO 2 concentration and deposition time on Ni-W/CeO 2 composite coating were investigated for optimized structure and improved corrosion resistance. The composite coatings present nodular-like surfaces with dense and compact growth profiles, containing 63.03–67.88 wt% Ni, 28.73–31.87 wt% W and 0.25–8.24 wt% Ce. The content of incorporated CeO 2 in coatings increased with the increase of CeO 2 concentration in electrolyte. The addition of CeO 2 particles has refined the grains of the prepared coating. The surface became rougher with the extension of electrodeposition time. Ni-W/CeO 2 composite coating electrodeposited at 10 g L−1 CeO 2 for 60 min possessed the highest corrosion resistance, indicating enhanced corrosion protection and long-term stability. This premium coating can be applied in harsh environments to prolong the lifespan of machinery, equipment, and parts in marine, vehicle, aerospace, and chemical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts in acidic media is essential for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). Especially for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), high overpotential is needed to overcome the high thermodynamic energy barrier of water splitting. Herein, we report a high‐efficiency self‐supported ternary alloy OER catalyst with high activity and good durability in acidic electrolytes by a simple electrodeposition method. The as‐prepared electrocatalyst consists of Ru, Au, and Mn alloy which is deposited on the carbon fiber paper (denoted as RuAuMn‐CFP). The RuAuMn‐CFP exhibits superior activity and only requires an overpotential of 131 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and outstanding stability of 30 h (10 mA cm−2) in acidic media, which outperforms the commercial Ru/C and Ir/C catalysts. Besides, at an overpotential of 140 mV, the RuAuMn‐CFP catalyst exhibited a remarkable mass activity of 29.63 mA/mg for OER. It is 7.9 times and 23.8 times higher than the commercial Ru/C and Ir/C catalysts (3.73 mA/mg, 1.24 mA/mg, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure is prepared by electrodepositing Cu2O on rutile phase TiO2 particles. The morphology, structural, and optical properties of Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure are determined by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, and UV–vis absorption spectrum. The Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure photoelectrochemical‐type photodetector is constructed based on this heterostructure. Experimental results show that the photoresponsivity and visible light absorption of the Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure are significantly enhanced compared to those of TiO2 and Cu2O which demonstrate that the Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure with a special interfacial structure is conducive to accelerating the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. The photoresponsivity and photocurrent density of Cu2O/TiO2 can reach 154 μA W−1 and 15.6 μA cm−2 at 0 V. In addition, the photocurrent density of the Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure steadily increases with the enhancement of irradiation power density. Moreover, no significant attenuation of the photocurrent density is observed in the prepared Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure after 1800 s of photo‐on/off cycles. These results suggest that the Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure‐based photodetector holds great potential in the photodetection field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superconducting hybrid structures based on single nanowires are a new type of nanoscale devices with peculiar transport characteristics. Control over the nanowire structure is essential for understanding hybrid electronic phenomena arising in such complex systems. In this work, we report a technique for the fabrication of cobalt nanowires by template-assisted electrodeposition using iR compensation, which allows revealing the fundamental dependence of the preferred direction of nanowire growth on the deposition potential. Long coarse-grained cobalt nanowires with a diameter of 70 nm have been implemented into Nb/Co/Nb hybrid structures. We demonstrate that using electrode fabrication techniques that do not contaminate the surface of the nanowire leads to a high quality of devices with low-resistance interfaces. Low-temperature resistivity of 4.94 ± 0.83 µ Ω cm and other transport characteristics of Co nanowires are reported. The absence of long-range superconducting proximity effect for Nb/Co/Nb systems with different nanowire length is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presented the electrochemical deposition of potassium nitrate-doped polypyrrole (Ppy:KNO 3) on stainless steel (SS), graphite sheet (GRs), and carbon fiber (CF) substrates, Ppy:KNO 3 /SS, Ppy:KNO 3 /GRs, and Ppy:KNO 3 /CF supercapacitor electrodes. Structural, morphological, and molecular analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM images exhibited distinct morphologies of Ppy:KNO 3 films, varying with cycles, scan rates, and Ppy:KNO 3 concentrations. Ppy:KNO 3 /CF film displayed a unique structure with minimal particle aggregation. Electrochemical performance was assessed through Cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Notably, Ppy:KNO 3 /CF demonstrated a specific capacitance of 1020 F/g at 1 A/g. It exhibited 92 % capacitance retention after 1000 cycles, along with impressive power and energy densities of 310 W/kg and 71.2 Wh/kg, respectively. These results represented a significant progress in the development of high-performance, durable supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) for producing high‐value‐added organic compounds is of great research interest due to its potential in alleviating the energy crisis. Herein, a facile NH4Cl‐assisted electrodeposition strategy is reported to fabricate 3D nano‐forest array‐like hollow nanostructures. The hierarchical heterojunction by combining phosphorus doping Co(OH)2 nanosheets with Cu2S nanotube arrays (P‐Co(OH)2@Cu2S NTs/CF) is developed to realize the optimization on GOR. The optimized P‐Co(OH)2@Cu2S NTs/CF catalyst exhibits an exceptional activity with a formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 97.40% at a potential of 1.30 V (vs RHE). The experimental results indicate that this unique hollow nano‐forest structure, grown on a conductive support, can expose more active sites and facilitate electron transfer, thereby demonstrating excellent GOR performance. This work provides new opportunities for the design of electrocatalysts of high‐activity and low‐cost hollow heterostructure electrocatalysts for glycerol electrooxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique coordination configuration of single‐atom materials (SAMs) allows precise reaction control at atomic‐level and a potential of unusual electrochemical reaction. Nevertheless, it is a big challenge to prepare main group element with high loading content. Here, multifield‐regulated synthesis (MRS) technology is utilized to rapidly produce single‐atom antimony (Sb) metal with a high loading of 15 wt.%. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the significantly enhanced reaction kinetics of Sb and nitrogen‐doped graphene by multi‐physics field coupling. Compared with common metallic Sb nanoparticles, atomically dispersed Sb displays remarkably improved electrochemical reaction kinetics and stable structure due to the negligible variation of stresses and volume expansion during the pseudocapacitive alloying‐dealloying process. Such extraordinary alloying reaction in well‐dispersed Sb atoms enabling homogeneous ion flow can serve as active nucleation sites for regulating even Na metal nucleation and growth. As a result, copper foil coated with only ≈3 µm thickness of such material exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.99%, an ultra‐low overpotential of 3 mV, and a long lifetime exceeding 2500 h in symmetrical cells. Furthermore, an anode‐free MRS‐SbSA||Na3V2(PO4)3 battery is constructed, which demonstrates exceptionally high energy density (≈362 Wh Kg−1), outstanding rate capability and good cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal‐based electrocatalysts play a crucial role in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, their heavy reliance on free electrons at the d‐band significantly limits the screening of potentially efficient, earth‐abundant alternatives. Despite extensive exploration of catalyst engineering through multi‐metal cooperation to modulate electron configuration by introducing additional transition metals, practical success remains elusive. Here, we present a straightforward electrodeposition method for preparing amorphous FeCoAl hydroxide catalysts. The introduction of Al contributes external free electrons, enabling a well‐defined electron configuration for intermediate adsorption. Al doping also adjusts the d‐band position of adjacent Co atoms, bringing them closer to the Fermi level and significantly enhancing intrinsic activity at the active sites. Furthermore, Al dopants facilitate rapid mass and charge transfer near the catalyst layer, promoting faster reaction kinetics. Leveraging these properties, the FeCoAl hydroxide catalyst achieves a large current density of 100 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 340 mV, with a small Tafel slope of 29.1 mV dec−1. Our work provides valuable insights for designing efficient electrocatalysts by leveraging free electron‐rich metal doping and expanding the parameter space for catalyst engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy carrier and is considered a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Consequently, developing electrodes with excellent hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis is a top priority in research. However, the use of flat electrodes as cathode substrates by most researchers limits the electrocatalytic active area of the prepared electrode. To address this issue, it is essential to prepare a micro-nano structure on a cathode substrate before electrodeposition. This study introduced a novel Ni nanocone/Grid electrode, obtained through a combined laser-electrodeposition process to investigate its electrocatalytic activity and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Various techniques, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and chronopotentiometry (CP) in 1 M KOH solution, were employed to assess the HER electrocatalytic performance of the Ni nanocone/Grid electrodes. The experimental results demonstrated that the electrodes could achieve current densities of -10, -20, and -100 mA/cm2 with corresponding overpotentials of -281, -308, and -390 mV, respectively. Additionally, the Tafel slope of these electrodes was found to be only -82.05 mV/dec. The enhanced catalytic performance of the electrode was attributed to the synergistic effect of the grid-like and nanocone structures, which significantly increased the electrocatalytically active area and improved surface hydrophilicity, thereby boosting electrocatalytic performance. The simplicity of the preparation method and the exceptional performance of the electrode provide a promising new avenue for future research on HER electrocatalysts. • A new laser-electrodeposition combined process was proposed to prepare the catalytic electrode for hydrogen evolution. • Ni nanocone/Grid showed low overpotential and Tafel slope for hydrogen evolution. • The combination of grid structure and nanocone can significantly increase the ECSA of the electrode. • The electrode shows excellent hydrophilicity and extraordinary durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an efficient yet cost-effective non-precious electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline water and seawater systems remains a formidable obstacle to the large-scale production of hydrogen energy, stemming from the sluggish kinetics of electron transfer reactions during the HER process. In this article, an amorphous Co-P-W electrocatalyst on nickel foam is prepared using a brief cyclic voltammetry (CV) electrodeposition method. The optimized Co-P-W electrocatalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER, which only requires overpotentials of 59 and 143 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water (1.0 M KOH) and alkaline seawater (1.0 M KOH + natural seawater), respectively, and remarkable stability and durability. The improved HER performance of the Co-P-W electrocatalyst is attributed to the introduction of W, which modulates the electronic structure of Co and P, optimizes the adsorption/dissociation of H 2 O, and reduces the charge transfer resistance of the Co-P electrocatalyst, thus improving the kinetics of the HER. Furthermore, the W-doping significantly enhances the hydrophilicity of the Co-P electrocatalyst, which favors rapid and thorough penetration of electrolytes into the electrocatalyst, facilitating the formation of a highly accessible reaction interface, ultimately resulting in excellent HER activity. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of designing an efficient, durable, and scalable electrocatalyst to significantly boost HER efficiency for practical water electrolysis. [Display omitted] • Binder-free Co-P-W catalyst for electrocatalytic hydrogen production was developed via electrodeposition method. • The low η 10 in alkaline water and seawater were 59 and 143 mV, respectively. • Mo adjusts the electronic structure to optimize the adsorption/dissociation of H 2 O. • W doping increases the active area, enhances the conductivity and hydrophilicity, and greatly improves its intrinsic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal foams are promising materials for the flow fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) because of excellent mass transport characteristics and high electronic conductivity. To resolve the corrosion problem in the acidic environment under high temperature, nickel/graphene (Ni/G) composite coatings with hierarchical structures were electrodeposited on the surface of Ni foam. The effect of grain size and the distribution in the double layer was discussed. It was found that Ni/G5-10, with larger inner size and middle outer size, exhibited the best corrosion performance. Meanwhile, the corrosion current in the Tafel plots and the steady current density in constant potential analysis was lower than that obtained under steady and gradient currents. Combined with the results of XRD, XPS, and SEM, it was proven that a uniform and dense protective film was produced during the two-step electrodeposition. Moreover, the ICR value was 8.820 mΩ·cm2, which met the requirement of 2025 DOE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a detailed analysis of the current transition observed in the field of electrodeposition of metals. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanism initiated by nucleation followed by diffusion‐controlled growth. The study highlights recent advances, relevant theoretical models, and practical implications of this process. Concrete examples are also discussed to illustrate the application of this method in various industrial and scientific contexts. These promising advances open new perspectives for the optimization of electrodeposition processes, paving the way for innovative applications in various technological sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, in situ electrodeposition of Zn─Al‐layered double hydroxides (Zn─Al‐LDHs) on the surface of pencil graphite substrate were practiced with interlayer modification by ibuprofen. The prepared composite increases the efficiency of the proposed method by increasing the level of interaction between the sorbent and the selected analytes including acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen (NAP) in real sample. Eventually, the extracted target analytes were injected into high‐performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) for their measurement. The experimental design including PBD and BBD was implemented to obtain the maximize efficiency and optimal condition for extraction of the target analytes. Therefore, in optimal conditions, limits of detection of 0.33–0.64 µg L−1, linear dynamic range (LDR) of 1–100 µg L−1 (with r2 > 0.9934), and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.1–2.1 µg L−1 were obtained for target analytes by SPME‐HPLC‐UV. The intra‐day relative standard deviation (RSD%) were found to range in 3.90%–5.30% (4.90%–6.80%) at concentration of 5–50 µg L−1 (2–10 µg L−1). According to obtained result, the relative recovery was calculated between 90% and 109%. Therefore, the obtained results showed that the selected method has a suitable performance for the preconcentration and extraction of acetylsalicylic acid and NAP in biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis has become the most serious concern of human beings and environments worldwide in the 21st century. Global concerns about cancer epidemiology mainly originate from anthropogenic activities, particularly fossil-based operations. A key solution to this problem is the use of fuel cells—devices—capable of the direct conversion of fuel chemical energies like urea into electricity. To make their commercialization reasonable, one of the problems that needs to be solved is the development of anodic materials. The majority of investigations on urea oxidation are based on nickel, but its inadequate activity limits the efficiency of these devices. In this work, we propose and synthesize a Ni-Cu-Fe ternary electrocatalyst for urea oxidation through a fast and facile electrodeposition method. The properties of the synthesized material are examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) conjugated with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Its electrochemical properties were also examined in a 1 M KOH solution with and without 0.15 M urea. We found that the prepared powder is active in the electro-oxidation of urea, with 1.65 Vvs RHE required for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a stable potential of 2.38 Vvs RHE required for 3 h of polarization at 10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed current has proven to be a promising alternative to direct current in electrochemical deposition, offering numerous advantages regarding deposit quality and properties. Concerning the electrodeposition of metal alloys, the role of pulsed current techniques may vary depending on the specific metals involved. We studied an innovative tin–ruthenium electroplating bath used as an anti-corrosive layer for decorative applications. The bath represents a more environmentally and economically viable alternative to nickel and palladium formulations. The samples obtained using both direct and pulsed currents were analyzed using various techniques to observe any differences in thickness, color, composition, and morphology of the deposits depending on the pulsed current waveform used for deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the activity of copper (Cu) towards electrolytic reduction of nitrate, thin films of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) were deposited on Cu substrate. For the first time, these films were synthesized by electrochemical deposition in a potassium sulfate bath containing Mg2+ at 70 °C. The effect of various experimental parameters, such as deposition time and potential, on the electrocatalytic activity for the nitrate reduction was investigated. Surface analysis techniques (SEM, EDX and XRD) were used to get information on the morphology, the composition and the structure of the deposits. The activity of the modified electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry, and amperometric method. The modified Mg(OH)2/Cu sensor exhibited a good electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of nitrates with high reproducible reduction peak currents. In addition, the sensor exhibits a linear answer for concentration in nitrate between 0.125 to 7 mM, combined with high sensitivity (24.6 µA mM−1 cm−2) and limit of detection (225.35 µM) values. When common interfering molecules were added to the solution, Mg(OH)2/Cu electrodes have kept their good selectivity. They demonstrated acceptable detection levels for nitrates in tap water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the electrochemical fabrication of thin films comprising polyaniline nanofibers (PANI) in conjunction with graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on ITO substrate, along with examining the electrochemical properties, with a focus on the influence of the substrate and electrolyte in the electrodeposition methods. The study explores the electrochemical characteristics of these thin films and establishes a flexible framework for their application in diverse sectors such as sensors, supercapacitors, and electronic devices. It analyzes the impact of the substrate and electrolyte in electrodeposition techniques. The effects were studied using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The fabrication process of PANI/GO and PANI/rGO thin films involved the integration of rGO within PANI via electropolymerization, conducted under sulfuric acid. GO was synthesized by modifying the well-known Hummers' method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM showed the diameters of the formed PANI were between 40 and 150 nm, which helped to intertwine the rGO nanosheets with PANI nanofibers to form thin films. The electrochemical behavior of the PANI/rGO thin films was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry in different electrolytes, including sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The CV profiles exhibited distinct oxidation and reduction peaks, with variations in the voltammogram morphology attributed to the nature of the electrolyte and the substrate employed during the electrodeposition process. These results highlight the critical role of both the substrate and electrolyte in governing the electrochemical performance of PANI/rGO thin films. The findings from this study demonstrate a versatile approach for the fabrication of PANI/graphene-based thin films with tunable electrochemical properties, and such a strategy has great application to fabricating other thin film composites for supercapacitors or other control source frameworks requiring enhanced charge storage and electrochemical responsiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a model of passivation at a micro or nanoparticle, we have modelled a passivating reaction at a microelectrode of hemispherical geometry. The reaction is considered to lead to either the formation of a surface-bound species or diffusion of product into bulk solution. A dimensionless parameter, p, of value 0 to 1.0 can be used to describe the balance between the two processes. We have simulated the first two linear sweep voltammograms (LSV) under different values of p and have simulated the peak width of the first LSV under different values of scan rate and p. These simulations were used to relate the peak width to the value of p. The results were compared to the characteristics of passivation at a microdisk electrode. The equation was used to analyse the oxidation of dopamine at hemispherical Ga electrodes, fabricated by the deposition of liquid phase Ga onto Pt microdisks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with redox-active metal ions and a variety of organic linkers have been widely investigated as prospective electrode materials for supercapacitors. Here, we generate uniformly dense spherical particles on a nickel foam substrate by a simple and binder-free one-step electrodeposition method by adjusting the deposition conditions. The active cobalt in the Co-MOF thin films can provide a large number of redox sites for the electrochemical reaction, while the uniform binder-free Co-MOF structure can keep enough contact area with the electrolyte to reduce the ion transport resistance. As-prepared CTB-0.9 (Co-MOF with a deposition voltage of − 0.9 V) thin film has a specific capacitance of 797.5 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, exhibiting excellent electrochemical properties. An asymmetric supercapacitor with CTB-0.9 as the positive material and activated carbon as the negative material also demonstrates competitive electrochemical performances, which has a high energy density of 34.3 Wh Kg−1 at a power density of 36,317.6 W Kg−1. This work may open up an effective approach to realize the electrosynthesis of Co-MOF films, promoting the utilization of Co-based MOFs in energy storage and conversion fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for energy surpasses the available supply, leading to various economic, social, and environmental consequences. Hydrogen is one of the most clean and renewable source for energy. Therefore, the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) presents a promising eco-friendly approach for generating sustainable hydrogen energy. However, in alkaline conditions, HER encounters slow kinetics due to challenges associated with hydrogen adsorption and hydrolysis. In this article, thin Ni films were synthesized using the electrodeposition technique from citrate electrolyte. Their suitability as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a 1 M NaOH solution was estimated. This research investigates how the uniform magnetic field and temperature affect the process of nickel electrodeposition from a citrate bath and its subsequent influence on surface morphology and catalytic properties for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Additionally, alterations in surface material wettability were examined based on changing the temperature during using the magnetic field for the electrodeposition process and shows how this effect on the catalytic performance towards HER. The outputs show that using the magnetic field for fabrication of Ni thin films at room temperature enhances the surface morphology and its catalytic performance for HER. However, the study reveals that using the temperature for Ni electrodeposition improves its catalytic performance independently of the magnetic field, whereas combining temperature with the magnetic field for Ni thin film fabrication diminishes their catalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The nickel thin film produced at 25 °C under the influence of a magnetic field, whether parallel or perpendicular, demonstrates the lowest overpotential of − 268 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, it exhibits the smallest Tafel slope values of 106 mV dec−1 and 128 mV dec−1 for the parallel (Bǁ) and perpendicular (BꞱ) directions, respectively. However, the magnetic field effect diminishes at elevated temperatures. Nickel thin films prepared at 35 °C under the influence of perpendicular (BꞱ) and parallel (Bǁ) directions exhibit higher overpotential values of − 314 mV and − 322 mV, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a 'follow-on' from a paper previously published in this journal dealing with the laboratory to pilot scaling up approach using Industry 4.0 manufacturing methods. In particular, the paper reports a strategy for developing a model for the electroforming of nickel from a sulphamate electrolyte at laboratory scale which could subsequently provide an educated approach for transferring the process to a larger scale. At the laboratory scale, a rotating disc electrode assembly was used, which is a standard instrument to determine electrochemical parameters. Thereafter, small scale nickel discs were electroplated using this equipment, and a model of this process was developed and validated against those experimental results. These parameters were then used to actually produce electroforms in a prototype, 18 L tank system. Cross-validation between practical experiments and simulations followed which allowed for fine-tuning the model until it was consistently predicting the real process results within an acceptable error. Overall, it was found that a secondary current distribution model could be used for reasonably accurate description for the electroforming process, and could provide a quick virtual tool at a production facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic materials always arouse interest due to their unique properties. Both soft and hard magnetic materials are exploited for energy harvesting application, magnetic recording and in MEMS. To boost the applicability of these materials, more versatile fabrication techniques must be developed. Even though the rare earth permanent magnets produced through powder metallurgy can guarantee the highest magnetic performance, this fabrication technique is not practical for the MEMS industry. Moreover, rare earths are very expensive elements. Electrodeposition seems a preferable alternative to chemical or physical vapour deposition techniques to produce both thin and thick magnetic deposits based on transition metal alloys. Among electrodeposition techniques, reverse pulse plating (RPP) guarantees improved mechanical properties and has been found to be beneficial for reducing internal stresses and modifying the internal microstructure and surface morphology as well as for producing thicker layers without observing cracks. Part 1 of the review focuses on how RPP can be used to tailor mechanical properties and morphology to achieve miniaturisation compared to other techniques, particularly in application fields that can benefit from it, such as the microelectronics industry. RPP also modifies magnetic properties by inducing changes in the microstructure. In Part 2 of this review, the state-of-the-art of hard and soft magnetic alloys deposited through RPP will be discussed, examining how this technique can tailor the crystalline structure to influence the coercivity of soft magnetic materials and the magnetic anisotropy of hard magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ni-TiO2 coatings were formed using a multi-step pulse method with positive and, in some cases, reverse current steps. All coatings were produced at a current density of 4 A dm−2 and a frequency and duty cycle of 10 Hz and 10%, respectively with a thickness of 30 µm. The results showed that by applying the reverse current cycle, the codeposition of TiO2 particles in the coating decreased and the morphology of the coating became irregular. It was found that the effect of the wetting angle of the coating is greater than the incorporation of TiO2 particles on the corrosion behaviour of the coating. Thus, a coating was created with a positive 4-step pulse current with the lowest amount of TiO2 particles (7.7 vol.%) having the highest resistance against corrosion. The sample had compact morphology and high wetting angle (82.61o֯). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers afflicting men worldwide, often detected at advanced stages, leading to increased mortality rates. Addressing this challenge, we present an innovative approach employing electrochemical biosensing for early-stage prostate cancer detection. This study used Indium–Tin Oxide (ITO) as a substrate and a deposited gold–graphene quantum dot (Au–GQD) nanohybrid to establish electrochemical sensing platforms for DNA-hybridization assays. A capturing DNA probe, PCA3, was covalently immobilized on the surface of the Au–GQDs and deposited electrochemically onto the ITO electrode surface. The Au–GQDs enabled the capturing of the target PCA3 biomarker probe. The sensor achieved a limit of detection (LoD) of up to 211 fM and presented a linear detection range spanning 1 µM to 100 fM. A rapid 5-min response time was also achieved. The tested shelf life of the pre-immobilized sensor was approximately 19 ± 1 days, with pronounced selectivity for its intended target amidst various interferants. The sensing device has the potential to revolutionize prostate cancer management by facilitating early-stage detection and screening with enhanced treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochromic (EC) materials allow for dynamic tuning of optical properties via an applied electric field, presenting great potential in energy-efficient technologies, such as smart windows for effective light and temperature regulation. The precise control of precursor concentration has proven to be a powerful approach in tailoring the physicochemical properties of semiconducting metal oxides. In this study, we employed a one-step electrodeposition technique to fabricate tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films, systematically exploring how varying precursor concentrations influence the material's characteristics. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed significant changes in diffraction patterns, reflecting subtle structural modifications due to concentration variations. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy revealed significant changes in the microstructure, showing a progression from small nanogranules to larger agglomerations within the film matrix. The W-25 mM thin film delivered exceptional EC performance, efficiently accommodating lithium ions while showcasing superior EC properties. The optimized electrode, denoted as W-25 mM, showcased exceptional EC metrics, featuring the highest optical modulation at 82.66%, outstanding reversibility at 99%, and a notably high coloring efficiency of 83.01 cm2/C. These findings emphasize the importance of precursor concentration optimization in enhancing the EC properties of WO3 thin films, contributing to the advancement of high-performance, energy-efficient materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed current electrodeposition method was employed for the first time to achieve tungsten coating with a thickness of 433.72 μm on a CuCrZr alloy from Na2WO4-WO3-KCl-NaF molten salt. The microstructure of the coating was observed and the coating density, porosity, hardness, bonding strength, residual stress and oxygen content were tested. The results revealed that the tungsten coating exhibited desirable characteristics such as high density, absence of impurities, excellent adhesion to the matrix (53.16 MPa), residual compressive stress as surface stress, and good stability and durability. Moreover, this thick tungsten coating possesses high density and hardness, low oxygen content and porosity. This offers a novel solution to solve the challenging issue of the connection between tungsten material and heat sink material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic fields influence the deposition process and its current efficiency. They have a remarkable influence on thin films' surface characteristics and catalytic properties. Here, we study the correlation between the magnetic flux density and the current efficiency of the deposition process in the presence of a magnetic field with different intensities in different directions: the directions parallel and perpendicular to the electrode surface. We also show how the magnetic field direction impacts the surface roughness. Furthermore, we also analyze the impact of these synthesized films on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) when using them as electrocatalysts and how the application of a magnetic field in two dissimilar orientations influences the surface roughness and wettability. The synthesized Ni films are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molten salt system was prepared using an optimized method. We studied the complex structure of Ir3+ ions in the molten salt system and the influence their concentration had on the quality of the coatings prepared via electrodeposition. Using TG-DSC and in situ XRD experiments, we studied the high-temperature characteristics and properties of IrCl3 alongside its thermal stability. Using in situ XRD and Raman spectroscopy, we analyzed the Ir ions' complex structure and the variation in the molten salt system at high temperatures. Finally, the changes in the Ir ion concentration in the molten salt system and the influence of the microstructure of the coatings' surfaces were investigated under different anode conditions. IrCl3 easily decomposes above 400 °C, and temperature increases accelerate the rate of this decomposition. When the NaCl-KCl-CsCl system is in a high-temperature, molten state, IrCl3 forms stable complex structures (IrCl6)3− and (IrCl6)2−, and the valence state of Ir will be transformed with the increase in temperature. Generating these complex structures is conducive to improving the Ir coating quality. During the electrodeposition process, too few Ir ions in the molten salt can lead to concentration polarization, affecting the quality of the coating. Application of the molten NaCl-KCl-CsCl system is conducive to the electrodeposition of Ir coatings in a suitable temperature range. At the same time, using Ir as the anode can enhance the quality of the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar collectors represent an attractive green technology for water heating, where sunlight is efficiently absorbed by a selective coating and the generated heat is transferred to water. In this work, the improvement and scale-up of an electrodeposited black nickel selective coating with a modified silica (MS) film deposited by spray pyrolysis are reported. The MS material was prepared by the sol–gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate with the addition of n-propyl triethoxysilane to obtain a porous film with an adequate refractive index and enhanced flexibility. The reflectance of electrodeposited selective coatings was characterized with and without the MS film and compared to a commercially available coating of black paint. The MS film increased the solar absorptance from 89% to 93% while maintaining a much lower thermal emittance than the painted coating. The reflectance of the MS film remained unchanged after prolonged thermal treatment at 200 °C (200 h). The fabrication process was scaled up to 193 cm × 12 cm copper fins, which were incorporated in commercial-size flat-plate solar collectors. Three complete collectors of an area of 1.7 m2 were fabricated and their performance was evaluated under outdoor conditions. The results show that the electrodeposited selective coating with the MS film outperformed both the commercial black paint system and the system without the modified silica film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered significant research interest as promising next‐generation energy storage technologies owing to their affordability and high level of safety. However, their restricted ionic conductivity at subzero temperatures, along with dendrite formation and subsequent side reactions, unavoidably hinder the implementation of grid‐scale applications. In this study, a novel bimetallic cation‐enhanced gel polymer electrolyte (Ni/Zn‐GPE) was engineered to address these issues. The Ni/Zn‐GPE effectively disrupted the hydrogen‐bonding network of water, resulting in a significant reduction in the freezing point of the electrolyte. Consequently, the designed electrolyte demonstrates an impressive ionic conductivity of 28.70 mS cm−1 at −20°C. In addition, Ni2+ creates an electrostatic shielding interphase on the Zn surface, which confines the sequential Zn2+ nucleation and deposition to the Zn (002) crystal plane. Moreover, the intrinsically high activation energy of the Zn (002) crystal plane generated a dense and dendrite‐free plating/stripping morphology and resisted side reactions. Consequently, symmetrical batteries can achieve over 2700 hours of reversible cycling at 5 mA cm−2, while the Zn || V2O5 battery retains 85.3% capacity after 1000 cycles at −20°C. This study provides novel insights for the development and design of reversible low‐temperature zinc‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the microhardness and wettability of steel C1045 substrates, Ni-Co-Si3N4 nanocomposite coatings were fabricated successfully on steel C1045 substrates via electrodeposition with varying electrodeposition process parameters and Si3N4 nanoparticle concentrations. The microhardness, surface roughness, and static contact angle of the coatings were analyzed using a microhardness tester, laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), and contact angle meter (OCA15E), respectively. The results showed that the plating solution temperature, current density, and Si3N4 nanoparticle concentration played key roles in adjusting the microhardness and wettability of the samples. The variations in the process parameters and Si3N4 nanoparticle concentration altered the contents of Co, Si, and N in the Ni-Co-Si3N4 nanocomposite coatings. These alterations influenced the grain size and improved the microhardness of the samples. The microhardness of the coatings was 541.56 HV0.05 when their grain size was 16.99 nm. Additionally, the variations in the process parameters and Si3N4 nanoparticle concentration affected the surface morphology and altered the surface roughness of the coatings. These alterations influenced the wettability and improved the water contact angles of the samples. Furthermore, the water contact angle of the Ni-Co-Si3N4 nanocomposite coatings was 143.1° when the surface roughness was 0.322 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium rechargeable batteries (RMBs) are a promising alternative to lithium‐based ones. However, a major challenge in their advance concerns the development of aprotic electrolytes from which magnesium can be electrodeposited with high efficiency and without the formation of dendrites. Of note, the mechanism of the magnesium electrodeposition from aprotic electrolytes remains largely unexplored. In this study, we propose a combined experimental and theoretical approach based on the Scharifker‐Hills (S−H) mathematical model for the potentiostatic transients to analyse the nucleation and growth of magnesium during electrodeposition in order to shed light on the nucleation process and increase battery safety and cycle lifetime. The model is used to investigate the electrodeposition of magnesium from a Magnesocene (MgCp2)‐based electrolyte onto metal current substrates such as copper, nickel, aluminium and stainless steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a heterogeneous structure of Ni–Mo catalyst comprising Ni4Mo nanoalloys decorated on a MoOx matrix via electrodeposition is introduced. This catalyst exhibits remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity across a range of pH conditions. The heterogeneous Ni–Mo catalyst showed low overpotentials only of 24 and 86, 21 and 60, and 37 and 168 mV to produce a current density of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 (η10 and η100) in alkaline, acidic, and neutral media, respectively, which represents one of the most active catalysts for the HER. The enhanced activity is attributed to the hydrogen spillover effect, where hydrogen atoms migrate between the Ni4Mo alloys and the MoOx matrix, forming hydrogen molybdenum bronze as additional active sites. Additionally, the Ni4Mo facilitated the water dissociation process, which helps the Volmer step in the alkaline/neutral HER. Through electrochemical analysis, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, the fast HER mechanism is elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main challenges faced by aqueous rechargeable nickel‐zinc batteries are their comparatively low energy density and poor cycling stability, mainly due to the limited capacity and reversibility of existing Ni‐based cathodes. Moreover, the preparation procedures of these cathodes are complex and not easily scalable, which makes them less promising for large‐scale energy storage. Herein, we utilized MXene as a functional additive to effectively improve the electrodeposition preparation of NiCo layered double hydroxides (LDH). Benefiting from the improved interfacial contact between nickel foam (NF) and platting solution and the enhanced ionic conductivity of platting product based on MXene additives, the resulting binder‐free NiCo LDH electrode can achieve ultrahigh areal loading (~65 mg cm−2) with abundant active surface for redox reactions and maintained short transport pathway for ion diffusion and charge transfer. Furthermore, the as‐fabricated alkaline NiCo LDH‐based battery delivers high discharge capacity, up to 20.2 mAh cm−2 (311 mAh g−1), accompanied by remarkable rate performance (9.6 mAh cm−2 or 148 mAh g−1 at 120 mA cm−2). Due to the high structural and chemical stability of MXenes/LDH‐based electrode, excellent cycling life can also be achieved with 88.6 % capacity retention after 10000 cycles. In addition, ultrahigh areal energy density (31.2 mWh cm−2) and gravimetric energy density (465 Wh kg−1) can be simultaneously achieved. This work has inspired the design of advanced cathode materials to develop high‐performance aqueous zinc batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the effects of potassium bromide (KBr) on the electrodeposition of manganese on copper from a DES consisting of a stoichiometric 1:2 mix of choline chloride and ethylene glycol (Ethaline 200). The speciation of MnCl2.4H2O in Ethaline 200 has been investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy, in particular with regard to the addition of KBr to the plating bath, for which no apparent change in the Mn species was noted. This said, the physical properties of the manganese deposits themselves were found to have been considerably improved in comparison to when KBr was omitted from the bath; indeed, the actual adhesion of Mn was achieved for the first time on a copper substrate, somewhat remarkably producing a coating of some considerable thickness. Given its clear electrochemical behavior of the Mn liquid were subsequently determined via cyclic voltammetry method. A reduction in the peak current of Mn was noted on addition of KBr. The mechanism of Mn deposition has been examined via chronocoulometry and chronoamperometry. Surface analyses of Mn deposits have been conducted via SEM/EDX, AFM, and XRD, from which improvements to the Mn surface coatings in depositions performed from an electrolyte containing 0.1 M KBr were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]