Search Results (7)

Using electromagnetic and electrochemical theories as a framework, this study examines the influence of carbon sphere electrodes on the distribution patterns of anodic oxidation and deposition current densities in metallic aluminium and porous anodic alumina. Theoretical calculations show that the current density symmetrically decreases from the centre outward under the effect of carbon sphere electrodes. Increasing the electrode distance improves the uniformity of the current distribution across the film, while decreasing the distance increases the rate of gradient change in current density. Simulation results reveal that at electrode spacings of 15 cm and 1 cm, the oxidation current density at the film centre is 1333 A/m² and 2.9 × 10⁵ A/m², respectively. The current density gradually decreases outward along the radius, reaching 1330 A/m² and 1.8 × 10⁵ A/m² at the edges, with observed current density gradient change rates of 500 A/m³ and 1.83 × 10⁷ A/m³, respectively. Experimental results confirm that carbon sphere counter electrodes can create non-uniform oxidation and deposition electric fields. Microstructures with gradually varying symmetry can be generated by adjusting the electrode spacing, resulting in porous anodic alumina and composite films exhibiting iridescent, ring-like structural colours. The experimental findings align well with theoretical calculations and simulation results. Full article

The use of bioabsorbable metals as temporary medical implants has attracted considerable research interest as they do not require a second surgical operation for removal after the healing process is completed. However, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have a degradation rate that is too high in biological environments. Therefore, it must be controlled using various strategies. In this study, an AZ31-Mg-based alloy coated with CeO₂ is investigated to analyse the effect of the coating on its corrosion protection and biocompatibility. The AZ31 alloy is anodised with NaOH solution, before coating to stabilise the alloy surface. The CeO₂ coating is deposited on anodised AZ31 by chemical conversion treatment. The electrochemical properties of samples are evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic polarisation curves using Hank’s solution. Structural and morphological characterisation of the samples are performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Additionally, biocompatibility is determined by live/dead assay using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. The preliminary results indicate that CeO₂ coatings exhibit higher electrochemical properties. Additionally, an increase in the ratio of live/dead cells of the AZ31OH-CeO₂ surface is detected, in contrast with AZ31, thus indicating improvement in biocompatibility upon CeO₂ coating. Full article

The increasing knowledge in nanoscience and materials technology promoted the development of advanced materials with enhanced and unusual properties suitable for sustainable applications ranging from energy to environmental purposes. Here are presented some results from our current investigations on composite semiconducting materials. The investigated composites have been prepared from different nitrogen precursors and thin films of TiO₂ nanotubes. The synergy between hetero-structures based on graphitic-C₃N₄ and thin films of titania nanotubes obtained by anodisation was studied. The composites have been characterised with several complementary techniques to evidence the relation between photo-behaviour and the composition of the samples. This study allows new insights into the nature of the specific enhanced properties due to this synergy among the two compounds. The g-C₃N₄/TiNT heterojunctions showed enhanced photo-electrochemical properties observed from the photocurrent measurements. The as-prepared composites have been investigated as cathode materials in the electrocatalytic reduction of oxalic acid (OX), evidencing the capability of tuning the reaction toward glycolic acid with respect to the pristine TiNT array. The observed Faradic efficiency (FE) for the composites follows the trend: TiNT-U₆ > TiNT-M₆ > TiNT-MU₁₈. TiNT-U₆ shows the best performances (FE_GC = 63.7%; FE_GO = 15.5%; OX conversion = 61. 4%) after 2 h of reaction. The improved photo-electrochemical properties make these materials suitable for H₂ production, solar-light-driven water splitting, and CO₂ reduction applications. Full article

The anodising process parameters (voltage, temperature, and electrolyte) control the morphology and the chemical composition of the resulting anodic oxide film by altering the balance between oxide growth and oxide dissolution reactions. The porosity of the oxide film is reduced by the addition of tartaric acid to a sulfuric acid electrolyte, while anodising at elevated temperatures enhances oxide dissolution, leading to wider pores and rougher surfaces. No significant changes in the oxide chemical composition as a function of anodising parameters was found; in particular, no tartrate incorporation took place. The resistance of uncoated anodic oxide films against aggressive media and galvanic stress as a function of anodising parameters has been studied by electrochemical methods. Anodising in a mixed tartaric and sulfuric acid electrolyte improves the resistance of the anodic oxide against galvanic stress and aggressive media in comparison to sulfuric acid anodising processes. However, the corrosion protection performance of the anodic oxide films in combination with a corrosion-inhibitor loaded organic coating is not governed by the blank oxide properties but by the adhesion-enhancing morphological features formed during anodising at elevated temperatures at the oxide/coating interface. Full article

The Al-Cu-Mg light alloys’ storage characteristics are such that their use for building structures, marine offshore applications, and aeroplane components, with excellent strength/weight ratios, would not be possible without adherent anticorrosion preservation. Many techniques and strategies are still being used to treat the surfaces, such as cladding, anodising, and greasing. However, due to their costly and time-consuming nature, these techniques are considered complicated. Therefore, volatile organic inhibitor components are now being used effectively. Benzimidazole (BZI) and its derivatives are one of these film-forming chemicals used on copper and steel, directly or as injectables, combined with other carriers, such as fatty acids or dissolvable hydrocarbons, with highly efficient corrosion protection. Therefore, this paper will investigate the enhancement of the corrosion protection afforded by direct spraying of BZI solution on the surface of aluminium alloy AA 2024-T3 The corrosion protection performance results from the high electronegativity of BZI as a film-forming inhibitor, which will be adsorbed on the metallic surface, as it may emulate active protection. The corrosion protection properties of the BZI film-forming coating were preliminarily studied with 3.5% NaCl by using electrochemical impedance testing and simulations. The surface chemical adsorption confirmation was carried out by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), supported by analysing the morphology of the surface before and after the immersion testing by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) real-time imaging within one week of immersion. The benzimidazole film-forming coating exhibited good anticorrosion properties, providing an adherent protection film on AA 2024-T3 samples comparing with bare cladded AA 2024-T3, with a cost-effective and easy application process. Full article

This paper describes a design approach to a control system of power supply for high-voltage electrochemical processes such as plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) or high-voltage anodising (HVA), which require alternating polarisation pulses up to 750 V and a typical current density of 50–500 mA/cm². Complex characteristics of the electrochemical system response on applied polarisations (positive or negative) cause necessity of precise control of polarising pulse shapes for better process operation and its understanding. A device performs cycle-by-cycle pulse-width modulation (PWM) control, including feedback based on digital analysis of the instantaneous current and/or voltage output, and the desired pulse waveform stored in memory for each output polarity. The output stage has four states corresponding to positive or negative pulses, as well as open- or short-circuit conditions, with respect to an electrochemical cell. A fully programmable controller allows one to generate arbitrary waveforms, as well as their sequences, by means of “regime designer” software. Moreover, a smart feedback system can provide adaptation of the next pulse parameter from analysis of the process prehistory. For instance, this approach allows one to separate main electrochemical process (coating formation) and diagnosis of the phenomenon through introduction of high-voltage triangular voltage sweep pulse within a pause of the main process, which is normally carried out under a current control. Full article

Nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) has become one of the most promising nanomaterials in optical biosensing as a result of its unique physical and chemical properties. Many studies have demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of NAA for developing optical biosensors in combination with different optical techniques. These results reveal that NAA is a promising alternative to other widely explored nanoporous platforms, such as porous silicon. This review is aimed at reporting on the recent advances and current stage of development of NAA-based optical biosensing devices. The different optical detection techniques, principles and concepts are described in detail along with relevant examples of optical biosensing devices using NAA sensing platforms. Furthermore, we summarise the performance of these devices and provide a future perspective on this promising research field. Full article