Search Results (50)

The development of lightweight, low-cost, and high-performance non-precious metal electrocatalytic electrodes is critical to advancing the practical implementation of methanol and urea oxidation reactions (MOR and UOR) in next-generation energy conversion systems. Herein, we reported a facile synthesis of a W-Se co-modified porous Ni/Cu paper electrode (W-NiSe/Cu_p) via synchronous pulse electrodeposition onto filter paper-derived porous Cu foil. The hierarchical porosity and high specific surface area originated from the paper template, while synergistic electronic modulation among Ni, W, and Se enhanced intrinsic catalytic activity. At 0.8 V, the W-NiSe/Cu_p electrode delivered current densities of 298 mA·cm⁻² (MOR) and 305 mA·cm⁻² (UOR) with a lower-mass loading, representing 1.29-fold and 1.34-fold enhancements over the Ni/Cu_p electrode. Furthermore, the electrode exhibited exceptional durability: under chronopotentiometry operation at 100 mA·cm⁻² in a 6-fold-concentrated electrolyte (6 M KOH + 3.0 M CH₃OH + 1.98 M CO(NH₂)₂), the operating potentials retained 95.74% (MOR) and 118.05% (UOR) of their initial values after 9 h. This study offers a novel strategy for designing lightweight non-precious metal catalytic electrodes for portable energy devices and also verifies the broad potential of biomass templates in constructing advanced energy electrocatalytic materials. Full article

Pulse-reverse electrodeposition was investigated as a route to reduce Au consumption while maintaining coating continuity and corrosion performance in thin Ni/Au finishes. A pulse-plated Ni barrier layer with an average thickness of approximately 4.45 μm was first prepared on brass, followed by Au deposition from a potassium dicyanoaurate-based electrolyte containing a cobalt additive. Pulse frequency, duty cycle, forward current density, and reverse current density were evaluated with respect to Au thickness, surface morphology, corrosion potential, roughness, and electrochemical impedance. The processing window was selected hierarchically by requiring an Au thickness of 0.3–0.6 μm, a relatively noble corrosion potential, a compact surface with few visible defects, low roughness, and a consistent impedance response; charge-transfer resistance was not treated as the sole criterion. Within the present bath, substrate, electrode geometry, and power-supply configuration, 800 Hz, 22% duty cycle, 0.11 A·dm⁻² forward current density, and −0.004 A·dm⁻² reverse current density provided the most balanced overall response. Full article

Cu-Ni co-deposit electrodes were prepared and tested in an undivided cell for the electrochemical removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions. Pulsed electrodeposition (PED) under a dynamic hydrogen bubble template and direct electrodeposition (DE) techniques were used for synthetizing porous nickel- and copper-based cathodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses showed dendritic and cauliflower-like deposits with a uniform distribution of nickel and copper on the electrode surface, both using flat and foam nickel supports. The PED technique on nickel foam generated highly porous Cu-Ni coatings, with the largest electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) among all the investigated electrodes. Electrolysis in alkaline solutions containing nitrates was performed in an undivided cell in potentiostatic mode. The selectivity towards N₂ was strongly dependent on both copper loading and applied potential; in particular, the foam electrode containing about 23% Cu showed very low ammonia production even at the highest cathodic overpotential, evidencing its marked preference for nitrogen formation. The process performed in the undivided cell using foam-supported Cu-Ni cathodes enabled 100% of conversion of nitrate to molecular nitrogen within approximately 7 h, allowing the complete denitrification of the water. Full article

To overcome active site blockage and poor interfacial contact in traditional syntheses, PtNi bimetallic nanoparticles were grown in situ on a microporous carbon paper via pulse electrodeposition. Firstly, the impact of deposition potential was investigated. The results indicate that the deposition potential significantly modulates the surface Pt⁰/Pt²⁺ ratio; concurrently, a shift toward more negative potentials intensified nanoparticle agglomeration. The effects of the duty cycle were investigated at an optimal deposition potential of −0.95 to −0.4 V. A duty cycle of 30% yielded the optimal Pt⁰/Pt²⁺ ratio. Furthermore, TEM revealed a coexisting strain profile of bulk PtNi lattice contraction and localized expansion at peripheral Pt (111) facets. This synergistic tuning of surface valence and strain optimizes the thermodynamic balance between oxygen adsorption and intermediate desorption on Pt sites. In summary, the optimal catalyst, prepared at a deposition potential of −0.95 V and a duty cycle of 30%, showed the best reaction behavior in the oxygen reduction reaction with an initial onset potential of 0.92 V (vs. RHE). After 5000 cycles of testing, the catalyst showed a constant durability, with the onset potential degrading only marginally to 0.87 V. This work successfully demonstrates that the surface morphology and valence states of the catalyst can be effectively tailored by regulating the pulse voltage and duty cycle. Full article

Modern bioimplants increasingly depend on surface-engineered functionality to elicit adaptive biological responses. One promising strategy involves the electrodeposition of bioresponsive elements such as magnesium (Mg), which plays a critical role in osseointegration. In this study, we present a novel approach for modifying anodized zirconia nanotubes (ZrNTs) via Mg decoration using electrochemical deposition. A controlled pulsed cathodic linear sweep protocol was employed to control Mg deposition behaviour, enabling reduced clustering and improved spatial distribution. Notably, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was found to influence Mg adsorption dynamics, revealing a distinct pattern of interaction. Comprehensive surface characterization was conducted to assess nanotube morphology, Mg adherence, and distribution. These modified surfaces were subsequently evaluated for their potential in further functionalization, targeting surface chemistries conducive to biomaterial viability. The biomineralization capacity of Mg-decorated ZrNTs was systematically investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel analysis, demonstrating enhanced apatite formation and improved corrosion resistance. This work establishes Mg decoration of ZrNTs as a viable route for developing bioactive, corrosion-resistant implant surfaces. Full article

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a sustainable route for solar-to-hydrogen conversion, yet its large-scale deployment is often hindered by energy-intensive and costly fabrication processes for semiconductor photoelectrodes. Electrodeposition provides an attractive alternative owing to its solution-based, low-temperature, and scalable nature; however, the relationship between electrochemical deposition parameters and photoelectrode functionality remains insufficiently understood. Herein, we systematically investigate system-level control in electrodeposition for photoelectrode synthesis using BiVO₄ photoanodes and CuO/Cu₂O photocathodes as model systems. By modulating deposition potential, current density, and electrical control modes, we elucidate how interfacial ion dynamics and growth kinetics govern film morphology, phase evolution, and PEC performance. DC electrodeposition establishes a baseline structure–performance relationship governed by precursor concentration and current density, while pulsed operation enables decoupling of nucleation and growth, leading to refined nanostructures and enhanced photocurrent responses. Further incorporation of reverse-pulsed potentials provides dynamic interfacial reset, enabling precise control over porosity and grain connectivity. The optimized BiVO₄ photoanodes fabricated under tailored reverse-pulsed conditions exhibit improved photocurrent density compared to continuously deposited counterparts. The insights presented here provide practical guidelines for rationally engineering high-performance, scalable, and environmentally benign photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting. Full article

High-performance electrical contact materials are crucial for electric power systems, new energy vehicles, and rail transportation, as their properties directly impact the reliability and safety of electronic devices. Enhancing these materials not only improves energy efficiency but also offers notable environmental and economic advantages. However, traditional composite contact materials often suffer from poor dispersion of the reinforcing phase, which restricts further performance improvement. Graphene (G), with its unique two-dimensional structure and exceptional electrical, mechanical, and tribological properties, is considered an ideal reinforcement for metal matrix composites. Yet, its tendency to agglomerate poses a significant challenge to achieving uniform dispersion. To overcome this, the study introduces a dual approach: modulation of the zeta potential (ζ) in the silver-plated liquid to enhance G’s dispersion stability, and concurrent optimization of the composite electrodeposition process. Experimental results demonstrate that this synergistic strategy enables the uniform distribution of G within the silver matrix. The resulting silver–graphene (Ag-G) composite coatings exhibit outstanding overall performance at both micro and macro levels. This work offers a novel and effective pathway for the design of advanced electrical contact materials with promising application potential. Full article

A novel process for the synthesis of binder-free, porous nickel/polythiophene-functionalized sulfur (Ni/S-PTh) composite cathodes for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is introduced in this paper. Initially, a polyvinyl butyl polymer scaffold is 3D printed, then coated with a graphite-based conducting layer, and, finally, it is pulse-plated for nickel deposition to produce a high-surface-area, mechanically stable current collector. S-PTh particles are afterwards co-deposited into the Ni matrix through composite electrodeposition. After the dissolution of the polymer template, the resulting self-standing electrodes still maintain porous structure with uniform sulfur distribution and a distinct transition between the dense Ni layer and the Ni/S-PTh composite layer. Electrochemical characterization of the Ni/S-PTh composite cathodes by galvanostatic cycling at C/10 rate results in an initial specific discharge capacity of ~1120 mAh·g⁻¹ and a specific capacity of ~910 mAh·g⁻¹ after 200 cycles, resulting in a high capacity retention of ~81 %. For our novel approach, no steps at high temperatures or toxic solvents are involved and the need for polymer binders and conductive additives is avoided. These results demonstrate the potential of composite electrodeposition in combination with 3D printing for producing sustainable, high-performance sulfur cathodes with tunable architecture. Full article

Lifetimes of Ag/AgCl electrodes determine whether it is possible to monitor the concentration of chloride ions in marine concrete structures. A novel manufacturing method, pulse current electrodeposition at a low current density, was proposed to prepare the long-lifetime Ag/AgCl electrode. Influences of electrodeposition duration were investigated on the Nernst response, exchange current density, and lifetime of Ag/AgCl electrodes, and the properties were also compared to those of the ones electrodeposited by applying constant currents. Ag/AgCl electrodes prepared with the pulse current exhibited a wider potential response, a higher exchange current density, and a longer lifetime than those prepared by the constant current under the same equivalent charge transfer conditions. AgCl film on the electrode prepared with the pulse current displayed a thicker layer, a lower density of micropores, a higher Cl/O ratio, and a lower Ag/Cl ratio than those of its counterpart electrodeposited by applying the constant current. The lifetime of the Ag/AgCl electrode was mainly determined by the thickness of AgCl films in the concrete environment. The lifetimes of the Ag/AgCl electrode, which was prepared with a 0.1 mA cm⁻² pulse current for 15 h, were 420 h in pore solution and more than 3500 h in mortar, respectively. In addition, the potential of this Ag/AgCl electrode did not show any significant decrease after 3500 h in the mortar without Cl⁻. The results suggest that pulse current electrodeposition is an effective method to improve the lifetimes of Ag/AgCl electrodes in concrete. Full article

Electro-oxidation of ammonia has emerged as a promising route for sustainable energy conversion and pollutant mitigation. In this study, we report the facile fabrication of dendritic Cu@Pt core–shell nanostructures electrodeposited on pencil graphite, forming an efficient electrocatalyst for the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR). The designed electrocatalyst exhibited high catalytic activity towards AOR, achieving high current density at very low potentials (−0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl), with a lower Tafel slope of 16.4 mV/dec. The catalyst also demonstrated high electrochemical stability over 1000 potential cycles with a regeneration efficiency of 78%. In addition to catalysis, Cu@Pt/PGE facilitated very sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of ammonia nitrogen by differential pulse voltammetry, providing an extensive linear range (1 μM to 1 mM) and a low detection limit of 0.78 μM. The dual functionality of Cu@Pt highlights its potential in enhancing ammonia-based fuel cells and monitoring ammonia pollution in aquatic environments, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable energy and environmental technologies. Full article

This study develops a one-pot anodic templating electrodeposition strategy using dual-cation-crosslinking and interpenetrating networks, coupled with pulsed electrical signals, to fabricate a vessel-mimetic multilayered tubular hydrogel. Typically, the anodic electrodeposition is performed in a mixture of sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), with the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid calcium disodium salt hydrate (EDTA·Na₂Ca) incorporated to provide a secondary ionic crosslinker (i.e., Ca²⁺) and modulate the cascade reaction diffusion process. The copper wire electrodes serve as templates for electrochemical oxidation and enable a copper ion (i.e., Cu²⁺)-induced tubular hydrogel coating formation, while pulsed electric fields regulate layer-by-layer deposition. The dual-cation-crosslinked interpenetrating hydrogels (CMC/SA-Cu/Ca) exhibit rapid growth rates and tailored mechanical strength, along with excellent antibacterial performance. By integrating the unique pulsed electro-fabrication with biomimetic self-assembly, this study addresses challenges in vessel-mimicking structural complexity and mechanical compatibility. The approach enables scalable production of customizable multilayered hydrogels for artificial vessel grafts, smart wound dressings, and bioengineered organ interfaces, demonstrating broad biomedical potential. Full article

The corrosion resistance of nickel–titanium nitride (Ni/TiN) composites is significantly influenced by the operation parameters during the jet pulse electrodeposition (JPE) process. The effect of current density, jet rate, TiN concentration, and duty cycle impact on the anti-corrosion property of Ni/TiN composites were investigated and optimized using the response surface method (RSM). After the optimization of the operation parameters, the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites decreased from 9.52 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm² to 4.63 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm². The corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites decreased initially and then increased with an increase in current density, jet rate, TiN concentration, and duty cycle. During the jet electrodeposition process, the influence of the duty cycle on the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites was comparatively insignificant, whereas the concentration of TiN had a significant effect on the corrosion current. The error rate between the predicted value and the measured result from the corrosion current of Ni/TiN composites was only 0.64%, indicating the high accuracy of fitting the model. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the optimized Ni/TiN composites comprised significant Ti content, fine nickel gain, and a compact, smooth structure. In addition, the electrochemical measured results demonstrated that the optimized Ni/TiN composites possessed a low self-corrosion current and high self-corrosion potential. These findings show that the optimized composites have a substantially greater corrosion resistance compared to two other unoptimized Ni/TiN composites. Full article

In this work, iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF—Prussian blue) particles have been grown onto a reduced graphene oxide substrate through a pulsed electrodeposition process. Thus, the prepared FeHCF electrode exhibits a specific volumetric capacitance of 88 F cm⁻³ (specific areal capacitance of 26.6 mF cm⁻²) and high cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 93.7% over 10,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles in a 1 M KCl electrolyte. Furthermore, two identical FeHCF electrodes were paired up in order to construct a symmetrical supercapacitor, which delivers a wide potential window of 2 V in a 1 M KCl electrolyte and demonstrates a large energy density of 27.5 mWh cm⁻³ at a high power density of 330 W cm⁻³. Full article

Ni–W alloys have received considerable interest as a promising structural material for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) due to their exceptional properties, including hardness, ductility, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. However, the electrodeposition of Ni–W alloys in the MEMS fabrication process to achieve intact structures with a thickness of several tens of micrometers is challenging due to the occurrence of cracking caused by side reactions and internal stresses during the electrodeposition process. To address this issue, our focus was on pulsed reverse electrodeposition (PRE) as a potential solution. The utilization of the PRE technique allows for a high concentration of reactive species on the electrode surface, thereby mitigating side reactions such as hydrogen generation. In this study, we examined the effects of the PRE method on the morphological characteristics, average crystal grain size, Vickers hardness, and micro-mechanical properties of Ni–W alloys. Full article

This paper focuses on the development of electroplating on 150 mm wafer level for microsystem technology applications from 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMImCl) with Aluminumtrichloride (AlCl₃). The deposition was carried out on 150 mm wafers with Au or Al seed layers deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD). The electrodeposition was carried out using pattern plating. On the Au seed layer, bipolar pulse plating was applied. Compared to the Au seed layer, the electrodeposition on the Al seed layer was favorable, with lower current densities and pulsing frequencies. Utilizing the recurrent galvanic pulses and avoiding ionic liquid convection, inhomogeneities lower than 15% were achieved with a laboratory plating cell. One major aspect of this study was the removal of the native Al oxide prior to deposition. It was investigated on the chip and wafer levels using either current- or potential-controlled removal pulses. This process step was affected by the plasma treatment of the wafer, thus the surface free energy, prior to plating. It turned out that a higher surface free energy hindered proper oxide removal at a potential of 3 V. The theory of oxide breakdown based on electrostriction force via the electrical field was applied to discuss the findings and to derive conclusions for future plating experiments. Full article