Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “ELECTRODEPOSITION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Carbon quantum dots coated BiVO{sub 4} inverse opals for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) coated BiVO{sub 4} inverse opal (io-BiVO{sub 4}) structure that shows dramatic improvement of photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation has been fabricated using electrodeposition with a template. The io-BiVO{sub 4} maximizes photon trapping through slow light effect, while maintaining adequate surface area for effective redox reactions. CQDs are then incorporated to the io-BiVO{sub 4} to further improve the photoconversion efficiency. Due to the strong visible light absorption property of CQDs and enhanced separation of the photoexcited electrons, the CQDs coated io-BiVO{sub 4} exhibit a maximum photo-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.35%, which is 6 times higher than that of the pure BiVO{sub 4} thin films. This work is a good example of designing composite photoelectrode by combining quantum dots and photonic crystal.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Magnetization mechanisms in ordered arrays of polycrystalline Fe{sub 100−x}Co{sub x} nanowires

Magnetization reversal processes and coercivity mechanisms in polycrystalline Fe{sub 100−x}Co{sub x} nanowire arrays, resulting from an AC electrodeposition process, are investigated. The array coercivity is described on the basis of polarization reversal mechanisms operating in individual wires, under the effect of inter-wire dipolar interactions described by a mean field approximation. For individual wires, a reversal mechanism involving the nucleation and further expansion of domain-wall like spin configuration is considered. The wires have a mean grain size larger than both the nanowire diameter and the exchange length, so localized and non-cooperative nucleation modes are considered. As the Co content increases, the alloy saturation polarization gradually decreases, but the coercive field and the relative remanence of the arrays increase, indicating that they are not controlled by the shape anisotropy in all the composition range. The coercive field dependence on the angle between the applied field and the wire long axis is not well described by reversal mechanisms involving nucleation and further displacement of neither vortex nor transverse ideal domain walls. On the contrary, the angular dependence of the coercive field observed at room temperature is well predicted by a model considering nucleation of inverse domains by localized curling, in regions smaller than the grain size, exhibiting quite small aspect ratios as compared to those of the entire nanowire. In arrays with higher Co contents, a transition from an initial (small angle) localized curling nucleation mechanism to another one, involving localized coherent rotation is observed at about π/4.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Defect-dependent carrier transport behavior of polymer:ZnO composites/electrodeposited CdS/indium tin oxide devices

Currents through the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) and ZnO nanoparticles (PEDOT:PSS:ZnO)/CdS/indium tin oxide (ITO) hetero-structures are studied. The authors introduced the electrodeposition technique with sulfide treatment to improve the film quality of CdS. It is shown that sulfide treatment leads to a reduction in the number of donor-like defects (that is, sulfur vacancies and cadmium interstitials) in the CdS films, which leads to the conversion of carrier transport behavior from Poole-Frenkel emission to thermionic emission-diffusion for PEDOT:PSS:ZnO/CdS/ITO devices. A correlation is identified for providing a guide to control the current transport behavior of PEDOT:PSS:ZnO/CdS/ITO devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Process dependent thermoelectric properties of EDTA assisted bismuth telluride

Comparison between the structure and thermoelectric properties of EDTA (Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) assisted bismuth telluride prepared by electrochemical deposition and hydrothermal route is reported in the present work. The prepared samples have been structurally characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction spectra (HRXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopic images (HRTEM). Crystallite size and strain have been determined from Williamson-Hall plot of XRD which is in conformity with TEM images. Measurement of transport properties show sample in the pellet form (S{sub 1}) prepared via hydrothermal route has higher value of thermoelectric power (S) than the electrodeposited film (S{sub 2}). But due to a substantial increase in the electrical conductivity (σ) of the film (S{sub 2}) over the pellet (S{sub 1}), the power factor and the figure of merit is higher for sample S{sub 2} than the sample S{sub 1} at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of bath temperature on structure, morphology and thermoelectric properties of CoSb{sub 3} thin films

CoSb{sub 3} thin films are deposited on conducting glass substrates (FTO) by electrodeposition at different bath temperatures (60°C, 70°C and 80°C) and the resulting influence of the bath temperature on the structure, morphology and electrical properties of films is investigated. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of CoSb{sub 3} phase in the films. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that different morphologies ranging from branched nano-flakes to nano-needles evolve as bath temperature increases. It is concluded that a growth temperature of 80°C is suitable for producing CoSb{sub 3} films with such properties that show potential feasibility for thermoelectric applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Development and evaluation of a collection apparatus for recoil products for study of the deexcitation process of {sup 235m}U

The nucleus {sup 235m}U is an isomer with extremely low excitation energy (76.8 eV) and decays dominantly through the internal conversion (IC) process. Because outer-shell electrons are involved in the IC process, the decay constant of {sup 235m}U depends on its chemical environment. We plan to study the deexcitation process of {sup 235m}U by measuring the energy spectra of IC electrons in addition to the decay constants for various chemical forms. In this paper, the preparation method of {sup 235m}U samples from {sup 239}Pu by using alpha-recoil energy is reported. A Collection Apparatus for Recoil Products was fabricated, and then collection efficiencies under various conditions were determined by collecting {sup 224}Ra recoiling out of {sup 228}Th electrodeposited and precipitated sources. The pressure in the apparatus (vacuum or 1 atm of N{sub 2} gas) affected the variations of the collection efficiencies depending on the negative voltage applied to the collector. The maximum values of the collection efficiencies were mainly affected by the thickness of the {sup 228}Th sources. From these results, the suitable conditions of the {sup 239}Pu sources for preparation of {sup 235m}U were determined. In addition, dissolution efficiencies were determined by washing collected {sup 224}Ra with solutions. When {sup 224}Ra was collected in 1 atm of N{sub 2} gas and dissolved with polar solutions such as water, the dissolution efficiencies were nearly 100%. The method of rapid dissolution of recoil products would be applicable to rapid preparation of short-lived {sup 235m}U samples for various chemical forms.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2016

Facile fabrication of novel silver-polypyrrole-multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for replacement of platinum in dye-sensitized solar cell

This paper demonstrates the facile synthesis of high performance silver-polypyrrole-multiwall carbon nanotubes (Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS) nanocomposites via electrodeposition method on stainless steel substrate and its application as a low cost counter electrode (CE) for the precious platinum (Pt) free DSSC. The nanocomposites were characterized by variety of techniques such as Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Four probe technique respectively. The cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polymerization measurements of Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS nanocomposites CE reveal the favorable electrocatalytic activity and low charge transfer resistance R{sub ct}(2.50 Ω cm{sup 2}) for I{sub 3}{sup −}/I{sup −} redox solution. The four probe studies showed the large electrical conductivity (226S cm{sup −1}) of Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS nanocomposite. The DSSC assembled with Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS nanocomposites CE display the considerable short circuit current density (13.95 mA cm{sup −2}) and acceptable solar to electrical conversion efficiency of 7.6%, which is higher to the efficiency of DSSC with thermally decomposed Pt reference electrode 7.1%. The excellent conversion efficiency, rapid charge transfer in combination with low cost and simple fabrication method of Ag-PPy-FMWCNTS nanocomposites can be exploited as an efficient and potential candidate to replace the Pt CE for large scale production of DSSC.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Controlled compositional gradients of electroformed gold and silver

Motivated by an interest in high-pressure research, thick (>1 mm) compositionally graded gold/silver (Au/Ag) films were electroformed. Systematic studies were performed to understand the role of processing temperature on the nucleation and growth kinetics and associated microstructure. Furthermore, as the electrolyte composition is continuously changing during the experiment, systematic studies were performed to correlate electrochemical parameters with film morphology and composition. In this work, the results showed that the nucleation pathways and relative deposition rate of Au and Ag are heavily dependent on the processing temperature. A procedure to ramp the temperature while continuously pumping an Au electrolyte into an initial Ag electrolyte to produce the graded film is presented. The obtained film is comprised of a segment of pure Au followed by a complete compositional gradient and ending with a segment of pure Ag across 1.5 mm. The results presented here describe a general framework to fabricate gradients of other materials through electrodeposition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Metallic Nanocomposites as Next-Generation Thermal Interface Materials

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are an integral and important part of thermal management in electronic devices. The electronic devices are becoming more compact and powerful. This increase in power processed or passing through the devices leads to higher heat fluxes and makes it a challenge to maintain temperatures at the optimal level during operation. Herein, we report a free standing nanocomposite TIM in which boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) are uniformly dispersed in copper matrices via an organic linker, thiosemicarbazide. Integration of these metal-organic-inorganic nanocomposites was made possible by a novel electrodeposition technique where the functionalized BNNS (f-BNNS) experience the Brownian motion and reach the cathode through diffusion, while the nucleation and growth of the copper on the cathode occurs via the electrochemical reduction. Once the f-BNNS bearing carbonothioyl/thiol groups on the terminal edges come into the contact with copper crystals, the chemisorption reaction takes place. We performed thermal, mechanical, and structural characterization of these nanocomposites using scanning electron microcopy (SEM), diffusive laser flash (DLF) analysis, phase-sensitive transient thermoreflectence (PSTTR), and nanoindentation. The nanocomposites exhibited a thermal conductivity ranging from 211 W/mK to 277 W/mK at a filler mass loading of 0-12 wt.percent. The nanocomposites also have about 4 times lower hardness as compared to copper, with values ranging from 0.27 GPa to 0.41 GPa. The structural characterization studies showed that most of the BNNS are localized at grain boundaries - which enable efficient thermal transport while making the material soft. PSTTR measurements revealed that the synergistic combinations of these properties yielded contact resistances on the order of 0.10 to 0.13 mm2K/W, and the total thermal resistance of 0.38 to 0.56 mm2K/W at bondline thicknesses of 30-50 um. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the nanocomposite is 11 ppm/K, which lies between the CTEs of aluminum (22 ppm/K) and silicon (3 ppm/K), which are common heat sink and heat source materials, respectively. The nanocomposite can also be deposited directly on to heat sink which will simplify the packaging processes by removing one possible element to assemble. These unique properties and ease of assembly makes the nanocomposite a promising next-generation TIM.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Plasma Reflection in Multigrain Layers of Narrow-Bandgap Semiconductors

Qualitatively similar spectral characteristics of plasma-resonance reflection in the region of 15–25 μm were obtained for layers of electrodeposited submicron particles of InSb, InAs, and GaAs and plates of these semiconductors ground with M1-grade diamond powder. The most narrow-bandgap semiconductor InSb (intrinsic absorption edge ∼7 μm) is characterized by an absorption band at 2.1–2.3 μm, which is interpreted in terms of the model of optical excitation of electrons coupled by the Coulomb interaction. The spectra of a multigrain layer of chemically deposited PbS nanoparticles (50–70 nm) exhibited absorption maxima at 7, 10, and 17 μm, which can be explained by electron transitions obeying the energy-quantization rules for quantum dots.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Evolution of microstructural disorder in annealed bismuth telluride nanowires

Controlling the distribution of structural defects in nanostructures is important since such defects can strongly affect critical properties, including thermal and electronic transport. However, characterizing the defect arrangements in individual nanostructures is difficult because of the small length scales involved. Here, we investigate the evolution of microstructural disorder with annealing in electrochemically deposited Bi2Te3 nanowires, which are of interest for thermoelectrics. We combine Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) to provide the necessary spatial and orientational resolution. We find that despite their large initial grain sizes and strong Formula crystallographic texturing, the as-deposited nanowires still exhibit significant intragranular orientational disorder. Annealing drives both grain growth and a significant reduction in the intragranular disorder. The results are discussed in the context of the existing understanding of the initial microstructure of electrodeposited materials and the understanding of annealing microstructures in both electrochemically deposited and bulk-deformed materials. Finally, this analysis highlights the importance of assessing both the grain size and intragranular disorder in understanding the microstructural evolution of individual nanostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Future of Nuclear Energy: Electrochemical Reprocessing of Fuel Takes Center Stage

Nuclear power plants use energy-dense fuel and provide dependable baseload energy without generating greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these advantages, the long-term management of used nuclear fuel (UNF) remains a key challenge due to its lifetime (hundreds of thousands of years) and radiotoxicity. The components of UNF that contribute the most to this challenge are the actinide elements. A potential solution to this issue is to separate these radioisotopes from the bulk of the UNF and recycle them as fuel in advanced nuclear reactors. These separations can be achieved using electrochemical reprocessing, which employs electrochemical conversion and electrodeposition in a high-temperature molten salt electrolyte medium to separate the actinides from UNF. In this work, we review the current status, fundamental challenges, and future prospects of electrochemical reprocessing as they relate to UNF recycling.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Transition of Iodine Analysis to Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

The goal of the project, New Paradigms for Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry: Raising the Scientific Profile and Improved Performance for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS), is to ensure that the ongoing isotope ratio determination capability within the U.S. Department of Energy complex is the world’s best for application to nonproliferation. This report spells out the progress of Task 4, Transition of TIMS to AMS for Iodine Analysis, of the larger project. The subtasks under Task 4 and the accomplishments throughout the three year project life cycle are presented in this report. Progress was made in optimization of chemical extraction, determination of a detection limit for 127Iodine, production of standard materials for AMS analysis quality assurance, facilitation of knowledge exchange with respect to analyzing iodine on an AMS, cross comparison with a world-leading AMS laboratory, supercritical fluid extraction of iodine for AMS analysis and electrodeposition of seawater as a direct method of preparation for iodine analysis by AMS--all with the goal of minimizing the time required to stand up an AMS capability for iodine analysis of exposed air filters at INL. An effective extraction method has been developed and demonstrated for iodine analysis of exposed air filters. Innovative techniques to accomplish the cathode preparation for AMS analysis were developed and demonstrated and published. The known gap of a lack of available materials for reference standards in the analysis of iodine by AMS was filled by the preparation of homogenous materials that were calibrated against NIST materials. A minimum limit on the amount of abundant isotope in a sample was determined for AMS analysis. The knowledge exchange occurred with fantastic success. Scientists engaged the international AMS community at conferences, as well as in their laboratories for collaborative work. The supercritical fluid extraction work has positive data, but is not a replacement for leaching yet. The added seawater work has led to a good method and a possible publication. The focus of this project was to minimize the time to stand up the AMS capability, by having all the preparation and supporting functions worked out ahead of the instrument arrival. Due to all the preparatory work and its success, the instrument was delivered and turned over to the INL in February 2015. Since then, INL scientists have been successfully vetting the capabilities and accomplishing their own measurements that agree well with the leading laboratories of the world for iodine analysis by AMS. Initially, all AMS data was gathered on other laboratories instruments, but during the last six months data for this project has come from INL’s AMS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Voltammetry Method Evaluation

The purpose of the ANL MPACT Voltammetry project is to evaluate the suitability of previously developed cyclic voltammetry techniques to provide electroanalytical measurements of actinide concentrations in realistic used fuel processing scenarios. The molten salts in these scenarios are very challenging as they include high concentrations of multiple electrochemically active species, thereby creating a variety of complications. Some of the problems that arise therein include issues related to uncompensated resistance, cylindrical diffusion, and alloying of the electrodeposited metals. Improvements to the existing voltammetry technique to account for these issues have been implemented, resulting in good measurements of actinide concentrations across a wide range of adverse conditions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fractal Nanostructured Solar Selective Surfaces for Next Gen Concentrating Solar Power (Final Report)

This project reports a novel coating with enhanced solar absorptance and reduced thermal emittance with high efficiency at elevated temperature for next-generation concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, with targeted operating temperatures around 750°C. Highly textured single and multimetallic oxide coatings were electrodeposited onto Inconel substrate by systematically varying the composition and process parameters. The optimized coating exhibited micro-to-nano structures designed to match the wavelengths in the visible region of the solar spectrum. These structures facilitate resonant absorption of solar radiation, significantly boosting solar absorption and accommodating thermal stress during high temperature exposure. A high solar absorptance exceeding 0.985 and a low thermal emittance below 0.5, yielding a thermal efficiency near 95%, was achieved for the optimized coatings without any anti-reflective overcoat, that remained robust after 750 h of isothermal exposure to 750°C in air. The coatings are also robust to severe mechanical and environmental stressors. The innovative approach presented in this study demonstrates the potential for tailoring air-stable solar absorber coatings to achieve high absorption, low emittance, and excellent high-temperature endurance, meeting the rigorous demands of next-generation CSP systems. A technoeconomic analysis reveals the economic advantage of the coatings for Gen3 CSP installations in different geographical zones globally.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries via Electrochemical Recovery: A Mini-Review

With the rising demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), it is crucial to develop recycling methods that minimize environmental impacts and ensure resource sustainability. The focus of this short review is on the electrochemical techniques used in LIB recycling, particularly electrochemical leaching and electrodeposition. Our summary covers the latest research, highlighting the principles, progress, and challenges tied to these methods. By examining the current state of electrochemical recovery, this review intends to provide guidance for future advancements and enhance LIB recycling efficiency.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effects of Bi Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline Ag Coatings

Here in this study we investigated the effects of Bi addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an electrodeposited nanocrystalline Ag coating. Microstructural features were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the addition of Bi introduced nanometer-scale Ag-Bi solid solution particles and more internal defects to the initial Ag microstructures. The anisotropic elastic-plastic properties of the Ag nanocrystalline coating with and without Bi addition were examined with nanoindentation experiments in conjunction with the recently-developed inverse method. The results indicate that the as-deposited nanocrystalline Ag coating contained high mechanical anisotropy. With the addition of 1 atomic percent (at%) Bi, the anisotropy within Ag-Bi coating was very small, and yield strength of the nanocrystalline Ag-Bi alloy in both longitudinal and transverse directions were improved by over 100% compared to that of Ag. On the other hand, the strain-hardening exponent of Ag-Bi was reduced to 0.055 from the original 0.16 of the Ag coating. Furthermore, the addition of Bi only slightly increased the electrical resistivity of the Ag-Bi coating in comparison to Ag. Lastly, results of our study indicate that Bi addition is a promising method for improving the mechanical and physical performances of Ag coating for electrical contacts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Synthesis of Manganese Hydroxide Nanowire Arrays for a High-Performance Zinc-Ion Battery

The morphology, microstructure as well as the orientation of cathodic materials are the key issues when preparing high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). In this paper, binder-free electrode Mn(OH)2 nanowire arrays were facilely synthesized via electrodeposition. The nanowires were aligned vertically on a carbon cloth. The as-prepared Mn(OH)2 nanowire arrays were used as cathode to fabricate rechargeable ZIBs. The vertically aligned configuration is beneficial to electron transport and the free space between the nanowires can provide more ion-diffusion pathways. As a result, Mn(OH)2 nanowire arrays yield a high specific capacitance of 146.3 Ma h g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. They also demonstrates ultra-high diffusion coefficients of 4.5 × 10−8~1.0 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 during charging and 1.0 × 10−9~2.7 × 10−11 cm−2 s−1 during discharging processes, which are one or two orders of magnitude higher than what is reported in the studies. Furthermore, the rechargeable Zn//Mn(OH)2 battery presents a good capacity retention of 61.1% of the initial value after 400 cycles. This study opens a new avenue to boost the electrochemical kinetics for high-performance aqueous ZIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗