Apparato e metodo per il recupero di rame a partire da scarti di dispositivi elettrici ed elettronici

Il brevetto riguarda un metodo ed il relativo dispositivo per il recupero di rame metallico puto da RAEE

Nanostructures of Lanthanide Oxy/Hydroxides Obtained by Metal Displacement Deposition

PVA-based acidic hydrogel electrolyte

Study of a Novel Electrochemical Method for Copper Recovery from Waste Printed Circuit Boards

This study was carried out to recover copper from printed circuit boards of waste computers through an electrochemical process. To simplify the overall recovery process, large pieces of printed circuit boards were used instead of pulverized samples. In particular, these large pieces were directly used as an anode for copper electrorefining. For this purpose, electronic components and solder mask were initially removed from the boards. The electronic components can be treated separately to recover precious metals using various methods. The removal of solder mask was necessary to expose copper layers to the electrolytic solution and it was removed by a chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide…

Fabrication of Nanostructured Ni and Ni-Pd electrodes for wateralkaline electrolyzer

In the last years many attention has been dedicated to the increase of performance of Nichel based electrodes to use in water-alkaline electrolyzes. In our preliminary work we have shown that alkaline electrolyzer made with Ni nanowires covered with IrO2 (side oxygen evolution) nanoparticles and a Ni sheet (side hydrogen evolution) have very good and stable performance also at room temperature [1]. In this work, to obtain a complete nanostructured electrolyzer, the attention was focused on the fabrication of electrodes for hydrogen evolution. In particular, by metal displacement deposition we have grown on Ni nanowires electrodes, nanoparticles of Pd with the aim to enhance the electrocatal…

ELECTROCHEMICAL PREPARATION OF CERIUM OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES

Growth and photoelectrochemical behavior of electrodeposited ZnO thin films for solar cells

Electrodeposition and Photo-electrochemical behaviour of CIGS Thin Films and Nanowires arrays for Solar Cell

Nanostructures Fabrication by Template Deposition in Anodic Alumina Membranes

Photoelectrochemistry in corrosion studies: achievements and perspectives

Copper nanowires as higly sensitivite electrode for nitrate ions in water

Agricultural and livestock sectors are the main sources of nitrate ions contamination in water and foodstuff. [1]. High nitrate concentration is dangerous for both environment (algae overgrowth) and human health. Nitrate ions can be converted in different harmful nitrogen based compound such as NO2-, NO, N-nitroso compounds [2] that are responsible of several diseases such as cancer, Parkinson [3-4]. For these reasons, the Environmental Protection Agency, has established the maximum amount of nitrate ions in drinkable water at 44 mg/l, limit that is valid in many European countries [5]. Generally, spectroscopy techniques are the most used because allow to carry out analyses with high precis…

Elettrodeposizione di leghe nanostrutturate a base di stagno

Naporous alumina membranes grown electrochemically: fabrication and modification by metal deposition

Ultrafast lead-acid battery with nanostructured Pb and PbO2 electrodes

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are still extensively used in the field of energy storage, owing to a well-known and reliable technology. LABs can deliver high power and store energy for a very long time. In addition, they are reliable and easy to produce. The raw materials for their manufacture are practically unlimited, and about 95% of the materials can be recovered and reused. However, the lower specific energy storage (about 30-40 Wh kg-1), in comparison with other storage systems, limits their use in the most emerging and challenging applications, like electrical mobility, due to the high atomic weight of lead [1]. One of the principal limitations in the use of LABs in electric vehicles (E…

Co-Deposition and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan and Hydroxyapatite-Polyvinylacetate Coatings on 304 SS for Biomedical Devices

During the last decades, biomaterials have been deeply studied to perform and improve coatings for biomedical devices. Metallic materials, especially in the orthopedic field, represent the most common material used for different type of devices thanks to their good mechanical properties. Nevertheless, low/medium resistance to corrosion and low osteointegration ability characterizes these materials. To overcome these problems, the use of biocoatings on metals substrate is largely diffused. In fact, biocoatings have a key role to confer biocompatibility properties, to inhibit corrosion and thus improve the lifetime of implanted devices. In this work, the attention was focused on Hydroxyapatit…

Calcium phosphate/polyvinyl acetate coatings on SS304 via galvanic co-deposition for orthopedic implant applications

Abstract In this work, the galvanic deposition method is used to deposit coatings of brushite/hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl acetate on 304 stainless steel. Coatings are obtained at different temperatures and with different sacrificial anodes, consisting of a mixture of brushite and hydroxyapatite. Samples are aged in a simulated body fluid (SBF), where a complete conversion of brushite into hydroxyapatite with a simultaneous change in morphology and wettability occurred. The corrosion tests show that, compared with bare 304, the coating shifts Ecorr to anodic values and reduces icorr Ecorr, and icorr has different values at different aging times due to chemical interactions at the solid/liquid i…

Preparation of Pd coated anodic alumina membranes for gas separation media

Different procedures of Pd electroless deposition onto anodic alumina membranes were investigated to form a dense metal layer covering pores. The main difficulty was related to the amorphous nature of anodic alumina membranes, determining low chemical stability in solutions at pH > 9, where Pd plating works more efficiently. As a consequence, it was necessary to find the operative conditions allowing Pd deposition without damaging the membrane: to reduce alumina dissolution, the plating bath was buffered at pH 8.5 by addition of either NaHCO 3 or Na 2 B 4 O 7 ·H 2 O. Acceptable conversion of Pd was found after a deposition time of 3 min. Single and multiple deposition steps (each lasting 3 …

Electrodeposition and Caracterization of Nanostructured Ni and Ni-IrO2

Reduced graphene oxide decorated with metals nanoparticles electrode as electrochemical sensor for dopamine

Dopamine (DA) is one of the most important neurotransmitters that influences the processes that involve memory, sleep, mood, learning among others [1]. In fact, in the last years, dopamine concentration in human body fluids has been related to some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer's diseases [2]. The possibility to have a bio-marker for these disease is of extreme importance because, disease related with dementia, are diagnosed when they are already developed and their management become almost impossible. The possibility to continuously monitor DA level in fluids, such as blood and urine, could accelerate the early diagnosis of these diseases. The principal analyt…

Characterization of Sn-Co nanowires grown into alumina template

Nanowires of Sn-Co alloys were grown inside the channels of anodic alumina membrane by potentiostatic deposition. The scanning electron microscope images showed the formation of cylindrical nanowires whose height was increasing with deposition time. The X-ray patterns did not show significant diffraction peaks, suggesting the formation of amorphous phases. The higher content of Co in the nanowires, in comparison to the initial composition of the electrolytic bath, was attributed to a higher rate of Co electrodeposition. These nanowires seem to possess specific features suitable for innovative application in the field of Li-ion batteries due to their dimensional stability and high specific s…

ELECTROCHEMICAL H2O2 SENSORS BASED ON Pd and Cu NANOSTRUCUTERS

In the last decades, with the fast improvement of electronics, the field of sensors is highly expanding. The basic idea of sensors is to detect something and then trigger a corresponding action. This simple, but very important, concept can be used in different fields: from chemical industries to farms, from the environmental monitoring [1] to a point of care analysis [2]. Currently, talking about sensing of chemical species, different techniques are used, such as Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), IR spectroscopy, redox titration and so on. Despite they are highly efficient in …

Electrodeposition and ILGAR process to obtain Ni-In2S3 core-shell nanowires

NANOSTRUCTURED ANODE MATERIAL FOR Li-ION BATTERY OBTAINED BY GALVANIC PROCESS

The accumulation of energy by batteries plays a fundamental role for the production of electrical energy and for its efficient management. Between different storage systems the lithium-ion battery are considered very interesting. Although they are now a well-established commercial reality, they are still subject of vigorous research efforts, in order to make improvements primarily in terms of costs, safety and energy density. The latter is in fact still low compared to that of fossil fuels, if you think to the automotive field. In particular efforts are focused towards the identification of valid alternatives to the electrode materials so as to overcome the limitations and extend the use of…

Template electrosynthesis of aligned Cu2O nanowires Part I. Fabrication and characterization

Large arrays of aligned copper oxide nanowires were produced by electrodeposition, using anodic alumina membranes as template. We have studied the effect of two fundamental parameters involved in fabrication process: potential perturbation and bath composition. Performing electrodeposition from a copper acetate/sodium acetate bath (pH 6.5), we found that chemical composition of nanowires varied in dependence on the shape of the applied potential perturbation: pure copper oxide nanowires were produced by pulsed potential, whilst continuous electrodeposition resulted in a co-deposition of Cu and Cu2O. In a copper lactate bath, buffered at pH 10, the shape of perturbation did not influence the…

Laser surface treatments for adhesion improvements of aluminium alloys structural joints

Abstract Laser technology is proposed as a friendly alternative treatment to chemicals involved in conventional prebonding adherend treatments. Aluminium alloy 2024 substrates were laser treated with different beam diameters and energy densities, and bonded using a structural epoxy adhesive. The influence of irradiation conditions on adherends morphology and adhesive joints’ fracture energy was investigated. On the basis of different morphologies observed, an explanation of the effect of the surface treatment upon joint mechanical behaviour is attempted.

Nanostructured Based Electrochemical Sensors.

In this work, we present some results concerning the electrochemical behavior of nanostructured-based electrochemical sensors. In particular, the attention has been focused on Pd and Cu nanowires for detection of hydrogen peroxide and NiO thin film or Ni@NiO core–shell nanowires for detection of mercury ions. Ordered array of Pd and Cu nanowires was obtained through displacement deposition reaction in a commercial polycarbonate membrane acting as a template. The method leads to stable nanostructured electrodes of Pd and Cu with high surface area. For the detection of mercury ions, we have fabricated a Ni/NiO electrochemical sensor, obtained by mild thermal oxidation of Ni-foil. Some results…

Photocurrent spectroscopy of thin passive films

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews theoretical background on the photoelectrochemistry of metal and semiconductor electrodes on which photocurrent spectroscopy (PCS) relies, by focusing particularly on new features that are typical of the photoelectrochemical behavior of thin passive films and usually absent in the behavior of bulk crystalline semiconductors. The chapter also highlights the advantages of PCS in getting in situ information on the structure of the metal-passive-film-electrolyte systems and shows a more recent quantitative use of this technique in characterizing the composition of passive films. The formation of a protective film on a metallic surface is a key step in esta…

Nanostructured Ni–Co alloy electrodes for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolyzer

Abstract Ni–Co alloy nanostructured electrodes with high surface area were investigated both as a cathode and anode for an alkaline electrolyzer. Electrodes were obtained by template electrosynthesis at room temperature. The electrolyte composition was tuned in order to obtain different NiCo alloys. The chemical and morphological features of nanostructured electrodes were evaluated by EDS, XRD and SEM analyses. Results show that electrodes with different composition of Ni and Co, made of nanowires well anchored to the substrate, were obtained. For both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, electrochemical and electrocatalytic tests, performed in 30% w/w KOH aqueous solution, were carried…

Investigation of electrodeposited ZnO thin films as transparent conducting oxide for application in CIGS-based solar cells

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials applied to energy devices

Amorphous semiconductor—electrolyte junction. Energetics at the a-WO3—electrolyte junction

In order to elucidate the influence of thickness and amorphous structure on the kinetics of electron exchange with redox couples in solution, a critical re-examination of the energetics at the amorphous anodic WO3 films (a-WO3)—electrolyte junction has been performed, based on a recent theory of amorphous semiconductor (a-SC) Schottky barrier. The admittance study of the barrier performed in a large interval of electrode potential at changing frequency and film thickness allowed the determination of the energy levels as well as the distribution of localized electronic states within the mobility gap of the films. The new energetic picture derived is able to explain some features of the kinet…

Influence of the crystallization process on the photoelectrochemical behaviour of anodic TiO2 films

On the basis of kinetic and photoelectrochemical studies we show that the formation of amorphous or strongly disordered TiO2 films on electropolished titanium rods can occur upon anodization in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution in a range of thickness which depends on the anodization rate. This finding is confirmed both by the changes in the shape of the photocurrent vs. potential curves with the energy of the incident photons, and by the impedance behaviour of the junction. Our data indicate that TiO2 films having different degree of disorder are formed depending on the anodization rate and oxide thickness. Crystalline films are formed at very low growth rates since very low thicknesses. Amorphous or s…

Deposition of very thin uniform indium sulfide layers over metallic nano-rods by the Spray-Ion Layer Gas Reaction method

Abstract Very thin and uniform layers of indium sulfide were deposited on nickel nano-rods using the sequential and cyclical Spray-ILGAR® (Ion Layer Gas Reaction) technique. Substrates were fabricated by electrodeposition of Ni within the pores of polycarbonate membranes and subsequent chemical dissolution of the template. With respect to the depositions on flat substrates, experimental conditions were modified and optimized for the present geometry. Our results show that nano-rods up to a length of 10 μm were covered uniformly along their full length and with an almost constant film growth rate, thus allowing a good control of the coating thickness; the effect of the deposition temperature…

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Electrodes for Innovative Lead Acid Batteries

In vitro corrosion and biocompatibility of brushite/hydroxyapatite coatings obtained by galvanic deposition on 316LSS

Corrosion behavior and cytotoxicity was reported for mixed brushite (BS)/hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings deposited on 316LSS substrate through a displacement reaction. Corrosion tests, carried out in a simulated body fluid, showed that in comparison with bare 316L, coating shifts Ecorrto anodic values and reduces icorreven if oscillations were observed, which were explained in terms of the chemical interactions at the solid/liquid interface. Cell biocompatibility of the coating was investigated through osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1, evidencing the absence of any cytotoxicity Taken together, the results show that galvanic deposition is a simple and cost-effective method for producing bioactiv…

Electrochemical Fabrication of Sn-Co Nanowires in Anodic Alumina Templates

Electrochemical deposition of CZTS thin films on flexible substrate

Solar cells based on semiconductor thin films are emerging as alternative to silicon;however,the materials giving the highest efficiency,CdTe and CuInGaSe,contain toxic (Cd) and rare (In) elements.In this field,the challenge is to substitute In and Cd with abundant and non-toxic elements without lowering the high efficiency achieved with these technologies.Compounds based on copper,zinc,tin and sulfur (CZTS) are potentially promising materials,because they present all the above listed features.Among the different methods to obtain CZTS,the electrochemical route appears of great interest because easy to conduct.Up to date,the literature shows that non-uniformity in composition and/or the pre…

ChemInform Abstract: Photoelectrochemical Study of Electrochemically Formed Semiconducting Yttrium Hydride (YH3-x).

Abstract The first photoelectrochemical study of semiconducting YH 3− x films formed by etching bulk Y metal in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solution is reported. The formation of semiconducting hydride having an indirect optical band gap, E g opt , of about 2.35 eV is confirmed by in situ photocurrent spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical behaviour of such a phase was investigated both in alkaline and in acidic solutions. The flat band potential was estimated to be U fb =−1.25 V/NHE, independent of pH.

Controlled solution-based fabrication of perovskite thin films directly on conductive substrate

Abstract Organometallic perovskites are one of the most investigated materials for high-efficiency thin-film devices to convert solar energy and supply energy. In particular, methylammonium lead iodide has been used to realize thin-film perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency higher than 20%. Different fabrication procedures based on the spin-coating technique have been proposed, which do not ensure homogenous morphologies. In this work, we present a scalable process to fabricate methylammonium lead iodide thin films directly on conductive substrates, consisting of electrodeposition and two subsequent chemical conversions. A thorough investigation of the morphological, structural an…

NANOWIRES AND THIN FILMS OF CIS/CIGS OBTAINED BY ELECTRODEPOSITION AS ABSORBER FOR SOLAR CELLS

Impedance spectroscopy characterization of functionalized alumina membranes

Abstract Anodic alumina membranes have been impregnated with a protonic conductor either by immersion or by vacuum permeation of a saturated aqueous solution of CsHSO4 for different times. Synthetized salt, obtained through the reaction of cesium carbonate with sulphuric acid (in excess), contained a small quantity of Cs2SO4. Unmodified membranes consist of amorphous Al2O3 with a regular distribution of pores (average diameter: 200 nm) and are stable up to 850 °C. Long impregnation times caused partial dissolution of alumina, with formation of Al(HSO4)3 on the front surfaces as well as into pore walls. From the frequency dispersion of the impedance, the “macroscopic conductivity” of membran…

Processo di produzione di filamenti nanometrici in lega amorfa Sn-Co

The photoelectrochemistry of thin passive layers. Investigation of anodic oxide films on titanium metal

Abstract A photoelectrochemical investigation has been performed on thin TiO2 films grown anodically in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution at high growth rates. The shape of the photocurrent vs. potential curves under monochromatic irradiation (photocharacteristics) depends on the photon energy of the incident light at energies above the optical band gap of the films (3.25 ± 0.05 eV). This finding has been explained by considering the presence of geminate recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In order to fit the experimental photocharacteristics, an expression for the photocurrent is proposed which takes into account the low drift range of photocarriers and possible recombination in th…

Porosity of anodic alumina membranes from electrochemical measurements

A procedure based on the high-field mechanism of the growth of anodic oxides was developed in order to evaluate the morphological features of porous layers. Since the thickness of the barrier film, separating the porous layer from the metal, does not change during the steady-state growth of an anodic porous layer, the rate of displacement of the metal-oxide interface to the metal direction must be equal to the rate of displacement of the pore base to the oxide direction. As a consequence, porosity can be expressed in terms of the ratio i diss/i ion, where i diss is the dissolution current density at the pore base, and i ion is the ionic current density at the metal-oxide interface. Pore dia…

Photo-electrochemical investigation of anodic oxide films on cast Ti–Mo alloys. I. Anodic behaviour and effect of alloy composition

Abstract The anodic behaviour of cast Ti–Mo alloys, having different Mo contents (6–20 wt.%), was investigated in acidic and neutral aerated aqueous solutions. All sample showed a valve-metal behaviour, owing to formation and thickening of barrier-type anodic oxides displaying interference colours. Growth kinetics of passive films is influenced by both anodizing electrolyte and composition of the starting alloy. This last parameter was found to change also the solid-state properties of the films, explored by photoelectrochemical and impedance spectroscopy experiments. Thicker films ( U f  = 8 V/MSE) grown on alloys richer in Mo showed more resistive character and a photocurrent sign inversi…

Nanoporous alumina membranes filled with solid acid for thin film fuel cells at intermediate temperatures

Thin film fuel cells have been fabricated by impregnation of inorganic porous membranes with inorganic proton conductor. Anodic alumina membranes (50 μm thick and pore diameter of 200 nm), filled with CsHSO4 salt have been used as protonic conductor in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell working between 423 and 443 K in dry atmosphere. Polarization curves at 433 K showing ohmic control with open circuit values near 0.8 V and short circuit current around 8 mA cm−2 have been obtained. Possible causes of degradation as well as alternative routes to overcome some of the problems encountered with this approach will be reported. Keywords: Solid acid, Anodic alumina membranes, Pore filling, Thin film fuel…

Composite Anodic Alumina /CsHSO4 Membranes for Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cell

Nanostructures of different oxides/hydroxides grown in nanoporous templates by electrochemical methods.

ChemInform Abstract: A Photocurrent Spectroscopic Study of the Initial Stages of Anodic Oxide Film Formation on Niobium.

Abstract An extensive electrochemical and photoelectrochemical investigation has been carried out with very thin anodic oxide layers grown on niobium metal in sulphuric acid solutions. From the experiments the presence of an initial suboxide layer on the metal surface was inferred. Upon anodic polarization a strongly non-stoichiometric pentoxide film is formed, which is subsequently oxidized to the normal amorphous pentoxide phase (a-Nb 2 O 5 ). The use of photocurrent spectroscopy (PCS) allowed this oxidation process to be followed at various potentials and polarization times. Moreover, from the experimental results we obtain information both on the composition and the solid-state structur…

Alternative aluminum pre-bonding surface treatments for the replacement of chromic acid anodizing

An electrochemical route towards the fabrication of nanostructured semiconductor solar cells

This work presents our preliminary results regarding an electrochemical process which allows the growth of nanostructured materials by means of nanopore templates. Also we analyze possible applications of this process to fabricate nanostructured semiconductors, such as CIGS, suitable for photovoltaic devices, and we consider the implications from the perspective of characterization techniques and device modelling when using such a technology.

SnCo nanowire array as negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Amorphous SnCo alloy nanowires (NWs) grown inside the channels of polycarbonate membranes by potentiostatic codeposition of the two metals (SnCo- PM ) were tested vs. Li by repeated galvanostatic cycles in ethylene carbonate-dimethylcarbonate – LiPF 6 for use as negative electrode in lithium ion batteries. These SnCo electrodes delivered an almost constant capacity value, near to the theoretical for an atomic ratio Li/Sn of 4.4 over more than 35 lithiation–delithiation cycles at 1 C. SEM images of fresh and cycled electrodes showed that nanowires remain partially intact after repeated lithiation–delithiation cycles; indeed, several wires expanded and became porous. Results of amorp…

Elettrodo al piombo, metodo per la sua realizzazione ed accumulatore comprendente l’elettrodo

High Efficiency Electrodes Based on Nanostructured Materials for Energy Devices

Fabrication and Characterisation of Perovskite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Application

This paper presents an alternative way to obtain perovskite thin films for photovoltaic application. This technique results more competitive, scalable, low-cost, reproducible and is different from other most common methods of fabrication.

Nanostructured materials for solar cells: electrochemical fabrication and characterization

Photoelectrochemical study of electrochemically formed semiconducting yttrium hydride (YH3−x)

Abstract The first photoelectrochemical study of semiconducting YH 3− x films formed by etching bulk Y metal in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solution is reported. The formation of semiconducting hydride having an indirect optical band gap, E g opt , of about 2.35 eV is confirmed by in situ photocurrent spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical behaviour of such a phase was investigated both in alkaline and in acidic solutions. The flat band potential was estimated to be U fb =−1.25 V/NHE, independent of pH.

Self-ordering of porous alumina by aluminium anodising

Ascorbic Acid determination using linear sweep voltammetry on flexible electrode modified with gold nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide

Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate electrode was modified with reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles by simple co-electrodeposition performed at -0.8 V vs SCE for 200 s. All samples were characterized by electron scan microscopy. The as prepared electrode was used as electrochemical sensor to selective detection of ascorbic acid using linear sweep voltammetry. Excellent results were obtained in a linear range from 20 to 150 µM of ascorbic acid with a limit of detection of about 3.1 µM (S/N=3.3). The sensors have a reproducibility of about 5.5% and also show high selectivity towards different interferents such as chlorine, calcium, ma…

Development of a nanostructured sensor for monitoring oxidative stress in living cells

Oxidative burden is elevated in the lung of COPD patients and is associated with aging and chronic inflammation. When overcoming physiological levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause cell damage and sustain inflammation. Both lung epithelium and alveolar macrophages contribute to ROS generation. Currently, ROS generation is measured using fluorescent probes and colorimetric/fluorimetric assays. We present an amperometric nanostructured sensor for real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released by living cells. The H2O2 sensing performance was evaluated through the current vs time response of platinum rod at a working potential of −0.45 V vs saturated calomel electrode acting as…

Template electrosynthesis of nanostructures for water electrolysis

Anodic oxide films on tungsten—I. The influence of anodizing parameters on charging curves and film composition

Abstract The formation of anodic films on tungsten has been studied in 1N solutions of H 2 PO 4 , H 2 SO 4 , HNO 3 , HClO 4 and HCl at different temperatures. The shape of the anodic charging curves depends on the electrolyte composition and on the temperature. The chemical composition of the films is strongly influenced by the working temperature. The first step of the anodization is the formation of a barrier film of amorphous WO 3 . The thickening of the oxide layer occurs on account of the WO 3 dissolution and following precipitation of sparingly soluble oxides on the electrode surface.

Chitosan-Coating Deposition via Galvanic Coupling

A galvanic method to deposit chitosan coatings on stainless steel substrate is reported. Deposition of suitable coatings is desired to improve biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of metallic medical devices to be implanted in human body. In the present work, a thin hydrogel layer of chitosan was deposited on 304SS by a galvanic displacement reaction, which is advantageous first as it does not require external power supply. 304SS was immersed into an aqueous solution of chitosan/lactic acid and electrochemically coupled with magnesium acting as a sacrificial anode. SEM images showed the formation of a uniform layer of chitosan with a thickness controlled by deposition time. Corrosion t…

Metodi elettrochimici per la preparazione di nanostrutture in membrane di allumina anodica

ChemInform Abstract: Electrical Breakdown and Pitting in Anodic Films on Tungsten in Halogen Ion-Containing Solutions.

Abstract The systematic investigation of the anodic behaviour of W in halogen ion-containing solutions reveals noticeable differences in the presence of different anions. Strong generalized dissolution is observed in fluoride solutions, the oxide growth being hindered at low anodizing current densities. Sparking phenomena occur in the presence of Br− and I− anions as in nitrate and sulphate solutions. Only in Cl− containing solutions is the growth of the anodic films limited by the occurrence of pitting phenomena at a critical thickness of the oxide. The laws of dependence of the phenomenon on the experimental parameters and the influence of ferrous ions on the voltage at which pitting occu…

Toward Tin-Based High-Capacity Anode for Lithium-Ion Battery

Electrochemical deposition of SnCo alloys inside the nanometric pores of commercial membranes is described. Composition, morphology and crystallographic structure of the synthesized nanostructured alloys are reported as well as the results of electrochemical tests carried out both in half-cell and in full battery configuration to investigate the performance of these SnCo alloys as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Optimized depositions yielded nanostructured alloys that performed 200 deep galvanostatic cycles at C/2 and 30 °C with 80 % capacity retention and coulombic efficiency higher than 97 % after 40 cycles Moreover, charge-discharge rate capability tests showed the high performance of …

CulnSe2/Zn(S,O,OH) junction on Mo foil by electrochemical and chemical route for photovoltaic applications

Electrodeposition is a convenient technique for the development of low cost materials for photovoltaic (PV) device processing. Using a single step electrodeposition route, several groups have fabricated CIS (CuInSe) and CIGS (CuInGaSe) films [1]. One of the most important requirements for successful application of one-step electrodeposition film formation, is the ability to control composition of the deposited films and to develop polycrystalline microstructures with a low surface roughness and high sintered density. In this preliminary work, CIS films were produced by single bath electrodeposition finding the optimal conditions in order to achieve a dense film with high crystallinity and u…

Amorphous semiconductor—electrolyte junction. Impedance study on the a-Nb2 O5—electrolyte junction

Abstract A systematic study of the impedance behaviour of the anodic niobium oxide film/aqueous electrolyte interface was carried out using the lock-in technique at different signal frequencies. The dependence of both components of the impedance on the electrode potential and on frequency is analysed by taking into account the amorphous nature of the films. The lack of long-range order in these oxide layers modifies the physical picture in respect to the case of single crystal semiconductors. A new equivalent circuit has been assumed, based on recent theory of an amorphous semiconductor Schottky barrier. Such a new approach allows the characterization of the interface and the determination …

Template electrosyntesis of CeO2 nanotubes

Nanotube arrays of CeO2 were produced in a single step by potentiostatic electrochemical deposition from a non-aqueous electrolyte, using anodic alumina membrane templates. The CeO2 nanotubes showed a polycrystalline structure, and they were assembled in the membrane nanochannels. The nanotubes had somewhat uniform diameters, with an average external value of about 210 nm, and a maximum length of about 60 µm; the latter parameter was controlled by the electrodeposition time. Each single nanotube was found to consist of crystalline grains having a size of about 3 nm. Raman analysis shows that these CeO2 nanotubes are suitable for catalytic applications.

Fabbricazione per via elettrochimica e caratterizzazione di membrane nanoporose di allumina

Nanostructured Material Fabrication for Energy Conversion

Performance of Nanostructured Electrode in Lead Acid Battery

Lead acid batteries have a large number of potential advantages, but the high weight of lead limits their use in new technologies, like hybrid or electrical cars, which require light batteries with high specific energy. We tried to overtake this limit with nanostructured electrodes of PbO2 and Pb, obtained by electrodeposition in polycarbonate template. In the case of lead, to obtain electrodes with very good mechanical stability, a systematic investigation of electrodeposition process was needed to overcome the formation of dendrites that is the principal limitation of electrochemical production of metal lead. Nanostructured electrodes were tested in a zero gap configuration, using commerc…

Ni alloy nanowires as high efficiency electrode materials for alkaline electrolysers

Abstract The fabrication and characterization of nickel-alloy electrodes for alkaline electrolysers is reported. Three different alloys (Ni–Co, Ni–Zn and Ni–W) at different composition were studied in order to determine the optimum condition. Nanostructured electrodes were obtained by template electrodeposition into a nanoporous membrane, starting from aqueous solution containing the two elements of the alloy at different concentrations. Composition of alloys can be tuned by electrolyte composition and also depends on the difference of the redox potential of elements and on the presence of complexing agents in deposition bath. Electrochemical and electrocatalytic tests, aimed at establishin…

Metal displacement deposition: a new route for template fabrication of metal and metal oxide nanostructures

Amorphous semiconductor-electrolyte junction

Abstract The photoelectrochemical behaviour of amorphous anodic films on niobium (a-Nb 2 O 5 ) grown in a wide range of thicknesses (20 ⩽ d ox ⩽ 25 nm) is presented. The influence of the wavelength, light intensity and film thickness on the photocharacteristics of the a-Nb 2 O 5 /electrolyte junction is investigated. Expressions for the photocurrent curves under steady-state conditions are derived by assuming a variable efficiency of photocarrier generation and different distributions of the electrical potential inside the amorphous films. The influence of the light intensity on the photocharacteristics and the existence of a sub-band-gap photoresponse are explained by assuming a finite den…

Photoelectrochemical Techniques in Corrosion Studies

Nanostructured Ni Based Anode and Cathode for Alkaline Water Electrolyzers

Owing to the progressive abandoning of the fossil fuels and the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration, the use of renewable energies is strongly encouraged. The hydrogen economy provides a very interesting scenario. In fact, hydrogen is a valuable energy carrier and can act as a storage medium as well to balance the discontinuity of the renewable sources. In order to exploit the potential of hydrogen it must be made available in adequate quantities and at an affordable price. Both goals can be potentially achieved through the electrochemical water splitting, which is an environmentally friendly process as well as the electrons and water are the only reagents. However, these devices stil…

Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of self-standing metal oxide nanostructures

Nanostructured electrodes for hydrogen production in alkaline electrolyzer

Abstract Ever-widespread employment of renewable energy sources, such as wind and sun, request the simultaneous use of effective energy storage systems owing to the intermittent and unpredictable energy generation by these sources. The most reliable storage systems currently under investigation are batteries and electrochemical cells for hydrogen production from water splitting. Both systems store chemical energy which can be converted on demand. The low power density is the weakness of the batteries while the high production cost limits currently the wide use of hydrogen from electrochemical water splitting. In this work, attention was focused on the use of nanostructured Ni as a cathode f…

Template Electrochemical Growth and Properties of Mo Oxide Nanostructures

This work is aimed at studying the growing process of nanostructures electrodeposited from molybdate aqueous solutions at different pH values into pores of polycarbonate membrane templates. The challenging issue was the opportunity to investigate a rather complex deposition process in a confined ambient, where electrochemical conditions are quite different from those usually established for deposition on a flat substrate. Nanostructures were grown from a bath containing Mo7O246– (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O) at different concentrations (50–100 g/L), at a constant cathodic current density of 2 mA/cm2 (electrodeposition area ∼8 cm2). Nanostructured deposit was characterized by XRD, EDS, Raman, XPS, and …

Nanostructured Material Fabrication for Energy Conversion

The electrochemical deposition is a suitable via to fabricate nanostructured materials for energy conversion, and for other purposes. This paper deals with the electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured alloys and ruthenium oxide, which can be used in Li-ion batteries and polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers.

Deposition and characterization of coatings of Hydroxyapatite, Chitosan, and Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan on 316L for biomedical devices

In the last decades, the scientific community has turned on great interest towards the development of increasingly performing biomedical systems. In the orthopedic field, biomedical devices are made up by metallic materials (mainly steel and titanium alloys), which have low/medium resistance to corrosion and a low osteointegration capacity when implanted inside the human body. This can lead to infection or inflammation that can damage the tissues surrounding the implant. The use of biocompatible coatings allows cancelling or mitigating these phenomena. The coating interposing between aggressive environment and biomedical device inhibits corrosion so limiting the metal ions release into the …

FLEXIBLE ELECTRODE BASED ON GOLD NANOPARTICLES AND REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE FOR URIC ACID DETECTION USING LINEAR SWEEP VOLTAMMETRY

In this work, an electrochemical sensor for uric acid determination is shown with a preliminary study for its validation in real samples (milk and urine). Uric acid can be electrochemically oxidized in aqueous solutions and thus it is possible to obtain electrochemical sensors for this chemical by means of this electrooxidation reaction. Indium tin oxide coated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate, modified with reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles by co-electrodeposition, was used. Electrodeposition was performed at -0.8V vs SCE for 200 s. All samples were characterized by electron scan microscopy and electron diffraction spectroscopy. A careful investigation on the ef…

Investigation of amorphous oxide film-electrolyte junctions by AC techniques

Current AC (alternating current) techniques are used often to characterize the energetics at a semiconducting solid phase/electrolyte interface. For thin layers having a strongly disordered or amorphous structure (such as oxide-passive layers anodically grown on valve metals), interpretative models currently used for crystalline semiconductors may produce misleading data. A new interpretation of the admittance data, based on recent models for amorphous semiconductors (a-Sc) Schottky barriers, is presented for passive films of Nb, W and Ti. The physical bases of the model are presented as well as its advantages and disadvantages. The new theory views the solid/electrolyte interface more sati…

Dismantling and electrochemical copper recovery from Waste Printed Circuit Boards in H2SO4–CuSO4–NaCl solutions

Abstract The worldwide growing of electrical and electronic equipment makes increasingly urgent to find environmentally friendly treatments for e-waste. In this paper, the attention has been focused on i) the eco-friendly dismantling of the electronic components from Waste Printed Circuit Boards and ii) recovering of pure metallic copper, which is the most abundant metal and one of the most valuable in Printed Circuit Boards. After an experimental optimization study, we found that a solution containing 0.5 M H2SO4, 0.4 M CuSO4, and 4 M NaCl can be successfully used to disassemble the electronic components from the boards by leaching of all exposed metals. Air was blown into the leaching sol…

Nanostructured anode material for Li-ion batteries

The present paper focuses on a nanostructured SnCo alloy electrochemically prepared by template method in view of its use as anode material alternative to graphite in lithium-ion batteries. The fabrication of SnCo nanowire arrays was carried out by potentiostatic co-deposition of the two metals by using nanostructured anodic alumina membranes as template. Electrochemical tests on lithiation-delithiation of these SnCo electrodes in conventional organic electrolyte (EC:DMC LiPF6) at 30°C showed that their specific capacity was stable for about the first 12 cycles at a value near to the theoretical one for Li22Sn5 and, hence, progressively decayed.

Electrodeposition of lead dioxide nanowires with a high aspect ratio

Semiempirical Correlation between Optical Band Gap Values of Oxides and the Difference of Electronegativity of the Elements. Its Importance for a Quantitative Use of Photocurrent Spectroscopy in Corrosion Studies

A semiempirical correlation between the optical band gap of binary oxides and the difference of electronegativity between the oxygen and metallic elements (Pauling's extraionic energy) is proposed. In the frame of the proposed correlation an estimate of the repulsive term in the total lattice energy of ionic oxides is obtained in very good agreement with the existing data. An extension of the correlation to the ternary oxides and hydroxides is proposed by using the concept of average cationic or anionic group electronegativity. The usefulness of the proposed correlation for the in situ characterization of passive films on metals and alloys by photocurrent spectroscopy is illustrated by repo…

Novel acidic hydrogel electrolytes based on PVA and PVA blends

Optimized bath for electroless deposition of palladium on amorphous alumina membranes

A new bath for the electroless deposition of palladium on anodic alumina (AA) membranes is proposed. It was found that the optimal conditions for the uniform deposition of palladium, with minimal damage to the AA membranes, were under conditions of pH 8.4 and plating times shorter than 30 min. The deposited Pd layer was detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The morphology of the AA membrane before and after plating was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). EDX analysis revealed that palladium was deposited only on the surfaces of the membrane and Sn ions, coming from the sensitizing bath, were incorporated into the palladium layer. EDTA in…

Fabrication of Metal Oxide Nano-structured electrodes by Template Electrosynthesis

Metodo di realizzazione di un elettrodo ad elevata densità energetica ed elettrodo ottenibile con tale metodo

Nanostructured Electrochemical Devices for Sensing, Energy Conversion and Storage

Nanomaterials are very promising to enhance device performances for sensing, sustainable energy production, and energy conversion and storage, as extensively reported in the literature [1-3]. In this field, one of the most severe challenge is to find suitable methods for fabricating nanomaterials. Over the years, numerous preparation methods were proposed in the literature, but not all of them are easily scalable and economically advantageous for industrial application. In this context, electrochemical deposition in template is a facile method for fabricating either two- or one-dimensional nanostructured materials because it allows to easily adjust the fundamental parameters controlling the…

Photo-Electrochemical Investigation of Anodic Oxide Films on cast Ti-Mo Alloys

Electrochemical and chemical synthesis of CIS/Zn(S,O,OH) for thin film solar cells

In this work, we are reporting results on the electrodeposition of the CuInSe2 thin films on molybdenum thin foil substrates. We have used an aqueous non-buffered electrolyte and a careful choice of deposition parameters to ensure a good quality and composition of the deposited films. In addition, CdS was replaced in the buffer layer with a wider bandgap Zn(S,O,OH) film obtained by chemical bath deposition. The deposited films were annealed in inert atmosphere at different temperatures. The influence of annealing temperature on the properties of the films is briefly discussed. Films were also characterized by photoelectrochemical and I-V measurements. Structural characterization was carried…

A new route to grow oxide nanostructures based on metal displacement deposition. Lanthanides oxy/hydroxides growth

Abstract A metal displacement reaction has been used in order to cause precipitation of oxide nanostructures within pores of anodic alumina membrane (AAM) templates. Here, we focus on the displacement deposition of LnO/OH (Ln = La, Ce, Sm, Er) nanostructures using Zn as sacrificial anode, employing a specific cell arrangement where a galvanic couple was formed between zinc anode and the Au thin layer covering template pore bottom. Progress of displacement deposition reaction into template channels was monitored measuring the open circuit potential as well as pH changes of the electrolyte. A progressive de-activation of the anode surface was observed for long deposition times, caused by depo…

The effect of thickness on the composition of passive films on a Ti–50Zr at% alloy

Abstract Anodic films were grown potentiodynamically in different electrolytes (pH = 1–14) on a Ti–50Zr at% cast alloy, obtained by fusion in a voltaic arc under argon atmosphere. The thickness of the films was varied by changing formation potential from the open circuit potential up to about 9 V; growth was followed by 30 min stabilization at the forming potential. Films having different thicknesses were characterized by photocurrent spectroscopy (PCS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, film composition was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Regardless of the anodizing conditions, passive films on the Ti–50Zr at% alloy consist of a single layer mix…

Preparation and characterization of anodic alumina membranes modified by electroless deposition of Pd

Fabbricazione e caratterizzazione di elettrodi di PbO2 nanostrutturati

Nanostructured lead acid battery for electric vehicles applications

This paper presents an innovative lead acid battery, based on nanostructured active materials. Both charging time and specific energy are greatly enhanced in comparison with commercial lead acid battery. Starting from the extremely valuable performances of the nanostructured battery, also a circuital model, for application in electric vehicle traction, has been specifically developed. The circuital model has demonstrated that an enhanced nanostructured battery allows an increase of traveled distance by electric vehicles.

Developing a procedure to optimize electroless deposition of thin palladium layer on anodic alumina membranes

In recent years, the increased demand for hydrogen in many industrial applications, like petrochemical and semiconductor processing, and sustainable energy (fuel cells) has led to a renewed interest in methods for separation and purification of hydrogen from gas mixtures. In particular, palladium-based membranes have been the subject of many studies, due to their potential use as hydrogen-selective membranes for gas separation or purification [1,2]. Owing to the high cost of palladium and in order to increase the flow rate of hydrogen, composite membranes, formed by a thin layer of palladium deposited on a porous support, are largely preferred to thick self-standing metal membranes. Differe…

Nanostructured surfaces of aluminium alloys for fabricating adhesive bonded joints

A viable path toward a high energy density anode for lithium-ion batteries

Nickel-Indium Sulphide Core-Shell Nonostructures Obtained by Spray-ILGAR Deposition

Ni nanowires (NWs) of different lengths were fabricated by pulsed potentiostatic deposition within pores of polycarbonate membranes. After template dissolution, substrates underwent sequential Spray-ILGAR® depositions of thin indium sulphide films. The effect of deposition temperature was also investigated. For low number of deposition cycles, results showed complete and uniform covering of metal over the entire length of NWs, with formation of Ni - In2S3 core-shell structures. However, with increasing number of deposition cycles films became uneven and crusty, especially at higher temperatures, owing to the simultaneous formation of nickel sulfide. This drawback was almost eliminated doubl…

Influence of initial treatments of aluminium on the morphological features of electrochemically formed alumina membranes

Abstract The fabrication of alumina membranes by electrochemical oxidation of annealed aluminium was investigated. Porous layers were grown in 0.4 M H3PO4 at −1 and 5 °C at different anodising times. The morphology of the outer surface was found to be dependent on temperature and charge density, with both determining the extent of chemical dissolution of the anodic oxide. The inner-surface morphology was found to depend on the applied voltage only. The chemical dissolution rate of anodic oxide grown on annealed aluminium was found to be lower than that formed on unannealed aluminium under otherwise identical conditions. Such a difference in behaviour is explained in terms of a higher finish…

ChemInform Abstract: Electrical and Mechanical Breakdown of Anodic Films on Tungsten in Aqueous Electrolytes.

Abstract Different types of breakdown are reported to occur during the galvanostatic growth of WO3 films in different aqueous electrolytes. Stresses inside the growing film cause the occurrence of cracks at a critical thickness which varies with the anodizing solution. The electrical breakdown is caused by avalanche ionization of the electronic current inside the film. The influence of the different experimental parameters on both the mechanical and the electrical breakdown voltages is discussed. For the electrical breakdown a model is proposed which explains the dependence of the sparking voltage on the electrolyte resistivity by assuming a double layer effect on the oxygen evolution react…

Photoelectrochemical characterization of Cu2O-nanowire arrays electrodeposited into anodic alumina membranes

Perfectly aligned nanowire arrays of polycrystalline Cu2O were grown by template-pulsed electrodeposition from a cupric acetate-sodium acetate bath into anodic alumina membranes (AAM). The photoelectrochemical behavior of arrays with different nanowire lengths (0.5 mu m and 2 mu m) was investigated in neutral solution, and the results compared to those pertaining to Cu2O films grown with the same procedure. Although all samples displayed the same indirect bandgap (similar to 1.9 eV), differences were observed both in photocurrent intensity and sign. The latter changed with potential and wavelength in different ways for nanowires and films, revealing a different defect concentration in the t…

Template Electrosynthesis of SnCo Nanowire Arrays for Lithium-ion Batteries

Pb-PbOHCl Composite Nanowires Synthesized by Galvanic Deposition in Template

In this paper, we report a detailed study on the synthesis of composite nanowires of Pb-PbOHCl via galvanic deposition into the pores of a membrane acting as a template. PbOHCl deposition quantitatively occurs as the solution pH exceeds the value of about 4.12. Simultaneously, owing to the galvanic coupling, electro-deposition of lead occurs, so composite nanowires were formed. The role of different parameters controlling the kinetic evolution of the process, such as oxygen bubbling, solution pH, surface area and type of sacrificial anode were investigated one at a time. The results suggest that every modification accelerating the alkalization of the solution inside the template pores favor…

A semiempirical correlation between the optical band gap of hydroxides and the electronegativity of their constituents

In analogy with previous results on anhydrous oxides, a correlation is proposed between the optical band gap of hydroxides and the electronegativities of their constituents. Based on the experimental results on passive hydrated layers on metals obtained in our laboratory and the literature data, it is found that the hydroxide band gap varies with the square of the difference between the electronegativities of the metallic cation and the hydroxyl group. Like in the case of anhydrous oxides, two different interpolation lines have been found forsp-metal andd-metal hydroxides, respectively. The proposed correlations predict semiconducting or insulating behavior even for the most electronegative…

GROWTH AND PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ELECTRODEPOSITED ZnO THIN FILMS FOR SOLAR CELLS

Thin zinc oxide films were deposited potentiostatically from zinc nitrate aqueous solutions on ITO substrates. The influence of experimental parameters (temperature, electrolyte concentration, deposition potential) on structure and morphology of films was investigated. Deposited films were generally polycrystalline in structure, even if growth according to preferential planes occurs in certain conditions. The effect of thermal treatments in air at 150 and 350 °C was also studied. In some cases, Cl species were incorporated into deposit by adding zinc chloride to the electrolyte. A photoelectrochemical investigation, performed in neutral solution before and after thermal treatment, gives mor…

Metodo Per l’Accrescimento di Nanostrutture in Silicio E Dispositivo Elettrico Comprendente Tali Nanostrutture

Anodic alumina membranes modified by electroless deposition of Pd and Ni

Monodimensional Amorphous SnCo Arrays As High Performing Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Nanostructured Pd-AAM composite membranes

Nanostructured anode and cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Fabrication of CIS and CIGS nanowires for application in micro-photovoltaic device

Ni/NiO thin film Sensors for Mercury ions detection by Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry

Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) is considered a very interesting electrochemical method for heavy metals detection in comparison to conventional techniques [1]. The main features of this technique are the high sensitivity and reproducibility (standard deviation lower than 5%), besides, the limit of detection is in the ppb level so is comparable with standard techniques such as AAS or ICP, the instrumentation is very inexpensive and easy to use and the detection time is very low. Among heavy metals, mercury is one of the most toxic for both environment and humans. In fact, it may cause serious health problems to brain, kidney and DNA. The concentration limit imposed by US En…

THIN ZNS FILMS OBTAINED BY ELECTRODEPOSITION AS BUFFER FOR SOLAR CELLS

In situ characterization of passive films on al-ti alloy by photocurrent and impedance spectroscopy

Abstract The anodic behaviour of an Al-Ti alloy (Ti-48Al-1V, atomic %) was investigated in different aqueous electrolytes. In all cases the alloy was passive owing to the growth of a barrier-like oxide film according to the high field mechanism. The study of the growth curves suggests partial dissolution of the film during the formation process in acidic solution. The kinetic parameters for film formation have been estimated in neutral solutions and the dielectric constant of the passive layer was roughly estimated. The in-situ characterization of the passive film revealed a n-type behaviour only for very low thicknesses, whilst thicker films showed insulator-like characteristics. The analy…

ChemInform Abstract: Photoelectrochemical Characterization of Thin Anodic Oxide Films on Zirconium Metal.

Abstract The effect of metal surface preparation on the properties of thin oxide films grown on zirconium in different electrolytes was investigated by photocurrent spectroscopy. Both passive layers grown by free corrosion of the samples in a solution and thin oxides grown anodically at a constant rate were investigated. The photoelectrochemical results give a complex picture of the interface, being influenced by the metal surface preparation, the solution pH and the electrode potential. A duplex structure of the films has been suggested on the basis of the photocurrent spectra, with an external hydrous layer (amorphous or strongly defective) having an optical gap ( E g 2 ~ 3 eV) lower resp…

Template Fabrication of Nano-Structures using Anodic Alumina Membranes

The influence of experimental parameters on the morphology of the porous structure and on the formation kinetics has been investigated for anodic alumina membranes (AAM) grown in aqueous H3PO4 at 160 V. It was found that pore aspect ratio and membrane porosity on the solution-side surface are influenced by tensiostatic charge, bath temperature and the presence of Al3+ ions in solution. Morphological and kinetic data, recorded in different conditions, give useful information on the growth mechanism of pore channels in phosphoric acid solution. Nickel nano-structures have been fabricated using AAM as ternplate.

Sintesi per via elettrochimica di nanowires di leghe Co-Sn

Laser surface treatments for adhesion improvements of alluminium alloys structural joints

Behavior Modification of Nanostructured PbO2 Electrodes in Lead Acid Batteries Changing Electrolyte Concentration and Separator

Currently, lead acid battery is extensively investigated owing to its prevalent use as a startinglighting and ignition device. An essential role for electrochemical reactions is played by the surface area available for conversion reactions and a possible approach is the use of nanostructured electrodes. In this work, lead dioxide nanostructured electrodes were tested in order to investigate the dependence of the charge and discharge behaviour on some parameters such as electrolyte concentration, and a new type of thin separator. In this last case, it is possible to reduce the size of the cell by using a very thin separator comparable to the nanostructured electrode thickness. Besides, a low…

Metal Displacement Deposition: a facile via to grow metal and metal oxide nanostructures

Nanostructured materials have received increasing attention because of their high chemical reactivity that allows an extensive use in many fields, like catalysis, electrosynthesis, sensors, and so on [1]. Taking into account that size plays a fundamental role for the properties of nanostructures, it is of relevant importance for their applications to develop a facile method of synthesis. In our previous works, we have described a template synthesis of metal nanowires through a simple novel route [2-4]. In particular, using a combination of template deposition and metal displacement reaction, we have fabricated pure metal nanowires with a well-defined morphology. This type of template synthe…

Electrochemical sensor based on rGO/Au nanoparticles for monitoring H2O2 released by human macrophages

Abstract Increased oxidative burden contributes to the pathogenesis of most inflammatory diseases and is associated with aging and chronic inflammation. Macrophages contribute to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within inflamed tissues. Currently, ROS generation is measured using fluorescent probes and colorimetric/fluorimetric biochemical assays. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffuses through the cell membrane and can be monitored in the extracellular space. Herein, we present a sensor for H2O2 detection released by cells in culture supernatants. H2O2 sensing performance was evaluated using chronoamperometric detection. A sensitivity of 0.0641 μA μM−1 cm−2 with a limit of detecti…

Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured Ni–IrO2 electrodes for water electrolysis

Abstract Nanostructured Ni–IrO2 electrodes were fabricated by electrodeposition in a two-step procedure: first arrays of nickel nanowires (NWs) were electrodeposited within pores of polycarbonate (PC) membranes, then iridium oxide nanoparticles were deposited on the Ni metal after membrane dissolution, for improving the catalytic activity. The aim was to compare performance of these electrodes with traditional ones consisting of Ni film. Different methods of deposition of the IrO2 electrocatalyst were investigated and the effect on electrodes stability and activity is discussed. Despite a low coverage of Ni NWs by the electrocatalyst, results indicate a faster kinetics of O2 evolution in 1 …

Photoelectrochemical investigation of passive layers formed on Fe in different electrolytic solutions

Abstract The passive films formed on Fe in different electrolytic solutions, spanning almost the overall pH range, and with different growth procedures were investigated systematically by photocurrent spectroscopy. The potentiodynamic growth curves are compared both in aerated and de-aerated electrolytes and a potentiostatic growth procedure is also employed. For high positive formation potentials, similar anodic spectra are recorded in all solutions giving an optical gap very close to that expected for crystalline Fe2O3. The origin of photocurrent spikes is also investigated and the effect of the formation potential upon the measured absorption threshold is discussed taking into account th…

Nanostructured PbO2 electrode for lead-acd batery

Copper nanowire array as highly selective electrochemical sensor of nitrate ions in water

Contamination of water with nitrate ions is a significant problem that affects many areas of the world. The danger from nitrates is not so much their toxicity, rather low, as their transformation into nitrites and in particular into nitrosamines, substances considered to be a possible carcinogenic risk. For this reason, European legislation has set the maximum permissible concentration of nitrates in drinking water at 44 mg/l. Thus, it is clear that a continuous monitoring of nitrate ions is of high technological interest but it must be rapid, easy to perform and directly performed in situ. Electrochemical detection is certainly among the best techniques to obtain the above requirements. In…

One-dimensional nanostructures of lead and lead dioxide for application in lead-acid batteries

Fabrication of Pb and PbO2 nanostructures was undertaken with the aim of building low cost lead acid micro-batteries with high performance. Despite environmental problems and the relatively low specific energy in comparison with other galvanic generators, lead acid batteries are still extensively used in the field of energy accumulation, owing to a well known and reliable technology. Thus, it is of high technological interest to develop procedures for fabricating these devices at a micrometer scale or less. PbO2 nanowires were grown in different electrochemical deposition conditions leading to pure -PbO2, pure -PbO2 and  mixture [1-2]. Several parameters, like temperature, electrolyte…

Electrosynthesis of Sn-Co nanowires in alumina membranes

A fabrication process of amorphous nanowires of Sn-Co alloys, based on electrodeposition into anodic alumina membranes, is described. It is shown that nanowires of tin-cobalt alloys with different compositions can be produced by varying electrodeposition time and concentration ratio of salts dissolved into the electrolytic bath. Importance of the chelating agent to produce amorphous Sn-Co alloys has also been addressed. Electrodepositions were carried out potentiostatically at -1 V versus Saturated Calomel Electrode and 60 degrees C for times ranging from 10 to 90 minutes; the atomic fraction of Co2+ in the aqueous electrolyte (Co2+/(Co2+ + Sn2+)) was varied from 0.33 to 0.67. Nanowires asp…

Synthesis of Silver Gallium Selenide (AgGaSe2) Nanotubes and Nanowires by Template-Based Electrodeposition

In this work, a systematic investigation of the different parameters that control the electrodeposition processes was carried out at the aim to synthetizing AgGaSe₂ nanostructures. We found that pH is a key parameter to control both the morphology and composition of the nanostructures. Low pH favours mainly the formation of Ag2Se nanotubes with a scarce mechanical stability, while multi-phase nanowires well anchored to the substrate were obtained at higher pH. We also found that it was necessary to increase dramatically the concentration of the gallium precursor into the deposition bath in order to obtain AgGaSe₂ owing to lower redox potential of the Ga3+/Ga couple than Ag2+/Ag and Se4+/Se.…

Semiempirical correlation between the optical band gap of oxides and hydroxides and the electronegativity of their constituents

AbstractOn the basis of new experimental results a previous proposed correlation between the optical band gap of oxides and the difference of electronegativity of their constituents is extended to mixed crystalline and amorphous TiO2-Fe2O3 (d,d-metal oxides) as well as to amorphous passive films grown on Al-Ta, Al-Ti, Al-Nb and Al-W alloys (sp,d-metal oxides). Moreover in analogy with previous results on anhydrous oxides, a correlation is proposed between the optical band gap of hydroxides and the electronegativities of their constituents after substituting the electronegativity of hydroxilic group to that of the oxygen. Like in the case of anhydrous oxides, two different interpolation line…

Photoelectrochemical and Impedance Studies of Passive Films on different Ti-Mo Alloys

A Photoelectrochemical Study of Passivating Layers on Nickel

Formation of lead by reduction of electrodeposited PbO2: comparison between bulk films and nanowires fabrication

Metallic lead was deposited, both in form of bulk films and nanowire array within pores of anodic alumina membranes, following a new two-step procedure, consisting in anodic electrodeposition of α-PbO2, followed by its reduction to metallic lead. This method allows to overcome drawbacks of the “direct” electrodeposition of lead from aqueous solution, consisting, essentially, in the formation of dendritic deposits. Here, we report the comparison between results obtained in the two cases and discuss the kinetic of oxide reduction both for films and nanowires. Deposit morphology and structure are also discussed. We have found that reduction of α-PbO2 films proceeds always at high speed and uni…

Effect of temperature on the growth of alfa-PbO2 nanostructures

Abstract Ordered arrays of α-PbO 2 nanostructures were grown by galvanostatic anodic deposition into the channels of alumina templates. Electrodepositions were performed in an aqueous solution containing lead acetate and sodium acetate at pH 5.4. Bath temperature and electrodeposition time were varied to check their effect on the growth of nanostructures. It has been found that filling of alumina pores is independent of the time and electrodeposition temperature, whilst height and growth kinetics of nanostructures vary with both parameters. Temperature greatly influences morphology: wires grown at room temperature consisted of clusters of particles, leading to poorly compact structures, whi…

The influence of the nature of the surface oxide on the adhesive fracture energy of aluminium-bonded joints as measured by T-peel tests

Abstract Modification of aluminium alloy substrates microstructure and morphology by depositing new oxide layers on top of the metal surface has been investigated, with the aim of improving adhesion. The effect of treating the metal with boiling water or immersing it in a cerate bath has been studied by means of electron microscopy, contact angle measurements and peeling tests. The formation of pseudoboehmite layers or cerium conversion coatings both led to an increase in joint's adhesive fracture energy and more durable adhesive bonds with respect to joints obtained with “mechanically grinded only” substrates. Differences in the performance of the bonded joints has been discussed in terms …

Characterization of thin film CIG(S,SE)2 submodules using solar simulator and laser beam induced current techniques (Versione estesa)

In this work, the electrical and optical characterization of CIG(S, Se)2 sub-modules using both a solar simulator equipment and the Laser Beam Induced Current (LBIC) technique is presented. By using the solar simulator and a proper set-up, the electrical parameters of the modules at varying irradiance and temperatures are determined. In addition, the LBIC measurements are carried out to analyze the 2D photocurrent uniformity of the modules at two different wavelengths. Dispersion values of extracted parameters can be very useful for practically tuning the modelling stage at device/module level.

Growth and Electrochemical Performance of Lead and Lead Oxide Nanowire Arrays as Electrodes for Lead-Acid Batteries

n this work, we present the growth and electrochemical performance of nanostructured lead and lead oxide electrodes for lead-acid batteries. The electrodes were obtained by template electrodeposition in polycarbonate membranes, acting as template. Electrochemical tests were conducted at constant current in 5M aqueous solution of sulphuric acid, after assembling nanostructured lead and lead oxide electrodes in a zero-gap configuration using a commercially available separator. The main advantages of these electrodes are the high specific energy and power density, and the wide surface area, about 70 times higher than the geometrical one. These features allowed high discharge rates, up to 20C. …

Nanowire fabrication by metal dislacement deposition into anodic alumina membranes templates

EFFECT OF ANNEALING PROCESS ON CIGS FILMS PREPARED BY ONE-STEP ELECTRODEPOSITION

Ruthenium Oxide Nanotubes Via Template Electrosynthesis

Ruthenium oxide nanotubes were fabricated by a single-step galvanostatic deposition using porous anodic alumina membrane as template. For the electrodeposition process, we used a electrochemical cell specifically designed in order to employ only 0.5 ml of 0.02 M RuCl3•xH2O solution. The deposition from a very small volume was specifically addressed owing to the high cost of ruthenium compounds, which could be of some relevance from an applicative point of view. Several techniques were used to characterize the samples prior to and after thermal treatment, which was carried out at different temperatures in order to study the crystallization process of the deposit. Raman spectroscopy of as-dep…

CuZnSnSe NANOTUBES AND NANOWIRES BY TEMPLATE ELECTROSYNTHESIS

In this work we present some results of an extensive investigation aimed to find suitable conditions to grow CuZnSnSe (CZTSe) nanostructures through single-step electrodeposition into the channels of polycarbonate membranes. After the optimization of several electrodeposition parameters, we have found that pulsed current deposition, between 0 and -1 mA cm-2, is the best way to obtain CZTSe nanostructures mechanically attached to the support. An interesting result concerns the effect of supporting electrolyte in the deposition bath. In fact, changing its concentration it is possible to vary morphology of nanostructures from nanotubes to nanowires. In both case uniform arrays of ordered nanos…

Growth and photo-electrochemical behaviour of Cu2O nanowires

Vertical standing copper nanowires for electrochemical sensor of nitrate in water

Nitrogen, in the forms of nitrate (NO3-), nitrite, or ammonium, is a nutrient needed for plant growth and it is a common constituent of fertilizers [1]. When fertilizers are overused, they contaminate the ground water and then the food chain. For humans, a low level of nitrate is advisable because it increases the blood flow and has a good effect on both blood pressure and cardiovascular system. On the contrary, a high concentration of nitrate can be dangerous for humans. Nitrate ions undergoes different chemical transformations (i.e. to nitrite ions by Escherichia coli) producing different nitrogen-based compound such as nitrite ions, nitric oxide and ammonia [2]. These chemicals lead to s…

Investigation of the kinetics of growth of anodic oxide films on niobium by galvanostatic and tensiodynamic experiments

Abstract The kinetics of growth of anodic oxide films on niobium has been investigated by interferometric methods. Tensiodynamic experiments allow the growth of the films at constant rate. Photoeffects during the growth of the films under absorbed light give additional information on the growth process.

Electrodeposition and Photoelectrochemical Behaviour of CIGS Thin Films and Nanowire Arrays for Solar Cells

One-dimensional nanostructures as electrode materials for water electrolysis

Galvanic deposition and characterization of brushite/hydroxyapatite coatings on 316L stainless steel

In this work, brushite and brushite/hydroxyapatite (BS, CaHPO4·H2O; HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel (316LSS) from a solution containing Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and NH4H2PO4 by a displacement reaction based on a galvanic contact, where zinc acts as sacrificial anode. Driving force for the cementation reaction arises from the difference in the electrochemical standard potentials of two different metallic materials (316LSS and Zn) immersed in an electrolyte, so forming a galvanic contact leading to the deposition of BS/HA on nobler metal. We found that temperature and deposition time affect coating features (morphology, structure, and composition). Deposits were char…

Growth and Characterization of Ordered PbO[sub 2] Nanowire Arrays

Large arrays of PbO 2 nanowires having high aspect ratios (length-to-width ratio) were grown by potentiostatic electrodeposition into anodic alumina templates under anodic polarization. Different electrolytic solutions were used in order to obtain nanowires of pure α-PbO 2 , pure β-PbO 2 , and a a + β mixture, We have found that, in a lead nitrate bath, a crystallographic structure of nanowires depends on pH; this latter was varied adding diluted nitric acid to the electrolyte. Nanowires of pure β-PbO 2 were obtained at pH 0.6, while mixed α-PbO 2 + β-PbΟ 2 nanowires were grown at pH 2. Pure α-phase was obtained in a bath containing lead acetate at pH 6.6. In all deposition conditions, nano…

A Route to Grow Oxide Nanostructures Based on Metal Displacement Deposition: Lanthanides Oxy/Hydroxides Characterization

Anodic oxide films on tungsten—II. The morphology and dissolution of the films

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of anodic oxide films on tungsten, obtained in various conditions of anodization. Studies were made of the growth of porous films, whose thickness increases with time and depends upon the current density. Temperature and electrolyte composition influence the film morphology. Gravimetric measurements of film dissolution at 70°C show that after a transient time, the rate of metal dissolution and that of film formation coincide. The porous films thicken because tungsten dissolves as WO 2 2+ and precipitates as WO 3 .H 2 O.

AMORPHOUS SEMICONDUCTOR-ELECTROLYTE JUNCTION. A NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE IMPEDANCE DATA OF AMORPHOUS SEMICONDUCTING FILMS ON METALS.

On the basis of the theory of amorphous semiconductor Schottky barrier an equivalent electrical circuit of the amorphous oxide film/electrolyte interface is proposed.—The analytical expressions for the equivalent conductance and capacitance of the barrier are reported in the hypothesis of a constant density of states within the mobility gap.—According to this model, the semiconducting properties and the impedance behaviour at different frequencies of anodic oxide films on Niobium are interpreted by taking into account the amorphous nature of the films.—An explanation for the anomalous behaviour of the Mott-Schottky plots usually observed with amorphous anodic oxide films is presented.—The p…

Valve-metal behavior of cast Ti-Mo alloys

Ultrafast cycling of lead-acid battery with nanostructured Pb and PbO2 electrodes

EIS characterization of functionalized alumina membranes

Una Via Elettrochimica per la Fabbricazione di Celle Solari a Semiconduttori Nanostrutturati

Nella memoria si presentano i risultati preliminari su un processo di crescita elettrochimica di materiali nanostrutturati mediante l’impiego di stampi nanoporosi. Vengono quindi analizzate le possibili applicazioni del processo alla fabbricazione di semiconduttori nanostrutturati di interesse nel settore fotovoltaico, quali il CIGS, e le implicazioni dal punto di vista delle tecniche di caratterizzazione e di modellazione per dispositivi basati su tale tecnologia.

Recent improvements in PbO2 nanowire electrodes for lead-acid battery

Abstract Lead oxide nanowires are an attractive alternative to conventional pasted electrodes, owing to their high surface area leading to high specific energy batteries. Here, we report the performance of template electrodeposited PbO 2 nanowires used as positive electrodes. Nanostructured electrodes were tested at constant charge/discharge rate from 2 C to 10 C, with a cut-off potential of 1.2 V and discharge depth up to 90% of the gravimetric charge. These new type of electrodes are able to work at very high C-rate without fading, reaching an efficiency of about 90% with a very good cycling stability. In particular, after an initial stabilization, a specific capacity of about 200 mAh g −…

INFLUENCE OF THE ANODIZATION CONDITIONS ON THE ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES AND CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STRUCTURES OF THE CORROSION LAYERS ON TUNGSTEN. A PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL APPROACH.

ABSTRACT The influence of morphology, composition and crystallographic structure on the photoelectrochemical behaviour of anodic oxide films on tungsten obtained in various conditions of anodization has been investigated. Different photocurrent spectra and absorption edges were obtained for each type of film. Optical band gaps ranging between 2.55 eV and 3.15 eV were determined for crystalline and amorphous WO 3 films grown in different conditions. The low quantum efficiency of the anodic films must be attributed to the presence of an amorphous (a-W0 3 ) film which controls the transport of the injected photocarriers.

Performance Enhancement of Alkaline Water Electrolyzer Using Nanostructured Electrodes Synthetized by Template Electrosynthesis

The increase of power generation by renewable sources is causing problems in the management of the electricity grid. In order to favor the transition from the current energy production towards renewable energy sources, it is necessary to plan strategy to develop suitable energy storage systems. Certainly, the electrochemical hydrogen production can be considered as one of the most promising storage technologies. In this work, an innovative alkaline electrolyzer is presented from its design based on the use of nanostructured electrodes up to its implementation suggested by the results of tests simulating real operation. The nanostructured electrodes were fabricated by template electrosynthes…

Nanostructured Ni-Co Alloy Electrodes Fabrication and Characterization for both Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolyzer

Sun and wind as power sources are becoming more and more relevant owing to the progressive abandoning of the fossil fuels [1,2]. Additionally, worldwide public authorities are encouraging the use of renewable energies by promoting laws and guidelines [3,4]. In this scenario, a fundamental role can play hydrogen that besides being a valuable energy carrier, it can also act as a storage medium to balance the discontinuity affecting the renewable energy sources production [5]. As a consequence, cheap and abundant availability of hydrogen is crucial. Electrochemical water splitting is likely one of the most valuable technique to produce hydrogen because the process is environmentally friendly b…

Amorphous Silicon Nanotubes via Galvanic Displacement Deposition

Amorphous silicon nanotubes were grown in a single step into a polycarbonate membrane by a galvanic displacement reaction conducted in aqueous solution. In order to optimize the process, a specifically designed galvanic cell was used. SEM images, after polycarbonate dissolution, showed interconnected nanotube bundles with an average length of 18 μm and wall thickness of 38 nm.The deposited silicon was revealed by EDS analysis, whilst X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that nanotubes have an amorphous structure. Silicon nanotubes were also characterized by photo-electrochemical measurements that showed n-type conductivity and optical gap of ~1.6 eV. Keywords: Silicon nanotubes, …

Metallic lead recovery from lead-acid battery paste by urea acetate dissolution and cementation on iron

Abstract A suitable hydrometallurgical and environmentally friendly process was studied to replace the currently used practices for recycling lead-acid batteries via smelting. Metallic lead was recovered by cementation from industrial lead sludge solutions of urea acetate (200 to 500 g/L) using different types of metallic iron substrates (nails, shaving or powder) as reducing agents. Under specific operating conditions, up to 99.7% of lead acid battery paste, mainly composed of PbSO4, PbO2 and PbO·PbSO4 species, was converted to metallic lead.. The conversion of the metallic lead and rate of the cementation reaction were strictly dependent on the type of iron substrate used as the reductant…

Nano-structured PbO2 electrode for lead-acid battery

Template electrodeposition and characterization of nanostructured Pb as a negative electrode for lead-acid battery

Abstract Despite Lead Acid Battery (LAB) is the oldest electrochemical energy storage system, diffusion in the emerging sectors of technological interest is inhibited by its drawbacks. The principal ones are low energy density and negative plate sulphating on high rate discharging. In this work, it is shown the possibility of overcoming such drawbacks by using nanostructured lead as a negative electrode. Lead nanowires (NWs) were fabricated by electrochemical deposition in template, which is an easy, cheap, and easily scalable process. Their morphology and crystal structure have been characterized by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. An electrochemical cell simulating…

Metodo per la realizzazione di sensori elettrochimici con materiali recuperati da dispositivi di memorizzazione di scarto e sensore elettrochimico ottenibile con tale metodo

Metodo per la realizzazione di sensori elettrochimici con materiali recuperati da dispositivi di memorizzazione di scarto, quali CD e DVD

Copper and Palladium NWs for Hydrogen Peroxide detection

H2O2 is a wide used chemical in different field, like in paper and textile industries and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, H2O2 concentration in human body is related to glucose concentration because the reaction between glucose and glucosidase produce hydrogen peroxide [1] . Moreover, is used as a biomarker of oxidative stress, being an oxidative specie [2] . For all these reasons, researcher all over the world are working to develop new and novel strategies for in situ, non-invasive and fast detection of this chemical. One of these fields concern the electrochemical sensors, that are sensors with an electrical (current, potential, impedance) output. The surface area the electrode…

A photocurrent spectroscopic investigation of passive films on chromium

Abstract Photoelectrochemical experiments have been carried out in order to identify the passive layers grown on chromium metal in different conditions. Changes in the values of the band gap of the films have been related to changes of composition, due to the different water content of the films.

Electrochemical deposition of CZTS thin films on flexible substrate

Abstract In this work, we report some preliminary results concerning the fabrication of quaternary semiconductor Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films on a flexible substrate through the simultaneous electrodeposition of elements having different standard electrochemical potentials. CZTS thin films were obtained by potentiostatic deposition from aqueous baths at room temperature and under N2 atmosphere, varying bath composition. Chemical composition and structure of the electrodeposited films were evaluated by EDS, SEM, RAMAN and XRD. Preliminary results on the photoelectrochemical behaviour of the films will be also presented.

Nanostructured alloys for energy devices

Performance of Lead-Acid Batteries with Nanostructured Electrodes at Different Temperature

In this work we present innovative lead-acid batteries with nanostructured electrodes, which are cycled in a wide range of temperatures typically of lead-acid commercial batteries (EN 61427-1: 2013). In comparison to parameters usually used to commercial batteries, much more stressful conditions in terms of cut-off, charge/discharge rate and discharge were imposed.

Electrochemical deposition of Ag2Se nanostructures

Abstract AgSe based nanostructures (nanowires or nanotubes) were obtained by electrodeposition. A systematic investigation was carried out, varying concentration of the precursors, pH of the electrolytic solution, ligands, and deposition mode, to study the effect of all these parameters on the growth of nanostructures. Nanostructure morphology depends also on the type of metal that was used as support, due to the secondary reaction of hydrogen evolution. On Ni support, the H2 evolution reaction led to formation of only nanotubes, while on copper substrate also nanowires were obtained. Composition of nanostructures depends strongly on solution pH. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy sho…

High-performance of PbO2 nanowire electrodes for lead-acid battery

Abstract PbO2 nanowires were obtained by template electrodeposition in polycarbonate membranes and tested as positive electrode for lead-acid battery. Nanowires were grown on the same material acting as current collector that was electrodeposited too. The nanostructured electrodes were assembled in a zero-gap configuration using commercial negative plate and separator. Cell performance was tested by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles in a 5 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. PbO2 nanostructured electrodes were able to deliver at 1C rate an almost constant capacity of about 190 mAh g−1 (85% of active material utilization), close to the theoretical value (224 mAh g−1). The nanowire array provide…

Structural adhesive joints for transport applications

A photoelectrochemical study on anodic tantalum oxide films

Both anodic and cathodic photocurrents have been detected on tantalum oxide films depending on polarization. The optical band gap, E g opt , has been derived for anodic films grown in different conditions as well as for native oxides. Cathodic photocurrents at hv<E g opt have been attributed to electron injection at the metal/oxide interface. A change in the sign of the photocurrent with the wavelength of the incident light has been observed near to the flat band potential. The latter has been estimated from the fitting of the photocurrent vs potential curves

Influence of nanoporous structure on mechanical strength of aluminium and aluminium alloy adhesive structural joints

The influence of surface treatments on the mechanical strength of adhesive joints was investigated. The attention was focused on AA2024 alloy because it is extensively used in both the automotive and aerospace industries. Adhesive joints fabricated with pure aluminium were also investigated in order to evidence possible differences in the surface features after identical treatments. Before joining with a commercial epoxy adhesive, metal substrates were subjected to different kinds of treatment and the surfaces were characterized by SEM analysis. The formation of a microporous surface in the AA2024 alloy, upon etching and anodizing, is discussed on the basis of the role of the intermetallic …

Laser surface treatments for adhesion improvements of aluminium alloys structural joints

Amorphous silicon nanotubes

In the following, the attention will be focused on the silicon nanotube (SiNTs) that is a highly desired form of silicon for its fundamental role in the miniaturization trend of the electronic devices. After a description of the properties and applications of SiNTs and their fabrication methods, the attention will be focused on chemical vapour deposition (CVD) template synthesis that is the most usual synthetic method for this material. Then, galvanic template synthesis will be described as a general method for the fabrication of different metals and oxides nanostructures, therefore the use of this technique for synthesizing SiNTs will be detailed. Characterization methods will be also desc…

Optimization of Electrodeposited Nickel-Zinc Alloys for Alkaline Electrolyzer with Nanostructured Electrodes

It is common opinion that hydrogen will become increasingly important over time. However, many research efforts still need to be made to develop efficient, low-cost and carbon-free hydrogen production. In this context, electrolysers will play a key role, but it is necessary to develop efficient and low-cost electrode/electrocatalyst materials. In this work, Nickel-Zinc alloy electrodes with nanowires morphology were investigated as cathode for alkaline electrolyzer. Electrodes were obtained by the simple method of template electrosynthesis that is also inexpensive and scalable. Nanostructured electrodes were analysed by morphological and chemical analyses. The nanowires composition is depen…

Metodo ed apparato per la produzione di nanowires metallici, nonché nanowires ottenibili mediante tale metodo

Electrochemical treatments of aluminium alloys surfaces: a way to improve the performance of structural adhesives

CIGS THIN FILM BY ONE-STEP ELECTRODEPOSITION FOR SOLAR CELLS

In this work, we present a cost-effective technique to produce CIGS thin films for solar cells by means of a single-step electrodeposition. In fact, electrodeposition is known as an easy technique for building low cost materials for photovoltaic device processing. Morphological, structural and optical characterization of these films has been performed.

Photoelectrochemical study on anodic aluminum oxide films. Internal photoemission processes at the metal-oxide interface

A photoelectrochemical investigation has been carried out on aluminum oxide films grown anodically at constant rate up to different thicknesses. Depending on the potential both anodic and cathodic photocurrents were observed at photon energies well below the optical bandgap expected for these layers. This finding is explained with the presence of internal photoinjection processes both for electrons and holes from the base metal into the oxide film. The analysis of the photocurrent spectra has given the threshold energies for both processes. The effect of the image force at the metal/oxide interface has been taken into account in order to derive the mobility gap of the films and the energeti…

Raman spectroscopy of lead dioxide nanowires

Pd-NWs ordered arrays for electrochemical sensing of H2O2

In this work, we present the performance of nanostructured array of Pd (Pd-NWs) for electrochemical sensors of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in several fields, because to its oxidizing and reducing properties, like for treatment of waste water, paper and contaminated soils, as reagent in many chemical industries or like rocket propellant [1]. Furthermore, its presence or absence may be connected with many neurological deseases or/and with cancer [2].Today the most used methods for detection of that chemical are IR spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, chemioluminescence and redox titration. However these methods are often uneconomical, have very high detection …

Durability behaviour of aluminium alloy joints bonded with epoxy adhesives

Microporous alumina membranes electrochemically grown

Abstract The electrochemical fabrication of alumina membranes by anodizing of aluminium in phosphoric acid and oxalic acid solutions, in the temperature interval from −1 to 16 °C, was investigated in order to study the influence of different parameters (initial treatment of aluminium surface, nature and composition of electrolyte, temperature) on the final characteristics of the membranes. Porous layers were grown using a linear potential scan at 0.2 V s −1 up to 160 V in H 3 PO 4 solution and 70 V in oxalic acid solution. The efficiency of porous layer formation was calculated by using Faraday's law and weight measurements. Pore size distribution and porosity of membranes prepared in 0.4 M…

Amorphous semiconductor-electrolyte junctions. Photoelectrochemical behaviour of thin Nb2O5anodic films

An approach to the study of the photocharacteristics of amorphous semiconductor/electrolyte junctions is proposed which takes into account the main differences in the electronic structure and the transport properties of the amorphous semiconductors (a-SC) with respect to the crystalline counterparts. The influence of the wavelength of the incident light on the photocurrent vs electrode potential curves is explained on the basis of the geminate recombination theory in a-SC. The implications of the model are shortly discussed.

Ni-Based Alloy Nanostructured Electrodes for Alkaline Electrolyzers

In water alkaline electrolyzer field, the development of Nickel-based nanostructured electrode is one of the possible ways to improve the water electrolysis efficiency

Fabrication of Nanostructured Ni and Ni-IrO2 electrodes for wateralkaline electrolyzer

In the field of water-alkaline electrolyzer, the develop of nanoporous nickel electrodes with low cost and high electrocatalysis efficiency is one of the potential approaches to increase their performance [1]. To obtain nanostructured electrodes, a facile approach is that of template electrosynthesis. With this method we have obtained electrodes made of nanowires of Ni that have a very high surface area. These electrode were obtained by a two-step procedure allowing to obtain an ordered array of Ni nanowires that completely covering the surface of current collector made of the same material. Besides, by amperostatic deposition we have covered these electrode with nanoparticles of IrO2 elect…

Fabbricazione elettrochimica e caratterizzazione di materiali nanostrutturati

Synthesis and characterization of a new set of protic ionic liquids

High-performing Sn-Co nanowire electrodes as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract The preparation of Sn 2 Co 3 nanowire arrays (NWs) electrogrown inside the channels of polycarbonate membranes and their characterization as anodes for Li-ion batteries both in half-cell vs. Li and in battery configuration are reported. The Sn 2 Co 3 NW electrodes tested by deep galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles in ethylene carbonate-dimethylcarbonate (1:1) – LiPF 6 1 M displayed 80% capacity retention after 200 cycles at C/2 and 30 °C, and a high charge and discharge rate capability at C-rate from C/3 (0.33 A/g) to 10C (10 A/g) at 30° and 10 °C. Electrodes with the highest alloy loading delivered up to 0.6 mAh cm −2 at C/2. The performance of these electrodes in battery config…

Characterization of Thin Film Cig(S,Se)2 Submodules Using Solar Simulator and Laser Beam Induced Current Techniques

In this work, the electrical and optical characterization of CIG(S,Se)2 sub-modules using both a solar simulator equipment and the Laser Beam Induced Current (LBIC) technique is presented. By using the solar simulator and a proper set-up, the electrical parameters of the modules at varying irradiance and temperatures are determined. In addition, the LBIC measurements are carried out to analyze the 2D photocurrent uniformity of the modules at two different wavelengths. Dispersion values of extracted parameters can be very useful for practically tuning the modelling stage at device/module level.

Template electrosynthesis of aligned Cu2O nanowires

Abstract Large arrays of aligned copper oxide nanowires were produced by electrodeposition, using anodic alumina membranes as template. We have studied the effect of two fundamental parameters involved in fabrication process: potential perturbation and bath composition. Performing electrodeposition from a copper acetate/sodium acetate bath (pH 6.5), we found that chemical composition of nanowires varied in dependence on the shape of the applied potential perturbation: pure copper oxide nanowires were produced by pulsed potential, whilst continuous electrodeposition resulted in a co-deposition of Cu and Cu 2 O. In a copper lactate bath, buffered at pH 10, the shape of perturbation did not in…

Fabrication of metal nano-structures using anodic alumina membranes grown in phosphoric acid solution: Tailoring template morphology

Abstract The influence of experimental parameters on the morphology of the porous structure and on the formation kinetics has been investigated for anodic alumina membranes (AAM) grown in aqueous H 3 PO 4 at 160 V. It was found that pore aspect ratio and membrane porosity on the solution-side surface are influenced by tensiostatic charge, bath temperature and the presence of Al 3+ ions in solution. Morphological and kinetic data, recorded in different conditions, give useful information on the growth mechanism of pore channels in phosphoric acid solution. Nickel nano-structures have been fabricated using AAM as template. Electroless deposition, performed by adding the reducing agent to a su…

Novel procedure for the template synthesis of metal nanostructures

In this work we describe a novel method for the fabrication of a regular and uniform array of Cu nanowires into anodic alumina membranes. It is based on galvanic contact between the metal sputtered film covering the bottom of template and a less noble metal. The growth rate was estimated as function of the immersion time. Nanowires with aspect ratio from 12 to 286 were obtained by adjusting the deposition time. Copper nanowires were found to be polycrystalline with an average crystalline size of about 40 nm. This procedure can be applied for the preparation of a wide range of metallic nanostructures and it can be easily scaled up for industrial processing. Keywords: Displacement deposition,…

Lead Electrode, Method for its Manufacturing and Accumulator Comprising the Electrode

Electrodeposition from molybdate aqueous solutions: a preliminary study

The electrochemistry of molybdenum (Mo) and its oxides is very important for several applications in electrocatalysis,batteries,sensors and in particular for CIGS-based solar cells,where metal Mo is used as back contact.Properties and the fabrication method of Mo films are of fundamental importance,because they could induce significant changes in solar cell performances.The most important issues in the electrochemical behaviour of Mo are the nature and stability of its surface oxides,which are strongly dependent on deposition bath pH.Ivanova et al. (2006) reported that it is possible to accomplish the cathodic reduction of molybdate ions to metallic Mo from electrolytes containing HF.The ad…

Sn-Co nanowire-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries

The demand of improvement in lithium-ion battery technology in terms of specific capacity and safety has stimulated the search for anode materials alternative to graphite. Among them, tin-based materials have been widely studied because tin can intercalate lithium up to atomic ratio Li/Sn of 4.4 to deliver a impressive specific capacity of 993 mAhg−1 (while graphite gives 372 mAhg−1). Unfortunately the high volume change of about 300%, which is related to the insertion/removal of lithium, causes the alloy pulverization and loss of electric contact that causes a poor cycle life. The synthesis of nanometric materials, intermetallic compounds and carbon composites are strategies that have been…

CIGS Thin Film by One-Step Electrodeposition Deposition for Solar Cells

Electrochemical deposition of CIGS on electropolished Mo

Method for Producing an Electrode with Nanometric Structure and Electrode with Nanometric Stucture

Recent advances in photocurrent spectroscopy of passive films

Abstract The quantitative application of photocurrent spectroscopy (PCS) for the in-situ determination of the composition of passive films and corrosion layers is reviewed in the light of recent theoretical advances, that have allowed to relate the measured optical gaps to the Pauling electronegativities of the film components. The correlations derived are tested versus recent experimental results regarding mixed oxides, anhydrous passive films on metallic alloys and hydroxide layers. The effect of the eventual long-range disorder into the passive film on the optical band gap values is also discussed. New experimental evidence reported for mixed d,d-metal oxides and passive films on sp,d-me…

Performance analysis of nanostructured PbO2 electrodes in lead-acid batteries

A phenomenological approach to the mechanical breakdown of anodic oxide films on zirconium

Abstract A phenomenological theory of the mechanical breakdown of films growing on valve metals during galvanostatic oxidation is presented and discussed in detail for ZrO2 anodic films. It is shown that the mechanical breakdown voltage, Vmb, can be linearly related to the logarithm of the anodizing current density both in the case of constant and variable critical thickness, Lc, at which the breakdown occurs. It is also shown that the Amb and Bmb parameters of the relationship: Vmb = Amb + Bmb log i are strictly related to the kinetic parameters of growth of the films in the different solutions. The expressions of Amb and Bmb parameters are derived for films grown in the presence as well a…

Investigation of Annealing Conditions on Electrochemically Deposited CZTS Film on Flexible Molybdenum Foil

In thiswork, the electrodeposition of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films on molybdenum thin foilwas reported. In order to guarantee co-deposition of elements with different standard electrochemical potential, an aqueous electrolyte added with ligand agents was used. I addition, deposition parameters were carefully chosen, in order to ensure good quality and suitable composition of the films. The deposited films were sulfurized in controlled atmosphere at 580?C, scrutinizing the influence of the annealing conditions on the features of the films. Structure, morphology and composition were investigated by XRD SEM, EDS and Raman spectroscopy. Results reveal the growth of good quality films, with a uniform mo…

NANOWIRE FABRICATION BY METAL DISPLACEMENT DEPOSITION INTO ANODIC ALUMINA MEMBRANES TEMPLATES

Thin Films of Semiconductors for Flexible Solar Cells: Electrochemical Deposition and Characterization

A nanostructured sensor of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract A nanostructured electrochemical sensor of hydrogen peroxide was fabricated growing self-standing Pd nanowires (Pd NWs) into polycarbonate (PC) membranes through a simple metal galvanic deposition. Conditions of deposition were adjusted in order to attain 2–5 μm long Pd wires. Characterization of Pd-NWs was performed by scanning electrode microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Properties of the nanostructured sensor were studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in phosphate buffer—ethanol solution. Addition of pure ethanol to the test solution was essential in order to increase wettability of the nanostructures. Sensing features were comp…

One-Step Electrodeposition of CZTS for Solar Cell Absorber Layer

CZTS thin films were obtained by one-step electrochemical deposition from aqueoussolution at room temperature. Films were deposited on two different substrates, ITOon PET, and electropolished Mo. Differently from previous studies focusing exclu‐sively on the formation of kesterite (Cu4ZnSnS4), here, the synthesis of a phase withthis exact composition was not considered as the unique objective. Really, startingfrom different baths, amorphous semiconducting layers containing copper–zinc–tin–sulphur with atomic fraction Cu0.592Zn0.124Sn0.063S0.221 and Cu0.415Zn0.061Sn0.349S0.175, werepotentiostatically deposited. Due to the amorphous nature, it was not possible to de‐tect if one or more phases…

Kinetics of coloration of anodic electrochromic films of WO3·H2O

Polycrystalline layers of WO3·H2O are obtained by anodization of tungsten in 1 N H2SO4 at 70° C. The cathodic reduction of these layers in acid solutions causes the formation of blue WO3−x·H2O (0<x⩽:0.12) oxides. The kinetics of coloration are investigated by galvanostatic and potentiostatic techniques. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical data obtained by solving the diffusion equation for a constant flow of oxygen vacancies and for a time-dependent surface vacancy concentration. Except in the initial stage of coloration, the process controlling rate can be ascribed to the diffusion of oxygen vacancies from the oxide-electrolyte interface into the bulk of the layers. …

DOPAMINE ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR BASED ON REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE AND METAL NANOPARTICLES

Dopamine (DA) is one of the most important neurotransmitters released from the brain, and is involved in many different biological processes. This neurotransmitter influences the processes that involve memory, sleep, mood, learning, and so on. Besides, in the last years, dopamine concentration in human body fluids has been related to some neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s diseases [1]. It is well known that these pathologies are due to the formation of amyloids plaques that block part of the brain. Many literature data reports that DAergic neurons (areas of midbrain where DA is synthesized) shows a different activity when amyloid plaques are present with a con…

A photoelectrochemical characterization of passive films on stainless steels

Abstract Passive films on stainless steels for sea water service have been studied by means of photocurrent measurements. Four experimental ELI (Extra Low Interstitital) ferritic stainless steels (types 25Cr-4Ni-4Mo) and a commercial superaustenitic stainless steel (type 20Cr-18Ni-6Mo-N) have been investigated. Differences in the photoelectrochemical behaviour have been attributed to the different nature of the passive films grown on ferritic or superaustenitic stainless steels. An interpretation is provided to explain the complex dependence of the photocurrent transients on the applied potential. Manuscript received 27 February 1986; in amended form 19 June 1986.

Anodic Alumina Membranes: From Electrochemical Growth to Use as Template for Fabrication of Nanostructured Electrodes

The great success of anodic alumina membranes is due to their morphological features coupled to both thermal and chemical stability. The electrochemical fabrication allows accurate control of the porous structure: in fact, the membrane morphological characteristics (pore length, pore diameter and cell density) can be controlled by adjusting the anodizing parameters (bath, temperature, voltage and time). This article deals with both the fabrication and use of anodic alumina membranes. In particular, we will show the specific role of the addition of aluminum ions to phosphoric acid-based anodizing solution in modifying the morphology of anodic alumina membranes. Anodic alumina membranes were …

CuInSe2/Zn(S,O,OH) junction by electrochemical and chemical route for photovoltaic applications (GE 2014)

Electrodeposition is a convenient technique for the development of low cost materials for photovoltaic (PV) device processing. Using a single step electrodeposition route, several groups have fabricated CIS (CuInSe) and CIGS (CuInGaSe) films. One of the most important requirements for successful application of one-step electrodeposition film formation is the ability to control composition of the deposited films and to develop polycrystalline microstructures with a low surface roughness and high sintered density.

Fabrication and characterization of nanostructured materials

Ti-Mo cast alloys for biomedical applications. Anodic behavior and passive film properties

Influence Of The Electrical Parameters On The Fabrication Of Copper Nanowires Into Anodic Alumina Templates

Abstract Metallic copper nanowires have been grown into the pores of alumina membranes by electrodeposition from an aqueous solution containing CuSO 4 . and H 3 BO 3 at pH 3. In order to study the influence of the electrical parameters on growth and structure of nanowires, different deposition potentials (both in the region where hydrogen evolution reaction is allowed or not) and voltage perturbation modes (constant potential or unipolar pulsed depositions) were applied. In all cases, pure polycrystalline Cu nanowires were fabricated into template pores, having lengths increasing with the total deposition time. These nanowires were self-standing, because they retain their vertical orientati…

SPEEDAM 2010 Poster REC0616: An electrochemical route towards the fabrication of nanostructured semiconductor solar cells

Fabrication and Characterization of Different Nanostructures

Photo-electrochemical and impedance investigation of passive layers grown anodically on titanium alloys

Abstract The anodic behaviour of two titanium cast alloys, obtained by fusion in a voltaic arc under argon atmosphere, was analyzed in aerated aqueous solutions having different pH values. In all solutions the alloys, having nominal compositions Ti–50Zr at.% and Ti–13Zr–13Nb wt.%, displayed a valve-metal behaviour, owing to the formation of barrier-type oxide films. Passive films, grown potentiodynamically up to about 9 V, were investigated by photocurrent spectroscopy (PCS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). These passive layers show photoactivity under anodic polarizations, with optical gaps close to 3.55 and 3.25 eV for the binary and the ternary alloy, respectively, indep…

Verfahren zur Herstellung einer porosen Membran aus Aluminiumoxide fur Brennstoffzellen

Template Electrodeposition of CIS and CIGS Nanowires for Application in Solar Cells

Fabrication and Photoelectrochemical Behavior of Ordered CIGS Nanowire Arrays for Application in Solar Cells

In this work, we report some preliminary results concerning the fabrication of quaternary copper, indium, gallium, and selenium CIGS nanowires that were grown inside the channels of an anodic alumina membrane by one-step potentiostatic deposition at different applied potentials and room temperature. A tunable nanowire composition was achieved through a manipulation of the applied potential and electrolyte composition. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that nanowires, whose chemical composition was determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis, were amorphous. A composition of Cu0.203In0.153Ga0.131Se0.513, very close to the stoichiometric value, was obtained. These nanostructures wer…

Nanostructured binary tin alloy fabrication

Nanostructured Electrochemical Devices for Sensing, Energy Conversion and Storage

Nanostructured materials are attracting growing interest for improving performance of devices and systems of large technological interest. In this work, the principal results about the use of nanostructured materials in the field of electrochemical energy storage, electrochemical water splitting, and electrochemical sensing are presented. Nanostructures were fabricated with two different techniques. One of these was the electrodeposition of the desired material inside the channels of a porous support acting as template. The other one was based on displacement reaction induced by galvanic contact between metals with different electrochemical nobility. In the present work, a commercial polyca…

Synthesis of self-standing Pd nanowires via galvanic displacement deposition

This work shows that it is possible to obtain self-standing Pd nanowires into anodic alumina membranes by a simple metal displacement deposition. By using a proper arrangement, specifically designed in order to optimize the process, polycrystalline Pd nanowires were deposited from a solution containing Pd(NH3)4(NO3)2 as precursor. Morphological analysis showed the formation of perfectly aligned nanowires with a uniform diameter throughout the entire length. This last parameter was controlled by both the deposition time and the ratio between the anodic area (active metal) and the cathodic area (pore bottom). Keywords: Displacement deposition, Template synthesis, Palladium nanowires, Alumina …

Nanowire Ordered Arrays for Electrochemical Sensing of H2O2

Today, electrochemical sensors are considered very interesting in comparison to conventional techniques because they are very adaptable, cheap, have very low limit of detection and low detection time. The most used electrochemical technique is the amperometry . In amperometric sensors, a fixed potential is applied to the electrochemical cell, and a corresponding current, due to a reduction or oxidation reaction, is then obtained. This current it can be correlated with the bulk concentration of the detecting species (the solute) such as H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide is an essential mediator in food, pharmaceutical, clinical, industrial, and environmental analyses therefore, it is of great importan…

A Simple Model for the Photoelectrochemical Behavior of Corrosion Layers with Variable Hydration Degree

Abstract With the goal of quantitatively applying photocurrent spectroscopy to corrosion studies, the photoelectrochemical behavior of layered passive films having a decreasing hydration/hydroxylation degree, from the solution interface toward the metal interface, has been modeled. The model makes use of the correlations between optical gap and electronegativity of the constituents previously proposed for surface oxides and hydroxides. In this paper, the model was tested successfully against the experimental data pertaining to three high band gap insulating oxide-forming metals, like Zr, Al, and Y. In the first case, the fitting of the experimental spectra was compatible with the occurrence…

ULTRAFAST LEAD ACID BATTERIES USING NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODES

Studio del processo di recupero di membrane di policarbonato

Electrochemical deposition of different semiconductors for application in solar cells

Influence of electrodeposition techniques on Ni nanostructures

Abstract Different Ni nanostructure arrays were fabricated by pulsed electrodeposition from a Watts bath inside the pores of anodic alumina membrane (AAM) templates. Under a trapezoidal waveform of potential, consisting of fast linear sweeps between 0 and −3 V (SCE) interleaved by delay times at 0 (10 s) and −3 V (0.1 s), Ni nanowires were grown. The rate of nanowires growth was constant up to 60 min of deposition. For longer times, the growth of nanowires was not uniform, and after about 180 min some nanowires reached the template surface exposed to the electrolyte. Under square potential pulses between the same potentials (pulse length 1 s), nanotubes of Ni are obtained. Morphological ana…

Electrodeposition and characterization of CZTS for solar cells

Fabrications of Nanostructures And Nano-Structured Devices Using Electrochemical Methods

Electrochemical deposition of CIGS on electropolished Mo

Lead Nanowires for Microaccumulators Obtained Through Indirect Electrochemical Template Deposition

Metallic lead nanowires were deposited within pores of commercial anodic alumina membranes having an average pore diameter of 210 nm. "Direct" electrodeposition was attempted from 0.1 M Pb(NO 3 ) 2 aqueous solution with a variable concentration of H 3 BO 3 as a chelating agent, but it gave unsatisfactory results. An "indirect" two-step deposition procedure was then adopted, consisting of the anodic electrodeposition of α-PbO 2 nanowires, followed by their in situ reduction to metallic lead. Both these processes occurred at a high rate so that the indirect method led to a complete template pore filling with pure polycrystalline Pb in short times and with a high current efficiency.

Sn-Co Nanowires: High-Performing Electrodes as Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

Metal displacement deposition: a new method to grow amorphous silicon nanotubes

Deposition and characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan coatings on 304 SS for biomedical devices

During the last years biomaterials have been largely investigated in order to perform and improve biomedical devices. As regards orthopedic field, the most common equipment used (such as implants, bone grafts or screws) are constituted by metallic materials (steel and titanium alloys), characterized by low/medium resistance to corrosion and low osteointegration ability. Furthermore, these factors could produce local inflammations of the tissues surrounding the implants, increasing kinetics of corrosion phenomena. Scientific community has focused the attention on biocoatings interposed between metal and aggressive environment in order to inhibit corrosion. Furthermore, these coatings are abl…

Metodo e Kit per il recupero di piombo metallico da componenti di un accumulatore esausto al piombo-acido

il metodo consente di ripristinare le piastre presenti nelle batterie al piombo acido esauste per recuperare il piombo presente e per riutilizzarle direttamente in nuove batterie

Semiconductors: Growth and Characterization

Semiconducting materials are widely used in several applications such as photonics, photovoltaics, electronics and thermoelectrics, because of their optical and electro-optical features. The fundamental and technological importance of these materials is due to the unique physical and chemical properties. Over the years, numerous methods have been developed for the synthesis of high efficient semiconductors. Besides, a variety of approach and characterization methods have been used to study the numerous and fascinating properties of the semiconducting materials. This book collects new developments about semiconductors, from the fundamental issues to the synthesis and applications. Special at…