bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposition of Iron and Iron-Based Alloys from Ethylene Glycol Non-Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Cuneo Federico , Panzeri Gabriele , Accogli Alessandra , Magagnin Luca 
Published: February 2020

Iron and iron-alloys electrodeposition is considered a promising way for the fabrication of ferromagnetic thin films with tuned magnetic properties, especially for microfabrication industry [1]. Moreover, the use of iron as main component in magnets can reduce the material cost and toxicity. Film quality is highly dependent on contaminations, such as oxygen. Avoiding light-elements contaminations is nontrivial in the case of water-based solutions because of the formation of oxides/hydroxides at the working electrode due to local pH dependence, leading to poor magnetic performances. Thus, organic systems may represent a good alternative to traditional baths. Non-aqueous solutions based on ethylene glycol have been already reported for electrodeposition of iron [2], where the low chlorides content led to a compact and pure films. Several other approaches, based on DESs and Ionic Liquids, are present in literature [3], [4]. The low coercivity of ≈20 Oe showed in the previous work can thus be tailored with the addition of other metals or non-metals as alloying elements. This kind of materials are commonly obtained by metallurgy or sintering, with the strong limitations in terms of thickness and device integration. Iron co-deposition were investigated by means of the traditional electrochemical characterization, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and with more practical tools such as Hull cell. The films were deposited by means of potentiostatic and galvanostatic depositions, showing the dependence between experimental conditions and film composition (XRF). Results in in terms of morphology (SEM), composition/purity (EDX), microstructure (XRD) and magnetic properties (VSM) are shown.
[1] B. Y. Yoo, S. C. Hernandez, D. Y. Park, and N. V. Myung, “Electrodeposition of FeCoNi thin films for magnetic-MEMS devices,” Electrochim. Acta, vol. 51, no. 28, pp. 6346–6352, 2006.
[2] G. Panzeri, A. Accogli, E. Gibertini, C. Rinaldi, L. Nobili, and L. Magagnin, “Electrodeposition of high-purity nanostructured iron films from Fe(II) and Fe(III) non-aqueous solutions based on ethylene glycol,” Electrochim. Acta, no. Ii, 2018.
[3] A. P. Abbott and K. J. McKenzie, “Application of ionic liquids to the electrodeposition of metals,” Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., vol. 8, no. 37, p. 4265, 2006.
[4] T. Welton, “Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Solvents for Synthesis and Catalysis,” Chem. Rev., vol. 99, no. 8, pp. 2071–2084, 1999.
The Effect of Catalyst on the Electroless Copper Plating of Textiles and Fabrics
Authors: Fox Daryl A , Taghavi Pourian Azar Golnaz , Begum Shakiela , Cobley Andy J 
Published: February 2020

There are well established methods for the electroless plating of metals onto non-conducting surfaces such as polyimide and printed circuit boards (PCBs)1. After surface preparation of the substrate the electroless pre-treatment typically consists of a functionalisation stage followed by catalysation1. This latter stage deposits a catalytic metal (typically Pd) which initiates the electroless copper deposition reaction1. This approach, when applied to textiles, can produce a multi-functional material with high electrical and thermal conductivity but which is also flexible and wearable. However, the use of Pd as catalyst can significantly impact costs and so there has been work in recent years to investigate other more cost effective catalysts2. These have included Ag nanoparticles and, more recently, Cu nanoparticles2.
In this paper 3 approaches to electroless copper catalysation (based on Pd, Ag and Cu nanoparticles) are compared. Characterisation of the metallised textiles and fabrics was performed using approaches such as conductivity measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning White Light Interferometry to determine whether alternatives to Pd catalysts could be utilised. Functionalised nanoparticles dispersed and deposited in a variety of solvents are considered for catalytic activity using cyclic voltammetry, dynamic light scattering and UV-vis spectroscopy. In addition, ultrasonication, adhesion testing, catalyst loading as well as selected self-assembled monolayers are investigated to determine the optimum production parameters for a selection of fabrics.
This work is carried out as part of the MATUROLIFE project which is a European Union Horizon 2020 project that brings together two different disciplines, material science and design, to produce high added value assistive technology products. These items will be aesthetically pleasing as well as designed with functionality in mind.

“Additive Process for patterned metallised conductive tracks on cotton with applications in smart textiles", K.A.Wills, K. Krzyzak, J. Bush, R. Ashayer-Soltani, J.E. Graves, C. Hunt and A.J. Cobley, The Journal of The Textile Institute, DOI: 10.1080/00405000.2017.1340822 (2017).

“Ultrasound assisted dispersal, of a copper nanopowder for electroless deposition”, J.E. Graves, M.Sugden, R.E. Litchford, D.A. Hutt, T.J. Mason and A.J. Cobley, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 29, 428-438, (2016).
Bipolar Electrodeposition of Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles on Gold Nanotubes
Authors: Experton Juliette , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Gelan , Martin Charles R 
Published: February 2020

Manganese dioxide is an environmentally abundant and low-cost material that shows considerable interest for energy-related applications, such as supercapacitor and cathode material in batteries. However, its use is currently limited by its poor cyclability and its low ionic and electronic conductivities. To overcome these limitations, many strategies have been centered on the design of MnO2 nanoparticles to reduce the diffusion distance for the insertion cations.
Precisely controlling the location of MnO2 nanoparticle electrodeposition on the electrode can be challenging because of the need of continuous electrical contact. This is why we have developed a method to grow MnO2 nanoparticles on 3D nano-objects in the absence of a direct electrical contact. This method entails using gold nanotubes as bipolar electrode. A voltage of 2 V is applied across a gold nanotube membrane to generate redox reactions, one cathodic and one anodic, at either end of the tubes. The anodic reaction is chosen such that it forms MnO2 hemispherical nanoparticles at one opening of the nanotubes.
In this presentation, we will describe the mechanism of electrodeposition and growth rate of these MnO2 nanoparticles, as studied by electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. We will also report chemical and electrochemical characterizations of these nanoparticles, such as conductivity and permselectivity measurements in lithium solution, in order to address the performance of MnO2 as a battery material. Finally, the effect of charging and discharging on the structure and electrochemical properties of MnO2 will be presented.
A Novel Photoelectrochemical Approach to Fight Biofilms and Reduce Undesired Microbiology
Authors: Fritz Mathias , Bund Andreas , Ullrich Hans-Juergen 
Published: February 2020

The formation of biofilms, which may contain hygienically alarming microorganisms, is often observed in pipelines for drinking and cooling water systems. Recently, all German health offices were interviewed about their experiences in the surveillance of home water installations and stated that about 5% of cold water and 20% of warm water installations showed hygienic-microbiological peculiarities [1]. The technical repercussions of biofilm formation can lead to a decreased flow rate, filter blockage and a reduced heat transfer in cooling/heating circuits. Thus, there is high demand for efficient remedies to reduce microbial growth in such installations.
Research at various conducting surfaces showed a significant decrease of biofilm formation induced by oscillations of the electrochemical potential [2]. In our contribution, we will discuss recent results from our labs how the electrode of surface activated metal foils is influenced by illumination with visible light. The electrochemical setup comprises a solar simulator, which emits a defined wavelength as well as a commercial high power LED. Specifically, the influence of the wavelength, as well as the duration and intensity of the illumination were investigated. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry and open circuit potential measurements were performed to identify the parameters with the strongest influence on the inhibition of biofilm growth. In the outlook, we will discuss results on the construction of a prototype for large-scale water treatment.

[1] Flemming, H.C.: Microbial Biofouling: Unsolved Problems, Insufficient Approaches, and Possible Solutions, Biofilm Highlights (2011), 81-109

[2] Schaule, G.: Effects of electric polarization of indium tin oxide (ITO) and polypyrrole on biofilm formation
, Water Science and Technology 58 (2008) 11, 2165-2172
(Invited) Thermal-Expansion Matched and CMOS Fab-Friendly Engineered Substrates Enabling Unmatched Cost, Performance & Application Scale for GaN Devices
Authors: Odnoblyudov Vladimir 
Published: February 2020

GaN is a miracle wide bandgap semiconductor material with unique properties, enabling many critical energy-efficient and novel applications such as LED lighting, next generation of small-size and efficient power devices, high frequency RF electronics, sensors, and more. At the same time, the lack of suitable large diameter and scalable substrates solutions, thereby cost effective and high performance manufacturing platforms, has been slowing down widespread adoption of GaN-based devices for decades, and keeping GaN device manufacturing in small diameter (2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch) compound semiconductor fabs with limited yield, poor process control and high cost, whereas mainstream semiconductor industry has far moved on to highly automated and cost-efficient 8-inch and 12-inch diameter manufacturing platforms.
In this talk, we will be presenting (1) a revolutionary and validated CMOS fab-friendly 8-inch diameter QST®
(QROMIS Substrate Technology) substrates, which are scalable to 12-inch, for very high quality (bulk-like) and crack-free GaN epitaxial growth, including enablement of large diameter free-standing GaN substrates via growing very thick GaN epitaxy layers (>100 µm), and (2) QST®-based GaN device results enabling an unmatched cost, performance, and application scale. The QST® substrates, with a compliant Si <111> growth surface, have a thermal expansion coefficient matched to GaN epitaxial layers; and this unique feature alleviates the fundamental challenges in (a) economies of scale, (b) performance scale and (c) applications scale which are inherent to GaN-on-Si, GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-GaN and other proposed solutions.
Various wafer bonding technologies play a key role in large diameter GaN device manufacturing on QST® substrates. Different types of commercial bonding techniques are used in QST® substrate manufacturing, device fabrication and backend processes. In this talk, we will zoom into key wafer bonding techniques and processes which are currently being used (or to be used) in high volume and advanced GaN device manufacturing, such as for LEDs, power and RF devices in lateral, vertical and wafer-level chip scale package forms and architectures.

Figure 1
Room Temperature Bonding of Wafers Using Si and Ge Films with Extremely Low Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Uomoto Miyuki , Muraoka Arina , Shimatsu Takehito 
Published: February 2020

Atomic diffusion bonding of wafers is a promising process to achieve room-temperature wafer bonding: Metal films are fabricated using sputter deposition on two flat wafers’ surfaces, with subsequent bonding of the two films on the wafers in vacuum (Figure (A)) (1, 2). This bonding technique is applicable to any mirror-polished wafer, with bonding using almost any metal film. However, metal films used for bonding are electrically conductive. Therefore, this process is not used directly for wafers with electric devices fabricated on a wafer surface.
One solution for this difficulty is bonding using very thin films of a few angstroms on each side. The electrical conductivity of such thin films is extremely low, especially on oxide wafers because of the thin reactive oxide layer formed between the thin metal films and wafers (2,3). Post-bonded annealing enhanced the oxidation (insulation) of thin films. This process is actually used for electronic device fabrication (4). Another solution is bonding using semi-metals such as Si and Ge because of their markedly low electrical conductivity. The technical potential of the atomic diffusion bonding process using amorphous Si (a–Si) and amorphous Ge (a–Ge) films is presented herein.
Panels (B) and (C) of the figure respectively present cross-section images of bonded a–Si(20 nm)–a–Si(20 nm) films and a-Ge(20 nm)–a-Ge(20 nm) films, as observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Films were deposited on Si wafers. The bonded interface is slightly visible in image (B) for bonded a-Si films, but no vacancy was observed. No interface corresponding to the original films surfaces is apparent in the image (C) for bonded a-Ge films, indicating that the a-Ge film bonding performance is greater than that obtained using a-Si films.
Both images showed that the Si wafer surface was damaged and changed to amorphous because the surface oxide layers of Si wafers were removed by dry-etching using fast atom bombardment (FAB) before film deposition to enhance the adhesion strength of a-Si and a-Ge films on the wafers. However, even if a-Si or a-Ge films were deposited directly on synthetic quartz crystal wafers with no surface treatment, surface free energy at the bonded interface greater than 1 J/m2 was obtained for bonded a-Si films and a-Ge films. No marked difference in the wafer bonding strength was observed between the use of a-Si and a-Ge films.

T. Shimatsu and M. Uomoto, J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 28, 706 (2010).

T. Shimatsu and M. Uomoto, ECS Trans., 33 (4), 61 (2010).

T. Shimatsu, M. Uomoto, and H. Kon, ECS Trans., 64 (5) 317 (2014).

T. Takai. Y. Takamine, H. Iwamoto, M. Koshino, T. Wada, M. Hiramoto, IMS2016, WE2C-2, San Francisco, May 25 (2016).

Figure 1
Fast Intercalation Reaction of Pseudocapacitive T-Nb2O5 Anode Material at Low Potentials
Authors: Kuai Xiaoxiao , Zhao Jianqing , Gao Lijun 
Published: February 2020

Pseudocapacitive materials such as transition metal oxides can exhibit electrochemical capacitive properties through Faradaic redox reactions. These materials feature increased specific capacity in comparison to activated carbon materials which have limited charge storage through double layer capacitance. Pseudocapacitive materials can also maintain high power and long cycle performance, thus making them promising supercapacitor materials. T-Nb2O5 has demonstrated capacitive properties showing square shapes in cyclic voltammetries (CV) at high scan rates [1,2]. The CVs are typically measured in the potential range of 1V - 3V (vs. Li/Li+). In this work, we studied T-Nb2O5 material as anode material in the low potential region, pseudocapacitive behavior was observed with high rate charge and discharge and long cycle life. Below 1V, fast intercalation of Li+ still occurs in the T-Nb2O5 without going through conversion reaction. Fig.1 showS the CV of T-Nb2O5 in Li+ electrolyte in the potential range of 0.1V - 2.5V (vs. Li/Li+), in situ XRD measurements also confirm the unchanged crystal structure of T-Nb2O5 below 1V. This pseudocapacitive property enables wider voltage window for a supercapacitor full cell using T-Nb2O5 anode.
[1] V. Augustyn, J. Come, M.A. Lowe, J.W. Kim, P.-L. Taberna, S.H. Tolbert, H.D. Abruna, P. Simon, B. Dunn, “High-rate electrochemical energy storage through Li+ intercalation pseudocapacitance”. Nature Mater.,
12, 518-522 (2013).
[2] X. Wang, G. Li, Z. Chen, V. Augustyn, X. Ma, G. Wang, B. Dunn, Y. Lu, “High Performance Supercapacitors Based on Nanocomposites of Nb2O5 Nanocrystals and Carbon Nanotubes. Adv. Energy Mater., 1, 1089-1093 (2011).

Figure 1
In-Situ Quantification of Gas Evolution in Pouch Cell Supercapacitors and Its Effect on Device Performance and Operation
Authors: Roberts Alexander John , Bhagat Rohit 
Published: February 2020

Valuable insight into the degradation mechanisms, lifetimes and state of health of supercapacitor devices can be obtained through the understanding and quantification of gas evolution during use. In typical commercial cylindrical devices, the hard casing can withstand the pressure build up resulting from the evolution of gases to pressures as high as 8-12 bar, but with detrimental effects on ESR and capacitance observed through the lifetime of device. In typical pouch cells, a small increase in pressure can result in the ballooning of cells and significant loss of performance. This is managed in some cases by the inclusion of pressure release valves and the like.
Although supercapacitors typically produce gas throughout their lifetime, the rate of gas production varies significantly depending on the point in their lifetime and the potentials and charge/discharge rates that they experience. In order to maximise the lifetime and performance of supercapacitor devices, a “burn-in“ period is usually applied, during which time the evolution of gases is likely to be at its highest. After such a burn-in for pouch cells, this gas can be removed with ease before performing a final seal on cells, as is common with battery devices, and can have a significant positive effect on the cell lifetime.
The evolution (and consumption) of gas in supercapacitors can be attributed to various processes including decomposition of carbon-surface functional groups, solvent splitting (hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, including decomposition of trace water) and chemical/electrochemical gas consumption[1,2]. In this work, the rate and amount of gas evolved in pouch cell supercapacitors and its effect on device performance has been studied through the use of calibrated mass load cells. Small format pouch cells (70x50mm) constructed in-house, consisting of YP50-F (Kuraray, Japan) activated carbon electrodes and TEABF4 in acetonitrile electrolyte have been suspended from calibrated load cells into oil and have been subjected to various charge–discharge conditions and floating at different potentials over different temperatures. The buoyancy of the cells as derived from the load cell has been used to calculate the gas evolved at various potentials / conditions. Through observation of the rate and quantity of gas evolved, insight into the optimal burn-in conditions (float potential, time and temperature) for new cells and impact on performance in operation have been observed. Furthermore, the effect of contaminant water concentration in electrolyte on gas production has been investigated at various points in the cell lifetime.
[1] S. Phadke, S. Amara and M. Anouti, Chem Phys Chem., 18, 2364, 2017
[2] M. He, K. Fic. E. Frackowiak, P. Novak and E. J. Berg, Energy Environ. Sci., 9, 623, 2016
(Invited) Advanced Hybrid Supercapacitors with “Water-in-Salt” Electrolyte and Protected Lithium Anode
Authors: Zhang Ming , Makino Sho , Mochizuki Dai , Sugimoto Wataru 
Published: February 2020

Aqueous supercapacitors are attracting increasing attention owing to their high power density, cyclability and environmental friendliness. However, thermodynamic limit of water electrolysis limits the cell voltage and window of common aqueous supercapacitors, restricting the energy density. We have previously demonstrated that advanced hybrid supercapacitors that employ aqueous electrolyte with a multi-layered water-stable protected negative electrode consisting of laminated metallic lithium or lithiated graphite, polymer electrolyte and water-stable lithium ion conducting solid electrolyte Li1+x+yTi2-xAlxSiyP3-yO12 (LTAP), can extend the negative electrode potential close to 0 V vs Li/Li+, thus providing a cell voltage close to 4 V with aqueous catholytes. In this work this hybrid supercapacitor concept is further extended to high concentration electrolytes or “water-in-salt (WIS)” electrolytes. We will demonstrate that 4 V-class cell voltage with wide voltage window can be delivered for advanced hybrid supercapacitors with capacitive or pesudocapacitive positive electrodes in WIS electrolytes combined with a protected Li anode. A typical advanced hybrid supercapacitor with MnO2 electrode shows a 4.4 V maximum cell voltage with a 1.5 V window, an energy density of 405 Wh/(kg-MnO2) at a power density of 0.88 kW kg/(kg-MnO2). A high energy density of 163 Wh kg/(kg-MnO2) is maintained at a power density of 16.7 kW kg/(kg-MnO2). These advanced hybrid supercapacitors show acceptable cycle stability and good energy retentions (around 90% within 3000 cycles).
Fig. Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves for advanced hybrid supercapacitor with MnO2 in 21m LiTFSI and protected lithium negative electrode at (a) a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 and U
cell varized from 1.0 to 1.5 V (U
min = 2.9 V and U
max = 3.9→4.4 V) and (b) a fixed U
cell = U
max – U
min = 4.4 – 2.9 V = 1.5 V) and various current densities (Left axis: cell voltage; Right axis: electrode potentials of MnO2 electrode and multi-layered water-stable protected lithium anode). (c) Specific capacity (1) and capacitance (2) extracted from the discharge curves of MnO2 electrode from advanced hybrid supercapacitor with MnO2 in 1 M Li2SO4 at U
cell = U
max – U
min = 4.3 – 3.3 V = 1.0 V. Specific capacity (3) and capacitance (4) extracted from the discharge curves of MnO2 electrode from advanced hybrid supercapacitor with MnO2 in 21 m LiTFSI at the U
cell = U
max – U
min = 4.4 – 2.9 V = 1.5 V.

Figure 1
Synthesis of 3D Porous Nanostructured Platinum Using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Dendooven Jolien , Geerts Lisa , Pulinthanathu Sree Sreeprasanth , Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Bals Sara , Martens Johan , Detavernier Christophe 
Published: February 2020

Platinum is known for its catalytic efficiency, exceptional electrical and electrochemical properties, and high resistance to corrosion. Pt nanostructures exposing large surface areas are widely used in catalytic converters, chemical production, and gas sensing and energy conversion technologies. Engineering porosity into Pt nanomaterials is an explored route to maximize the surface over volume ratio and to enhance the performance while reducing the Pt content and cost. It is well established that the properties of 3D-structured Pt nanomaterials are closely related to their geometrical configuration. Synthesis approaches that can produce well-defined porous Pt nanostructures are therefore attractive.
Here, we present the creation of micrometer sized porous Pt nanostructures using atomic layer deposition (ALD) [1]. Robust and easy to handle porous Pt is fabricated by replication of an ordered mesoporous silica with a special pore architecture. After ALD of Pt in the unique 3D channel system of the silica material and digestion of the template, a fully connected ordered porous Pt network is obtained with a 3D structure corresponding to that of the host matrix, as revealed with high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. The Pt nanostructure consists of hexagonal Pt rods (with a diameter of ca. 11 nm) originating from the straight mesopores of the host structure and linking features resulting from Pt replication of interconnecting slits. The Pt replica is evaluated for its potential use as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), one of the half-reactions of water electrolysis. The high activity displayed by the material is attributed to the 3D ordered, mesoporous structure with large surface area.