bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Challenges in the Electrocatalytic Benchmarking of Multicomponent Alloys
Authors: Colic Viktor , Martinez Hincapie Ricardo Alonso 
Published: February 2024

Multicomponent alloys, especially complex solid solutions (CSS), and more specifically high entropy alloys (HEA) have emerged as promising new types of electrocatalysts [1] for numerous reactions of significance for energy conversion. Their exceptional properties and the large number of degrees of freedom available for tuning their properties make CSSs promising candidates for overcoming the limitations of traditional catalysts: activity limitations imposed by the scaling, as well as stability issues.
Despite the large interest they have garnered, their potential still remains to be understood and harnessed, as their electrochemical behavior still needs to be understood. Significant experimental challenges need to be addressed and widely applied standards need to be implemented in order to understand and correctly asses the electrocatalytic behavior of such catalysts. The electrochemical surface area (ECSA) determination, identification of active sites, understanding their operando behavior, effects of crystallinity [2] as well as basic experimental challenges, such as careful Ohmic drop correction, are some of the most important experimental challenges in the electrocatalytic assessment of CSSs.
Here, an overview of CSS catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction to date will be given (Figure 1A) [1]. Traditional methods used to evaluate the ECSA of well-known systems (e.g. noble metal electrodes) are discussed in relation to their use in CSS evaluation. For instance, the application of double layer charging current techniques, surface limited reactions and surface science techniques all have their advantages and drawbacks for the determination of the electrochemical surface area in terms of ease of application, size of errors introduced and reliability. Additionally, crystallinity (more generally, the effects of long- and short-range order, Figure 1B), phase separations, oxide layer growth and other caveats during electrocatalytic benchmarking of CSSs will be discussed.

Figure 1
In-Situ Liquid-State NMR Investigations of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte Decomposition
Authors: Wahyudi Wandi , Mindemark Jonas , Edström Kristina 
Published: February 2024

Liquid electrolytes play important roles in the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In particular, an amount of the electrolyte decomposes to form solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) that stabilizes the electrolyte-electrode interfaces, while the remining bulk solution transports the cation between the electrodes.[1] In order to develop better electrolytes such as with improved safety and chemical stability, efforts have been devoted to understanding the electrolyte decomposition process, which are mainly performed by studying the solid products that precipitate in the SEI and gases that are released during the decomposition.[2, 3] However, the liquid products or species that are soluble in the electrolyte remain as a mystery. Here, we employ in-situ liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the evolution of LIB electrolyte composition caused by the degradation process. Using the 1D and 2D NMR techniques, we confirm that some degradation products are indeed soluble in the electrolyte. The identification of these compounds gives insights into the degradation processes, which also has implications on how the long-term function of the electrolyte will be affected. Besides the new insights into electrolyte decomposition process in the LIBs, the presented techniques can be extended for studying electrolytes in a broad range of battery systems.
REFERENCES
[1] W. Wahyudi, X. Guo, V. Ladelta, L. Tsetseris, M.I. Nugraha, Y. Lin, V. Tung, N. Hadjichristidis, Q. Li, K. Xu, J. Ming, T.D. Anthopoulos, Adv. Sci.
2022, 9, 2202405.
[2] W. Wahyudi, V. Ladelta, L. Tsetseris, M.M. Alsabban, X. Guo, E. Yengel, H. Faber, B. Adilbekova, A. Seitkhan, A.H. Emwas, M.N. Hedhili, L.J. Li, V. Tung, N. Hadjichristidis, T.D. Anthopoulos, J. Ming, Adv. Funct. Mater.
2021, 31, 2101593.
[3] C. Misiewicz, R. Lundström, I. Ahmed, M.J. Lacey, W.R. Brant, E.J. Berg, J. Power Sources
2023, 554, 232318.
Introducing a Novel Light Scattering Technique for Visualising Operando State-of-Charge Changes Within Individual Active Particles and Across the Electrode
Authors: Merryweather Alice Jane , Schnedermann Christoph , Langley Cathryn Elinor 
Published: February 2024

In our presentation we will demonstrate the application of a recently developed operando optical microscopy technique to mechanistic studies of lithium-ion battery electrodes and active material characterisation. Our technique probes state-of-charge (SoC) changes in the active particles within the electrode during battery operation, based on the intensity variation of scattered light across each active particle. This enables detailed spatially resolved data on an individual particle level to be utilised for furthering mechanistic understanding of battery capability and degradation, and it also allows global statistics to be established for the optimisation and screening of new electrode materials. The technique is agnostic to the underlying battery chemistry, so in principle can be applied to study any battery electrode.
In this talk, we will demonstrate how our technique can be used in the study of two key dynamic processes, solid-state ion transport and mechanical degradation. The ability to quantify ion transport during battery operation helps to provide insights into how lithium-ion dynamics affect the (de)lithiation mechanisms and degradation mechanisms of battery electrodes, which is crucial to improving their electrochemical performance. Using lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) as a case study, we will show how ion-transport mechanisms can be deduced by observing moving phase boundaries within particles during cycling.
We will then demonstrate how local SoC changes within Ni-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) active particles can be visualised during operation, and how the intra-particle ion gradients identified can be used to determine the mechanistic origins of first-cycle capacity losses. Building on this, we will highlight how variation in the rates of (dis)charge between a population of active particles could be used to characterise the performance of new electrode compositions.
In addition, we will highlight how lithium-ion concentration gradients can also be identified in high-rate niobium tungsten oxide (NWO) anode materials during initial lithiation and under initial rapid delithiation conditions and demonstrate how this can lead to particle cracking. Expanding on this, we illustrate how the proportion of cracked particles within an electrode can be quantified and then monitored over successive cycles as a potential metric for screening the stability of new electrode materials.
Impacts of E-Beam Irradiation on Polycrystalline Metals in Both Bulk and Thin Film Forms
Authors: Sultana Najmin Ara , Ojha Manish , Al-Allaq Aiman H , Mohammed Yousuf S , Pendleton Tilda , Baumgart Helmut , Elmustafa Abdelmageed 
Published: February 2024

This study aims to explore the impact of e-beam irradiation on the mechanical and structural characteristics of four different polycrystalline metals (Ni, Cr, V, and Ti), in both bulk and thin film forms. Thin metal films are fabricated using magnetron sputtering. The primary goal is to identify suitable metal candidates for growing thin films, which could serve as exit windows for e-beam accelerators. This selection is based on their properties, power dissipation capabilities, and the effects of irradiation on mechanical attributes such as hardness, ductility, defect density, and strength.
For the bulk polycrystalline metal samples, a series of nanoindentation tests has been conducted before and after e-beam irradiation to investigate changes in hardness and elastic modulus. Additionally, to compare performance with the bulk samples, thin metal films are subjected to the same procedure before and after irradiation, allowing for the evaluation of film hardness, moduli, and creep properties. Results indicate that irradiated bulk samples of Ni, Cr, and V become harder, whereas Ti experiences softening. There is no significant irradiation effect on modulus for all for polycrystalline metal samples. To understand the underlying reasons behind these effects, both the fabricated metal films and bulk metal samples undergo comprehensive characterization tests for their microstructural properties, elastic behavior, and chemical composition. This involves the utilization of SEM with EDS, FESEM and AFM to analyze microstructure and surface attributes of the films, followed by X-ray diffraction to gain insight into film morphology and lattice orientation.
Interfacial Electrochemical Polymerization of PEDOT@Polyoxometalates Thin Films As Electroactive Material for Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Quintero Jaime Andrés , Holzinger Angelika , Cywinski Kamil , Freund Michael S , Scanlon Micheal D. 
Published: February 2024

The urgent need for a decarbonized power sector has been one of the most important motivations to get a full transition from the fossil-fuel energy sources to a sustainable energy future based on renewable energy alternatives. In this regard, energy conversion and storage devices, such as batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors, play a key role in supplying steady power and energy densities in order to guarantee the current energy demand [1]. Among the different alternatives, the design and synthesis of advanced functional nanostructured materials provide an important route to obtain efficient energy devices with high power densities, stability and remarkable energy densities [2].
Conducting polymers (CP) have been extensively exploited in a wide application range as result of their remarkable charge-mobility, electrical conductivity, and the scalable synthesis processes. Additionally, the storage of charge, which occurs by a doping process, has been ideal for application as electrochemical supercapacitors [3]. In addition, the CPs network have provided an interesting electrode material in which other active materials (i.e., graphene, MOF) and redox species can be incorporated to induce additional pseudocapacitive processes in the electrode, enhancing the charge stored. The polyoxometalates (POMs), inorganic heteropolyanions received great attention due to their multielectron redox processes in aqueous media [4].
Herein, we have explored the electrosynthesis of composite materials based on PEDOT and polyoxometalates (POMs) employing the electrochemical polymerization at a polarized organic | aqueous liquid | liquid interface (L|L), in which the POM acts as oxidizing agent of EDOT and electroactive specie incorporated in the polymer chain network as dopant. The polymerization process was based on the ion migration-controlled by the potential biasing of the water-oil interface. The resulting thin films show the presence of Mo and W within the polymer as well as the presence of different redox processes associated with the POM incorporated in the PEDOT. The induced pseudocapacitive processes in the composite materials have shown high stability in acid media, making it a good candidate as an electrode material in symmetric supercapacitors.

References

[1] F. Béguin et al, Adv. Mater. 2014, 26, 2219-2251.
[2] M. Li et al., 30 years of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Adv. Mater. 2018, 30, 1800561.
[3] G. A. Snook et al., J. Power Sources 2011, 196, 1–12.
[4] M. Graeme et al., Langmuir 2008, 24, 3, 1064-1069.
Electro-Codeposition of Composite Materials for Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Properties
Authors: Hall Timothy , Wang Dan , Le Huong , Garich Holly , Roberts Nick 
Published: February 2024

State of the art cryocoolers, high powered electronic systems, semiconductor backplanes, and space platforms require next generation high conductivity composite materials that can reduce product weight while improving performance. To meet this need, Faraday Technology with the help of Universities, National Labs, and industrial partners is developing a scalable electro-codeposition method to produce high conductivity hybrid graphene/copper composite materials.
Specifically, this talk will highlight two activities ongoing at Faraday and demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating either composite or laminated graphene-copper hybrid foils or direct printed composite nanowires via a pulse electro-codeposition approach. These activities indicated these composite materials can achieve a greater than 50% reduction in sheet resistance, a ~50% increase in mechanical strain, and a 100% increase in thermal conductivity compared to Cu foils.
We will also discuss the opportunity to produce a wide range of material shapes by enabling a direct print apparatus that combines x,y,z control methods with an electro-codeposition printhead. If successful we envision that method to print next generation composite materials like ‘covetics’ that have the potential to meet many of the electronics and space community’s needs by enabling in space structural repairs, fabrication of new electronic components or sensors, or be utilized as heat exchanger composite materials. Finally, this activity also identified commercial partners interested in integrating these next generation into high powered electronics like laser diodes or invertors for electric vehicles.
Acknowledgements: Faraday Technology acknowledges the Department of Energy and NASA SBIR activities under Contract No. DE-SC0021676 (DOE Phase II) and 80NSSC22CA099 (NASA Phase II).
Activation Processes for Electrodeposition on Passive Nickel Surfaces
Authors: Akbarova Khavar , Leimbach Martin , Bund Andreas 
Published: February 2024

Electrodeposited layer systems consisting of nickel and chromium are commonly used for decorative applications and to protect components against corrosion. Sometimes, already deposited chromium layers have to stripped again to do rework on technical parts. As a result passive layers can form at the surface of the nickel layer. This often leads to poor adhesion of subsequent layers. To prevent such adhesion problems nickel layers have to be activated to allow subsequent deposition of chromium. The thickness of the passive layers depends on the current density and treatment time during chromium stripping, as well as on the properties of the chromium layer to be removed. In summary, process fluctuations in all steps lead to an impairment of the activation effect and thus to adhesion problems.
This work will discuss recent results from a project within the framework of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the AiF. The aim of the project is to optimize the electrolyte composition and the individual treatment stages. Furthermore, the focus is on establishing measuring techniques for the various process parameters and developing a process model for the implementation of a controlled activation process in a large-scale plant. To achieve these ambitious goals, different parameter settings such as current density and treatment time were studied during the activation process and the effect of these parameters on the subsequent nickel and chromium deposition was evaluated.
Laser Assisted Electrodeposition of Metals and Alloys
Authors: Bernasconi Roberto , Crimella Dario , Demir Ali Gokhan , Previtali Barbara , Magagnin Luca 
Published: February 2024

Laser sources are extensively used in surface engineering technology and in materials processing. Their high energy density, excellent directionality and monochromaticity makes them ideal for a wealth of potential uses that require the concentration of a significant amount of energy in a small area. From the electrochemical point of view, one of the most interesting applications for lasers is Laser Assisted Electrodeposition (LAE). Indeed, the high energy density transferred by a laser can locally change the electrochemical state of a surface by inducing photo-electrochemical or thermal-electrochemical effects, triggering thus metal reduction. In addition, it is also possible to pattern the deposited metal layer by scanning the surface of the substrate with the laser, usually with spatial resolution in the range of few micrometers. From the applicative point of view, LAE can be exploited for the selective deposition of metal layers for both decorative and functional uses.
LAE can be intended in two ways: the laser can be used to enhance a standard electrolytic deposition process [1, 2], increasing deposition rates by focusing the radiation on the cathode, or it can be used to trigger electrodeposition on freestanding metal surfaces in total absence of any external polarization [1]. The latter approach is the most interesting due to the reduced complexity of the setup required and is made possible by the localized variation of the rest potential induced in the zone of the substrate hit by the light [1]. As a consequence of this variation, metallic ions can be reduced in correspondence of the illuminated zone. The occurrence of this phenomenon, which allows metal deposition without any external power source, has been demonstrated for Cu [1, 3], Ni [3] and Au [4].
Despite the work carried out by many research groups, still many aspects of LAE in absence of external polarization remain poorly understood. The aim of the present work is to investigate the possibility to perform LAE with some significant metal-substrate couples. The deposition mechanism is rationalized considering the specific electrochemical properties of the metals involved. In addition to this fundamental characterization, the work also aims at evaluating the industrial applicability of LAE. To this extent, patterned layers of precious metals are deposited on metallic substrates for decorative purposes. Finally, LAE is applied here for the first time to the deposition of alloys.
[1] J. C. Puippe et al., J. Electrochem. Soc. 128(12), 2539-2545 (1981)
[2] Z. Zhang et al., MDPI Materials 13, 3560 (2020)
[3] R. J. von Gutfeid et al., IBM J. Res. Develop. 26(2), 136-144 (1982)
[4] Khan et al., NASF Surface Technology White Papers 84(3), 6-13 (2019)
Influence of High Surfactant Concentrations on the Morphology and Crystallinity of Electrodeposited Antimony and Bismuth Nanowires
Authors: Wagner Michael Florian Peter , Hsun Lin Kuan , Sigle Wilfried , Trautmann Christina , Toimil Molares Maria Eugenia 
Published: February 2024

Antimony and bismuth nanowires are excellent model systems to investigate the interplay of various size-dependent transport phenomena relevant for applications in thermoelectrics, spintronics, or catalysis. The properties of these nanowires can be significant influenced by size effects due to the large mean free path and Fermi wavelength of charge carriers and phonons. Since antimony and bismuth possess highly anisotropic Fermi surfaces, the transport is also strongly dependent on the crystallographic orientation. Therefore, it is very important to develop and control suitable electrodeposition processes that allow us to understand the nanowire growth and to accordingly adjust preferred orientation and morphology of the synthesized nanowires.
The so called template route employed in the presented work allows to control number density, alignment, geometry, length and diameter of the nanowires. The electrolytes and plating processes influence crystallinity, crystal orientation, and morphology of the electrodeposited materials. Here, antimony and bismuth nanowires are grown by potentiostatic electrodeposition in polycarbonate etched ion-track membranes using SbCl3 and BiCl3 in aqueous electrolytes.
In this talk, we will show the influence of the presence of nonionic and anionic surfactants in high concentrations in the electrolyte during the electrodeposition of Bi and Sb nanowires. The recorded current-time curves of the plating process will be presented. Systematic characterization of the nanowires by scanning- and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction reveal a strong change in crystallinity as a function of surfactant concentration, which will be discussed in detail.
Application in Self-Adsorption Pd Nanoparticles with High Adhesion
Authors: Wei Pei-Tsen , Wei Tzu Chien 
Published: February 2024

Electroless plating (ELP) is widely used to metallize non-conductive substrates in printed circuit board industry. Due to the complexity of commercial palladium catalysts activation procedure and the high price of palladium, we synthesized a type of palladium catalyst with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as protector, formaldehyde (HCHO) as reducing agent. We used polyethylimine (PEI) to modify the surface of the substrate in advance.
In this study, we developed a one-step catalyst by adding PEI into PVA-Pd. In addition to its stability, the catalyst has self-adsorption property. The process can be operated at low concentrations, which can effectively reduce the cost. Because of these characteristics, it can not only control the catalyst better than the commercial palladium catalyst but also simplify the process. The effect of self-adsorption was tested on Rogers RO3003 laminates. RO3003 high frequency laminates are ceramic-filled PTFE composites for use in printed circuit boards in commercial microwave and RF applications. The substrate has excellent characteristics such as stable dielectric constant over various temperatures and frequency and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Due to these properties, RO3003 has a great potential to be applied in 5G generation products. After activating, we used electroless copper plating to metallize the substrate.
The study focused on the Cu/Pd ratio of the self-adsorption catalyst PEI+PVA-Pd to quantitatively analyze the adsorption capacity by ICP-OES, and the adhesion was analyzed by T-peel. The results indicates that the process is cost-effective, and the adhesion between substrate and copper foil is also higher. The copper layer by using self-adsorption catalyst will also have a better compactness and the surface will be pinhole-free. Therefore, this process can be successfully applied to electroless copper deposition with self-adsorption catalysts.
Local Heating Induced Single-Crystalline Phase Control in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Authors: Lee Myoungwon , Ahn Hyun 
Published: February 2024

Synthesis of electrochemical crystalline nanomaterials have a great advantage. The single crystalline material synthesized by the existing solvothermal synthesis method often has no catalytic activity due to contamination on the surface during the synthesis process. Therefore, in this study, the electrochemical single crystalline nanomaterials induced by heat were clearly synthesized. Since a process of thermal post-treatment of nanomaterials require a high temperature, thermal induced electrochemical synthesis was lowering the thermal energy barrier.
In this study, copper, silver, gold, and platinum single crystalline nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized through SEM, TEM, and SAED. In the synthesis process, the growth process according to deposition coulomb was observed. And the catalytic activity of the synthesized single crystalline nanomaterials was measured.