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An effective way of monitoring the biomarker is with electrochemical sensor studies. In this work, it was formed using electrochemical deposition of high conductivity gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an amine-functional reduced graphene oxide (NH2-RGO) nanocomposite. This technique not only reduced HAuCl4 and graphene oxide in situ but also improved the electrocatalytic performance. XRD, SEM, and FTIR analytical methods confirmed the size and structure of the AuNPs/NH2-RGO nanoparticle. As a result of XRD analysis, AuNPs/NH2-RGO crystal structure was formed. In addition, antibodies (Ab) were immobilized on the modified electrode surface using a self-assembled monolayer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods were used to evaluate the interaction of Ab with antigen. SHBG detection had a dynamic linear range of 0.6–12 nmol/L and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0043 µM in enhanced sensor applications. The AuNPs/NH2-RGO based sensor has the potential to be a valuable tool in clinical diagnostic applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling water and food contamination by pathogenic organisms requires quick, simple, and low-cost methods. Using the affinity between mannose and type I fimbriae in the cell wall of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria as evaluation elements compared to the conventional plate counting technique enables a reliable sensing platform for the detection of bacteria. In this study, a simple new sensor was developed based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli. The biorecogniton layer of the sensor was formed by covalent attachment of p-carboxyphenylamino mannose (PCAM) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The resultant structure of PCAM was characterized and confirmed using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The developed biosensor demonstrated a linear response with a logarithm of bacterial concentration (R2 = 0.998) in the range of 1.3 × 10 1~1.3 × 106 CFU·mL−1 with the limit of detection of 2 CFU·mL−1 within 60 min. The sensor did not generate any significant signals with two non-target strains, demonstrating the high selectivity of the developed biorecognition chemistry. The selectivity of the sensor and its applicability to analysis of the real samples were investigated in tap water and low-fat milk samples. Overall, the developed sensor showed to be promising for the detection of E. coli pathogens in water and low-fat milk due to its high sensitivity, short detection time, low cost, high specificity, and user-friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling water and food contamination by pathogenic organisms requires quick, simple, and low-cost methods. Using the affinity between mannose and type I fimbriae in the cell wall of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria as evaluation elements compared to the conventional plate counting technique enables a reliable sensing platform for the detection of bacteria. In this study, a simple new sensor was developed based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for rapid and sensitive detection of E. coli. The biorecogniton layer of the sensor was formed by covalent attachment of p-carboxyphenylamino mannose (PCAM) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The resultant structure of PCAM was characterized and confirmed using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The developed biosensor demonstrated a linear response with a logarithm of bacterial concentration (R2 = 0.998) in the range of 1.3 × 10 1~1.3 × 106 CFU·mL−1 with the limit of detection of 2 CFU·mL−1 within 60 min. The sensor did not generate any significant signals with two non-target strains, demonstrating the high selectivity of the developed biorecognition chemistry. The selectivity of the sensor and its applicability to analysis of the real samples were investigated in tap water and low-fat milk samples. Overall, the developed sensor showed to be promising for the detection of E. coli pathogens in water and low-fat milk due to its high sensitivity, short detection time, low cost, high specificity, and user-friendliness.

Carbon materials have been used in the field of supercapacitors. However, the lower electrochemical performance limits its wide application. Polyaniline (PANI) possesses excellent controllable electrochemistry. Therefore, a composite material composed of polyaniline and carbon materials will significantly improve the electrochemical performance of carbon materials alone. In this article, the carbon/PANI composite mesh electrode materials were prepared by electrochemical polymerization. The carbon mesh with highly wrinkled nanoscale microstructure is an excellent substrate material of polyaniline. The agglomerate morphology of polyaniline on the carbon mesh can be efficiently controlled by the number of CV cycles. The polyaniline agglomerated coating of the carbon/PANI-45 composite mesh exhibits a multi-scale pore microstructure: abundant macropores, mesopores and micropores. This unique electrochemically deposited porous structure can significantly improve electrochemical performance of the carbon/PANI-45 mesh electrode material due to efficient ion transport channels and electron transport path. The area-specific capacitance of the carbon/PANI-45 based interdigital supercapacitors is up to 246.7 mF/cm2 at the current density of 20 μA/cm2. The area-specific capacitance retention rate is about 93.1% when the current density increases to 200 μA/cm2. The carbon/PANI composite mesh electrode materials were prepared by electrochemical polymerization, exhibiting good electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, alpha nickel sulfide (α-NiS) nanosphere films have been successfully synthesized by electroplating the nickel nanosheet film on the indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate and sulfuring nickel-coated ITO glass substrate. First, we electrodeposited the nickel nanosheet films on the ITO glass substrates which were cut into a 0.5 × 1 cm2 size. Second, the nanosheet nickel films were annealed in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules with sulfur sheets at different annealing temperatures (300, 400, and 500 °C) for 4 h in vacuum-sealed glass ampoules. The α-NiS films were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), variable vacuum scanning electron microscopy (VVSEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (FE-SEM/EDS), cyclic voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared (UV/Visible/NIR) spectra, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Many nanospheres were observed on the surface of the α-NiS films at the annealing temperature 400 °C for 4 h. We also used the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) for the analysis of the α-NiS nanospheres. We demonstrated that our α-NiS nanosphere film had a linear current response to different glucose concentrations. Additionally, our α-NiS nanosphere films were preserved at room temperature for five and a half years and were still useful for detecting glucose at low concentration.

The main aim of this work is to evaluate magnetostriction performances, including Joule magnetostriction and volume magnetostriction, of FeGa thin films synthesized by electrodeposition and ion-beam sputtering. This research demonstrated that the electrodeposited Fe (100-x) Ga x (x: 19 ∼ 26) films had a tensile stress, and the ion-beam sputtered Fe 81 Ga 19 film had a compressive stress. In both films, the easy axis of magnetization was in the in-plane direction. Both films exhibited nearly (1 1 0)-oriented polycrystalline structures. For the ion-beam sputtered Fe 81 Ga 19 film, the observed volume magnetostriction was 39 ppm, approximately one-third of the Joule magnetostriction of 116 ppm. For electrodeposited Fe 81 Ga 19 , the Joule and volume magnetostrictions were 64 ppm and 46 ppm, respectively. An important conclusion of this research was that the FeGa films formed by non-equilibrium growth processes displayed a large volume magnetostriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, effects of Cr doping on structural, morphological, mechanical and magnetic properties of Ni–Co–Cr alloy thin films have been prepared by electrodeposition method with different concentration. The influence of Cr substitution on the formation of phases, structure, morphology, hardness and magnetic properties of the electrodeposited films are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Vickers hardness tester (VHT) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The SEM micrographs of the electrodeposited films with different concentration of Cr have no micro-cracks with uniform surface morphology. The predominant peaks in XRD spectra of Ni–Co–Cr alloy thin films reveal nanostructure. The VHT result clearly showed that thin films coated with high concentration of Cr have highest hardness value. The magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization and coercivity influenced more by varying the concentration of Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The damage of materials due to both wear and corrosion has a significant impact on engineering systems. Therefore, the industry has recently been more focused on the life cycle costs of the systems and has sought to improve reliability. The reliability and efficiency of machines and equipment depend on tribocomponents operating in a chloride environment. Crucial components are subjected to a wide range of devastating tribocorrosion effects, and in many operations combined with mechanical loadings. A number of protection systems to mitigate corrosion in the marine environment have been employed to counter these problems. One of them are electrodeposited coatings such as Zn and Zn Ni which were documented in numerous research. Much of it has been conducted in areas of corrosion behavior, mechanical properties, and tribology. In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of zinc film, various metals have been implemented. One of them is magnesium. The influence of Mg content in the alloy on the corrosion resistance has been noted by many researchers. However, one cannot find recent scientific publications and papers presenting tribocorrosion performance of Zn-Ni-Mg alloy coatings. Therefore, tribocorrosion behavior of Zn Ni alloy coating with magnesium was investigated. The main aim of this study is to investigate tribocorrosion performance of Zn, and Zn-Ni-Mg alloys coatings with a possibility to replace Zn coating in engineering systems. All coatings were provided on AISI 1045 medium carbon steel with trivalent chrome passivation. The study was carried out in a ball-on-plate combination in 3.5% solution of NaCl. A triple electrode system with a precision four-channel ATLAS 9833 potentiostat was used for monitoring the electrochemical phenomena. The reference electrode was a calomel electrode, SCE. Polarization curves for all samples in 3.5% NaCl were utilized. The evaluation of the surface wear of all samples with coatings was done. The measure of the wear was the depth of the wear trace which was defined on the basis of profilometric measurements. The value of hardness of coatings was identified. Highlights • The Zn-Ni-Mg coating enables the production of a coating with much higher tribocorrosion resistance than the Zn coating. • The tribocorrosion wear difference of the coatings increases with the reduction of the unit pressure in the contact zone. • A larger loss of the material during tribocorrosion tests was found than in the dry friction conditions. • The change of the potential over all tests presents a typical characteristic during tribocorrosion testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper describes the use of electrodeposited Co(OH)2 on transparent conducting fluorine-doped tin oxide electrode (FTO) as functional material for ascorbic acid electrooxidation in different electrolyte solutions. The structure, composition, and morphology of film were investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical characterization in different electrolyte solutions was carried out by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The voltammetric profile showed the presence of two possible reactions involving almost reversible redox processes during sweeping potential in KOH solution and a single redox process in KCl solution. The Co(OH)2 film presented electrocatalytic activity in ascorbic acid electrooxidation, being the sensitivity values found were 182.3 mA L mol−1 cm−2 and 119.4 mA L mol−1 cm−2 in KOH and KCl solutions, respectively. The results showed that the electrolytic solution strongly influenced the sensitivity of the FTO/Co(OH)2 film in ascorbic acid electrooxidation reaction. Kinetic studies showed that the electrode process was controlled by mass diffusion. In addition, chronoamperometric technique was carried out to verify the stability of the electrode. The obtained results reveal a good stability of electrode in the KCl solution; once in current density terms, the results are quite similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ni-xAl-Y 2 O 3 (x = 14.5 or 17.6 wt%) coatings were developed by vacuum annealing the electrodeposited Ni-Al-Y 2 O 3 composite coatings with dispersed Al and Y 2 O 3 microparticles in Ni matrix at 800 °C for 3 h. For comparison, pure Ni-xAl (x = 15 or 18 wt %) coatings were also produced in the same condition. The results indicated that all coatings consisted of γ′-Ni 3 Al+β-NiAl and the addition of Y 2 O 3 refined the grain of alloy coatings. Cyclic-oxidation at 900 °C showed that the alumina scale adhesion increased with the increase of Al content and Y 2 O 3 further improved the adhesion of alumina scale due to the beneficial effects of Y 2 O 3 reducing void formation at the scale/coating interface. Together with this, the produced Ni-Al coatings exhibited better cyclic oxidation than cast Ni 3 Al alloy and Ni-17.6Al-Y 2 O 3 coating even exhibited a comparable cyclic oxidation as cast β-NiAl alloy. Highlights • All Ni-Al coatings produced consisted of γ′-Ni 3 Al and β-NiAl and the codeposited Y 2 O 3 particles refined the grain of alloy coatings. • The alumina scale adhesion formed on Ni-Al coatings with and without Y 2 O 3 increased with the increase of Al content. • Ni-15Al and Ni-18Al coatings exhibited better cyclic oxidation than cast γ′-Ni 3 Al alloy. • The addition of Y 2 O 3 further improved the alumina scale adhesion formed on Ni-14.5Al and Ni-17.6Al coatings. • Ni-17.6Al-Y 2 O 3 coating exhibited a comparable cyclic oxidation resistance as cast β-NiAl alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-methylthiophene)/reduced graphene oxide (P3MT/RGO) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated via a facile procedure. P3MT was directly electrodeposited on the RGO coated electrode and employed for the electrochemical detection of paracetamol (PCT). The morphology of composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to investigate the electrochemical behaviors of PCT on P3MT/RGO/GCE. Experimental parameters, such as the scan rates, polymerization laps and the pH of buffer solution were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the anodic peak current in DPVs varies linearly with the concentration of PCT, and the limit of detection was 0.025 μ M. Moreover, the proposed P3MT/RGO/GCE also exhibited superior stability and reproducibility. The poly (3-methylthiophene)/reduced graphene oxide (P3MT/RGO) material was firstly proposed for the fast, sensitive electrochemical determination of paracetamol (PCT). The RGO can efficiently provide abundant reaction sites and promote the electron transfer, while the P3MT was electrodeposited on the surface of RGO/GCE. The redox current response increased further and the reversibility of the redox reaction was improved. The developed sensor showed excellent stability, high selectivity, low detection limit and good applicability in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation about influence of deposition current density on electrodeposited magnetic film is reported in this paper. Ferromagnetic NiFe thin films were electrodeposited on copper wires of 100 μm diameter for various electrdepostion current densities ranging from 10 to 60 mA/cm maintaining equal thickness in all films. The composition of deposited film varied with deposition current density and in particular, a composition of NiFe was achieved for a current density of 20 mA/cm. The surface microstructure of the film deposited at the current density of 20 mA/cm was found to have excellent smoothness. The coercivity of the film was lowest and highest value of magnetoimpedance was measured for this film. The influence of current density on film composition and hence magnetic properties was attributed to the change of deposition mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-fouling is a major cause of accelerated corrosion and premature failure of materials used in industry. This study presents synthesis , characterisation , bio - fouling , and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of Ni matrix - Ag nanoparticles based composite coatings for anti - corrosive and anti - fouling applications in sea water or marine environment . Two Ni-Ag composite coatings of compositions, Ni-0.25 at.% Ag and Ni-0.75 at.% Ag, were electrodeposited on copper by dispersing controlled amounts of chemically synthesised Ag nanoparticles into Ni ++ bath. Effect of Ag nanoparticles on electrochemical corrosion, Ni passivation and bio-fouling of these composite coatings is highlighted. Incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into Ni matrix was found to influence texture , Ni crystallite size , and strain of the Ni - Ag composite coatings . Between pure Ni and two Ni - Ag composite coatings , Ni -0.25 at.% Ag coatings exhibited the highest corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl owing to a synergetic combination of relatively large , strain - free Ni crystals with a pronounced texture along [111] direction . During anodic polarisation in 3.5% NaCl , Ag nanoparticles embedded into Ni matrix induced galvanic passivation of Ni phase , which improved tendency of the composite coatings for passivation . Upon exposure to sulphate reducing bacteria, these composite coatings showed greater resistance to formation of bio-film, which confirmed their anti-fouling properties. Extent of bio-film decreased with amount of incorporated Ag nanoparticles in these composite coatings. Bio - film led to a reduction in corrosion resistance of the coatings . This reduction in corrosion resistance due to bio - film decreased with increasing Ag content of the coatings . It can be concluded that anti - microbial nanoparticles embedded in a suitable metal matrix can open up new avenues in addressing bio - fouling and microbially induced corrosion in sea water . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion brazing has gained much popularity as a technique capable of joining dissimilar lightweight metal alloys and has the potential for a wide range of applications in aerospace and transportation industries, where microstructural changes that will determine the mechanical and chemical properties of the final joint must be controlled. This study explores the effect of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the mechanical and microstructural properties of diffusion brazed magnesium (AZ31) and aluminium (Al-1100) joints. The results showed that the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticle to the electrodeposited Cu coating increased the volume of eutectic liquid formed at the interface which caused a change to the bonding mechanism and accelerated the bonding process. When the Cu/Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings were used as the interlayer, a maximum bond strength of 46 MPa was achieved after 2 min bonding time while samples bonded using pure-Cu interlayers achieved maximum strength after 10 min bonding time. Chemical analysis of the bond region confirmed that when short bonding times are used, the intermetallic compounds formed at the interface are limited to the compounds consumed in the eutectic reaction.

This paper investigates the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on morphology, microstructure and corrosion behaviour of Cu-GO composite coatings. Cu-GO composite coatings were electrodeposited on mild steel substrate by dispersing chemically synthesised GO into a Cu electrolytic bath. Anionic surfactant (sodium lauryl sulphate) was used to obtain uniform and compact coating morphology. Incorporation of GO into Cu matrix produced a finer granular coating morphology with a strong 〈220〉 preferred orientation. The analysis of electrochemcial corrosion test results revealed that steels coated with Cu-GO were invariably more corrosion resistant compared to both bare steel and pure Cu coated steel. Extent of the reduction in the corrosion rate increased with increasing amount of GO in electrodeposited Cu matrix. Improved corrosion resistance of Cu-GO coatings was related to 〈220〉 texture and high impermeability of GO to Cu + ions and dissolved O 2 in the chloride media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new inverse method was proposed to calculate the anisotropic elastic-plastic properties (flow stress) of electrodeposited Ag thin coating utilizing nanoindentation tests, previously reported inverse method for isotropic materials and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analyses (FEA). Indentation depth was ~ 4% of coating thickness (~ 10 μm) to avoid substrate effect and different indentation responses were observed in the longitudinal ( L ) and the transverse ( T ) directions. The estimated elastic-plastic properties were obtained in the newly developed inverse method by matching the predicted indentation responses in the L and T directions with experimental measurements considering indentation size effect (ISE). The results were validated with tensile flow curves measured from free-standing (FS) Ag film. The current method can be utilized to characterize the anisotropic elastic-plastic properties of coatings and to provide the constitutive properties for coating performance evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion of high level nuclear waste containers under permanent disposal conditions can occur via a number of processes which change in importance as the environment within a deep geologic repository evolves from oxic to anoxic. The container design involves a copper coating on a steel vessel. The characteristics of these coatings are being assessed using standard analytical methods, including microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The corrosion processes on the surface of the coatings and at through-coating defects are also being investigated electrochemically. Although minor differences exist, the surface corrosion of cold sprayed and electrodeposited coatings generally exhibited similar corrosion behaviour to standard wrought copper. Corrosion at the base of a simulated through-coating defect in a cold-sprayed coating was found to proceed via galvanic coupling to oxygen reduction on the coating surface. Besides accumulating damage at the base of the defect, corrosion propagated along the copper/steel interface, most likely a consequence of the damage inflicted during the deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-corrosive and anti-bacterial properties of electrodeposited nanocrystalline Ni-Ag coatings are illustrated. Pure Ni, Ni-7 at.% Ag, & Ni-14 at.% Ag coatings were electrodeposited on Cu substrate. Coating consisted of Ni-rich and Ag-rich solid solution phases. With increase in the Ag content, the corrosion resistance of the Ni-Ag coating initially increased and then decreased. The initial increase was due to the Ni-Ag solid solution. The subsequent decrease was due to the increased galvanic coupling between the Ag-rich and Ni-rich phases. For all Ag contents, the corrosion resistance of the Ni-Ag coating was higher than the pure Ni coating. Exposure to Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) revealed that the extent of bio-fouling decreased with increase in the Ag content. After 2 month exposure to SRB, the Ni-Ag coatings demonstrated less loss in corrosion resistance (58% for Ni-7 at.% Ag and 20% for Ni-14 at.% Ag) when compared pure Ni coating (115%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three kinds of Fe-based thin films, Fe–20%Ni–80%, Fe–60%Co–40%, and Fe–10%Ni–60%Co–30% (at %), were prepared on silicon (1 1 1) substrates by direct current electrodeposition with the optimized plating conditions. Films were annealed at various temperatures from 200 to 400 °C, varying time from 2 to 4 h. The microstructure, surface morphology, and chemical composition have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer with electron probe micro-analysis, respectively. The magnetic properties were measured by the superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. Effect of heat treatment on films is then discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag–Mn alloy sheathed Bi-2223 superconducting tapes were prepared by Powder-In-Tube (PIT) method, and then fine-structured nickel (Ni) coatings were electrodeposited from a sulfamate-based electrolyte onto Bi-2223 tapes with different thicknesses. The mechanical properties and superconducting properties of 37 filament, Ag–Mn alloy sheathed Bi-2223 high temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes reinforced by electrodeposited Ni coating were investigated. The tape tensile strength and the tolerance of the superconducting critical current ( I c ) to axial strains increased with increasing the thickness of Ni coatings. The reinforced Bi-2223 tapes showed a higher mechanical strength compared with that without reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of an electrodeposited Ca film on hydrogen entry behavior into API-X65 by measuring the hydrogen content and by an electrochemical hydrogen permeation technique in Ca(OH)2 and NaOH solutions under constant current cathodic hydrogen charging. As a result, the hydrogen content in the steel cathodically charged in the Ca(OH)2 solution was larger than that in the NaOH solution, which was attributed to the formation of the Ca film. The hydrogen permeation efficiency on the area where the electrodeposited Ca film did not exist (reaction part) was measured by the electrochemical hydrogen permeation technique. It was clarified that with 0 to 40% of electrodeposited Ca film coverage, the hydrogen permeation efficiency increased and hydrogen entry was enhanced at the reaction part. It was clarified that hydrogen permeation efficiency decreased and hydrogen entry was inhibited at the reaction part when the electrodeposited Ca film coverage was more than 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrodeposition of Ni–B films and Ni–B nanocomposite coatings with diamond nanoparticles on steel substrates was performed in a modified Watts bath. The influence of electrodeposition parameters such as saccharine content, concentration of boron precursor and the content of diamond nanoparticles in the electroplating bath were investigated. The impact of the nanodiamond size on the microstructure of the Ni–B nanocomposite coatings was investigated for sizes ranging from 5 nm to 100 nm. The effects of co-deposited nanodiamond on the hardness and corrosion potential of the coatings was assessed and related to the microstructure. It is demonstrated that the particle size of the nanodiamond affects the texture of the coatings as well as their susceptibility to electrochemical attack in 3.5% NaCl solution. The boron content in the coating has also a strong effect on their microstructure and hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late stage abnormal grain growth in the electrodeposited nickel is characterised by the occurrence of very large grains with unusual planar interfaces in a uniformly growing matrix. In our study, the nickel specimens deposited in electrolytic bath with different saccharin concentrations presented different abnormal grain growth tendencies, while the common feature is the cubic shape of the abnormal grain. The planar interfaces between the large grain and the matrix were proved to incline on the {1 0 0} plane, and the cubic shape of the abnormal grain in three dimensions was reconstructed by analysing the orientation relationship of the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline WS 2 thin films were electrodeposited on ITO coated glass substrate using sodium tungastate (Na 2 WO 4 ·2H 2 O) and thioacetamide (CH 3 C(S)NH 2 ) as metal and sulfur sources. The deposited WS 2 thin films were air annealed at different temperatures and the changes in phase, morphology, optical property were studied. It has been observed that annealing WS 2 films at 450 °C generates a mix phase of WS 2 /WO 3 and annealing the same film at 650 °C results 100% conversion of WS 2 to WO 3 . These phases are absolutely different from each other. Their applicability has also been tested by photodegradation of phenol. It has been found that among the different phases, mix phase i.e WS 2 /WO 3 shows better catalytic activity. Presence of two semiconductors with different energy levels in conduction and valence bands enhance displacement of electrons and holes from one semiconductor to another. The better charge separation in the coupled semiconductor is the key factor for interfacial charge transfer to the adsorbed substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic variation of film composition was done during electrodeposition of NiFe thin films onto 100 μm diameter copper wire. Current density of deposition was maintained at 20 mA/cm to ensure constant film thickness. Pure Ni film as well as Fe rich NiFe film were not magnetically soft enough and showed poor magnetoimpedance effect. As Fe concentration was systematically varied, softest magnetic properties and magnetoimpedance value were found for the film composition NiFe. Soft magnetic properties induced and magnetoimpedance effect observed at this composition was attributed to the lowering of magnetoelastic anisotropy as well as magnetocrystalline anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrolysis experiments were carried out with wheat straw soda black liquor with stainless steel (SS) electrodes. Electroactive lignin anions were found to form complex with the iron in the matrix of the SS anode surface to form a solid deposit. The deposits were examined with SEM and found to be in the form of irregular small granular mass. The granular solids so obtained were characterized with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, TEM, XRD, and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) techniques. The electrodeposited lignin contained an unusually high iron to carbon atomic ratio. The granules varied in size from 1 to 1.5μm, with each granule itself made up of individual particles of different size and shape. The solids were amorphous in nature as confirmed by their XRD and SAED analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tungsten coating was prepared by electro-deposition technique on copper alloy substrate in a Na2WO4–WO3 melt. The coating''s surface and cross-section morphologies as well as its impurities were investigated by XPS, SEM and line analysis. Various plating durations were investigated in order to obtain an optimal coating''s thickness. The results demonstrated that the electro-deposited coating was compact, voidless, crackless and free from impurities. The tungsten coating''s maximum Vickers hardness was measured to be 520HV. The tungsten coating''s minimum oxygen content was determined to be 0.018wt%. Its maximum thickness was measured to be 1043.67μm when the duration of electrolysis was set to 100h. The result of this study has demonstrated the feasibility of having thicker tungsten coatings on copper alloy substrates. These electrodeposited tungsten coatings can be potentially implemented as reliable armour for the medium heat flux plasma facing component (PFC). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, a novel strategy for the construction of CdS quantum dots (QDs)-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed. The stable nanocomposite film was obtained by using self-assembly CdS QDs capped with polyamidoamine (short for CdS-PAMAM) incorporating electrodeposited gold nanoparticles onto the surface of Au electrode. The water soluble CdS-PAMAM QDs were successfully synthesized by using PAMAM as a template and stabilizer. Based on the numerous reactive groups on the dendrimers, the high uniform and well-dispersed CdS-PAMAM QDs were assembled onto the surface of electrodeposited gold nanoparticles film. The feasibility of this manner was confirmed by photoluminescence, absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements. In addition, the ECL performance of the constructed CdS-PAMAM/GNPs film was investigated. With the synergistic effect of the CdS-PAMAM QDs and electrodeposited gold nanoparticles, the ECL response was dramatically enhanced. The fabricated nanocomposite film demonstrated rather high stability and sensitivity to dopamine detection. Under optimal experimental conditions, the fabricated sensor responded linearly to dopamine concentration in the range of 0.05–10μmolL−1 with a detection limit of 0.012μmolL−1. Moreover, the sensor exhibited good specificity, stability and reproducibility. The present work shows promising potential for developing new efficient ECL sensor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An Al2O3-modified aluminide coating was produced by aluminizing an as-electrodeposited Ni–Al2O3 nanocomposite film using pack cementation method at 1100  C for 4 h. For comparison, aluminizing was also performed in the same condition on an as-deposited Ni film without Al2O3 nanoparticles. SEM/EDAX and TEM results indicated that the co-deposited Al2O3 nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the finer-grain nanocrystalline Ni grains. The isothermal and cyclic oxidation in air at 900 °C indicated that the Al2O3-modified aluminide coatings were profoundly oxidation resistant as compared to the Al2O3-free aluminide coatings due to the faster formation of a continuous adherent α-Al2O3 scale. The effect of Al2O3 on the microstructure and the oxidation of the aluminide coating are discussed in the detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previously, we reported 15.4%-efficient copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS)-based photovoltaic devices from electrodeposited precursor films in which the final film composition was adjusted using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. At present, we are fabricating CIGS-based solar cells directly from electrodeposited precursor films, eliminating the expensive PVD step. Electrodeposited CIGS absorber layers are fabricated by a three-stage electrodeposition process in which: (a) CIGS is electrodeposited in the first stage, (b) Cu is electrodeposited in the second stage, and (c) an In layer is deposited in the final third stage. All films are electrodeposited from an aqueous-based solution at room temperature in a two-electrode cell configuration, with platinum gauze as the counter electrode and a glass/MO substrate as the working electrode. The substrate is DC-sputtered with about 1μm of Mo. The electrodeposited films are selenized at high temperature (∼550°C) to obtain a 10.9%-efficient device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A CeO2-dispersed aluminide coating was fabricated through aluminizing the electrodeposited Ni–CeO2 nanocomposite film on carbon steel using pack cementation method at 700 °C for 4 h. The isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of the CeO2-dispersed aluminide coating at 900 °C, including the growth of oxide scale and the microstructure of the coatings, have been investigated comparing with the aluminide coating on carbon steel. The results show enhanced oxidation performance of the CeO2-dispersed aluminide coating, which is concerned with not only CeO2 effect on the microstructure and oxidation, but also decreased interdiffusion between the aluminide and the Ni film. The CeO2 benefit effects and interdiffusion are discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrodeposited two-phase γ-Ni+γ′-Ni3Al and single-phase γ′-Ni3Al coatings with and without CeO2 particles were developed by the conversion of electrodeposited Ni–Al or Ni–Al–CeO2 films with dispersed Al microparticles in Ni matrix into γ′-Ni3Al by vacuum annealing at 800°C for 3h. SEM/EDAX and TEM characterizations showed that the CeO2-dispersed γ-Ni+γ′-Ni3Al or γ′-Ni3Al coatings exhibited finer grains compared to the CeO2-free Ni–Al alloy coatings. The oxidation at 1000°C for 20h showed that for a given Al content the addition of CeO2 significantly improved the oxidation resistance of the electrodeposited Ni–Al alloy coatings. The effect of CeO2 particles on the microstructure and oxidation behavior of the electrodeposited Ni–Al alloy coating is discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Co rich CoNiFe thin films of varying thickness were electrodeposited onto 100μm diameter copper wires. The microstructure, magnetic properties and magnetoimpedance effect of the samples have been investigated as a function of deposition time. All samples show ferromagnetic behavior with no significant change in coercivity values. The samples are found to exhibit higher magnetoimpedance values (80%) at a frequency of 1MHz. Detailed analysis of high frequency magnetoimpedance and permeability data suggest a strong correlation between soft magnetic and magnetoimpedance behavior. Following these trends a phenomenological model has also been developed to explain the variation of magnetoimpedance as a function of film thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Young's moduli of electrodeposited Ni with different dimensions were measured carefully in this paper. The dimensions of tensile specimens were 200, 35, or 5 μm thick and 2400, 200 or 50 μm wide. These specimens were measured with three different approaches. The measured Young's moduli of Ni decrease from 122.1 ± 4.3 to 92 ± 5.2 GPa when the thickness changes from 200 to 5 μm and width changes from 2400 to 50 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrodeposited (ED) tin was coated on the copper substrate for electrical contact instead of conventional hot dipped (HD) tin and subjected to fretting tests. The fretting wear behavior was investigated with various fretting cycles at ±25 μm displacement amplitude, 0.5 N normal load, 3 Hz frequency, 45–50% relative humidity, and 25±1 °C temperature. The contact resistance variation was recorded with fretting cycles. The fretting corrosion performance of ED tin enhanced with that of HD tin. The grain structure of ED tin was not removed even at 9000 fretting cycles, whereas HD tin removed at 1000 fretting cycles. The interdependence of extent of wear and oxidation on the fretted zone increases the complexity of the fretting corrosion behavior. The extent of wear and the elemental distribution at the center and edges of the fretting zone was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive analyzer of X-ray (EDAX). The surface profile of the fretted surface was examined using laser-scanning microscope (LSM). The fretting behavior difference between ED tin and HD tin was correlated to the grain structure as well as the absence of the abrasive debris in ED tin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni–SiC nanocomposite coatings were produced by electrodeposition from a nickel sulfate bath containing SiC nanoparticles with an average particle size of 30nm. The characteristics of the coatings were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and microhardness test. The friction and wear performance of Ni–SiC nanocomposite coatings and Ni film were comparatively investigated sliding against Si3N4 ceramic balls under non-lubricated conditions. The results indicated that compared to Ni film, Ni–SiC nanocomposite coating exhibited enhanced microhardness and wear resistance. The effect of SiC nanoparticles on the friction and wear resistance is discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel thin molecularly imprinted sol–gel film with specific recognition for cytidine was electrodeposited on the surface of piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) Au-electrode. In this method, a sufficiently negative potential was applied to the electrode surface to generate hydroxyl ions, which play the role of the catalyst for the hydrolysis and condensation of 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS). The process of the preparation of the imprinted sol–gel film was investigated in detail by using the piezoelectric quartz crystal impedance (PQCI) technique and cyclic voltammetry. The thickness of the imprinted film was controlled easily by adjusting the applied potential and the deposited time. The binding capacity and the selectivity of the electrodeposited imprinted sol–gel film were also studied in detail by using PQCI, electrochemically impedance technique and capacitance technique. The electrodeposited imprinted sol–gel film exhibited high selectivity toward cytidine in comparison to interfering substances. The dissociation constant (K d) in the nanomolar range indicated a strong imprinted interaction existing between the electrodeposited sol–gel-imprinted film and the template cytidine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anneal response and high-temperature ductility for four commercial- grade 35-µm rolled (R: GR5) and electrodeposited (ED: GR1, GR3, and TCAM) copper foils, used for rigid and flexible printed circuits, are investigated. Using tensile and microhardness monitors, the anneal response is examined to 900°C for up to 300 min, and the high-temperature ductility is characterized to a 200°C test temperature. For comparison, the ED "control" foils, using deposition parameters identical to those for the commercial foils but without the additives usually introduced in the electrolyte, are also examined. The ED control foils thermally soften readily; the temperature range of softening decreases with the electrodeposition overvoltage (ζ). For the commercial grade foils, the proprietary additives help tailor thermal softening but cause severe disruption of anneal kinetics (TCAM) and embrittlement at (TCAM) and above (GR1, GR3) 23°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]