Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hatice Gunduz, Ramazan Karslioglu, Fahrettin Ozturk
Summary: Titanium alloys have weak tribological properties, but electroless coatings are widely used to improve surface quality. This study applied a graphene-reinforced nickel matrix coating on the surface of a titanium alloy and observed significant improvements in microstructure and tribological properties through abrasion testing. Heat treatment further enhanced the hardness and wear resistance of the coating.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Aleyna Bayatli, Emine Feraye Sahin, Mustafa Kocabas
Summary: In this study, the effects of adding boron carbide (B4C) to nickel-boron (Ni-B) and nickel-boron-tungsten (Ni-B-W) coatings on the surface morphology, phase structure, tribological characteristics, and electrochemical behaviors were investigated. The addition of B4C particles transformed the surface morphology of the composite coatings and improved their hardness. The wear factors of the coatings were significantly reduced with the addition of B4C, and there was a minimal decrease in the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergio Battiato, Mario Urso, Salvatore Cosentino, Anna Lucia Pellegrino, Salvo Mirabella, Antonio Terrasi
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis of Ni-P alloys as efficient catalysts for water electrolysis, demonstrating improved catalytic activity by adjusting the thickness and Ni/P ratio of the alloy. Depositing Ni-P catalysts with optimized size and composition on Ni foam resulted in increased active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction, achieving high current densities at low overpotentials. Additionally, the study advances the control of electroless synthetic approaches for designing high-performance metal phosphide catalysts on a large scale for electrochemical water splitting.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Rasid Ahmed Yildiz, Kenan Genel, Turgut Gulmez
Summary: The research experimentally investigated the impact of electroless Ni-B and Ni-W-B coatings on the fatigue and corrosion-fatigue life of 7075 Al alloy. Results showed that Ni-B coating provided superior resistance in both corrosion and corrosion fatigue, leading to considerable improvement in corrosion fatigue performance of coated specimens.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Qi Chen, Yun Zheng, Shuai Dong, Xiao-Bo Chen, Jie Dong
Summary: This study investigated the influence of fluoride ions on the growth of PEO/Ni-P composite coating on magnesium alloy AZ31B. It was found that fluoride ions can increase the thickness and compactness of the PEO coating but hinder direct EN plating, with Ni-P nodules selectively nucleating in the micro-pores of the PEO layer. The PEO/Ni-P composite coating provides superior corrosion protection to the magnesium substrate.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Palash Biswas, Suman Kalyan Das, Prasanta Sahoo
Summary: Duplex Ni-P/Ni-Mo-P coating systems were developed using the electroless dual bath technique. The effect of heat treatment on the microstructural characteristics, microhardness, friction, wear, and corrosion behavior of the coatings was investigated. Heat treatment improved the hardness and corrosion performance of the coatings, but prolonged high temperature treatment resulted in surface cracks and plastic deformation.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohua Zheng, Yindi Huang, Chenbin Cai, Haijun Huang, Fanger Yang
Summary: Electroless nickel composite coatings with the addition of WS2 and Si3N4 nanoparticles show potential for high-temperature tribological applications. By increasing the WS2 dosage, the content of WS2 in the coating and the micro-hardness increased. After annealing, the crystallization process led to an increase in hardness. The main wear mechanism changed from adhesive wear to abrasive wear. The annealed Ni-P-Si3N4-WS2 coating with a WS2 dosage of 2.5 g/L exhibited excellent mechanical properties at room and high temperatures.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weizhi Zhang, Dandan Liao, Dezhi Tang, Enhou Han, Jun Wang
Summary: The electroless plating and electrodeposition process was used to prepare a Ni-Cu-P bilayer composite film with hydrophobic properties on the Ni-P film. The introduction of Cu inhibits the growth of cellular structures, increases nucleation points, and improves the microstructure of the Ni-Cu-P films. The Ni-P/Ni-Cu-P bilayer composite film has a pinecone-like convex structure, reduces surface energy, exhibits hydrophobicity, and effectively resists external impurities and fouling, improving corrosion resistance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jiatian Wang, Xiaolan Bai, Xuehui Shen, Xianfu Liu, Baolin Wang
Summary: Fabricating textured substrate surfaces is an effective way to improve adhesion at a coating-substrate interface. In this study, the RUVT technique was proposed for the fabrication of complex micro-textures on substrate surfaces, enhancing the bonding properties of the prepared coatings through mechanical anchoring and substrate surface wettability. The technique is convenient, controllable, and minimizes the risk of thermal damage, making it a promising method for further exploration in improving coating adhesion.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
P. V. George John, M. Edwin Sahayaraj, J. T. Winowlin Jappes, S. John Leon
Summary: Co-deposition of 200-300 nm TiO2 (anatase) particles with Ni-P electroless coatings on low carbon steel was investigated. The coated specimens were annealed using microwave and electric furnace. The effects of annealing temperatures on the coatings were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDAX, and the corrosion performance was evaluated using electrochemical polarization technique. The microwave annealing method improved the corrosion performance by diffusing TiO2 particles into the matrix and reducing micro voids. The corrosion mechanisms were explained considering crystallization, phase transformation, grain size, and micro strain.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART C-JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jungsoo Kim, Seung-Boo Jung, Jeong-Won Yoon
Summary: The study investigated the effects of Ni(P) layer thickness on the microstructural behavior and electrical reliability of ENEPIG surface-finished printed circuit boards with SAC305 solder joints. The results showed that the Ni(P) layer thickness influenced the growth of IMC layers and electrical performance.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Liu, Feng Peng, Guang-Ling Yang, Zhi-Hui Xie, Wenxin Dai, Yuejun Ouyang, Liang Wu, Chuan-Jian Zhong
Summary: This study demonstrates the utilization of photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP) with a metallic nickel interlayer for the indirect corrosion protection of metals with low self-corrosion potential. By coupling a covalent organic framework decorated TiO2 photoanode with nickel coating on magnesium alloy, the PECCP efficiency is enhanced. The composite structure and the enhanced performance are characterized and a corrosion protection mechanism is proposed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoli Zhang, Heming Wang, Guiqun Liu
Summary: In this study, candle soot was added to electroless nickel-phosphorus plating to enhance its wear resistance. The results showed that the Ni-P-CS composite coatings without heat treatment had a lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Osama Fayyaz, Mohammad Farhan, M. Ghuffran Qamar, R. A. Shakoor, Jolly Bhadra, Noora J. Al-Thani
Summary: This research investigates the mechanical and electrochemical performance of nickel-phosphorus coatings reinforced with titanium carbide nanoparticles. Structural and topographical analysis reveals significant enhancements in mechanical properties due to the addition of TiC nanoparticles. Erosion studies also show improved resistance against erosion at different impact angles. The Ni-P-TiC nanocomposite coatings demonstrate exceptional mechanical performance and good corrosion resistance.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shang Gao, Chongyao Wu, Xin Yang, Jirui Cheng, Renke Kang
Summary: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and its fiber-reinforced materials are promising thermoplastic polymers. Depositing Ni-P alloy on them can improve conductivity and electromagnetic shielding performance. The bonding strength between PEEK and the coating plays a crucial role in the application effect of plated parts. In this study, the influence of surface roughness and modified fibers on coating adhesion was investigated, and process parameters for optimal deposition rate were determined.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Miao Zhao, Xinwei Li, Wei Zhai, David Z. Zhang
Summary: This study introduces a new type of hollow-strut lattice structure and investigates its mechanical properties and deformation behavior under different inner hollow parameters. The results show that increasing the inner hollow size significantly improves the elastic modulus of the structure and changes its deformation mechanism from bending-dominated to stretching-dominated. Adjustable Poisson's ratio and isotropic elasticity can also be achieved by adjusting the inner hollow size.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingfei Lou, Chenqi Xu, Qiyang Guo, Shizhu Song, Yanqing Wang, Xiaohong Gao, Qi Li
Summary: A composite of protonated graphitic carbon nitride-coated graphene oxide (GO/P-g-C3N4) was prepared using wet-chemistry exfoliation and freeze-drying. The GO/P-g-C3N4 composite showed excellent photodegradation performance and strong antibacterial properties. The structure of GO and the dispersed state of P-g-C3N4 played a significant role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Compared to reduced GO (rGO)/g-C3N4, the GO/P-g-C3N4 obtained through freeze-drying retained more oxygen-containing groups, resulting in higher catalytic activity and reusability. The GO/P-g-C3N4 exhibited a higher specific surface area and photocurrent density, leading to superior photocatalytic activity. Adsorption energy calculations revealed that O2 can be readily adsorbed onto the GO surface, generating stronger oxidizing superoxide anion radicals and holes, which rapidly degrade dyes. The GO/P-g-C3N4 composite also exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity when irradiated with visible light. This work provides new insights into the design of cost-effective g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Xu, Gangwen Fu, Yuxuan Wang, Qinghe Cao, Yanran Xun, Chen Li, Cao Guan, Wei Huang
Summary: A 3D-printed Ni electrode with a designed periodic structure and surface chemistry facilitates rapid bubble generation and emission, yielding a high electrochemically active surface area. By loading with MoNi4 and NiFe layered double hydroxide active materials, the electrode achieves high current densities for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. An all-3D-printed alkaline electrolyzer exhibits stable performance for clean energy production over a long period of time.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Xu, Junjie Du, Qinghe Cao, Danwei Zhang, Chen Li, Gangwen Fu, Yong Gao, Jiayu Yang, Cao Guan, Wei Huang
Summary: The key to utilizing graphene for large-scale industrial applications lies in the 3D construction of 2D sheets. By using a layer-by-layer approach in additive manufacturing, 3D graphene structures with excellent mechanical flexibility can be fabricated. The demonstrated 3D nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) foams, created via 3D printed templates and template-directed chemical vapor deposition, exhibit exceptional mechanical and functional properties, including super-elasticity, low density, fast charge carrier transport, and temperature-invariant reversible elasticity.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xi Xu, Junyuan He, Yuemeng Li, Gangwen Fu, Qinghe Cao, Danwei Zhang, Yong Hao Tan, Ming Gao, Weihao Li, Chaojiang Li, Win Jonhson, Shuning Xiao, Jun Ding
Summary: The possibility of constructing functional materials with designed shapes through 3D printing brings higher flexibility to the next-generation devices. Water-based ink, by tuning surface chemistry, enables the formulation of stable colloidal suspension with high solid loading. However, the solubility of materials in water has limited its application. In this study, a facile method of polyvinylpyrrolidone coating of functional materials was utilized, and the printed samples showed shear thinning behavior. Moreover, the coated samples demonstrated better adsorption performance and electrocatalytic kinetics, indicating their wide potential in various fields.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanqing Wang, Jianmin Su, Lin Zhang, Ying Liu, Xintong Miao, Jiaxuan Liu, Qi Li, Liping Ding, Yanfeng Tang
Summary: In this paper, a carbon cloth/amorphous nanoscale Pd (CC/AN Pd) composite electrode is reported, which achieves a modifier-free composite of low-cost intractable carbon support and low-loading Pd metal by a mild and facile oxidation-ion exchange-reduction (OIR) route. Compared with the traditional Pd/C electrode, this CC/AN Pd composite electrode exhibits high activity, robustness, cost-effectiveness, modifier-free nature, micro-nano porous structure, and low Pd loading. It shows superior catalysis performance for oxalic acid (OA) oxidization reaction (OOR), especially at high current density. Moreover, based on catalysis performance and the cost of Pd loading amount, this CC/AN Pd composite electrode demonstrates superior catalysis performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with high cost-effectiveness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Miao Zhao, Xinwei Li, David Z. Zhang, Wei Zhai
Summary: Compared to single-phase structures, interpenetrating lattice structures based on triply periodic minimal surfaces exhibit a wide range of adjustable physical and mechanical properties. The influence of volume fraction and interpenetrating parameter on the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of these structures are investigated using representative volume elements and periodic boundary conditions. The results show that the mechanical properties are highly dependent on the interpenetrating parameter, and different deformation mechanisms can be achieved by adjusting this parameter. The experimentally validated 3D-printed samples confirm the effectiveness of the proposed optimization framework, which simultaneously optimizes the distribution of volume fraction and interpenetrating parameter, for lightweight applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junjie Du, Gangwen Fu, Xi Xu, Abdelnaby M. Elshahawy, Cao Guan
Summary: This article reviews the latest developments and applications of 3D printed graphene-based metamaterials. It discusses the structure design and fabrication strategies of different types of metamaterials. It also explores the introduction of multi-functionality through 3D printed graphene-based materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuxuan Wang, Yong Gao, Junyuan He, Jiayu Yang, Gangwen Fu, Qinghe Cao, Jie Pu, Fan Bu, Xi Xu, Cao Guan
Summary: In this study, a sphere-confined reversible zinc deposition behavior was achieved by using the Kirkendall effect to form bi-continuous ZnO-protected interconnected and hollowed Zn microspheres. The resulting alkaline zinc-based batteries showed high rechargeability and zinc utilization ratio, making them suitable for high current density and high depth of discharge applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guanru Zhao, Xing Sun, Gangwen Fu, Qingsong Liu, Jiaojiao Cui, Ruiyi Jiang, Junyuan He, Leiqing Cao, Tingting Jing, Fei Qin, Miao Tian, Xi Xu
Summary: Solar interfacial evaporation is a promising method for solving the global shortage of fresh water. This study proposes a multifield assisted strategy based on a gradient 3D structure with high tortuosity, which creates a thermal field environment for efficient evaporation through high absorption of sunlight and excellent photothermal conversion, and uses the gradient structure to optimize the internal pressure field to enhance water evaporation and transport, achieving a high evaporation rate.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiayu Yang, Xi Xu, Yong Gao, Yuxuan Wang, Qinghe Cao, Jie Pu, Fan Bu, Ting Meng, Cao Guan
Summary: This study reports an ultra-stable zinc powder-based anode, constructed by coating a conformal ion-conductive hydrogel layer on 3D-printed zinc scaffolds. The interconnected hydrogel effectively redistributes the zinc ion flux and homogenizes the surface electric field, while the 3D architecture alleviates the stress from volume change at high current densities/capacities. As a result, the 3D zinc powder-based symmetric cell demonstrates stable performance for over 4700 hours (>6 months) at a high current density/capacity of 5 mA cm(-2)/5 mAh cm(-2), surpassing previously reported zinc powder-based anodes and bare zinc foil, offering a promising route for practical applications of low-cost and large-scale zinc-ion batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gangwen Fu, Xing Sun, Zhicheng Zheng, Yuxuan Wang, Jingwen Qiu, Zhuozhao Wu, Gen Chen, Xi Xu
Summary: Reported in this study are 3D-printed metallic electrodes with Janus porosity that can achieve efficient bubble emission and provide high surface area. By further one-step treatment, the catalysts of Ru-Ni(OH)(2) and Fe-Ni(OH)(2) nanoarrays are in situ grown on the electrodes. The synergistic effect of the gradient morphology and the in situ grown catalysts is confirmed by theoretical calculations and systematic experiments. The electrolyzer exhibits unprecedented activity and stability, surpassing most state-of-the-art electrolyzers, making it a viable solution for future industrial sustainable hydrogen production technology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinwei Li, Xiang Yu, Jun Wei Chua, Wei Zhai
Summary: Helmholtz resonance, a primary sound absorption mechanism, can be enhanced by reshaping the cavity without altering its mass and volume. By bringing the cavity walls close to the pores, additional thermoviscous dissipation occurs, resulting in a 44% gain in maximum absorption compared to the original structure. Numerical simulations elucidate structure-property relationships and propose analytical models for design and optimization. A heterogeneously porous broadband absorber with an average absorption coefficient of 0.74 is demonstrated, showcasing the potential of this concept for advanced sound-absorbing metamaterials.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Zhuozhao Wu, Jingwen Qiu, Gangwen Fu, Ruiyi Jiang, Danwei Zhang, Xi Xu
Summary: To advance research in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, the development of better-performance materials is necessary. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a reasonable choice due to their excellent surface area and active sites, but their fabrication poses challenges. The use of 3D printing for self-standing MOF electrodes has attracted attention for its high loadings and stable structures. This paper reviews conventional fabrication methods and summarizes the methods and challenges of 3D printing for MOF monoliths.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinwei Li, Jun Wei Chua, Xiang Yu, Zhendong Li, Miao Zhao, Zhonggang Wang, Wei Zhai
Summary: Noise reduction through absorption is crucial for the well-being of humans and machines. Lattice structures, as advanced sound-absorbing materials, offer immense design freedom and customizable absorption properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research status and proposes a classification of lattice structures based on their acoustic properties. The acoustical geometries and sound wave dissipation within the lattice are influenced by morphology, relative density, cell size, and number of cells. The structural-property relationships of lattice structures are analyzed, and suggestions for future research directions are proposed.