The influence of suspension composition and deposition mode on the electrophoretic deposition of TiO2 nanoparticle agglomerates

Tribotronic and electrochemical properties of platinum-nanofluid interfaces formed by aqueous suspensions of 5 and 40 nm TiO2 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be highly beneficial as additives to lubricating fluids, and the tribotronic response of charged NPs tuned by external fields represents an area of great technological potential. Tribotronic response, however, is expected to be highly size dependent, which represents a significant design challenge. To explore this issue, quartz crystal microbalance and cyclic voltammetry were employed to characterize nanotribological and electrochemical behavior of platinum-nanofluid interfaces formed by aqueous suspensions of different-sized negatively charged titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs. Suspensions of 5, 40, and 100 nm NPs were all observed to reduced interfacial frictional drag forces upon introduction into pure water in zero field conditions, with reductions for the 40 nm NPs about twice those of 5 nm particles at comparable concentrations. Suspensions of 100 nm NPs produced even greater reductions, but rapidly precipitated from the suspension when left unstirred. NPs were also driven to and from Pt electrode surfaces by applying external electric fields with varying amplitudes and modulation frequencies. For electric fields of sufficient amplitude and duration, the 40 nm TiO2 nanosuspension exhibited tribological properties consistent with a reversible electrophoretic deposition of the NPs, accompanied by changes in the electrochemical attributes and increasing interfacial drag. The 5 nm NP properties were consistent with progressive reductions in interfacial drag forces at the NP-suspension interface linked to field-induced increases in concentration.

Effect of nanoparticle concentration on coagulation rate of colloidal suspensions

Theoretically and with the help of numerical simulation the coagulation rate of nanoparticle suspensions is analyzed. Analytical expressions are proposed that describes the rate of stationary coagulation of the nanoparticles suspended in a solvent ( d n a / d t , wheren a is the particle concentration) and the characteristic coagulation time θ = - n a / ( d n a / d t ) . In the contrast to traditionally used equations, the proposed expressions allow one to describe with high accuracy the rate of stationary coagulation of not only low concentrated suspensions, where the volume content of nanoparticles is ρ ≪ 1 %, but also rather highly concentrated ones, at ρ ∼ 1 % and more ( ρ = n a v a wherev a is a particle volume), which are relevant for most of the industrial applications. Analytical expressions are written for both three-dimensional geometry, which is relevant for real colloids, and two-dimensional geometry, which is useful to compare results of the analytical solution and numerical simulation. Computer experiments are performed in the framework of the two-dimensional method of stochastic dynamics. Satisfactory agreement of the obtained analytical expressions with the results of numerical calculations is demonstrated. The dependences of the coagulation time on the height of the interparticle energy barrier and on the suspension concentration are analyzed. It is shown that, in contrast to the obtained theoretical expressions, the traditionally used formulas overestimate the characteristic coagulation time for highly concentrated suspensions by more than an order of magnitude.

Electrophoretic deposition of photocatalytic materials

Powdered photocatalytic materials have been successfully applied for the degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants as well as for hydrogen production and CO₂ photo-reduction. However, the development of strategies for the preparation of photoactive coatings is a hot topic since it is a promising step for its use in photocatalytic reactors on an industrial scale. Electrophoretic deposition is a versatile technique capable to produce coatings of nanoparticles at a relative low cost and with an excellent quality and control of the deposited material. This work summarizes the fundamental aspects of the electrophoretic deposition process, as well as the latest contributions in the deposition of several photocatalytic materials including TiO₂ and other UV-photocatalysts like ZnO, ZnS, SrTiO₃ and PbMoO₄ in addition to visible-light-driven photocatalysts such as Bi₂O₃, CdS, CdSe, g-C₃N₄, among others. Furthermore, the morphological features of the coatings along with the repercussion in the photocatalytic performance are issues discussed in the present review, based on the effect of the multiple parameters of the electrophoretic process such as the applied voltage, the deposition time, the inter-electrode distance, the concentration of the particles, the solvents and additives.

UPS and UV spectroscopies combined to position the energy levels of TiO2 anatase and rutile nanopowders

Positioning of absolute energy levels and the quantitative description of occupied levels obtained for TiO₂ nanopowders, combining UPS and UV-Vis spectroscopies.

Low-temperature synthesis and electrophoretic deposition of shape-controlled titanium dioxide nanocrystals

A comprehensive, low-temperature strategy for obtaining optimized, dense and nanostructured TiO₂ thin films is proposed.

Electrophoretic Deposition of Chitosan/h-BN and Chitosan/h-BN/TiO₂ Composite Coatings on Stainless Steel (316L) Substrates

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation designed to deposit chitosan/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and chitosan/h-BN/titania (TiO₂) composites on SS316L substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) for potential antibacterial applications. The influence of EPD parameters (voltage and deposition time) and relative concentrations of chitosan, h-BN and TiO₂ in suspension on deposition yield was studied. The composition and structure of deposited coatings were investigated by FTIR, XRD and SEM. It was observed that h-BN and TiO₂ particles were dispersed in the chitosan matrix through simultaneous deposition. The adhesion between the electrophoretic coatings and the stainless steel substrates was tested by using tape test technique, and the results showed that the adhesion strength corresponded to 3B and 4B classes. Corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical polarization curves, indicating enhanced corrosion resistance of the chitosan/h-BN/TiO₂ and chitosan/h-BN coatings compared to the bare stainless steel substrate. In order to investigate the in-vitro inorganic bioactivity, coatings were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 28 days. FTIR and XRD results showed no formation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of chitosan/h-BN/TiO₂ and chitosan/h-BN coatings, which are therefore non bioactive but potentially useful as antibacterial coatings.

Green-engineered all-substrate mesoporous TiO(2) photoanodes with superior light-harvesting structure and performance

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is employed successfully in a suspension of multicomponent TiO2 nanoparticulates of different sizes and morphologies to engineer a very robust bifunctional electrode structure for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications that shows excellent light-harvesting and photoelectrochemical performance. Aqueous-synthesized anatase nanocrystallites and sub-micrometer-sized "sea urchin"-like rutile aggregates are formulated in a stable isopropanol suspension without resorting to binders or charging agents. Interestingly, extremely robust films are obtained because of the high surface reactivity, electrophoretic mobility, and unique morphology of the rutile aggregates. DSSCs built with the newly configured bifunctional electrode yielded a record efficiency (8.59 %) for EPD-fabricated devices without resorting to mechanical compression. Such green-engineered mesoporous electrode structures can be built on both metallic and plastic substrates and can find applications in various energy and environmental fields.

Decisive influence of colloidal suspension conductivity during electrophoretic impregnation of porous anodic film supported on 1050 aluminium substrate

The present paper studies the influence of suspension conductivity on the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of nanoparticles inside a porous anodic aluminium oxide film. It is shown that an increase in the suspension's conductivity enhances impregnation of the anodic film by the nanoparticles. Two mechanisms are seen to promote the migration of particles into the pores. Indeed an increase in the suspension conductivity leads on the one hand to a strengthening of the electric field in the anodic film and on the other hand to a thinning of the electric double layer on the pore walls. The results of our study confirm that colloidal suspension conductivity is a key parameter governing the electrophoretic impregnation depth.

Anode-selective coating of titanium(iv) oxide (TiO2) using electrophoretic sulfone-containing click polyester

We synthesized aliphatic and aromatic poly(ester-sulfide)s, via a thiol–ene click polymerization of ester-containing dialkenes with dithiols. Subsequent Oxone oxidation led to the corresponding poly(ester-sulfone). We then prepared a composite with TiO₂ using electrophoretic deposition. The composite was selectively deposited onto a stainless-steel anode.

Electron transport dynamics in TiO(2) films deposited on ti foils for back-illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells

In this study, we examine the electron transport dynamics in TiO2 films of back-illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells. The TiO2 films are fabricated using electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and the conventional paste-coating (PC) of TiO2 nanoparticles on Ti-foil substrates. Intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy reveals that red-light irradiation is more efficient than blue-light irradiation for generating photocurrents for back-illuminated cells. A single trapping-detrapping diffusion mode, without trap-free diffusion, reveals the electron transport dynamics involved in the backside illumination. The closely-packed EPD films exhibit a shorter electron transit time than does the loosely packed PC films. The porosity dependence of the electron diffusion rate is consistent with the 3D percolation model for metallic solid spheres. The EPD films possess longer electron lifetimes because of their smaller void fraction, which suppresses recombination with electrolytes. The EPD cells, which feature rapid electron transport and suppressed recombination in the TiO2 films, exhibit a maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.1%, which is higher than that of PC cells (6.0%). Because the distance between electron injection and collection is close to the film thickness and the transport lacks trap-free diffusion, the performance of back-illuminated cells is more sensitive to TiO2 film thickness and porosity than the performance of the front-illuminated cells. This study demonstrates the advantages of EPD-film architecture in promoting charge collection for high power conversion.

TiO(2) fibers enhance film integrity and photovoltaic performance for electrophoretically deposited dye solar cell photoanodes

Nanoparticulated TiO(2) fibers as one-dimensional long structures were introduced into TiO(2) P25 nanoparticle films using coelectrophoretic deposition. This prevented the usual crack formation occurring in wet coatings, and resulted in less porosity and higher roughness factor of the films that provided more favorable conditions for electron transport. The films used as the photoanode of a dye solar cell (DSC) produced 65% higher photovoltaic efficiency. TiO(2) fibers can be excellent binders in single-step, organic-free electrophoretic deposition of TiO(2) for DSC photoanode.

Novel and Improved Nanomaterials, Chemistries and Apparatus for Nanobiotechnology: the NACBO Project

This article outlines the nature and activities of the recently completed EU Framework Programme 6 Integrated Project, Novel and Improved Nanomaterials, Chemistries and Apparatus for Nanobiotechnology (NACBO). This project was designed to yield new nanomaterials, surface activation and synthetic nucleic acid chemistries, procedures and hardware for applications in forensics and diagnostics. It provides details on the project’s structure and partnership along with its principal objectives and successes in terms of publications and commercial exploitation.

Quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells

Quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) are a promising low-cost alternative to existing photovoltaic technologies such as crystalline silicon and thin inorganic films. The absorption spectrum of quantum dots (QDs) can be tailored by controlling their size, and QDs can be produced by low-cost methods. Nanostructures such as mesoporous films, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes and nanosheets with high microscopic surface area, redox electrolytes and solid-state hole conductors are borrowed from standard dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) to fabricate electron conductor/QD monolayer/hole conductor junctions with high optical absorbance. Herein we focus on recent developments in the field of mono- and polydisperse QDSCs. Stability issues are adressed, coating methods are presented, performance is reviewed and special emphasis is given to the importance of energy-level alignment to increase the light to electric power conversion efficiency.

Understanding the growth of Eu(2)O(3) nanocrystal films made via electrophoretic deposition

Eu(2)O(3) nanocrystals, surface-functionalized with oleic acid, were assembled into transparent thin films via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Suspended in a non-polar solvent (hexane), the nanocrystals were cast into stable films on both the cathode and the anode. We characterized the nanocrystal films using optical microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy provided information regarding the morphology, topology and surface coverage of the films. These homogeneous, densely packed films were composed predominantly of agglomerates (approximately 15 nm) of the Eu(2)O(3) nanocrystals rather than of individual nanocrystals. Nonetheless, the films possessed low root mean square (RMS) roughness (approximately 1.4 nm). High transparency of the film in the visible region was facilitated by the dense packing and the small diameter of the agglomerates, which reduced transmission losses due to scattering. The effect of EPD process parameters (applied voltage and nanocrystal concentration) on the growth uniformity and the thickness of the films was examined via surface contact profilometry. We discovered a correlation among the said EPD process parameters, the overall quality and thickness of these transparent films, which provided insight into the mechanisms of the nanocrystal deposition process.