Neutron dosimetry using electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Su, S.J.; Stillwagon, G.B.; Morgan, K.Z.

1977-01-01

Registration of α-tracks and fast-neutron-induced recoils tracks by the electrochemical etching technique as applied to sensitive polymer foils (e.g., polycarbonate) provides a simple, sensitive and inexpensive means of fast neutron personnel dosimetry as well as a valuable research tool for microdosimetry. When tracks were amplified by our electrochemical technique and the etching results compared with conventional etching technique a striking difference was noted. The electrochemically etched tracks were of much larger diameter (approx. 100 μm) and gave superior contrast. Two optical devices--the transparency projector and microfiche reader--were adapted to facilitate counting of the tracks appearing on our polycarbonate foils. The projector produced a magnification of 14X for a screen to projector distance of 5.0 meter and read's magnification was 50X. A Poisson distribution was determined for the number of tracks located in a particular area of the foil and experimentally verified by random counting of quarter sections of the microfiche reader screen. Finally, in an effort to determine dose equivalent (rem), a conversion factor is being determined by finding the sensitivity response (tracks/neutron) of recoil particle induced tracks as a function of monoenergetic fast neutrons and comparing results with those obtained by others

Micropatterning on cylindrical surfaces via electrochemical etching using laser masking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Chull Hee; Shin, Hong Shik; Chu, Chong Nam

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Various micropatterns were fabricated on the cylindrical surface of a stainless steel shaft. • Selective electrochemical dissolution was achieved via a series process of laser masking and electrochemical etching. • Laser masking characteristics on the non-planar surface were investigated. • A uniform mask layer was formed on the cylindrical surface via synchronized laser line scanning with a rotary system. • The characteristics of electrochemical etching on the non-planar surface were investigated. - Abstract: This paper proposes a method of selective electrochemical dissolution on the cylindrical surfaces of stainless steel shafts. Selective electrochemical dissolution was achieved via electrochemical etching using laser masking. A micropatterned recast layer was formed on the surface via ytterbium-doped pulsed fiber laser irradiation. The micropatterned recast layer could be used as a mask layer during the electrochemical etching process. Laser masking condition to form adequate mask layer on the planar surface for etching cannot be used directly on the non-planar surface. Laser masking condition changes depending on the morphological surface. The laser masking characteristics were investigated in order to form a uniform mask layer on the cylindrical surface. To minimize factors causing non-uniformity in the mask layer on the cylindrical surface, synchronized laser line scanning with a rotary system was applied during the laser masking process. Electrochemical etching characteristics were also investigated to achieve deeper etched depth, without collapsing the recast layer. Consequently, through a series process of laser masking and electrochemical etching, various micropatternings were successfully performed on the cylindrical surfaces

The chemical and electrochemical anisotropic etching of silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dixon, E.

1997-06-01

The success of silicon IC technology in producing a wide variety of microstructures relies heavily on the orientation dependant etching observed for silicon in alkaline media. Despite the rapid growth of this industry, the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms by which anisotropic etching occurs remain poorly understood. The most common etchant systems in use are ethylenediamine-pyrocatechol-water (EPW) and potassium hydroxide-isopropanol-water (KOH-IPA), and whilst these systems are highly plane selective they each have distinct disadvantages. The occurrence of inhomogeneities such as micropyramids and pits on the surface of etched substrates is a particularly disadvantageous characteristic of many alkaline etching systems. A complete understanding of the chemical and electrochemical anisotropic etching mechanisms is essential in order to obtain more reproducible etching, improved etch rate ratios and the development of more reliable etching baths. Wet chemical etching experiments to evaluate the etching rates for the different alkali metal cations have shown that similar etch rates are observed for LiOH, NaOH and KOH but those of RbOH and CsOH are significantly lower. The presence of impurities was shown to worsen the etched wafer's surface finish obtained in these etching baths. Additives have been shown to dramatically improve the surface finish with the presence of IPA in conjunction with etchant oxygenation virtually eliminating all surface defects. Electrochemical experiments were used to assess the electrochemical behaviour of Si p-(100) in of a wide variety of etchants and variations were seen according to the etchant used. A.C impedance spectroscopy showed a variation in the flat-band potential (V FB ) according to alkali metal hydroxide etchant used. These trends were similarly observed in the presence of isopropanol. Oxygenation was observed to reproducibly alter the flat-band potentials. A.c impedance spectroscopic studies additionally confirmed the

Characterization of nanostructured CuO-porous silicon matrixformed on copper coated silicon substrate via electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Mrad, O.; Al-Zier, A.

2015-01-01

A pulsed anodic etching method has been utilized for nanostructuring of a copper-coated p-type (100) silicon substrate, using HF-based solution as electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the formation of a nanostructured matrix that consists of island-like textures with nanosize grains grown onto fiber-like columnar structures separated with etch pits of grooved porous structures. Spatial micro-Raman scattering analysis indicates that the island-like texture is composed of single-phase cupric oxide (CuO) nanocrystals, while the grooved porous structure is barely related to formation of porous silicon (PS). X-ray diffraction shows that both the grown CuO nanostructures and the etched silicon layer have the same preferred (220) orientation. Chemical composition obtained by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis confirms the presence of the single-phase CuO on the surface of the patterned CuO-PS matrix. As compared to PS formed on the bare silicon substrate, the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) from the CuO-PS matrix exhibits an additional weak (blue) PL band as well as a blue shift in the PL band of PS (S-band). This has been revealed from XPS analysis to be associated with the enhancement in the SiO2 content as well as formation of the carbonyl group on the surface in the case of the CuO-PS matrix.(author)

Enhanced photoluminescence from porous silicon by hydrogen-plasma etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Q.; Gu, C.Z.; Li, J.J.; Wang, Z.L.; Shi, C.Y.; Xu, P.; Zhu, K.; Liu, Y.L.

2005-01-01

Porous silicon (PS) was etched by hydrogen plasma. On the surface a large number of silicon nanocone arrays and nanocrystallites were formed. It is found that the photoluminescence of the H-etched porous silicon is highly enhanced. Correspondingly, three emission centers including red, green, and blue emissions are shown to contribute to the enhanced photoluminescence of the H-etched PS, which originate from the recombination of trapped electrons with free holes due to Si=O bonding at the surface of the silicon nanocrystallites, the quantum size confinement effect, and oxygen vacancy in the surface SiO 2 layer, respectively. In particular, the increase of SiO x (x<2) formed on the surface of the H-etched porous silicon plays a very important role in enhancing the photoluminescence properties

Visible luminescence in photo-electrochemically etched p-type porous silicon: Effect of illumination wavelength

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Hamadeh, H.

2010-01-01

The effect of low power density of ∼5 μWcm - 2 monochromatic light of different wavelengths on the visible photoluminescence (PL) properties of photo-electrochemically formed p-type porous silicon (PS) has been investigated. Tow peak PL red and green is resolved in PS samples etched under blue-green wavelength illumination; 480,533 and 580 nm. It is found that the weight of green PL has maxima for the sample illuminated with 533 nm wavelength whereas, PL spectra of PS prepared under the influence of red illumination or in dark does not exhibit green PL band, but shows considerable enhancement in the red PL peak intensity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis reveals the relationship between the structures of chemical bonding in PS and the observed PL behavior. In particular, the PL efficiency is highly affected by the alteration of the relative content of hydride, oxide and hydroxyl species. Moreover, relative content of hydroxyl group with respect to oxide bonding is seen to have strong relationship to the blue PL. Although, the estimated energy gap value of PS samples shows a considerable enlargement with respect to that of bulk c-Si, the FTIR, low temperature PL and Raman measurements and analysis have inconsistency with quantum confinement of PS. (author)

Visible luminescence in photo-electrochemically etched p-type porous silicon: Effect of illumination wavelength

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Hamadeh, H.

2009-01-01

The effect of low power density of ∼ 5 μW/cm 2 monochromatic light of different wavelengths on the visible photoluminescence (PL) properties of photo-electrochemically formed p-type porous silicon (PS) has been investigated. Two-peak PL 'red' and 'green' is resolved in PS samples etched under blue-green wavelength illumination; 480, 533 and 580 nm. It is found that the weight of 'green' PL has maxima for the sample illuminated with 533 nm wavelength. Whereas, PL spectra of PS prepared under the influence of red illumination or in dark does not exhibit 'green' PL band, but shows considerable enhancement in the 'red' PL peak intensity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis reveals the relationship between the structures of chemical bonding in PS and the observed PL behavior. In particular, the PL efficiency is highly affected by the alteration of the relative content of hydride, oxide and hydroxyl species. Moreover, relative content of hydroxyl group with respect to oxide bonding is seen to have strong relationship to the blue PL. Although, the estimated energy gap value of PS samples shows a considerable enlargement with respect to that of bulk c-Si, the FTIR, low temperature PL and Raman measurements and analysis have inconsistency with quantum confinement of PS.

Surface engineered porous silicon for stable, high performance electrochemical supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Oakes, Landon; Westover, Andrew; Mares, Jeremy W.; Chatterjee, Shahana; Erwin, William R.; Bardhan, Rizia; Weiss, Sharon M.; Pint, Cary L.

2013-10-01

Silicon materials remain unused for supercapacitors due to extreme reactivity of silicon with electrolytes. However, doped silicon materials boast a low mass density, excellent conductivity, a controllably etched nanoporous structure, and combined earth abundance and technological presence appealing to diverse energy storage frameworks. Here, we demonstrate a universal route to transform porous silicon (P-Si) into stable electrodes for electrochemical devices through growth of an ultra-thin, conformal graphene coating on the P-Si surface. This graphene coating simultaneously passivates surface charge traps and provides an ideal electrode-electrolyte electrochemical interface. This leads to 10-40X improvement in energy density, and a 2X wider electrochemical window compared to identically-structured unpassivated P-Si. This work demonstrates a technique generalizable to mesoporous and nanoporous materials that decouples the engineering of electrode structure and electrochemical surface stability to engineer performance in electrochemical environments. Specifically, we demonstrate P-Si as a promising new platform for grid-scale and integrated electrochemical energy storage.

Surface engineered porous silicon for stable, high performance electrochemical supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Oakes, Landon; Westover, Andrew; Mares, Jeremy W.; Chatterjee, Shahana; Erwin, William R.; Bardhan, Rizia; Weiss, Sharon M.; Pint, Cary L.

2013-01-01

Silicon materials remain unused for supercapacitors due to extreme reactivity of silicon with electrolytes. However, doped silicon materials boast a low mass density, excellent conductivity, a controllably etched nanoporous structure, and combined earth abundance and technological presence appealing to diverse energy storage frameworks. Here, we demonstrate a universal route to transform porous silicon (P-Si) into stable electrodes for electrochemical devices through growth of an ultra-thin, conformal graphene coating on the P-Si surface. This graphene coating simultaneously passivates surface charge traps and provides an ideal electrode-electrolyte electrochemical interface. This leads to 10–40X improvement in energy density, and a 2X wider electrochemical window compared to identically-structured unpassivated P-Si. This work demonstrates a technique generalizable to mesoporous and nanoporous materials that decouples the engineering of electrode structure and electrochemical surface stability to engineer performance in electrochemical environments. Specifically, we demonstrate P-Si as a promising new platform for grid-scale and integrated electrochemical energy storage. PMID:24145684

Two-step controllable electrochemical etching of tungsten scanning probe microscopy tips

KAUST Repository

Khan, Yasser; Al-Falih, Hisham; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S.; Zhang, Yaping

2012-01-01

Dynamic electrochemical etching technique is optimized to produce tungsten tips with controllable shape and radius of curvature of less than 10 nm. Nascent features such as dynamic electrochemical etching and reverse biasing after drop-off are utilized, and two-step dynamic electrochemical etching is introduced to produce extremely sharp tips with controllable aspect ratio. Electronic current shut-off time for conventional dc drop-off technique is reduced to ?36 ns using high speed analog electronics. Undesirable variability in tip shape, which is innate to static dc electrochemical etching, is mitigated with novel dynamic electrochemical etching. Overall, we present a facile and robust approach, whereby using a novel etchant level adjustment mechanism, 30° variability in cone angle and 1.5 mm controllability in cone length were achieved, while routinely producing ultra-sharp probes. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.

Characterization of nanostructured CuO-porous silicon matrix formed on copper-coated silicon substrate via electrochemical etching

Science.gov (United States)

Naddaf, M.; Mrad, O.; Al-zier, A.

2014-06-01

A pulsed anodic etching method has been utilized for nanostructuring of a copper-coated p-type (100) silicon substrate, using HF-based solution as electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the formation of a nanostructured matrix that consists of island-like textures with nanosize grains grown onto fiber-like columnar structures separated with etch pits of grooved porous structures. Spatial micro-Raman scattering analysis indicates that the island-like texture is composed of single-phase cupric oxide (CuO) nanocrystals, while the grooved porous structure is barely related to formation of porous silicon (PS). X-ray diffraction shows that both the grown CuO nanostructures and the etched silicon layer have the same preferred (220) orientation. Chemical composition obtained by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis confirms the presence of the single-phase CuO on the surface of the patterned CuO-PS matrix. As compared to PS formed on the bare silicon substrate, the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) from the CuO-PS matrix exhibits an additional weak `blue' PL band as well as a blue shift in the PL band of PS (S-band). This has been revealed from XPS analysis to be associated with the enhancement in the SiO2 content as well as formation of the carbonyl group on the surface in the case of the CuO-PS matrix.

Model calculations for electrochemically etched neutron detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pitt, E.; Scharmann, A.; Werner, B.

1988-01-01

Electrochemical etching has been established as a common method for visualisation of nuclear tracks in solid state nuclear track detectors. Usually the Mason equation, which describes the amplification of the electrical field strength at the track tip, is used to explain the treeing effect of electrochemical etching. The yield of neutron-induced tracks from electrochemically etched CR-39 track detectors was investigated with respect to the electrical parameters. A linear dependence on the response from the macroscopic field strength was measured which could not be explained by the Mason equation. It was found that the reality of a recoil proton track in the detector does not fit the boundary conditions which are necessary when the Mason equation is used. An alternative model was introduced to describe the track and detector geometry in the case of a neutron track detector. The field strength at the track tip was estimated with this model and compared with the experimental data, yielding good agreement. (author)

Hydrogen production from nano-porous Si powder formed by stain etching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Litvinenko, S.; Alekseev, S.; Kuznetsov, G.; Skryshevsky, V. [Institute of High Technology of National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrs' ka 64, Kyiv 01601 (Ukraine); Lysenko, V.; Barbier, D. [Lyon Institute of Nanotechnologies (INL), CNRS UMR-5270, University of Lyon, INSA de Lyon, 7 avenue Jean Capelle, Bat. Blaise Pascal, 69621 Villeurbanne Cedex (France); Venturello, A.; Geobaldo, F.; Garrone, E. [Politecnico di Torino, Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, 10129 Torino (Italy); Gulina, L.; Tolstoy, V. [St-Petersburg State University, Chemical Department (Russian Federation)

2010-07-15

Hydrogen reservoirs based on porous silicon (PS) nanostructures are considered. Silicon-based hydrogen tanks are believed to be applicable for portable device energy supply and compatible with micro-sources of energy of new generation. Stain etching of silicon powder to produce PS is studied as a technology alternative to conventional electrochemical etching and application of the PS powder for hydrogen production is also described. Size selection of initial Si micro-particles constituting the powders was carried out by sedimentation technique. Hydrogen content in PS was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Extraction of hydrogen in water environment in presence of small amount of NH{sub 3} as catalyst was shown to have advantages such as safety and tunability, additional production of hydrogen from water dissociation, and a possibility to characterize PS as a hydrogen source material in terms of hydrogen effective shell and crystalline core conception. (author)

Visible luminescence in photo-electrochemically etched p-type porous silicon: Effect of illumination wavelength

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naddaf, M.; Hamadeh, H., E-mail: scientific@aec.org.sy [Department of Physics, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), P.O. Box 6091 Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic)

2009-08-31

The effect of low power density of {approx} 5 {mu}W/cm{sup 2} monochromatic light of different wavelengths on the visible photoluminescence (PL) properties of photo-electrochemically formed p-type porous silicon (PS) has been investigated. Two-peak PL 'red' and 'green' is resolved in PS samples etched under blue-green wavelength illumination; 480, 533 and 580 nm. It is found that the weight of 'green' PL has maxima for the sample illuminated with 533 nm wavelength. Whereas, PL spectra of PS prepared under the influence of red illumination or in dark does not exhibit 'green' PL band, but shows considerable enhancement in the 'red' PL peak intensity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis reveals the relationship between the structures of chemical bonding in PS and the observed PL behavior. In particular, the PL efficiency is highly affected by the alteration of the relative content of hydride, oxide and hydroxyl species. Moreover, relative content of hydroxyl group with respect to oxide bonding is seen to have strong relationship to the blue PL. Although, the estimated energy gap value of PS samples shows a considerable enlargement with respect to that of bulk c-Si, the FTIR, low temperature PL and Raman measurements and analysis have inconsistency with quantum confinement of PS.

Optimization of some electrochemical etching parameters for cellulose derivatives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chowdhury, Annis; Gammage, R.B.

1978-01-01

Electrochemical etching of fast neutron induced recoil particle tracks in cellulose derivatives and other polymers provides an inexpensive and sensitive means of fast neutron personnel dosimetry. A study of the shape, clarity, and size of the tracks in Transilwrap polycarbonate indicated that the optimum normality of the potassium hydroxide etching solution is 9 N. Optimizations have also been attempted for cellulose nitrate, triacetate, and acetobutyrate with respect to such electrochemical etching parameters as frequency, voltage gradient, and concentration of the etching solution. The measurement of differential leakage currents between the undamaged and the neutron damaged foils aided in the selection of optimum frequencies. (author)

Same-Side Platinum Electrodes for Metal Assisted Etching of Porous Silicon

Science.gov (United States)

2015-11-01

Platinum Electrodes for Metal Assisted Etching of Porous Silicon by Matthew H Ervin and Brian Isaacson Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate...SUBTITLE Same-Side Platinum Electrodes for Metal Assisted Etching of Porous Silicon 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

Development and application of the electrochemical etching technique. Annual progress report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1979-08-01

This report documents advances in the development and application of the electrochemical etching technique for thermal and epithermal neutron dosimetry as well as track geometry determinations. The bulk and track etching rates were studied by evaluating the track geometry during electrochemical etching. The foil surface removed versus etching time for two different etchants at 1000 V, 2 kHz, and 22 0 C were studied. Results indicated that the bulk etching rates were constant for the two etchants, i.e. 45% KOH and 45% KOH mixed with an equal volume of C 2 H 5 OH 5 and were equal to 0.20 +- 0.14 μm/hr and 2.7 +- 0.27 μm/hr from each side of the foil. The track etching rate (as contrasted with the bulk etching rate) can be determined by the microscope focus at various depths. The increase of track depth values as a function of etching time for the two etchants are plotted. The track cone angles were determined and found to be much larger for electrochemically etched polycarbonate foils than for most plastics etched with passive chemical techniques

Electrochemical etching of a niobium foil in methanolic HF for electrolytic capacitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Kyungmin; Park, Jiyoung; Cha, Gihoon; Yoo, Jeong Eun; Choi, Jinsub

2013-01-01

Electrochemical etching of niobium foil in order to enlarge the surface area for the application in electrolytic capacitor was carried out in a methanolic electrolyte. We found that the pit density and depth are not linearly proportional to concentration of HF and applied potential: there is the optimal concentration of HF at each applied potential. The optimal etching condition was obtained at 50 V in 0.99 vol.% HF, which exhibited the capacitance of 350 μF cm −2 . Pit density and depth of pits on electrochemical etched Nb foil under different conditions were counted from SEM images and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the etched Nb foils was carried out for the capacitance measurement. Equivalent circuit model showing less than 5% error was suggested for applying to the etched niobium foil. - Highlights: • Surface enlargement of Nb foil can be achieved by electrochemical etching in methanolic HF. • Electrolytic capacitor of etched niobium foil exhibits a capacitance of 350 μF cm −2 . • The method provides a way of developing commercially viable process

Electrochemically deposited and etched membranes with precisely sized micropores for biological fluids microfiltration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamzah, A A; Zainal Abidin, H E; Yeop Majlis, B; Mohd Nor, M; Ismardi, A; Sugandi, G; Tiong, T Y; Dee, C F; Yunas, J

2013-01-01

This paper presents simple and economical, yet reliable techniques to fabricate a micro-fluidic filter for MEMS lab-on-chip (LoC) applications. The microporous filter is a crucial component in a MEMS LoC system. Microsized components and contaminants in biological fluids are selectively filtered using copper and silicon membranes with precisely controlled microsized pores. Two techniques were explored in microporous membrane fabrication, namely copper electroplating and electrochemical etching (ECE) of silicon. In the first technique, a copper membrane with evenly distributed micropores was fabricated by electroplating the copper layer on the silicon nitride membrane, which was later removed to leave the freestanding microporous membrane structure. The second approach involves the thinning of bulk silicon down to a few micrometers thick using KOH and etching the resulting silicon membrane in 5% HF by ECE to create micropores. Upon testing with nanoparticles of various sizes, it was observed that electroplated copper membrane passes nanoparticles up to 200 nm wide, while porous silicon membrane passes nanoparticles up to 380 nm in size. Due to process compatibility, simplicity, and low-cost fabrication, electroplated copper and porous silicon membranes enable synchronized microfilter fabrication and integration into the MEMS LoC system. (paper)

Hierarchical Co-based Porous Layered Double Hydroxide Arrays Derived via Alkali Etching for High-performance Supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Abushrenta, Nasser; Wu, Xiaochao; Wang, Junnan; Liu, Junfeng; Sun, Xiaoming

2015-08-01

Hierarchical nanoarchitecture and porous structure can both provide advantages for improving the electrochemical performance in energy storage electrodes. Here we report a novel strategy to synthesize new electrode materials, hierarchical Co-based porous layered double hydroxide (PLDH) arrays derived via alkali etching from Co(OH)2@CoAl LDH nanoarrays. This structure not only has the benefits of hierarchical nanoarrays including short ion diffusion path and good charge transport, but also possesses a large contact surface area owing to its porous structure which lead to a high specific capacitance (23.75 F cm-2 or 1734 F g-1 at 5 mA cm-2) and excellent cycling performance (over 85% after 5000 cycles). The enhanced electrode material is a promising candidate for supercapacitors in future application.

Structural and optical properties of vapor-etched porous GaAs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smida, A.; Laatar, F. [Photovoltaic Laboratory, Centre for Research and Technology Energy, Tourist Route Soliman, BP 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif (Tunisia); Hassen, M., E-mail: mhdhassen@yahoo.fr [Photovoltaic Laboratory, Centre for Research and Technology Energy, Tourist Route Soliman, BP 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif (Tunisia); Higher Institute of Applied Science and Technology of Sousse, City Taffala (Ibn Khaldun), 4003 Sousse (Tunisia); Ezzaouia, H. [Photovoltaic Laboratory, Centre for Research and Technology Energy, Tourist Route Soliman, BP 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif (Tunisia)

2016-08-15

This paper consists to present first results concerning the structure of porous GaAs layer (por-GaAs-L) prepared by using HF/HNO{sub 3} as acidic solution in vapor etching (VE) method. In order to clarify this method, we detail here its principle and explain how por-GaAs-Ls are formed, taking into account the influencing of the exposure time of the GaAs substrate to the acid vapor. The etched GaAs layers have been investigated by UV–visible and PL analysis. One porous layer was performed to be characterised by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), FTIR spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The porous structure was constituted by a nanocrystals with an average size about 6 nm. These nanocrystals were calculated from XRD peak using Scherrer's formula, AFM imaging, and also by using effective mass approximation model from effective band gap. - Highlights: • Porous GaAs layer was prepared by using Vapor etching (VE) method. • Effect of VE duration on the microstructural optical properties of the GaAs substrate • Porous structure of GaAs layer was demonstrated by using SEM and AFM microscopy.

Structural and optical properties of vapor-etched porous GaAs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smida, A.; Laatar, F.; Hassen, M.; Ezzaouia, H.

2016-01-01

This paper consists to present first results concerning the structure of porous GaAs layer (por-GaAs-L) prepared by using HF/HNO 3 as acidic solution in vapor etching (VE) method. In order to clarify this method, we detail here its principle and explain how por-GaAs-Ls are formed, taking into account the influencing of the exposure time of the GaAs substrate to the acid vapor. The etched GaAs layers have been investigated by UV–visible and PL analysis. One porous layer was performed to be characterised by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), FTIR spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The porous structure was constituted by a nanocrystals with an average size about 6 nm. These nanocrystals were calculated from XRD peak using Scherrer's formula, AFM imaging, and also by using effective mass approximation model from effective band gap. - Highlights: • Porous GaAs layer was prepared by using Vapor etching (VE) method. • Effect of VE duration on the microstructural optical properties of the GaAs substrate • Porous structure of GaAs layer was demonstrated by using SEM and AFM microscopy.

Electrochemical Method of Making Porous Particles Using a Constant Current Density

Science.gov (United States)

Ferrari, Mauro (Inventor); Liu, Xuewu (Inventor); Cheng, Ming-Cheng (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Provided is a particle that includes a first porous region and a second porous region that differs from the first porous region. Also provided is a particle that has a wet etched porous region and that does have a nucleation layer associated with wet etching. Methods of making porous particles are also provided.

Electrochemical formation of InP porous nanostructures and its application to amperometric chemical sensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, Taketomo; Mizohata, Akinori; Fujino, Toshiyuki; Hashizume, Tamotsu

2008-01-01

In this paper, we report the electrochemical formation of the InP porous nanostructures and their feasibility for the application to the amperometric chemical sensors. Our two step electrochemical process consists of the pore formation on a (001) n-type InP substrate and the subsequent etching of pore walls caused by changing the polarity of the InP electrode in a HCl-based electrolyte. By applying the anodic bias to the InP electrode, the high-density array of uniform nanopores was formed on the surface. Next, the cathodic bias was applied to the porous sample to reduce the wall thickness by cathodic decomposition of InP, where the thickness of InP nanowall decreased uniformly along the entire depth of the porous layer. From the amperometric measurements of the porous electrode, it was found that the electrocatalytic activity was much higher than that of the planar electrode. Furthermore, the current sensitivity for the H 2 O 2 detection was much enhanced after the cathodic decomposition process. The InP porous nanostructure formed by the present process is one of the promising structures for the application to the semiconductor-based bio/chemical sensors. (copyright 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Porous germanium multilayers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Garralaga Rojas, Enrique; Hensen, Jan; Brendel, Rolf [Institut fuer Solarenergieforschung Hameln (ISFH), Emmerthal (Germany); Carstensen, Juergen; Foell, Helmut [Chair for General Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel (Germany)

2011-06-15

We present the reproducible fabrication of porous germanium (PGe) single- and multilayers. Mesoporous layers form on heavily doped 4'' p-type Ge wafers by electrochemical etching in highly concentrated HF-based electrolytes with concentrations in a range of 30-50 wt.%. Direct PGe formation is accompanied by a constant dissolution of the already-formed porous layer at the electrolyte/PGe interface, hence yielding a thinner substrate after etching. This effect inhibits multilayer formation as the starting layer is etched while forming the second layer. We avoid dissolution of the porous layer by alternating the etching bias from anodic to cathodic. PGe formation occurs during anodic etching whereas the cathodic step passivates pore walls with H-atoms and avoids electropolishing. The passivation lasts a limited time depending on the etching current density and electrolyte concentration, necessitating a repetition of the cathodic step at suitable intervals. With optimized alternating bias mesoporous multilayer production is possible. We control the porosity of each single layer by varying the etching current density and the electrolyte (copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Erbium doped stain etched porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez-Diaz, B.; Diaz-Herrera, B.; Guerrero-Lemus, R.; Mendez-Ramos, J.; Rodriguez, V.D.; Hernandez-Rodriguez, C.; Martinez-Duart, J.M.

2008-01-01

In this work a simple erbium doping process applied to stain etched porous silicon layers (PSLs) is proposed. This doping process has been developed for application in porous silicon solar cells, where conventional erbium doping processes are not affordable because of the high processing cost and technical difficulties. The PSLs were formed by immersion in a HF/HNO 3 solution to properly adjust the porosity and pore thickness to an optimal doping of the porous structure. After the formation of the porous structure, the PSLs were analyzed by means of nitrogen BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) area measurements and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the PSLs were immersed in a saturated erbium nitrate solution in order to cover the porous surface. Then, the samples were subjected to a thermal process to activate the Er 3+ ions. Different temperatures and annealing times were used in this process. The photoluminescence of the PSLs was evaluated before and after the doping processes and the composition was analyzed by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy

Metal-assisted chemical etch porous silicon formation method

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiuling; Bohn, Paul W.; Sweedler, Jonathan V.

2004-09-14

A thin discontinuous layer of metal such as Au, Pt, or Au/Pd is deposited on a silicon surface. The surface is then etched in a solution including HF and an oxidant for a brief period, as little as a couple seconds to one hour. A preferred oxidant is H.sub.2 O.sub.2. Morphology and light emitting properties of porous silicon can be selectively controlled as a function of the type of metal deposited, Si doping type, silicon doping level, and/or etch time. Electrical assistance is unnecessary during the chemical etching of the invention, which may be conducted in the presence or absence of illumination.

ECE laboratory in the Vinca Institute - its basic characteristics and fundamentals of electrochemical etching on polycarbonate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zunic, Z.S.; Ujic, P.; Celikovic, I.; Fujimoto, K.

2003-01-01

This paper deals with the introductory aspects of the Electrochemical Etching Laboratory installed at the VINCA Institute in the year 2003. The main purpose of the laboratory is its field application for radon and thoron large-scale survey using passive radon/thoron UFO type detectors. Since the etching techniques together with the laboratory equipment were transferred from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan, it was necessary for both etching conditions to be confirmed and to be checked up, i. e., bulk etching speeds of chemical etching and electrochemical etching in the VINCA Electrochemical Etching Laboratory itself. Beside this initial step, other concerns were taken into consideration in this preliminary experimental phase such as the following: the measurable energy range of the polycarbonate film, background etch pit density of the film and its standard deviation and reproducibility of the response to alpha particles for different sets of etchings. (author)

Spot formation of radiation particles by electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nozaki, Tetsuya

1999-01-01

An electrochemical etching (ECE) spot formation from the top of chemical etching (CE) spot was confirmed by a series of experiments. One of polycarbonate (Iupilon) could not make the spot, because ECE spot had grown up before the microscope confirming the CE spot. Clear CEC spots by α-ray and neutron were found on Harzlas and Baryotrak, both improvements of CR-39. Under the same etching conditions, the growth of ECE spot on Harzlas was more rapid than Baryotrak, but both spots were almost the same. All CE spot by α-ray produced the CEC spots, but a part of CE circle spot by neutron formed them. (S.Y.)

A multi-step electrochemical etching process for a three-dimensional micro probe array

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Yoonji; Youn, Sechan; Cho, Young-Ho; Park, HoJoon; Chang, Byeung Gyu; Oh, Yong Soo

2011-01-01

We present a simple, fast, and cost-effective process for three-dimensional (3D) micro probe array fabrication using multi-step electrochemical metal foil etching. Compared to the previous electroplating (add-on) process, the present electrochemical (subtractive) process results in well-controlled material properties of the metallic microstructures. In the experimental study, we describe the single-step and multi-step electrochemical aluminum foil etching processes. In the single-step process, the depth etch rate and the bias etch rate of an aluminum foil have been measured as 1.50 ± 0.10 and 0.77 ± 0.03 µm min −1 , respectively. On the basis of the single-step process results, we have designed and performed the two-step electrochemical etching process for the 3D micro probe array fabrication. The fabricated 3D micro probe array shows the vertical and lateral fabrication errors of 15.5 ± 5.8% and 3.3 ± 0.9%, respectively, with the surface roughness of 37.4 ± 9.6 nm. The contact force and the contact resistance of the 3D micro probe array have been measured to be 24.30 ± 0.98 mN and 2.27 ± 0.11 Ω, respectively, for an overdrive of 49.12 ± 1.25 µm.

Organization of silicon nanocrystals by localized electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ayari-Kanoun, Asma; Drouin, Dominique; Beauvais, Jacques; Lysenko, Vladimir; Nychyporuk, Tetyana; Souifi, Abdelkader

2009-01-01

An approach to form a monolayer of organized silicon nanocrystals on a monocrystalline Si wafer is reported. Ordered arrays of nanoholes in a silicon nitride layer were obtained by combining electron beam lithography and plasma etching. Then, a short electrochemical etching current pulse led to formation of a single Si nanocrystal per each nanohole. As a result, high quality silicon nanocrystal arrays were formed with well controlled and reproducible morphologies. In future, this approach can be used to fabricate single electron devices.

Silicon-based photonic crystals fabricated using proton beam writing combined with electrochemical etching method.

Science.gov (United States)

Dang, Zhiya; Breese, Mark Bh; Recio-Sánchez, Gonzalo; Azimi, Sara; Song, Jiao; Liang, Haidong; Banas, Agnieszka; Torres-Costa, Vicente; Martín-Palma, Raúl José

2012-07-23

A method for fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) silicon nanostructures based on selective formation of porous silicon using ion beam irradiation of bulk p-type silicon followed by electrochemical etching is shown. It opens a route towards the fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D silicon-based photonic crystals with high flexibility and industrial compatibility. In this work, we present the fabrication of 2D photonic lattice and photonic slab structures and propose a process for the fabrication of 3D woodpile photonic crystals based on this approach. Simulated results of photonic band structures for the fabricated 2D photonic crystals show the presence of TE or TM gap in mid-infrared range.

Porous silicon: Synthesis and optical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Awad, F.

2006-01-01

Formation of porous silicon by electrochemical etching method of both p and n-type single crystal silicon wafers in HF based solutions has been performed by using three different modes. In addition to DC and pulsed voltage, a novel etching mode is developed to prepare light-emitting porous silicon by applying and holding-up a voltage in gradient steps form periodically, between the silicon wafer and a graphite electrode. Under same equivalent etching conditions, periodic gradient steps voltage etching can yield a porous silicon layer with stronger photoluminescence intensity and blue shift than the porous silicon layer prepared by DC or pulsed voltage etching. It has been found that the holding-up of the applied voltage during the etching process for defined interval of time is another significant future of this method, which highly affects the blue shift. This can be used for tailoring a porous layer with novel properties. The actual mechanism behind the blue shift is not clear exactly, even the experimental observation of atomic force microscope and purist measurements in support with quantum confinement model. It has been seen also from Fourier Transform Infrared study that interplays between O-Si-H and Si-H bond intensities play key role in deciding the efficiency of photoluminescence emission. Study of relative humidity sensing and photonic crystal properties of pours silicon samples has confirmed the advantages of the new adopted etching mode. The sensitivity at room temperature of porous silicon prepared by periodic gradient steps voltage etching was found to be about 70% as compared to 51% and 45% for the porous silicon prepared by DC and pulsed voltage etching, respectively. (author)

Porous silicon: Synthesis and optical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Awad, F.

2006-06-01

Formation of porous silicon by electrochemical etching method of both p and n-type single crystal silicon wafers in HF based solutions has been performed by using three different modes. In addition to DC and pulsed voltage, a novel etching mode is developed to prepare light-emitting porous silicon by applying and holding-up a voltage in gradient steps form periodically, between the silicon wafer and a graphite electrode. Under same equivalent etching conditions, periodic gradient steps voltage etching can yield a porous silicon layer with stronger photoluminescence intensity and blue shift than the porous silicon layer prepared by DC or pulsed voltage etching. It has been found that the holding-up of the applied voltage during the etching process for defined interval of time is another significant future of this method, which highly affects the blue shift. This can be used for tailoring a porous layer with novel properties. The actual mechanism behind the blue shift is not clear exactly, even the experimental observation of atomic force microscope and purist measurements in support with quantum confinement model. It has been seen also from Fourier Transform Infrared study that interplays between O-Si-H and Si-H bond intensities play key role in deciding the efficiency of photoluminescence emission. Study of relative humidity sensing and photonic crystal properties of pours silicon samples has confirmed the advantages of the new adopted etching mode. The sensitivity at room temperature of porous silicon prepared by periodic gradient steps voltage etching was found to be about 70% as compared to 51% and 45% for the porous silicon prepared by DC and pulsed voltage etching, respectively. (author)

Response of murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to dry-etched porous silicon scaffolds.

Science.gov (United States)

Hajj-Hassan, Mohamad; Khayyat-Kholghi, Maedeh; Wang, Huifen; Chodavarapu, Vamsy; Henderson, Janet E

2011-11-01

Porous silicon shows great promise as a bio-interface material due to its large surface to volume ratio, its stability in aqueous solutions and to the ability to precisely regulate its pore characteristics. In the current study, porous silicon scaffolds were fabricated from single crystalline silicon wafers by a novel xenon difluoride dry etching technique. This simplified dry etch fabrication process allows selective formation of porous silicon using a standard photoresist as mask material and eliminates the post-formation drying step typically required for the wet etching techniques, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the newly formed porous silicon. The porous silicon scaffolds supported the growth of primary cultures of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) plated at high density for up to 21 days in culture with no significant loss of viability, assessed using Alamar Blue. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed a dense lawn of cells at 9 days of culture and the presence of MSC within the pores of the porous silicon scaffolds. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quadrilateral Micro-Hole Array Machining on Invar Thin Film: Wet Etching and Electrochemical Fusion Machining

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Woong-Kirl Choi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Ultra-precision products which contain a micro-hole array have recently shown remarkable demand growth in many fields, especially in the semiconductor and display industries. Photoresist etching and electrochemical machining are widely known as precision methods for machining micro-holes with no residual stress and lower surface roughness on the fabricated products. The Invar shadow masks used for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs contain numerous micro-holes and are currently machined by a photoresist etching method. However, this method has several problems, such as uncontrollable hole machining accuracy, non-etched areas, and overcutting. To solve these problems, a machining method that combines photoresist etching and electrochemical machining can be applied. In this study, negative photoresist with a quadrilateral hole array pattern was dry coated onto 30-µm-thick Invar thin film, and then exposure and development were carried out. After that, photoresist single-side wet etching and a fusion method of wet etching-electrochemical machining were used to machine micro-holes on the Invar. The hole machining geometry, surface quality, and overcutting characteristics of the methods were studied. Wet etching and electrochemical fusion machining can improve the accuracy and surface quality. The overcutting phenomenon can also be controlled by the fusion machining. Experimental results show that the proposed method is promising for the fabrication of Invar film shadow masks.

Step voltage with periodic hold-up etching: A novel porous silicon formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Awad, F.; Soukeih, M.

2007-01-01

A novel etching method for preparing light-emitting porous silicon (PS) is developed. A gradient steps (staircase) voltage is applied and hold-up for different periods of time between p-type silicon wafers and a graphite electrode in HF based solutions periodically. The single applied staircase voltage (0-30 V) is ramped in equal steps of 0.5 V for 6 s, and hold at 30 V for 30 s at a current of 6 mA. The current during hold-up time (0 V) was less than 10 μA. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the PS samples as a function of etching parameters has been investigated. The intensity of PL peak is initially increased and blue shifted on increasing etching time, but decreased after prolonged time. These are correlated with the study of changes in surface morphology using atomic force microscope (AFM), porosity and electrical conductance measurements. The time of holding-up the applied voltage during the formation process is found to highly affect the PS properties. On increasing the holding-up time, the intensity of PL peak is increased and blue shifted. The contribution of holding-up the applied steps during the formation process of PS is seen to be more or less similar to the post chemical etching process. It is demonstrated that this method can yield a porous silicon layer with stronger photoluminescence intensity and blue shifted than the porous silicon layer prepared by DC etching

Step voltage with periodic hold-up etching: A novel porous silicon formation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naddaf, M. [Department of Physics, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), Damascus P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic)]. E-mail: scientific@aec.org.sy; Awad, F. [Department of Physics, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), Damascus P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic); Soukeih, M. [Department of Physics, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), Damascus P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic)

2007-05-16

A novel etching method for preparing light-emitting porous silicon (PS) is developed. A gradient steps (staircase) voltage is applied and hold-up for different periods of time between p-type silicon wafers and a graphite electrode in HF based solutions periodically. The single applied staircase voltage (0-30 V) is ramped in equal steps of 0.5 V for 6 s, and hold at 30 V for 30 s at a current of 6 mA. The current during hold-up time (0 V) was less than 10 {mu}A. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the PS samples as a function of etching parameters has been investigated. The intensity of PL peak is initially increased and blue shifted on increasing etching time, but decreased after prolonged time. These are correlated with the study of changes in surface morphology using atomic force microscope (AFM), porosity and electrical conductance measurements. The time of holding-up the applied voltage during the formation process is found to highly affect the PS properties. On increasing the holding-up time, the intensity of PL peak is increased and blue shifted. The contribution of holding-up the applied steps during the formation process of PS is seen to be more or less similar to the post chemical etching process. It is demonstrated that this method can yield a porous silicon layer with stronger photoluminescence intensity and blue shifted than the porous silicon layer prepared by DC etching.

Detailed microstructure analysis of as-deposited and etched porous ZnO films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shang, Congcong; Thimont, Yohann; Barnabé, Antoine; Presmanes, Lionel; Pasquet, Isabelle; Tailhades, Philippe

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Porous ZnO thin films were deposited by rf magnetron sputtering. • Surface enhancement factors were deduced from geometrical considerations. • Enlargement of the inter-grain spaces have been achieved by HCl chemical etching. • Microstructural parameters were deduced from SEM, AFM and optical measurements. - Abstract: ZnO nanostructured materials in thin film forms are of particular interest for photovoltaic or photocatalysis processes but they suffer from a lack of simple methods for optimizing their microstructure. We have demonstrated that microporous ZnO thin films with optimized inter grain accessibility can be produce by radio frequency magnetron sputtering process and chemical etching with 2.75 mM HCl solution for different duration. The as-deposited ZnO thin films were first characterized in terms of structure, grain size, inter grain space, open cavity depth and total thickness of the film by XRD, AFM, SEM, profilometry and optical measurements. A specific attention was dedicated to the determination of the surface enhancement factor (SEF) by using basic geometrical considerations and images treatments. In addition, the porous fraction and its distribution in the thickness have been estimated thanks to the optical simulation of the experimental UV–Visible–IR spectrums using the Bruggeman dielectric model and cross section SEM images analysis respectively. This study showed that the microstructure of the as-deposited films consists of a dense layer covered by a porous upper layer developing a SEF of 12–13 m 2 m −2 . This two layers architecture is not modified by the etching process. The etching process only affects the upper porous layer in which the overall porosity and the inter-grain space increase with the etching duration. Column diameter and total film thickness decrease at the same time when the films are soaked in the HCl bath. The microporous structure obtained after the etching process could

Electrical Transport Through Micro Porous Track Etch Membranes of same Porosity

Science.gov (United States)

Garg, Ravish; Kumar, Vijay; Kumar, Dinesh; Chakarvarti, S. K.

2012-12-01

Porosity, pore size and thickness of membrane are vital factors to influence the transport phenomena through micro porous track etch membranes (TEMs) and affect the various applications like separations, drug release, flow control, bio-sensing and cell size detection etc. based on transport process. Therefore, a better understanding of transport mechanism through TEMs is required for new applications in various thrust areas like biomedical devices and packaging of foods and drugs. Transport studies of electrolytic solutions of potassium chloride, through porous polycarbonate TEMS having cylindrical pores of size 0.2 μm and 0.4 μm with same porosity of 15%, have been carried out using an electrochemical cell. In this technique, the etched filter is sandwiched between two compartments of cell in such a way that the TEM acts as a membrane separating the cell into two chambers. The two chambers are then filled with electrolyte solution (KCl in distilled water). The current voltage characteristics have been drawn by stepping the voltage ranging 0 to 10 V using Keithley 2400 Series Source Measurement Unit. The results indicate that rate of ion transport through cylindrical pores although is independent of pore size of TEMs of same porosity but there seems to be effect of TEM aperture size exposed to the electrolyte used in conducting cell on ion transport magnitude. From the experimental studies, a large deviation in the conduction through TEMs was observed when compared with theoretical consideration which led to the need for modification in the applicability of simple Ohm's law to the conduction through TEMs. It is found that ion transport increases with increase in area of aperture of TEM but much lower than the expected theoretically value.

Evaluation of different polymers for fast neutron personnel dosimetry using electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gammage, R.B.; Cotter, S.J.

1977-01-01

There is considerable optimism for the enhancement by electrochemical etching of fast neutron-induced recoil tracks in polycarbonate for the purpose of personnel dosimetry. The threshold energy, however, is rather high. A desirable improvement would be to lower this energy below 1 MeV. With this objective in mind, we have commenced an investigation of cellulose acetate, triacetate, and acetobutyrate in addition to polycarbonate. These cellulose derivatives are chemically more reactive and physically weaker than polycarbonate. It might, therefore, be possible to initiate the electrochemical amplification at the sites of shorter recoil atom damage tracks than is possible with polycarbonate. Some characteristics important for electrochemically etching in aqueous electrolytes are listed. Chemical etching is combined with treeing, an electrical breakdown process that starts when the dielectric strength is exceeded. These mechanical and electrical properties pertain to the dry plastics. The absorption of water molecules and electrolyte ions will cause these values to be reduced. Results and conclusions of the study are presented

Energy dependence of fast neutron dosimetry using electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Su, S.J.; Morgan, K.Z.

1978-01-01

Registration of fast-neutron induced recoil tracks by the electrochemical etching technique as applied to sensitive Lexan polycarbonate foils provides a simple and inexpensive means of fast neutron personnel dosimetry. The sensitivity (tracks/neutron) of recoil particle registration is given as a function of neutron energy. Neutrons of 7 Li (p,n) 7 Be, 3 T (d,n) 4 He and 9 B, respectively. Results are compared with other studies using other neutron sources and conventional etching method

Sensitivity of chemically and electrochemically etched CR 39 polymers to the neutrons of AmBe source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turek, K.; Spurny, F.; Dajko, G.; Somogyi, G.

1981-01-01

Seven samples of polymers by different manufacturers were used in a study of the sensitivity of CR 39 polymers to Am-Be neutrons. In the polymer, proton tracks for a relatively broad energy range can also be recorded. The following characteristics were studied: the sample background for different etching methods, the dependence of sensitivity on the etched thickness and on neutron fluence, the effect of type and thickness of external proton emitters, and the effect of the choice of electric parameters on the resulting sensitivity in electrochemical etching. Good results were obtained when chemical and electrochemical etching was used in combination. It was found that with electrochemical etching, sensitivity decreases for neutron fluence exceeding 10 8 cm -2 . The sensitivity of the studied CR 39 polymer samples only little differed. When the most sensitive polymer was used, the minimum dose equivalent in the human body for Am-Be neutrons which could be determined using combination etching was 0.4 mSv (ie., 40 mrems). (B.S.)

Luminescence and optical absorption determination in porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nogal, U.; Calderon, A.; Marin, E.; Rojas T, J. B.; Juarez, A. G.

2012-10-01

We applied the photoacoustic spectroscopy technique in order to obtain the optical absorption spectrum in porous silicon samples prepared by electrochemical anodic etching on n-type, phosphorous doped, (100)-oriented crystal-line silicon wafer with thickness of 300 μm and 1-5 ωcm resistivity. The porous layers were prepared with etching times of 13, 20, 30, 40 and 60 minutes. Also, we realized a comparison among the optical absorption spectrum with the photoluminescence and photo reflectance ones, both obtained at room temperature. Our results show that the absorption spectrum of the samples of porous silicon depends notably of the etching time an it consist of two distinguishable absorption bands, one in the Vis region and the other one in the UV region. (Author)

ECE laboratory in the Vinča institute: Its basic characteristics and fundamentals of electrochemic etching on polycarbonate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Žunić Zora S.

2003-01-01

Full Text Available This paper deals with the introductory aspects of the Electrochemical Etching Laboratory installed at the VINČA Institute in the year 2003. The main purpose of the laboratory is its field application for radon and thoron large-scale survey using passive radon/thoron UFO type detectors. Since the etching techniques together with the laboratory equipment were transferred from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan, it was necessary for both etching conditions to be confirmed and to be checked up^ i. e., bulk etching speeds of chemical etching and electrochemical etching in the VINCA Electrochemical Etching Laboratory itself. Beside this initial step, other concerns were taken into consideration in this preliminary experimental phase such as the following: the measurable energy range of the polycarbonate film, background etch pit density of the film and its standard deviation and reproducibility of the response to alpha particles for different sets of etchings.

Fabrication and characterization of porous silicon for photonic applications

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Arvin I. Mabilangan

2013-06-01

Full Text Available Porous silicon (PSi thin films from p-type silicon (100 substrates were fabricated using a simple table top electrochemical etching setup with a 1:1 HF:EtOh electrolyte solution. Porous silicon f ilms with different morphologies and optical properties were achieved by varying the etching parameters, such as HF concentration, etching time andanodization current. It was observed that the f ilm thickness of the fabricated PSi increased with etch time and HF concentration. The etch rate increased with the applied anodization current. Reflection spectroscopy at normal incidence was used to determine the refractive indices of the fabricated f ilms. Using the Sellmeier equation, the chromatic dispersion of the f ilms was obtained for different HF concentrations and anodization currents.

Supercapacitive characteristics of electrochemically active porous materials

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VLADIMIR V. PANIC

2008-06-01

Full Text Available The results of an investigation of the capacitive characteristics of sol–gel-processed titanium- and carbon-supported electrochemically active noble metal oxides, as representatives of porous electrode materials, are presented in the lecture. The capacitive properties of these materials were correlated to their composition, the preparation conditions of the oxides and coatings, the properties of the carbon support and to the composition of the electrolyte. The results of the electrochemical test methods, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, were employed to resolve the possible physical structures of the mentioned porous materials, which are governed by the controlled conditions of the preparation of the oxide by the sol–gel process.

Stain-etched porous silicon nanostructures for multicrystalline silicon-based solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Ben Rabha, M.; Hajji, M.; Belhadj Mohamed, S.; Hajjaji, A.; Gaidi, M.; Ezzaouia, H.; Bessais, B.

2012-02-01

In this paper, we study the optical, optoelectronic and photoluminescence properties of stain-etched porous silicon nanostructures obtained with different etching times. Special attention is given to the use of the stain-etched PS as an antireflection coating as well as for surface passivating capabilities. The surface morphology has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The evolution of the Si-O and Si-H absorption bands was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry before and after PS treatment. Results show that stain etching of the silicon surface drops the total reflectivity to about 7% in the 400-1100 nm wavelength range and the minority carrier lifetime enhances to about 48 μs.

Selective formation of porous layer on n-type InP by anodic etching combined with scratching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Seo, Masahiro; Yamaya, Tadafumi

2005-01-01

The selective formation of porous layer on n-type InP (001) surface was investigated by using scratching with a diamond scriber followed by anodic etching in deaerated 0.5M HCl. Since the InP specimen was highly doped, the anodic etching proceeded in the dark. The potentiodynamic polarization showed the anodic current shoulder in the potential region between 0.8 and 1.3V (SHE) for the scratched area in addition to the anodic current peak at 1.7V (SHE) for the intact area. The selective formation of porous layer on the scratched are was brought by the anodic etching at a constant potential between 1.0 and 1.2V (SHE) for a certain time. The nucleation and growth of etch pits on intact area, however, took place when the time passed the critical value. The cross section of porous layer on the scratched area perpendicular to the [1-bar 10] or [110] scratching direction had a V-shape, while the cross section of porous layer on the scratched area parallel to the [1-bar 10] or [110] scratching direction had a band structure with stripes oriented to the [1-bar 11] or [11-bar 1] direction. Moreover, nano-scratching at a constant normal force in the micro-Newton range followed by anodic etching showed the possibility for selective formation of porous wire with a nano-meter width

Selective formation of porous layer on n-type InP by anodic etching combined with scratching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, Masahiro [Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13 Jo, Nishi-8 Chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628 (Japan)]. E-mail: seo@elechem1-mc.eng.hokudai.ac.jp; Yamaya, Tadafumi [Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-13 Jo, Nishi-8 Chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628 (Japan)

2005-11-10

The selective formation of porous layer on n-type InP (001) surface was investigated by using scratching with a diamond scriber followed by anodic etching in deaerated 0.5M HCl. Since the InP specimen was highly doped, the anodic etching proceeded in the dark. The potentiodynamic polarization showed the anodic current shoulder in the potential region between 0.8 and 1.3V (SHE) for the scratched area in addition to the anodic current peak at 1.7V (SHE) for the intact area. The selective formation of porous layer on the scratched are was brought by the anodic etching at a constant potential between 1.0 and 1.2V (SHE) for a certain time. The nucleation and growth of etch pits on intact area, however, took place when the time passed the critical value. The cross section of porous layer on the scratched area perpendicular to the [1-bar 10] or [110] scratching direction had a V-shape, while the cross section of porous layer on the scratched area parallel to the [1-bar 10] or [110] scratching direction had a band structure with stripes oriented to the [1-bar 11] or [11-bar 1] direction. Moreover, nano-scratching at a constant normal force in the micro-Newton range followed by anodic etching showed the possibility for selective formation of porous wire with a nano-meter width.

Note: Electrochemical etching of cylindrical nanoprobes using a vibrating electrolyte

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Yufeng; Zeng, Yongbin; Qu, Ningsong; Zhu, Di

2015-01-01

An electrochemical etching process using a vibrating electrolyte of potassium hydroxide to prepare tungsten cylindrical nanotips is developed. The vibrating electrolyte eases the effects of a diffusion layer and extends the etching area, which aid in the production of cylindrical nanotips. Larger amplitudes and a vibration frequency of 35 Hz are recommended for producing cylindrical nanotips. Nanotips with a tip radius of approximately 43 nm and a conical angle of arctan 0.0216 are obtained

Personnel neutron dosimetry using electrochemically etched CR-39 foils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hankins, D.E.; Homann, S.; Westermark, J.

1986-01-01

A personnel neutron dosimetry system has been developed based on the electrochemical etching of CR-39 plastic at elevated temperatures. The doses obtained using this dosimeter system are more accurate than those obtained using other dosimetry systems, especially when varied neutron spectra are encountered. This Cr-39 dosimetry system does not have the severe energy dependence that exists with albedo neutron dosimeters or the fading and reading problems encountered with NTA film. The dosimetry system employs an electrochemical etch procedure that be used to process large numbers of Cr-39 dosimeters. The etch procedure is suitable for operations where the number of personnel requires that many CR-39 dosimeters be processed. Experience shows that one full-time technician can etch and evaluate 2000 foils per month. The energy response to neutrons is fairly flat from about 80 keV to 3.5 MeV, but drops by about a factor of three in the 13 to 16 MeV range. The sensitivity of the dosimetry system is about 7 tracks/cm 2 /mrem, with a background equivalent to about 8 mrem for new CR-39 foils. The limit of sensitivity is approximately 10 mrem. The dosimeter has a significant variation in directional dependence, dropping to about 20% at 90 0 . This dosimeter has been used for personnel neutron dosimetry at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for more tha 18 months. 6 refs., 23 figs., 2 tabs

Porous InP as piezoelectric matrix material in 1-3 magnetoelectric composite sensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gerngross, M.-D.; Leisner, M.; Carstensen, J.; Foell, H.

2011-01-01

This work shows the results of the fabrication of semi-insulating piezoelectric porous InP structures by electrochemical etching and subsequent purely chemical post-etching in an isotropic HF, HNO 3 , EtOH and HAc containing electrolyte. The piezoelectric modulus d 14 of porous InP is measured to around |60| pm / V, which larger by a factor of 30 compared to bulk InP.

A Twice Electrochemical-Etching Method to Fabricate Superhydrophobic-Superhydrophilic Patterns for Biomimetic Fog Harvest.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiaolong; Song, Jinlong; Liu, Junkai; Liu, Xin; Jin, Zhuji

2017-08-18

Superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic patterned surfaces have attracted more and more attention due to their great potential applications in the fog harvest process. In this work, we developed a simple and universal electrochemical-etching method to fabricate the superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic patterned surface on metal superhydrophobic substrates. The anti-electrochemical corrosion property of superhydrophobic substrates and the dependence of electrochemical etching potential on the wettability of the fabricated dimples were investigated on Al samples. Results showed that high etching potential was beneficial for efficiently producing a uniform superhydrophilic dimple. Fabrication of long-term superhydrophilic dimples on the Al superhydrophobic substrate was achieved by combining the masked electrochemical etching and boiling-water immersion methods. A long-term wedge-shaped superhydrophilic dimple array was fabricated on a superhydrophobic surface. The fog harvest test showed that the surface with a wedge-shaped pattern array had high water collection efficiency. Condensing water on the pattern was easy to converge and depart due to the internal Laplace pressure gradient of the liquid and the contact angle hysteresis contrast on the surface. The Furmidge equation was applied to explain the droplet departing mechanism and to control the departing volume. The fabrication technique and research of the fog harvest process may guide the design of new water collection devices.

Characterization of stain etched p-type silicon in aqueous HF solutions containing HNO{sub 3} or KMnO{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mogoda, A.S., E-mail: awad_mogoda@hotmail.com [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza (Egypt); Ahmad, Y.H.; Badawy, W.A. [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza (Egypt)

2011-04-15

Research highlights: {yields} Stain etching of p-Si in aqueous HF solutions containing HNO{sub 3} or KMnO{sub 4} was investigated. {yields} The electrical conductivity of the etched Si surfaces was measured using impedance technique. {yields} Scanning electron microscope and energy disperse X-ray were used to analyze the etched surfaces. {yields} Etching in aqueous HF solution containing HNO{sub 3} led to formation of a porous silicon layer. {yields} The formation of the porous silicon layer in HF/KMnO{sub 4} was accompanied by deposition of K{sub 2}SiF{sub 6} on the pores surfaces. - Abstract: Stain etching of p-type silicon in hydrofluoric acid solutions containing nitric acid or potassium permanganate as an oxidizing agent has been examined. The effects of etching time, oxidizing agent and HF concentrations on the electrochemical behavior of etched silicon surfaces have been investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An electrical equivalent circuit was used for fitting the impedance data. The morphology and the chemical composition of the etched Si surface were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques, respectively. A porous silicon layer was formed on Si etched in HF solutions containing HNO{sub 3}, while etching in HF solutions containing KMnO{sub 4} led to the formation of a porous layer and simultaneous deposition of K{sub 2}SiF{sub 6} inside the pores. The thickness of K{sub 2}SiF{sub 6} layer increases with increasing the KMnO{sub 4} concentration and decreases as the concentration of HF increases.

Electrochemical etching amplification of low-let recoil particle tracks in polymers for fast neutron dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohrabi, M.; Morgan, K.Z.

1975-11-01

An electrochemical etching method for the amplification of fast-neutron-induced recoil particle tracks in polymers was investigated. The technique gave superior results over those obtained by conventional etching methods especially when polycarbonate foils were used for recoil particle track amplification. Electrochemical etching systems capable of multi-foil processing were designed and constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of the techniques for large-scale neutron dosimetry. Electrochemical etching parameters were studied including the nature or type of the polymer foil used, foil thickness and its effect on etching time, the applied voltage and its frequency, the chemical composition, concentration, and temperature of the etchant, distance and angle between the electrodes, and the type of particles such as recoil particles including protons. Recoil particle track density, mean track diameter, and optical density as functions of the mentioned parameters were determined. Each parameter was found to have a distinct effect on the etching results in terms of the measured responses. Several new characteristics of this fast neutron dosimetry method were studied especially for personnel dosimetry using various radiation sources such as nuclear reactors, medical cyclotrons, and isotopic neutron sources. The dose range, neutron energy dependence, directional response, fading characteristics, neutron threshold energy, etc. were investigated

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of oxidized porous silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mula, Guido, E-mail: guido.mula@unica.it [Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. 8 km 0.700, 09042 Cagliari (Italy); Tiddia, Maria V. [Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. 8 km 0.700, 09042 Cagliari (Italy); Ruffilli, Roberta [Nanochemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova (Italy); Falqui, Andrea [Nanochemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova (Italy); Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. 8 km 0.700, 09042 Cagliari (Italy); Palmas, Simonetta; Mascia, Michele [Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Piazza d' Armi, 09126 Cagliari (Italy)

2014-04-01

We present a study of the electrochemical oxidation process of porous silicon. We analyze the effect of the layer thickness (1.25–22 μm) and of the applied current density (1.1–11.1 mA/cm{sup 2}, values calculated with reference to the external samples surface) on the oxidation process by comparing the galvanostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and the optical specular reflectivity of the samples. The results of EIS were interpreted using an equivalent circuit to separate the contribution of different sample parts. A different behavior of the electrochemical oxidation process has been found for thin and thick samples: whereas for thin samples the oxidation process is univocally related to current density and thickness, for thicker samples this is no more true. Measurements by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy using a Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed that the inhomogeneity of the electrochemical oxidation process is increased by higher thicknesses and higher currents. A possible explanation is proposed to justify the different behavior of thin and thick samples during the electrochemical process. - Highlights: • A multidisciplinary approach on porous Si electrochemical oxidation is proposed. • Electrochemical, optical, and structural characterizations are used. • Layer thickness and oxidation current effects are shown. • An explanation of the observed behavior is proposed.

Hierarchically porous carbon membranes containing designed nanochannel architectures obtained by pyrolysis of ion-track etched polyimide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muench, Falk; Seidl, Tim; Rauber, Markus; Peter, Benedikt; Brötz, Joachim; Krause, Markus; Trautmann, Christina; Roth, Christina; Katusic, Stipan; Ensinger, Wolfgang

2014-01-01

Well-defined, porous carbon monoliths are highly promising materials for electrochemical applications, separation, purification and catalysis. In this work, we present an approach allowing to transfer the remarkable degree of synthetic control given by the ion-track etching technology to the fabrication of carbon membranes with porosity structured on multiple length scales. The carbonization and pore formation processes were examined with Raman, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, while model experiments demonstrated the viability of the carbon membranes as catalyst support and pollutant adsorbent. Using ion-track etching, specifically designed, continuous channel-shaped pores were introduced into polyimide foils with precise control over channel diameter, orientation, density and interconnection. At a pyrolysis temperature of 950 °C, the artificially created channels shrunk in size, but their shape was preserved, while the polymer was transformed to microporous, amorphous carbon. Channel diameters ranging from ∼10 to several 100 nm could be achieved. The channels also gave access to previously closed micropore volume. Substantial surface increase was realized, as it was shown by introducing a network consisting of 1.4 × 10 10 channels per cm 2 of 30 nm diameter, which more than tripled the mass-normalized surface of the pyrolytic carbon from 205 m 2  g −1 to 732 m 2  g −1 . At a pyrolysis temperature of 3000 °C, membranes consisting of highly ordered graphite were obtained. In this case, the channel shape was severely altered, resulting in a pronounced conical geometry in which the channel diameter quickly decreased with increasing distance to the membrane surface. - Highlights: • Pyrolysis of ion-track etched polyimide yields porous carbon membranes. • Hierarchic porosity: continuous nanochannels embedded in a microporous carbon matrix. • Freely adjustable meso- or

Hierarchically porous carbon membranes containing designed nanochannel architectures obtained by pyrolysis of ion-track etched polyimide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Muench, Falk, E-mail: muench@ca.tu-darmstadt.de [Department of Material- and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Seidl, Tim; Rauber, Markus [Department of Material- and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Material Research Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291 Darmstadt (Germany); Peter, Benedikt; Brötz, Joachim [Department of Material- and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Krause, Markus; Trautmann, Christina [Department of Material- and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Material Research Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291 Darmstadt (Germany); Roth, Christina [Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin (Germany); Katusic, Stipan [Evonik Industries AG, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, 63457 Hanau (Germany); Ensinger, Wolfgang [Department of Material- and Geoscience, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany)

2014-12-15

Well-defined, porous carbon monoliths are highly promising materials for electrochemical applications, separation, purification and catalysis. In this work, we present an approach allowing to transfer the remarkable degree of synthetic control given by the ion-track etching technology to the fabrication of carbon membranes with porosity structured on multiple length scales. The carbonization and pore formation processes were examined with Raman, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, while model experiments demonstrated the viability of the carbon membranes as catalyst support and pollutant adsorbent. Using ion-track etching, specifically designed, continuous channel-shaped pores were introduced into polyimide foils with precise control over channel diameter, orientation, density and interconnection. At a pyrolysis temperature of 950 °C, the artificially created channels shrunk in size, but their shape was preserved, while the polymer was transformed to microporous, amorphous carbon. Channel diameters ranging from ∼10 to several 100 nm could be achieved. The channels also gave access to previously closed micropore volume. Substantial surface increase was realized, as it was shown by introducing a network consisting of 1.4 × 10{sup 10} channels per cm{sup 2} of 30 nm diameter, which more than tripled the mass-normalized surface of the pyrolytic carbon from 205 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} to 732 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. At a pyrolysis temperature of 3000 °C, membranes consisting of highly ordered graphite were obtained. In this case, the channel shape was severely altered, resulting in a pronounced conical geometry in which the channel diameter quickly decreased with increasing distance to the membrane surface. - Highlights: • Pyrolysis of ion-track etched polyimide yields porous carbon membranes. • Hierarchic porosity: continuous nanochannels embedded in a microporous carbon matrix. �

Porous silicon nanoparticles for target drag delivery: structure and morphology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spivak, Yu M; Belorus, A O; Somov, P A; Bespalova, K A; Moshnikov, V A; Tulenin, S S

2015-01-01

Nanoparticles of porous silicon were obtained by electrochemical anodic etching. Morphology and structure of the particles was investigated by means dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of technological conditions of preparation on geometrical parameters of the porous silicon particles (particle size distribution, pore shape and size, the specific surface area of the porous silicon) is discussed. (paper)

Fabrication of luminescent porous silicon with stain etches and evidence that luminescence originates in amorphous layers

Science.gov (United States)

Fathauer, R. W.; George, T.; Ksendzov, A.; Lin, T. L.; Pike, W. T.; Vasquez, R. P.; Wu, Z.-C.

1992-01-01

Simple immersion of Si in stain etches of HF:HNO3:H2O or NaNO2 in aqueous HF was used to produce films exhibiting luminescence in the visible similar to that of anodically-etched porous Si. All of the luminescent samples consist of amorphous porous Si in at least the near surface region. No evidence was found for small crystalline regions within these amorphous layers.

Effect of etching current density on microstructure and NH3-sensing properties of porous silicon with intermediate-sized pores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Mingda; Hu, Ming; Zeng, Peng; Ma, Shuangyun; Yan, Wenjun; Qin, Yuxiang

2013-01-01

In this work, porous silicon with intermediate-sized pores (intermediate–PS) was prepared by using galvanostatic electrochemical etching method and the effect toward sensing response characteristics of NH 3 gas was also studied. The morphology and surface chemical bonds of intermediate–PS were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The results showed the intermediate–PS microstructure can be significantly modulated by the etching current density. Moreover, the freshly prepared intermediate–PS surface could achieve reliable passivation after storage in ethanol. Furthermore, the gas-sensing measurements of the intermediate–PS sensors were carried out versus different concentrations of NH 3 . The PS sensor exhibited good NH 3 -sensing performances at room temperature owing to its unique microstructure features, including large specific surface area and highly ordered pore channels. In addition, the conceivable pore formation mechanism as well as gas sensing mechanism was also discussed

Method of plastic track detector electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'yakov, A.A.

1984-01-01

The review of studies dealing with the development of the method for the electro-chemical etching (ECE) of the plastic track detectors on the base of polyethy-leneterephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC) is given. Physical essence of the method, basic parameters of the processes, applied equipment and methods of measurement automation are considered. The advantages of the method over the traditional chemical etching are pointed out. Recommendations on the detector operation modes when detecting fission fragments, α-particles and fast neutrons are given. The ECE method is based on the condition that during chemical etching the high-voltage sound frequency alternating electric field is applied to the detector. In this case the detector serves as an isolating layer betWeen two vessels with etching solution in which high-voltage electrode are submerged. At a fixed electric field potential higher (over than the threshold value) at the end of the etching track cone atree-like discharge spot arises. It is shown that when PET is used for fast neutron detection it is advisable to apply for ECE the PEW solution (15g KOH+40 g C 2 H 2 OH + 45g H 2 O) the field potential should constitute 30 kVxcm -1 at the freqUency of 9 kHz. In the case of fission fragment detection Using ECE and PC the following ECE conditions are recommended: 30% KOH etcher, field potential of 10 kVxcm -1 , 2-4 kHz frequency. It is concluded that the ECE method permits considerably eXtend the sphere of plastic track detector application for detecting ionizing particles,

Thermal diffusion in nanostructured porous InP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Srinivasan, R.; Ramachandran, K.

2008-01-01

Nanostructured porous InP samples were prepared by electrochemical anodic dissolution of InP for various current densities and etching periods. The samples were characterized by SEM and photoluminescence (PL) where a blue shift was observed in PL. Thermal properties studies by photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy revealed one order decrease in thermal conductivity of porous InP compared to the bulk. Further it is shown that the thermal conductivity of porous InP decreases with decrease in size of the particles. (author)

Comparison of fast neutron-induced tracks in plastics using the electrochemical etching method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cotter, S.J.; Gammage, R.B.; Thorngate, J.H.; Ziemer, P.L.

1979-01-01

Four plastics were examined by the electrochemical etching method for their suitability in registering fast neutron-induced recoil particle tracks. The plastics were cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetobutyrate and polycarbonate. Cellulose acetate and triacetate displayed high levels of water absorptivity during etching while the acetobutyrate foils cracked due to electromechanical stresses at high frequencies (>500 Hz). The clarity of the etched track was superior in the polycarbonate foils, suggesting the latter as the generally preferred dosimeter for fast neutrons. (author)

Equipment for electrochemical etching of dielectric track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turek, K.; Novak, M.

1992-01-01

The facility is designed for electrochemical etching of solid state track detectors, devised for thicknesses in excess of 200 μm as employed for direct detection of charged particles or neutrons. The device consists of a high-voltage a.c. supply for the electrodes and an assembly whose body consists of a flat tank, on the surface of which is formed a channel for feeding the heating and cooling media. The tank is covered by a gasket, an earthed metal plate for the detector, a mask with holes determining the shape of the etched area, and a pressure plate. The pressure plate is fitted with a system of holes for the etching solution. Needle-shaped high-voltage electrodes are accommodated in the holes of the mask. The underlying principle of the invention consists in the fact that a rubber pad with guide holes for the needle-shaped electrodes lies on the pressure plate. Each electrode is composed of a central tip and an outer jacket, separated by an insulating layer; connection is provided by a light emitting diode. (Z.S.). 2 figs

Microfabricated microneedle with porous tip for drug delivery

Science.gov (United States)

Ji, Jing; Tay, Francis E. H.; Miao, Jianmin; Iliescu, Ciprian

2006-05-01

This paper presents a novel approach to fabrication of a silicon microneedle array with porous tips. Dry etching technology with SF6/O2 gas by STS's inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etch tool was used to achieve the pyramidal needle structure. A thin silicon nitride layer was deposited after a thick photoresist layer was coated and reflowed at 120 °C. The silicon nitride layer and residual photoresist on the tips of the pyramidal structures were removed using reactive ion etching (RIE). Electrochemical etching in MeCN/HF was carried out to generate porous silicon on the tips of the microneedles. The fabricated microneedle array has potential applications in drug delivery, since the porous tips can be loaded with a high molecular weight drug. Analytic solutions to the critical loadings of the fabricated microneedle structure are also presented. The variations of the square cross-section were expressed as a function of the axial coordinate to analyze the bending normal stress and critical buckling loading. This analytic method can also be used for other microneedle structures with different cross-sections.

Thermal diffusion in nanostructured porous InP

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Nanostructured porous InP samples were prepared by electrochemical anodic dissolution of InP for various current densities and etching periods. The samples were characterized by SEM and photoluminescence (PL) where a blue shift was observed in PL. Thermal properties studied by photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy ...

Influence of the anodic etching current density on the morphology of the porous SiC layer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anh Tuan Cao

2014-03-01

Full Text Available In this report, we fabricated a porous layer in amorphous SiC thin films by using constant-current anodic etching in an electrolyte of aqueous diluted hydrofluoric acid. The morphology of the porous amorphous SiC layer changed as the anodic current density changed: At low current density, the porous layer had a low pore density and consisted of small pores that branched downward. At moderate current density, the pore size and depth increased, and the pores grew perpendicular to the surface, creating a columnar pore structure. At high current density, the porous structure remained perpendicular, the pore size increased, and the pore depth decreased. We explained the changes in pore size and depth at high current density by the growth of a silicon oxide layer during etching at the tips of the pores.

Development of a Silicon Microneedle with Three-Dimensional Sharp Tip by Electrochemical Etching

Science.gov (United States)

Izumi, Hayato; Okamoto, Tokusuke; Suzuki, Masato; Aoyagi, Seiji

Aiming at the use in low-invasive medical treatments, this paper reports a fabrication technique of silicon microneedle of conical sharp point. The electrochemical etching technique is employed for sharpening the tip of a pillar, which is diced from a silicon wafer. A finely smooth tip surface is obtained due to electrochemical etching reactions, and is effective for easy insertion. The fabrication method is based on inexpensive wet etching, which does not require expensive fabrication facilities such as deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). A sharp needle was successfully fabricated, the tip angle of which was considerably small and was distributed within the range from 15 to 30 deg. An experiment of inserting the fabricated needle into an artificial skin of silicone rubber was carried out. As the results, the resistance force during insertion was much reduced compared to those of two-dimensional sharp needles. Imitating mosquito's motion, the effectiveness of applying vibration to the fabricated needle during insertion was also confirmed. After biocompatible Parylene coating, puncturing a human skin was demonstrated assuming a lancet usage for the diabetics, in which the bleeding was surely observed.

Surface wave photonic device based on porous silicon multilayers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guillermain, E.; Lysenko, V.; Benyattou, T.

2006-01-01

Porous silicon is widely studied in the field of photonics due to its interesting optical properties. In this work, we present theoretical and first experimental studies of a new kind of porous silicon photonic device based on optical surface wave. A theoretical analysis of the device is presented using plane-wave approximation. The porous silicon multilayered structures are realized using electrochemical etching of p + -type silicon. Morphological and optical characterizations of the realized structures are reported

Development and application of the electrochemical etching technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanders, M.E.

1984-07-01

This report documents the advances achieved in the development and application of several etched damage track plastic dosimeters that can be used to measure dose-equivalent from neutrons with energies from thermal to 20 MeV. The project was initiated with the design of a rem-responding dosimeter that measured fast (> 1 MeV) neutron dose-equivalent as a function of the damage track density directly induced within the volume of polycarbonate foils amplified by electrochemical etching. Stillwagon (1978) adapted electrochemical etching of polycarbonate foils (ECEPF) to alpha dosimetry and used the technique to determine Pu-239 uptake in human bone. Su (1979) extended the usefulness of the ECEPF neutron dosimetry technique to encompass thermal neutron dose measurement. The thermal neutron dosimeter was composed of an external radiator tablet made of 7 LiF in contact with a polycarbonate foil and utilized the thermal neutron-induced 6 Li(n, α) 3 H reaction to give a dose-equivalent response as a function of alpha track density registered in the detector foil. An intermediate (1 eV-1 MeV) neutron dosimeter was developed and has been shown to give an approximately dose-equivalent response to neutrons with energies from 1 eV to 17 MeV. The intermediate neutron dosimeter consists of 6 LiF-Teflon/CR-39 Polymer foil assembly which is enclosed by a (Cd + In) neutron filter. The neutron dose-equivalent is measured as a variable function of the damage track density registered in the CR-39 detector foil due to alpha particles from the 1/v dependent 6 Li(n, α) 3 H reaction, recoil H, C, O nuclei from neutron-induced elastic scattering within the foil volume, and protons from the 6 Li(n, p) reaction for neutron energies above 2 MeV. 46 figs., 6 tabs

Precise thickness control in recess etching of AlGaN/GaN hetero-structure using photocarrier-regulated electrochemical process

Science.gov (United States)

Kumazaki, Yusuke; Uemura, Keisuke; Sato, Taketomo; Hashizume, Tamotsu

2017-05-01

The photocarrier-regulated electrochemical (PREC) process was developed for fabricating recessed-gate AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) for normally off operation. The PREC process is based on photo-assisted electrochemical etching using low-energy chemical reactions. The fundamental photo-electrochemical measurements on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures revealed that the photo-carriers generated in the top AlGaN layer caused homogeneous etching of AlGaN with a smooth surface, but those generated in the GaN layer underneath caused inhomogeneous etching that roughens the surface. The concept of the PREC process is to supply the photo-carriers generated only in the AlGaN layer by selecting proper conditions on light wavelength and voltage. The phenomenon of self-termination etching has been observed during the PREC process, where the etching depth was controlled by light intensity. The recessed-gate AlGaN/GaN HEMT fabricated with the PREC process showed positive threshold voltage and improvement in transconductance compared to planar-gate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.

Porosity and thickness effect of porous silicon layer on photoluminescence spectra

Science.gov (United States)

Husairi, F. S.; Eswar, K. A.; Guliling, Muliyadi; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.; Abdullah, S.

2018-05-01

The porous silicon nanostructures was prepared by electrochemical etching of p-type silicon wafer. Porous silicon prepared by using different current density and fix etching time with assistance of halogen lamp. The physical structure of porous silicon measured by the parameters used which know as experimental factor. In this work, we select one of those factors to correlate which optical properties of porous silicon. We investigated the surface morphology by using Surface Profiler (SP) and photoluminescence using Photoluminescence (PL) spectrometer. Different physical characteristics of porous silicon produced when current density varied. Surface profiler used to measure the thickness of porous and the porosity calculated using mass different of silicon. Photoluminescence characteristics of porous silicon depend on their morphology because the size and distribution of pore its self will effect to their exciton energy level. At J=30 mA/cm2 the shorter wavelength produced and it followed the trend of porosity with current density applied.

Neutron activation analysis of uranium by means of electrochemical etching of tracks in lawsan detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim Son Chun; Chuburkov, Yu.T.; Zvara, I.I.

1982-01-01

The method of neutron activation analysis of uranium in natural and artificial materials using track lavsan detectors of fission fragments has been developed. The method of electrochemical etching (etching reagent NaOH) of fragment tracks in lavsan is improved. Using statistical method of experiment planning the equation, describing the dependence of diometer value of fission fragment tracks on parameters of etching process, is obtained. The analysis sensitivity is 10 - 7 g/g - 10 - 8 g/g

Investigation of plasma etch damage to porous oxycarbosilane ultra low-k dielectric

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bruce, R L; Engelmann, S; Purushothaman, S; Volksen, W; Frot, T J; Magbitang, T; Dubois, G; Darnon, M

2013-01-01

There has been much interest recently in porous oxycarbosilane (POCS)-based materials as the ultra-low k dielectric (ULK) in back-end-of-line (BEOL) applications due to their superior mechanical properties compared to traditional organosilicate-based ULK materials at equivalent porosity and dielectric constant. While it is well known that plasma etching and strip processes can cause significant damage to ULK materials in general, little has been reported about the effect of plasma damage to POCS as the ULK material. We investigated the effect of changing the gas discharge chemistry and substrate bias in the dielectric trench etch and also the subsequent effect of the cap-open etch on plasma damage to POCS during BEOL integration. Large differences in surface roughness and damage behaviour were observed by changing the fluorocarbon depositing conditions. These damage behaviour trends will be discussed and potential rationalizations offered based on the formation of pits and craters at the etch front that lead to surface roughness and microtrenching. (paper)

Recent Advances in Porous Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Libin; Hu, Xianluo

2018-06-18

Climate change and the energy crisis have promoted the rapid development of electrochemical energy-storage devices. Owing to many intriguing physicochemical properties, such as excellent chemical stability, high electronic conductivity, and a large specific surface area, porous carbon materials have always been considering as a promising candidate for electrochemical energy storage. To date, a wide variety of porous carbon materials based upon molecular design, pore control, and compositional tailoring have been proposed for energy-storage applications. This focus review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of various porous carbon materials from the view of energy storage, particularly in the past three years. Their applications in representative electrochemical energy-storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion hybrid capacitors, are discussed in this review, with a look forward to offer some inspiration and guidelines for the exploitation of advanced carbon-based energy-storage materials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced electrochemical etching of ion irradiated silicon by localized amorphization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dang, Z. Y.; Breese, M. B. H. [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Lin, Y.; Tok, E. S. [Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Vittone, E. [Physics Department, NIS Excellence Centre and CNISM, University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 1, 10125 Torino (Italy)

2014-05-12

A tailored distribution of ion induced defects in p-type silicon allows subsequent electrochemical anodization to be modified in various ways. Here we describe how a low level of lattice amorphization induced by ion irradiation influences anodization. First, it superposes a chemical etching effect, which is observable at high fluences as a reduced height of a micromachined component. Second, at lower fluences, it greatly enhances electrochemical anodization by allowing a hole diffusion current to flow to the exposed surface. We present an anodization model, which explains all observed effects produced by light ions such as helium and heavy ions such as cesium over a wide range of fluences and irradiation geometries.

A plasmaless, photochemical etch process for porous organosilicate glass films

Science.gov (United States)

Ryan, E. Todd; Molis, Steven E.

2017-12-01

A plasmaless, photochemical etch process using ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of NH3 or O2 etched porous organosilicate glass films, also called pSiCOH films, in a two-step process. First, a UV/NH3 or UV/O2 treatment removed carbon (mostly methyl groups bonded to silicon) from a pSiCOH film by demethylation to a depth determined by the treatment exposure time. Second, aqueous HF was used to selectively remove the demethylated layer of the pSiCOH film leaving the methylated layer below. UV in the presence of inert gas or H2 did not demethylate the pSiCOH film. The depth of UV/NH3 demethylation followed diffusion limited kinetics and possible mechanisms of demethylation are presented. Unlike reactive plasma processes, which contain ions that can damage surrounding structures during nanofabrication, the photochemical etch contains no damaging ions. Feasibility of the photochemical etching was shown by comparing it to a plasma-based process to remove the pSiCOH dielectric from between Cu interconnect lines, which is a critical step during air gap fabrication. The findings also expand our understanding of UV photon interactions in pSiCOH films that may contribute to plasma-induced damage to pSiCOH films.

Thermal stability of dyed tracks and electrochemical etching sensitivity of some polymeric detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monnin, M.; Gourcy, J.; Somogyi, G.; Dajko, D.

1980-01-01

Recent results on the mechanism of the formation of tracks obtained by the dyed tracks technique are given and the thermal annealing of the detectors is used to demonstrate their ability to retain tracks under more severe conditions than by the etching technique. Electrochemical etching of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate detectors is investigated both from the background and sensitivity points of view. The polyethylene terephthalate detector is shown to be well suited for low neutron flux measurements. (author)

Evaluation study between the chemical and electrochemical etching for solid state nuclear track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramos, S.; Espinosa, G.; Golzarri, J.I.

1991-01-01

Since there are several methods of etching in the solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) it is necessary to know which gives the best results for a specific problem. The purpose of this work is to analyze and compare both the chemical etching and the electrochemical etching. The SSNTD has a preferential response to certain kinds of particles and energies, according to the material used as detector. On the other hand the efficiency is a function of the incidence angle of the radiation and some other parameters such as temperature, concentration and type of solvent used in the etching process, and the method used for the etching. Therefore, it is necessary to extend as much as possible our knowledge of such parameters in order to choose the more efficient one for a specific problem

Catalyst and processing effects on metal-assisted chemical etching for the production of highly porous GaN

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geng, Xuewen; Grismer, Dane A; Bohn, Paul W; Duan, Barrett K; Zhao, Liancheng

2013-01-01

Metal-assisted chemical etching is a facile method to produce micro-/nanostructures in the near-surface region of gallium nitride (GaN) and other semiconductors. Detailed studies of the production of porous GaN (PGaN) using different metal catalysts and GaN doping conditions have been performed in order to understand the mechanism by which metal-assisted chemical etching is accomplished in GaN. Patterned catalysts show increasing metal-assisted chemical etching activity to n-GaN in the order Ag < Au < Ir < Pt. In addition, the catalytic behavior of continuous films is compared to discontinuous island films. Continuous metal films strongly shield the surface, hindering metal-assisted chemical etching, an effect which can be overcome by using discontinuous films or increasing the irradiance of the light source. With increasing etch time or irradiance, PGaN morphologies change from uniform porous structures to ridge and valley structures. The doping type plays an important role, with metal-assisted chemical etching activity increasing in the order p-GaN < intrinsic GaN < n-GaN. Both the catalyst identity and the doping type effects are explained by the work functions and the related band offsets that affect the metal-assisted chemical etching process through a combination of different barriers to hole injection and the formation of hole accumulation/depletion layers at the metal–semiconductor interface. (paper)

Porous One-Dimensional Nanomaterials: Design, Fabrication and Applications in Electrochemical Energy Storage.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Qiulong; Xiong, Fangyu; Tan, Shuangshuang; Huang, Lei; Lan, Esther H; Dunn, Bruce; Mai, Liqiang

2017-05-01

Electrochemical energy storage technology is of critical importance for portable electronics, transportation and large-scale energy storage systems. There is a growing demand for energy storage devices with high energy and high power densities, long-term stability, safety and low cost. To achieve these requirements, novel design structures and high performance electrode materials are needed. Porous 1D nanomaterials which combine the advantages of 1D nanoarchitectures and porous structures have had a significant impact in the field of electrochemical energy storage. This review presents an overview of porous 1D nanostructure research, from the synthesis by bottom-up and top-down approaches with rational and controllable structures, to several important electrochemical energy storage applications including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-oxygen batteries and supercapacitors. Highlights of porous 1D nanostructures are described throughout the review and directions for future research in the field are discussed at the end. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cost-Effective Fabrication of Inner-Porous Micro/Nano Carbon Structures.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Shulan; Shi, Tielin; Tang, Zirong; Xi, Shuang

2018-03-01

This paper reports the fabrication of a new micro/nano carbon architecture array which owns the characteristics of inner-porous, desired conductivity and large effective surface area. The micro/nano inner-porous carbon structures were fabricated for the first time, with ordinary and cost-effective processes, including photolithography, oxygen plasma etching and pyrolysis. Firstly, micro/nano hierarchical photoresist structures array was generated through photolithography and oxygen plasma etching processes. By introducing a critical thin-film spin-coating step, and followed with carefully pyrolyzing process, the micro/nano photoresist structures were converted into innerporous carbon architectures with good electric connection which connected the carbon structures array together. Probably the inner-porous property can be attributed to the shrinkage difference between positive thin film and negative photoresist structures during pyrolyzing process. It is demonstrated that the simple method is effective to fabricate inner-porous carbon structures with good electric connection and the carbon structures can be used as electrochemical electrodes directly and without the addition of other pyrolysis or film coating processes. The electrochemical property of the carbon structures has been explored by cyclic voltammetric measurement. Compared with solid carbon microstructures array, the cyclic voltammetry curve of inner-porous carbon structures shows greatly enhanced current and improved charge-storage capability, indicating great potential in micro energy storage devices and bio-devices.

Excimer laser beam profile recording based on electrochemical etched polycarbonate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Parvin, P.; Jaleh, B.; Zangeneh, H.R.; Zamanipour, Z.; Davoud-Abadi, Gh.R.

2008-01-01

There is no polymeric detector used to register the beam profile of UV lasers. Here, a method is proposed for the measurement of intensive UV beam pattern of the excimer lasers based on the photoablated polycarbonate detector after coherent UV exposure and the subsequent electrochemical etching. UV laser induced defects in the form of self-microstructuring on polycarbonate are developed to replicate the spatial intensity distribution as a beam profiler

Excimer laser beam profile recording based on electrochemical etched polycarbonate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Parvin, P. [Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Hafez Ave, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Laser Research Center, AEOI, P.O. Box 1165-8486, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)], E-mail: parvin@aut.ac.ir; Jaleh, B. [Physics Department, Bu-Ali Sina University, Postal Code 65174, Hamedan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Zangeneh, H.R. [Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Hafez Ave, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Zamanipour, Z. [Laser Research Center, AEOI, P.O. Box 1165-8486, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Davoud-Abadi, Gh.R. [Physics Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Hafez Ave, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2008-08-15

There is no polymeric detector used to register the beam profile of UV lasers. Here, a method is proposed for the measurement of intensive UV beam pattern of the excimer lasers based on the photoablated polycarbonate detector after coherent UV exposure and the subsequent electrochemical etching. UV laser induced defects in the form of self-microstructuring on polycarbonate are developed to replicate the spatial intensity distribution as a beam profiler.

Photo and electroluminescence of porous silicon layers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keshmini, S.H.; Samadpour, S.; Haji-Ali, E.; Rokn-Abadi, M.R.

1995-01-01

Porous silicon (PSi) layers were prepared by both chemical and electrochemical methods on n- and p-type Si substrates. In the former technique, light emission was obtained from p-type and n-type samples. It was found that intense light illumination during the preparation process was essential for PSi formation on n-type substrates. An efficient electrochemical cell with some useful features was designed for electrochemical etching of silicon. Various preparation parameters were studied and photoluminescence emissions ranging from dark red to light blue were obtained from PSi samples prepared on p-type substrates. N-type samples produced emission ranging from dark red to orange yellow. Electroluminescence of porous silicon samples showed that the color of the emission was the same as the photoluminescence color of the sample, and its intensity and duration depended on the current density passed through the sample. The effects of exposure of samples to air, storage in vacuum and heat treatment in air on luminescence intensity of the samples and preparation of patterned porous layers were also studied. (author)

Electrochemical Fabrication of Nanostructures on Porous Silicon for Biochemical Sensing Platforms.

Science.gov (United States)

Ko, Euna; Hwang, Joonki; Kim, Ji Hye; Lee, Joo Heon; Lee, Sung Hwan; Tran, Van-Khue; Chung, Woo Sung; Park, Chan Ho; Choo, Jaebum; Seong, Gi Hun

2016-01-01

We present a method for the electrochemical patterning of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on porous silicon, and explore their applications in: (1) the quantitative analysis of hydroxylamine as a chemical sensing electrode and (2) as a highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate for Rhodamine 6G. For hydroxylamine detection, AuNPs-porous silicon can enhance the electrochemical oxidation of hydroxylamine. The current changed linearly for concentrations ranging from 100 μM to 1.32 mM (R(2) = 0.995), and the detection limit was determined to be as low as 55 μM. When used as SERS substrates, these materials also showed that nanoparticles decorated on porous silicon substrates have more SERS hot spots than those decorated on crystalline silicon substrates, resulting in a larger SERS signal. Moreover, AgNPs-porous silicon provided five-times higher signal compared to AuNPs-porous silicon. From these results, we expect that nanoparticles decorated on porous silicon substrates can be used in various types of biochemical sensing platforms.

Porous carbon-free SnSb anodes for high-performance Na-ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Choi, Jeong-Hee; Ha, Choong-Wan; Choi, Hae-Young; Seong, Jae-Wook; Park, Cheol-Min; Lee, Sang-Min

2018-05-01

A simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching process is developed to create porous carbon-free SnSb anodes. Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) incorporating these anodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performances by accomodating large volume changes during repeated cycling. The porous carbon-free SnSb anode produced by the melt-spinning/chemical-etching process shows a high reversible capacity of 481 mAh g-1, high ICE of 80%, stable cyclability with a high capacity retention of 99% after 100 cycles, and a fast rate capability of 327 mAh g-1 at 4C-rate. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy analyses demonstrate that the synthesized porous carbon-free SnSb anodes involve the highly reversible reaction with sodium through the conversion and recombination reactions during sodiation/desodiation process. The novel and simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching synthetic process represents a technological breakthrough in the commercialization of Na alloy-able anodes for SIBs.

Epitaxial growth on porous GaAs substrates

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Grym, Jan; Nohavica, Dušan; Gladkov, Petar; Hulicius, Eduard; Pangrác, Jiří; Piksová, K.

2013-01-01

Roč. 16, č. 1 (2013), s. 59-64 ISSN 1631-0748 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP102/10/1201; GA ČR GAP108/10/0253 Institutional support: RVO:67985882 ; RVO:68378271 Keywords : Electrochemical etching * Porous semiconductors * Epitaxial growth * GaAs Subject RIV: BH - Optics, Masers, Lasers; JA - Electronics ; Optoelectronics, Electrical Engineering (FZU-D) Impact factor: 1.483, year: 2013

Measurement of low neutron-fluences using electrochemically etched PC and PET track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somogyi, G.; Dajko, G.; Turek, K.; Spurny, F.

1979-01-01

Systematic investigations have been carried out to study different properties of electrochemically etched (ECE) polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) foils. The dependence of the density of background discharge spots on surface-thickness removal, electrical field strength and frequency of voltage is given. The effect of these parameters on the neutron sensitivity of polycarbonate and polyethylene-terephthalate foils irradiated at right angles to 14.7 MeV, 241 Am-Be and 252 Cf neutrons is also studied. With knowledge of the background and sensitivity data, the etching and electrical parameters are optimized for low neutron-fluence measurements. (author)

Electrochemically etched nanoporous silicon membrane for separation of biological molecules in mixture

Science.gov (United States)

Burham, Norhafizah; Azlan Hamzah, Azrul; Yunas, Jumril; Yeop Majlis, Burhanuddin

2017-07-01

This paper presents a technique for separating biological molecules in mixture using nanoporous silicon membrane. Nanopores were formed using electrochemical etching process (ECE) by etching a prefabricated silicon membrane in hydrofluoric acid (HF) and ethanol, and then directly bonding it with PDMS to form a complete filtration system for separating biological molecules. Tygon S3™ tubings were used as fluid interconnection between PDMS molds and silicon membrane during testing. Electrochemical etching parameters were manipulated to control pore structure and size. In this work, nanopores with sizes of less than 50 nm, embedded on top of columnar structures have been fabricated using high current densities and variable HF concentrations. Zinc oxide was diluted with deionized (DI) water and mixed with biological molecules and non-biological particles, namely protein standard, serum albumin and sodium chloride. Zinc oxide particles were trapped on the nanoporous silicon surface, while biological molecules of sizes up to 12 nm penetrated the nanoporous silicon membrane. The filtered particles were inspected using a Zetasizer Nano SP for particle size measurement and count. The Zetasizer Nano SP results revealed that more than 95% of the biological molecules in the mixture were filtered out by the nanoporous silicon membrane. The nanoporous silicon membrane fabricated in this work is integratable into bio-MEMS and Lab-on-Chip components to separate two or more types of biomolecules at once. The membrane is especially useful for the development of artificial kidney.

Novel optical and structural properties of porous GaAs formed by anodic etching of n±GaAs in a HF:C_2H_5OH:HCl:H_2O_2:H_2O electrolyte: effect of etching time

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Saad, M.

2014-01-01

Porous GaAs layers have been formed by anodic etching of n±type GaAs (10.0) substrates in a HF:C_2H_5OH:HCl:H_2O_2:H_2O electrolyte. A dramatic impact of etching time on the optical and structural properties of porous GaAs layer is demonstrated. The nano/micro-features of porous GaAs layers are revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Two-peak room temperature photoluminescence (PL), "blue-green"and "green-yellow", is obtained in all prepared porous GaAs samples. Proper adjustment of etching time is found to produce a white color layer, instead of the usual dark gray color of porous GaAs. This is found to cause vast enhancement in the intensity of the visible PL in porous GaAs layer. Chemical composition and structural characterization by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy, confirm that this layer is characterized with monoclinic β-Ga_2O_3 rich surface. Etching time induced-modification of structural and chemical properties of porous GaAs layer is discussed and correlated to its PL behavior. It is inferred that the "blue-green"PL in porous GaAs can be ascribed to different degrees of quantum confinement in GaAs nano crystallites, whereas, the "green-yellow"PL is highly influenced by the As_2O_3 and Ga_2O_3, content in the porous GaAs layer. In addition, the reflectance measurements reveal an anti-refection trend of behavior of porous GaAs layers in the spectral range (500-1,100 nm). (author)

Double side multicrystalline silicon passivation by one step stain etching-based porous silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohamed, Seifeddine Belhadj; Ben Rabha, Mohamed; Bessais, Brahim [Laboratoire de Photovoltaique, Centre de Recherches et des Technologies de l' Energie, Technopole de Borj-Cedria, BP 95, 2050 Hammam-Lif (Tunisia)

2012-10-15

In this paper, we investigate the effect of stain etching-based porous silicon on the double side multicrystalline silicon. Special attention is given to the use of the stain etched PS as an antireflection coating as well as for surface passivating capabilities. Stain etching of double side multicrystalline silicon leads to the formation of PS nanostructures, that dramatically decrease the surface reflectivity from 30% to about 7% and increase the effective lifetime from 1 {mu}s to 10 {mu}s at a minority carrier density ({Delta}n) of 10{sup 15} cm{sup -3}. These results let us correlate the rise of the lifetime values to the photoluminescence intensity to the hydrogen and oxide passivation as shown by FTIR analysis. This low-cost PS formation process can be applied in the photovoltaic cell technology as a standard procedure (copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

The effects of pre-etching time on the characteristic responses of electrochemically etched CR-39 neutron dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohrabi, M.; Khoshnoodi, M.

1986-01-01

The effects of pre-etching time (PET) or duration of etching of fast-neutron-induced-recoil tracks in CR-39 in 6N KOH at 60 0 C on electrochemical etching neutron characteristic responses; i.e. sensitivity and mean recoil track diameter (MRTD) versus KOH normality up to 18N are investigated in this paper. Six sets of responses for PETs of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours were obtained by using our new multi-chamber ECE (MCECE) system which reduced total operation time to about 6% of the time usually required when single-chamber ECE systems are used. The sensitivity response for zero PET showed a broad plateau and a high sensitivity low-LET peak around 16N. By increasing PET, another peak was also developed around 5N leading to 'double-humped' responses with two maximums around 5N and 16N, and a minimum around 11N. On the other hand, the MRTD responses for all PETs studied showed the same general trend with maximums around 11N. In this paper, shape of tracks under different conditions are also investigated, new optimum conditions such as KOH concentrations of 5, 11, and 15N at 25 0 C, with or without pre-etching, are recommended for tracks of lower-LET recoils including possibly protons, and alpha particle tracks over a broad energy range, and the efficiency of the MCECE system is also demonstrated. (author)

Modeling the photoacoustic signal during the porous silicon formation

Science.gov (United States)

Ramirez-Gutierrez, C. F.; Castaño-Yepes, J. D.; Rodriguez-García, M. E.

2017-01-01

Within this work, the kinetics of the growing stage of porous silicon (PS) during the etching process was studied using the photoacoustic technique. A p-type Si with low resistivity was used as a substrate. An extension of the Rosencwaig and Gersho model is proposed in order to analyze the temporary changes that take place in the amplitude of the photoacoustic signal during the PS growth. The solution of the heat equation takes into account the modulated laser beam, the changes in the reflectance of the PS-backing heterostructure, the electrochemical reaction, and the Joule effect as thermal sources. The model includes the time-dependence of the sample thickness during the electrochemical etching of PS. The changes in the reflectance are identified as the laser reflections in the internal layers of the system. The reflectance is modeled by an additional sinusoidal-monochromatic light source and its modulated frequency is related to the velocity of the PS growth. The chemical reaction and the DC components of the heat sources are taken as an average value from the experimental data. The theoretical results are in agreement with the experimental data and hence provided a method to determine variables of the PS growth, such as the etching velocity and the thickness of the porous layer during the growing process.

Use of porous silicon to minimize oxidation induced stacking fault defects in silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shieh, S.Y.; Evans, J.W.

1992-01-01

This paper presents methods for minimizing stacking fault defects, generated during oxidation of silicon, include damaging the back of the wafer or depositing poly-silicon on the back. In either case a highly defective structure is created and this is capable of gettering either self-interstitials or impurities which promote nucleation of stacking fault defects. A novel method of minimizing these defects is to form a patch of porous silicon on the back of the wafer by electrochemical etching. Annealing under inert gas prior to oxidation may then result in the necessary gettering. Experiments were carried out in which wafers were subjected to this treatment. Subsequent to oxidation, the wafers were etched to remove oxide and reveal defects. The regions of the wafer adjacent to the porous silicon patch were defect-free, whereas remote regions had defects. Deep level transient spectroscopy has been used to examine the gettering capability of porous silicon, and the paper discusses the mechanism by which the porous silicon getters

Characteristics of neutron-irradiated CR-39 foils treated by sequential chemical and electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somogyi, G.; Dajko, G.; Turek, K.; Spurny, F.

1982-01-01

The density of background spots revealed by chemical (CE) and electrochemical (ECE) etching and by their sequential application (CE + ECE) has been measured in several sorts of CR-39 material. The trends in the variation of sensitivity to Am-Be neutrons have been determined in CR-39 sheets covered by thick proton-radiator, when changing the field strength, frequency, etchant concentration, pre-etch duration and the fluence of neutrons. The results are analyzed in order to find out an optimum set of experimental parameters which may be proposed to attain high registration sensitivity to neutrons. (author)

Investigation on the structural characterization of pulsed p-type porous silicon

Science.gov (United States)

Wahab, N. H. Abd; Rahim, A. F. Abd; Mahmood, A.; Yusof, Y.

2017-08-01

P-type Porous silicon (PS) was sucessfully formed by using an electrochemical pulse etching (PC) and conventional direct current (DC) etching techniques. The PS was etched in the Hydrofluoric (HF) based solution at a current density of J = 10 mA/cm2 for 30 minutes from a crystalline silicon wafer with (100) orientation. For the PC process, the current was supplied through a pulse generator with 14 ms cycle time (T) with 10 ms on time (Ton) and pause time (Toff) of 4 ms respectively. FESEM, EDX, AFM, and XRD have been used to characterize the morphological properties of the PS. FESEM images showed that pulse PS (PPC) sample produces more uniform circular structures with estimated average pore sizes of 42.14 nm compared to DC porous (PDC) sample with estimated average size of 16.37nm respectively. The EDX spectrum for both samples showed higher Si content with minimal presence of oxide.

Porous silicon in solar cell structures : a review of achievements and modern directions of further use

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Yerokhov, VY; Melnyk, [No Value

1999-01-01

Porous silicon, which is being obtained by electrochemical etching of silicon wafers in electrolytes on the base of hydrofluoric acid, recently attracted the attention of specialists in photovoltaics even more due to a number of its unique properties. However, at present, acceptable results are

Electrochemical performance of 3D porous Ni-Co oxide with electrochemically exfoliated graphene for asymmetric supercapacitor applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Dae Kyom; Hwang, Minsik; Ko, Dongjin; Kang, Jeongmin; Seong, Kwang-dong; Piao, Yuanzhe

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: The paper reported the Ni-Co oxide/electrochemically exfoliated graphene nanocomposites with 3D porous nano-architectures (NC-EEG) using a simple low temperature solution method combined with a thermal annealing treatment. 3D porous architectures provide large surface areas and shorten electron diffusion pathways for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors. Display Omitted -- Highlights: •A simple low temperature solution method was used for preparing NC-EEG. •Graphene sheets were obtained by electrochemically exfoliation process. •A high capacity of NC-EEG in a three-electrode system, as high as 649 C g −1 , was recorded. •Asymmetric supercapacitor based on NC-EEG exhibited excellent energy density and power density. -- Abstract: Ni-Co oxide, one of the binary metal oxides, has many advantages for use in high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials due to its relatively high electronic conductivity and improved electrochemical performance. In this work, Ni-Co oxide/electrochemically exfoliated graphene nanocomposites (NC-EEG) are successfully synthesized using a simple low temperature solution method combined with a thermal annealing treatment. Graphene sheets are directly obtained by an electrochemical exfoliation process with graphite foil, which is very simple, environmentally friendly, and has a relatively short reaction time. This electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) can improve the electrical conductivity of the Ni-Co oxide nanostructures. The as-prepared NC-EEG nanocomposites have 3D porous architectures that can provide large surface areas and shorten electron diffusion pathways. Electrochemical properties were performed by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. The NC-EEG nanocomposites exhibited a high capacity value of 649 C g −1 at a current density of 1.0 A g −1 . The asymmetric supercapacitors, manufactured on the basis of NC-EEG nanocomposites as a positive

Single photoresist masking for local porous Si formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hourdakis, E; Nassiopoulou, A G

2014-01-01

A simple process for local electrochemical porous Si formation on a Si wafer using a photoresist mask was developed. In this respect, the AZ9260 photoresist from MicroChemicals was used, which is easily removed by simple immersion in acetone after the electrochemical process. The photoresist layer thickness and its adhesion to the Si substrate were optimized for increased etch resistance to the anodization solution. Using the above process, mesoporous Si layers as thick as 50 μm were locally formed on the Si wafer through the photoresist mask. The developed process paves the way towards a simple industrial batch Si technology process for the fabrication of mixed Si wafers containing local porous Si areas. These wafers are very interesting for future system-on-chip (SoC) applications, including RF analog/digital and sensors/electronics SoCs. (technical note)

Characterization of graphite etched with potassium hydroxide and its application in fast-rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Shim, Jae-Hyun; Lee, Sanghun

2016-08-01

Surface-modified graphite for application as an anode material in lithium ion batteries was obtained by etching with KOH under mild conditions without high-temperature annealing. The surface of the etched graphite is covered with many nano-sized pores that act as entrances for lithium ions during the charging process. As compared with pristine graphite and other references such as pitch-coated or etched graphite samples with annealing, our non-annealed etched graphite exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, particularly at fast charging rates of over 2.5 C. While avoidance of the trade-off between increase of irreversible capacity and good rate capability has previously been a main concern in highly porous carbonaceous materials, we show that the slightly larger surface area created by the etching does not induce a significant increase of irreversible capacity. This study shows that it is important to limit the size of pores to the nanometer scale for excellent battery performance, which is possible by etching under relatively mild conditions.

Electrochemical synthesis of gold nanorods in track-etched polycarbonate membrane using removable mercury cathode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, Manoj K.; Ambolikar, Arvind S.; Aggarwal, Suresh K.

2012-01-01

The electrochemical template synthesis of gold nanorods within the cylindrical pores of track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membrane using a removable mercury cathode is reported. The novelty of this new approach is that it eliminates the requirement of coating an approximately 500 nm–1 μm-thick metallic layer, as conducting substrate, onto one surface of the insulating template membrane by the sputter deposition technique. A two-compartment electrochemical cell was designed and used for this work. The PC membrane was placed between the two compartments separating the aqueous solution of HAuCl 4 from mercury. Mercury, filled in one of the compartments, is in contact with one surface of the membrane (similar to sputter-deposited metallic layer) and serves as the conducting substrate/cathode for the electrochemical deposition of gold in the nanopores of track-etched PC membrane. Once the electrodeposition is completed, the mercury and the HAuCl 4 solution are removed from the compartments, and a malleable track-etched PC membrane embedded with free-standing gold nanorods is obtained. The ensemble of the metal nanorods grown in the template membrane is not attached to any conducting substrate, and gold nanorods can be freed from the template membrane after the dissolution. The Au-deposited PC membrane and free-standing Au nanorods were characterized by EDXRF, XRD, UV–Visible spectroscopy, AFM, and FEG-TEM. The EDXRF and XRD studies confirmed the deposition of the face-centered cubic phase of Au in the pores of the PC membrane. The TEM studies showed the formation of a cigar-shaped gold nanorod in the cylindrical pores of the PC membrane. The diameter of gold nanorods ranges from 100 to 200 nm. The new approach is simple, cost-effective, and saves time.

Improved electrochemical performance of hierarchical porous carbon/polyaniline composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu Juan; Wang Huanlei; Huang Xiao

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Polyaniline-coated hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) composites have been synthesized by in situ polymerization. ► The HPC/polyaniline composite has significantly better electrochemical capacitance performance than pure HPC and polyaniline. ► The amount of polyaniline loading has a significant effect on the composites’ electrochemical performances. - Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI)-coated hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) composites (HPC/PANI) for use as supercapacitor electrodes were prepared by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization at 273 K of an aniline solution containing well-dispersed HPC particles. After polymerization, a thin layer of PANI was coated on the surface of the HPC particles, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to pure PANI and HPC, the electrochemical capacitance performance of the composites was significantly improved. The highest specific capacitance of the composites obtained is 478 F g −1 at 1 mV s −1 , which is more than twice as that of pure PANI and three times as that of pure HPC. Because of the influence from the hierarchical pore structure of the carbon material, the calculated specific capacitance of PANI in the composite (pseudocapacitance contribution from PANI) is almost one magnitude higher than that of pure PANI.

Porosity-dependent fractal nature of the porous silicon surface

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rahmani, N.; Dariani, R. S., E-mail: dariani@alzahra.ac.ir [Department of Physics, Alzahra University, Tehran, 1993893973 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2015-07-15

Porous silicon films with porosity ranging from 42% to 77% were fabricated by electrochemical anodization under different current density. We used atomic force microscopy and dynamic scaling theory for deriving the surface roughness profile and processing the topography of the porous silicon layers, respectively. We first compared the topography of bare silicon surface with porous silicon and then studied the effect of the porosity of porous silicon films on their scaling behavior by using their self-affinity nature. Our work demonstrated that silicon compared to the porous silicon films has the highest Hurst parameter, indicating that the formation of porous layer due to the anodization etching of silicon surface leads to an increase of its roughness. Fractal analysis revealed that the evolution of the nanocrystallites’ fractal dimension along with porosity. Also, we found that both interface width and Hurst parameter are affected by the increase of porosity.

High-aspect ratio micro- and nanostructures enabled by photo-electrochemical etching for sensing and energy harvesting applications

Science.gov (United States)

Alhalaili, Badriyah; Dryden, Daniel M.; Vidu, Ruxandra; Ghandiparsi, Soroush; Cansizoglu, Hilal; Gao, Yang; Saif Islam, M.

2018-03-01

Photo-electrochemical (PEC) etching can produce high-aspect ratio features, such as pillars and holes, with high anisotropy and selectivity, while avoiding the surface and sidewall damage caused by traditional deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) RIE. Plasma-based techniques lead to the formation of dangling bonds, surface traps, carrier leakage paths, and recombination centers. In pursuit of effective PEC etching, we demonstrate an optical system using long wavelength (λ = 975 nm) infra-red (IR) illumination from a high-power laser (1-10 W) to control the PEC etching process in n-type silicon. The silicon wafer surface was patterned with notches through a lithography process and KOH etching. Then, PEC etching was introduced by illuminating the backside of the silicon wafer to enhance depth, resulting in high-aspect ratio structures. The effect of the PEC etching process was optimized by varying light intensities and electrolyte concentrations. This work was focused on determining and optimizing this PEC etching technique on silicon, with the goal of expanding the method to a variety of materials including GaN and SiC that are used in designing optoelectronic and electronic devices, sensors and energy harvesting devices.

Fast neutron personnel dosimetry by CR-39 plastics a new electrochemical etching procedure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Djeffal, S.

1984-07-01

In the first part of this work a brief description of solid state nuclear track detectors, the principles of track registration and the different reading techniques are given. In the experimental part of the present work we systematically analysed different etching procedures and set a new electrochemical etching method, which enables us to develop a new fast neutron dosimeter. This fast neutron dosimeter makes possible the measurement of low neutron doses in the energy range from 10 Kev to 20 Mev with a reasonably flat energy response. These new developments are very attractive in personnel neutron dosimetry where nuclear emulsions are still used despite their insensitivity to neutron energies down to 500 Kev (i.e. the energy range one often encounters around nuclear facilities)

Anisotropic multi-spot DBR porous silicon chip for the detection of human immunoglobin G.

Science.gov (United States)

Cho, Bomin; Um, Sungyong; Sohn, Honglae

2014-07-01

Asymmetric porous silicon multilayer (APSM)-based optical biosensor was developed to specify human Immunoglobin G (Ig G). APSM chip was generated by an electrochemical etching of silicon wafer using an asymmetric electrode configuration in aqueous ethanolic HF solution and constituted with nine arrayed porous silicon multilayer. APSM prepared from anisotropic etching conditions displayed a sharp reflection resonance in the reflectivity spectrum. Each spot displayed single reflection resonance at different wavelengths as a function of the lateral distance from the Pt counter electrode. The sensor system was consisted of the 3 x 3 spot array of APSM modified with protein A. The system was probed with an aqueous human Ig G. Molecular binding and specificity was monitored as a shift in wavelength of reflection resonance.

Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage Performance on the Porous Graphene Network Immobilizing Cobalt Metal Nanoparticle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kang, Myunggoo; Lee, Dong Heon; Jung, Hyun [Dongguk University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2016-05-15

In this study, we attempted to apply Co metal nanoparticles decorated on the surface of the porous graphene (Co-PG) as the electrochemical hydrogen storage system. Co-PG was successfully synthesized by the soft-template method. To determine the synthetic strategy of porous graphene and Co nanoparticles, we compare the obtained Co-PG with two different materials such as Co nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide without soft-template (Co-RGO) and porous graphene without Co nanoparticle (PG). The experimental details regarding the synthesis and characterization of the Co-PG, Co-RGO, and PG samples are provided in Supporting Information. Co-PG with interpenetrating porous networks and immobilized Co metal nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the soft-template method. The obtained Co-PG exhibited high-surface area with ink-bottle open pores owing to the homogeneous dispersion of P123 micellar rods. The XRD and FE-SEM analyses clearly confirm that Co nanoparticles were immobilized on to the surface of porous graphene without any significant aggregation. The as-obtained Co-PG showed good electrochemical performance such as capacity and cycle stability for hydrogen storage. Based on these results, we believe that the Co-PG with a high-specific surface area could be worthwhile to investigate as not only electrochemical hydrogen storage materials but also other energy storage applications.

Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage Performance on the Porous Graphene Network Immobilizing Cobalt Metal Nanoparticle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang, Myunggoo; Lee, Dong Heon; Jung, Hyun

2016-01-01

In this study, we attempted to apply Co metal nanoparticles decorated on the surface of the porous graphene (Co-PG) as the electrochemical hydrogen storage system. Co-PG was successfully synthesized by the soft-template method. To determine the synthetic strategy of porous graphene and Co nanoparticles, we compare the obtained Co-PG with two different materials such as Co nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide without soft-template (Co-RGO) and porous graphene without Co nanoparticle (PG). The experimental details regarding the synthesis and characterization of the Co-PG, Co-RGO, and PG samples are provided in Supporting Information. Co-PG with interpenetrating porous networks and immobilized Co metal nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by the soft-template method. The obtained Co-PG exhibited high-surface area with ink-bottle open pores owing to the homogeneous dispersion of P123 micellar rods. The XRD and FE-SEM analyses clearly confirm that Co nanoparticles were immobilized on to the surface of porous graphene without any significant aggregation. The as-obtained Co-PG showed good electrochemical performance such as capacity and cycle stability for hydrogen storage. Based on these results, we believe that the Co-PG with a high-specific surface area could be worthwhile to investigate as not only electrochemical hydrogen storage materials but also other energy storage applications

Photo-EMF Sensitivity of Porous Silicon Thin Layer–Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction to Ammonia Adsorption

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kae Dal Kwack

2011-01-01

Full Text Available A new method of using photo-electromotive force in detecting gas and controlling sensitivity is proposed. Photo-electromotive force on the heterojunction between porous silicon thin layer and crystalline silicon wafer depends on the concentration of ammonia in the measurement chamber. A porous silicon thin layer was formed by electrochemical etching on p-type silicon wafer. A gas and light transparent electrical contact was manufactured to this porous layer. Photo-EMF sensitivity corresponding to ammonia concentration in the range from 10 ppm to 1,000 ppm can be maximized by controlling the intensity of illumination light.

Photo-EMF sensitivity of porous silicon thin layer-crystalline silicon heterojunction to ammonia adsorption.

Science.gov (United States)

Vashpanov, Yuriy; Jung, Jae Il; Kwack, Kae Dal

2011-01-01

A new method of using photo-electromotive force in detecting gas and controlling sensitivity is proposed. Photo-electromotive force on the heterojunction between porous silicon thin layer and crystalline silicon wafer depends on the concentration of ammonia in the measurement chamber. A porous silicon thin layer was formed by electrochemical etching on p-type silicon wafer. A gas and light transparent electrical contact was manufactured to this porous layer. Photo-EMF sensitivity corresponding to ammonia concentration in the range from 10 ppm to 1,000 ppm can be maximized by controlling the intensity of illumination light.

Photo-EMF Sensitivity of Porous Silicon Thin Layer–Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction to Ammonia Adsorption

Science.gov (United States)

Vashpanov, Yuriy; Jung, Jae Il; Kwack, Kae Dal

2011-01-01

A new method of using photo-electromotive force in detecting gas and controlling sensitivity is proposed. Photo-electromotive force on the heterojunction between porous silicon thin layer and crystalline silicon wafer depends on the concentration of ammonia in the measurement chamber. A porous silicon thin layer was formed by electrochemical etching on p-type silicon wafer. A gas and light transparent electrical contact was manufactured to this porous layer. Photo-EMF sensitivity corresponding to ammonia concentration in the range from 10 ppm to 1,000 ppm can be maximized by controlling the intensity of illumination light. PMID:22319353

Nanodiamond infiltration into porous silicon through etching of solid carbon produced at different graphitization temperatures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miranda, C. R. B., E-mail: claudia_rbm@yahoo.com.br [Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais-INPE, Centro de Ciencias do Sistema Terrestre-CCST, Centro de Ciencias do Sistema Terrestre-CCST (Brazil); Baldan, M. R.; Beloto, A. F.; Ferreira, N. G. [CTE/INPE, Centro de Tecnologias Espaciais (Brazil)

2011-09-15

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) was grown on the porous silicon (PS) substrate using Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) as an additional solid carbon source. RVC was produced at different heat treatment temperatures of 1300, 1500, and 2000 Degree-Sign C, resulting in samples with different turbostratic carbon organizations. The PS substrate was produced by an electrochemical method. NCD film was obtained by the chemical vapor infiltration/deposition process where a RVC piece was positioned just below the PS substrate. The PS and NCD samples were characterized by Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). NCD films presented faceted nanograins with uniform surface texture covering all the pores resulting in an apparent micro honeycomb structure. Raman's spectra showed the D and G bands, as well as, the typical two shoulders at 1,150 and 1,490 cm{sup -1} attributed to NCD. X-ray diffraction analyses showed the predominant (111) diamond orientation as well as the (220) and (311) peaks. The structural organization and the heteroatom presence on the RVC surface, analyzed from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showed their significant influence on the NCD growth process. The hydrogen etching released, from RVC surface, associated to carbon and/or oxygen/nitrogen amounts led to different contributions for NCD growth.

Use of CR-39 foils for personnel neutron dosimetry: improved electrochemical etching chambers and procedures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hankins, D.E.; Homann, S.G.; Westermark, J.

1986-01-01

The electrochemical etching procedures for the new dosimetry system that uses foils of CR-39 plastic has been improved. During 1985, the etching chambers were modified to correct several problems and the changes to the etching procedures were studied, which gave a more uniform track density and size. The currently recommended etch parameters are given. A new generation of CR-39 material from the manufacturer proved to have a considerably lower background track density and a higher sensitivity; the new foils are also more uniform in thickness, which eliminates the need to numerically compensate for thickness variations. The energy dependence of the CR-39 using monoenergetic neutrons from accelerators at Battelle Northwest Laboratories and at Los Alamos National Laboratory was determined. Some variation was found in the energy dependence, but it is believed this was caused by changes in the etching procedures and by uncertainties in the fluences of the neutrons from the accelerators. A means by which the counting of CR-39 tracks may be automated is suggested; this would be very useful in adapting the CR-39 dosimetry system to large-scale use

Biomass derived porous nitrogen doped carbon for electrochemical devices

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Litao Yan

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Biomass derived porous nanostructured nitrogen doped carbon (PNC has been extensively investigated as the electrode material for electrochemical catalytic reactions and rechargeable batteries. Biomass with and without containing nitrogen could be designed and optimized to prepare PNC via hydrothermal carbonization, pyrolysis, and other methods. The presence of nitrogen in carbon can provide more active sites for ion absorption, improve the electronic conductivity, increase the bonding between carbon and sulfur, and enhance the electrochemical catalytic reaction. The synthetic methods of natural biomass derived PNC, heteroatomic co- or tri-doping into biomass derived carbon and the application of biomass derived PNC in rechargeable Li/Na batteries, high energy density Li–S batteries, supercapacitors, metal-air batteries and electrochemical catalytic reaction (oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction are summarized and discussed in this review. Biomass derived PNCs deliver high performance electrochemical storage properties for rechargeable batteries/supercapacitors and superior electrochemical catalytic performance toward hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction and evolution, as promising electrodes for electrochemical devices including battery technologies, fuel cell and electrolyzer. Keywords: Biomass, Nitrogen doped carbon, Batteries, Fuel cell, Electrolyzer

Monitoring of degradation of porous silicon photonic crystals using digital photography

Science.gov (United States)

2014-01-01

We report the monitoring of porous silicon (pSi) degradation in aqueous solutions using a consumer-grade digital camera. To facilitate optical monitoring, the pSi samples were prepared as one-dimensional photonic crystals (rugate filters) by electrochemical etching of highly doped p-type Si wafers using a periodic etch waveform. Two pSi formulations, representing chemistries relevant for self-reporting drug delivery applications, were tested: freshly etched pSi (fpSi) and fpSi coated with the biodegradable polymer chitosan (pSi-ch). Accelerated degradation of the samples in an ethanol-containing pH 10 aqueous basic buffer was monitored in situ by digital imaging with a consumer-grade digital camera with simultaneous optical reflectance spectrophotometric point measurements. As the nanostructured porous silicon matrix dissolved, a hypsochromic shift in the wavelength of the rugate reflectance peak resulted in visible color changes from red to green. While the H coordinate in the hue, saturation, and value (HSV) color space calculated using the as-acquired photographs was a good monitor of degradation at short times (t  pSi-ch. PMID:25242902

Interpretation of Mason's equation in terms of measurable electrochemical-etching parameters governing the dielectric breakdown phenomenon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Najjar, S.A.R.; Durrani, S.A.

1986-01-01

A new interpretation of Mason's equation, as applicable to the electrochemical etching (ECE) of tracks in polymers, is presented in terms of physically meaningful track-etching parameters. The values of these parameters have been experimentally obtained by irradiating CR-39 foils with heavy ions ( 238 U and 129 Xe) and α-particles of various energies, and applying chemical pre-etching (CPE), followed by ECE in steps, with increasing electric field until the 'treeing' breakdown is initiated. A value of 1.19 MV cm -1 is obtained for the intrinsic electrical breakdown stress of CR-39. It is found that the track radius r used in Mason's equation is related to the radius rsub(Θ) of a sphere, inscribed within the etch cone, whose lowest point is at a fixed distance lsub(o) above the cone tip, with lsub(o) ≅ 1.75 μm for α-particle tracks of energies 2-5.5 MeV, such that r = 0.43 + rsub(Θ) (in μm). (author)

Porous CrN thin films by selectively etching CrCuN for symmetric supercapacitors

KAUST Repository

Wei, Binbin

2018-03-18

Transition metal nitrides are regarded as a new class of excellent electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors due to their superior chemical stability and excellent electrical conductivity. We synthesize successfully the porous CrN thin films for binder-free supercapacitor electrodes by reactive magnetron co-sputtering and selective chemical etching. The porous CrN thin film electrodes exhibit high-capacitance performance (31.3 mF cm−2 at 1.0 mA cm−2) and reasonable cycling stability (94% retention after 20000 cycles). Moreover, the specific capacitance is more than two-fold higher than that of the CrN thin film electrodes in previous work. In addition, a symmetric supercapacitor device with a maximum energy density of 14.4 mWh cm−3 and a maximum power density of 6.6 W cm−3 is achieved. These findings demonstrate that the porous CrN thin films will have potential applications in supercapacitors.

Porous CrN thin films by selectively etching CrCuN for symmetric supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Binbin; Mei, Gui; Liang, Hanfeng; Qi, Zhengbing; Zhang, Dongfang; Shen, Hao; Wang, Zhoucheng

2018-05-01

Transition metal nitrides are regarded as a new class of excellent electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors due to their superior chemical stability and excellent electrical conductivity. We synthesize successfully the porous CrN thin films for binder-free supercapacitor electrodes by reactive magnetron co-sputtering and selective chemical etching. The porous CrN thin film electrodes exhibit high-capacitance performance (31.3 mF cm-2 at 1.0 mA cm-2) and reasonable cycling stability (94% retention after 20000 cycles). Moreover, the specific capacitance is more than two-fold higher than that of the CrN thin film electrodes in previous work. In addition, a symmetric supercapacitor device with a maximum energy density of 14.4 mWh cm-3 and a maximum power density of 6.6 W cm-3 is achieved. These findings demonstrate that the porous CrN thin films will have potential applications in supercapacitors.

Controlled delivery of acyclovir from porous silicon micro- and nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maniya, Nalin H.; Patel, Sanjaykumar R.; Murthy, Z.V.P., E-mail: zvpm2000@yahoo.com

2015-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Porous silicon (PSi) was fabricated by electrochemical etching process. • Micro- and nanoparticles were prepared by ultrasonic fracture of PSi films. • Acyclovir was loaded into native, oxidized, and hydrosilylated PSi particles. • Micro- and nanoparticles displays controlled release behaviour for several days. • Drug release behaviour and release kinetics from PSi particles were studied. - Abstract: In this work, micro- and nanoparticles of porous silicon (PSi) are demonstrated to act as effective carrier for the controlled delivery of acyclovir (ACV). PSi films prepared by electrochemical etching were fractured by ultrasonication to prepare micro- and nanoparticles. PSi native particles were thermally oxidized (TOPSi) and thermally hydrosilylated using undecylenic acid (UnPSi). PSi particles with three different surface chemistries were then loaded with ACV by physical adsorption and covalent attachment. Such particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro ACV release experiments in phosphate buffered saline showed sustained release behaviour from both micro- and nanoparticles and order of release was found to be native PSi > TOPSi > UnPSi. Drug release kinetics study using Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggested a combination of both drug diffusion and Si scaffold erosion based drug release mechanisms.

Controlled delivery of acyclovir from porous silicon micro- and nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maniya, Nalin H.; Patel, Sanjaykumar R.; Murthy, Z.V.P.

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Porous silicon (PSi) was fabricated by electrochemical etching process. • Micro- and nanoparticles were prepared by ultrasonic fracture of PSi films. • Acyclovir was loaded into native, oxidized, and hydrosilylated PSi particles. • Micro- and nanoparticles displays controlled release behaviour for several days. • Drug release behaviour and release kinetics from PSi particles were studied. - Abstract: In this work, micro- and nanoparticles of porous silicon (PSi) are demonstrated to act as effective carrier for the controlled delivery of acyclovir (ACV). PSi films prepared by electrochemical etching were fractured by ultrasonication to prepare micro- and nanoparticles. PSi native particles were thermally oxidized (TOPSi) and thermally hydrosilylated using undecylenic acid (UnPSi). PSi particles with three different surface chemistries were then loaded with ACV by physical adsorption and covalent attachment. Such particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro ACV release experiments in phosphate buffered saline showed sustained release behaviour from both micro- and nanoparticles and order of release was found to be native PSi > TOPSi > UnPSi. Drug release kinetics study using Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggested a combination of both drug diffusion and Si scaffold erosion based drug release mechanisms

Sensitive Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Detection Based on Hollow Porous NiO

Science.gov (United States)

He, Gege; Tian, Liangliang; Cai, Yanhua; Wu, Shenping; Su, Yongyao; Yan, Hengqing; Pu, Wanrong; Zhang, Jinkun; Li, Lu

2018-01-01

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have attracted extensive research attentions as promising electrocatalytic materials. Despite low cost and high stability, the electrocatalytic activity of TMOs still cannot satisfy the requirements of applications. Inspired by kinetics, the design of hollow porous structure is considered as a promising strategy to achieve superior electrocatalytic performance. In this work, cubic NiO hollow porous architecture (NiO HPA) was constructed through coordinating etching and precipitating (CEP) principle followed by post calcination. Being employed to detect glucose, NiO HPA electrode exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity in terms of high sensitivity (1323 μA mM-1 cm-2) and low detection limit (0.32 μM). The excellent electrocatalytic activity can be ascribed to large specific surface area (SSA), ordered diffusion channels, and accelerated electron transfer rate derived from the unique hollow porous features. The results demonstrate that the NiO HPA could have practical applications in the design of nonenzymatic glucose sensors. The construction of hollow porous architecture provides an effective nanoengineering strategy for high-performance electrocatalysts.

Multilayer porous structures of HVPE and MOCVD grown GaN for photonic applications

Science.gov (United States)

Braniste, T.; Ciers, Joachim; Monaico, Ed.; Martin, D.; Carlin, J.-F.; Ursaki, V. V.; Sergentu, V. V.; Tiginyanu, I. M.; Grandjean, N.

2017-02-01

In this paper we report on a comparative study of electrochemical processes for the preparation of multilayer porous structures in hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) and metal organic chemical vapor phase deposition (MOCVD) grown GaN. It was found that in HVPE-grown GaN, multilayer porous structures are obtained due to self-organization processes leading to a fine modulation of doping during the crystal growth. However, these processes are not totally under control. Multilayer porous structures with a controlled design have been produced by optimizing the technological process of electrochemical etching in MOCVD-grown samples, consisting of five pairs of thin layers with alternating-doping profiles. The samples have been characterized by SEM imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and micro-reflectivity measurements, accompanied by transfer matrix analysis and simulations by a method developed for the calculation of optical reflection spectra. We demonstrate the applicability of the produced structures for the design of Bragg reflectors.

Measurement of low neutron fluences with polycarbonate foils electrochemically etched with methyl alcohol-KOH solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumamoto, Y.

1982-01-01

Electrochemical etching of polycarbonate foils was performed using a KOH solution with a high concentration of methyl alcohol under different conditions of field strength, frequency, temperature and etching time. These studies showed that the highest neutron sensitivity relative to the inherent background in the foil was obtained under the following etching conditions: 52 kV/cm, 1 kHz, 30 0 C, 30 min in a solution of 45 gm KOH + 80 cc CH 3 OH + 20 cc H 2 O. Under these conditions, 100 mrem of neutrons from a Ra-Be source gave 70 pits per cm 2 while background was 7 +- 3 pits per cm 2 (10 +- 5 mrem). The pit diameters were about 90 μm. This sensitivity (giving lowest measurable dose of 15 mrem) is quite sufficient for personnel neutron dosimetry applications and the size of the pits is large enough for easy counting using a microscope at magnification of 40X. (author)

STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL, CHEMICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL ETCHING CHANGES OF CR-39 FOR DOSEMETRIC APPLICATIONS.

Science.gov (United States)

Zaki, M F; Elshaer, Y H; Taha, Doaa H

2017-12-01

The present work shows the induced modification of the structural, optical, chemical etching and electrochemical etching parameters of CR-39 irradiated with alpha-particles. CR-39 polymer track detectors were irradiated with different fluences (1.62 × 106, 2.72 × 106, 3.82 × 106 and 5.21 × 106 particles/cm2) of alpha-particles using 241Am source. The structural and optical properties were measured by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV/Vis spectroscopy, respectively. The FT-IR spectra reveal that no major changes in the typical functional groups of irradiated polymer detectors. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that a broad band in the region of 12° 27°, which refers to the presence of the combination of amorphous and crystalline phases. UV/Vis responses of irradiated polymer track detectors exhibit a single absorption band in the range of 254-352 nm that is correlated to the occurrence of electronic transition. Also, the changes in the chemical and electrochemical parameters due to alpha-irradiation are examined and thoroughly discussed. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The role of alternating current in photo-assisted electrochemical porosification of GaN

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ainorkhilah, Mahmood; Naser, M. Ahmed; Yushamdan, Yusof; Kwong, Yam Fong; Zainuriah, Hassan; Tiginyanu, Ion; Siang, Chuah Lee

2013-01-01

In this paper, we report the formation of porous GaN films under a novel alternating current (sine-wave a.c. (50 Hz)) photo-assisted electrochemical (ACPEC) etching conditions. The ACPEC formed porous GaN with excellent structural and surface morphology. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) phi-scan and rocking curves measurements evidenced important features of the pore morphology and nanostructures. According to the FESEM micrographs, the spatial nano architecture of the porous structures exhibits pores with perfect hexagonal shape. The AFM measurements revealed an increase in the surface roughness induced by porosification. X-ray diffraction phi-scan showed that porous GaN sample maintained the epitaxial. (authors)

Chemically grown, porous, nickel oxide thin-film for electrochemical supercapacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inamdar, A.I.; Kim, YoungSam; Im, Hyunsik [Department of Semiconductor Science, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715 (Korea, Republic of); Pawar, S.M.; Kim, J.H. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hyungsang [Department of Physics, Dongguk University, Seoul 100-715 (Korea, Republic of)

2011-02-15

A porous nickel oxide film is successfully synthesized by means of a chemical bath deposition technique from an aqueous nickel nitrate solution. The formation of a rock salt NiO structure is confirmed with XRD measurements. The electrochemical supercapacitor properties of the nickel oxide film are examined using cyclic voltammetery (CV), galvanostatic and impedance measurements in two different electrolytes, namely, NaOH and KOH. A specific capacitance of {proportional_to}129.5 F g{sup -1} in the NaOH electrolyte and {proportional_to}69.8 F g{sup -1} in the KOH electrolyte is obtained from a cyclic voltammetery study. The electrochemical stability of the NiO electrode is observed for 1500 charge-discharge cycles. The capacitative behaviour of the NiO electrode is confirmed from electrochemical impedance measurements. (author)

Study of the processes of carbonization and oxidation of porous silicon by Raman and IR spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasin, A. V.; Okholin, P. N.; Verovsky, I. N.; Nazarov, A. N.; Lysenko, V. S.; Kholostov, K. I.; Bondarenko, V. P.; Ishikawa, Y.

2011-01-01

Porous silicon layers were produced by electrochemical etching of single-crystal silicon wafers with the resistivity 10 Ω cm in the aqueous-alcohol solution of hydrofluoric acid. Raman spectroscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy are used to study the processes of interaction of porous silicon with undiluted acetylene at low temperatures and the processes of oxidation of carbonized porous silicon by water vapors. It is established that, even at the temperature 550°C, the silicon-carbon bonds are formed at the pore surface and the graphite-like carbon condensate emerges. It is shown that the carbon condensate inhibits oxidation of porous silicon by water vapors and contributes to quenching of white photoluminescence in the oxidized carbonized porous silicon nanocomposite layer.

Infrared reflectance studies of hillock-like porous zinc oxide thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ching, C.G.; Lee, S.C.; Ng, S.S.; Hassan, Z.; Abu Hassan, H.

2013-01-01

We investigated the infrared (IR) reflectance characteristics of hillock-like porous zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on silicon substrates. The IR reflectance spectra of the porous samples exhibited an extra resonance hump in the reststrahlen region of ZnO compared with the as-grown sample. Oscillation fringes with different behaviors were also observed in the non-reststrahlen region of ZnO. Standard multilayer optic technique was used with the effective medium theory to analyze the observations. Results showed that the porous ZnO layer consisted of several sublayers with different porosities and thicknesses. These findings were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy measurements. - Highlights: • Multilayer porous assumption qualitatively increased the overall spectra fitting. • IR reflectance is a sensitive method to probe the multilayer porous structure. • Hillock-like porous ZnO thin films fabricated using electrochemical etching method. • The thickness and porosity of the samples were determined. • Formation of extra resonance hump was due to splitting of reststrahlen band

Electrochemical trench etching of silicon triggered via mechanical nanocontacts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gassilloud, R.; Michler, J. [EMPA, Materials Science and Technology, Feuerwerkerstrasse 39, CH-3602 Thun (Switzerland); Schmuki, P. [Department of Materials Science, LKO, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Martensstrasse 7, D-91058 Erlangen (Germany)

2007-12-01

We report a method to produce microstructures on silicon wafers using a microscratching technique followed by a subsequent electrochemical trench etching in hydrofluoric-based electrolyte. Micro-scratches are used to trigger macropore formation. We show that mask-less dissolved trenches with aspect ratios up to 1:7 are formed at the scratched regions on (0 0 1)Si surface. The micro-scratches orientate the macropores formation by aligning them in the scratching direction. We propose that dislocations formed during scratching are firstly dissolved leading to the formation of V-shape grooves. The V-shape geometries obtained by this way are used to initiate the macropores nucleation; i.e. due to the geometry, an avalanche current occurs at the grooves base and thus induces local dissolutions of the substrate. High rate local dissolutions are achieved by back-side illumination of the Si wafer. (author)

Effects of UV light intensity on electrochemical wet etching of SiC for the fabrication of suspended graphene

Science.gov (United States)

O, Ryong-Sok; Takamura, Makoto; Furukawa, Kazuaki; Nagase, Masao; Hibino, Hiroki

2015-03-01

We report on the effects of UV light intensity on the photo assisted electrochemical wet etching of SiC(0001) underneath an epitaxially grown graphene for the fabrication of suspended structures. The maximum etching rate of SiC(0001) was 2.5 µm/h under UV light irradiation in 1 wt % KOH at a constant current of 0.5 mA/cm2. The successful formation of suspended structures depended on the etching rate of SiC. In the Raman spectra of the suspended structures, we did not observe a significant increase in the intensity of the D peak, which originates from defects in graphene sheets. This is most likely explained by the high quality of the single-crystalline graphene epitaxially grown on SiC.

Controllable synthesis of porous LiFePO4 for tunable electrochemical Li-insertion performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tian, Xiaohui; Zhou, Yingke; Wu, Guan; Wang, Pengcheng; Chen, Jian

2017-01-01

Highlights: • A templated freeze-drying method is developed to prepare the porous LiFePO 4 . • The pore size and porosity can be controlled by adjusting the conditions. • The effects of the porous properties on the Li-insertion performances are studied. • The optimized composite presents excellent specific capacity and rate capability. - Abstract: A templated freeze-drying method is developed to prepare the porous LiFePO 4 materials with the controlled pore size and porosity, by conveniently adjusting the size and content of the template in the precursor solution. The morphology and structure of the porous LiFePO 4 materials are characterized and the relavant electrochemical lithium-insertion performances are systematically studied. It’s found that the porous characteristics play a critical role in the lithium-ion intercalation processes and significantly affect the power capability of LiFePO 4 . The optimized porous LiFePO 4 material presents remarkable specific capacity (167 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C), rate capability (151 mAh g −1 at 1 C and 110 mAh g −1 at 10 C) and cycling stability (99.3% retention after 300 cycles at 1 C). These findings demonstrate that the electrochemical performance of the electrode material can be purposely tuned and remarkably improved by the rational design and introduction of the suitable pores, which open up new strategies for the synthesis of advanced porous materials for the lithium-ion power battery applications.

Porous silicon platform for optical detection of functionalized magnetic particles biosensing.

Science.gov (United States)

Ko, Pil Ju; Ishikawa, Ryousuke; Sohn, Honglae; Sandhu, Adarsh

2013-04-01

The physical properties of porous materials are being exploited for a wide range of applications including optical biosensors, waveguides, gas sensors, micro capacitors, and solar cells. Here, we review the fast, easy and inexpensive electrochemical anodization based fabrication porous silicon (PSi) for optical biosensing using functionalized magnetic particles. Combining magnetically labeled biomolecules with PSi offers a rapid and one-step immunoassay and real-time detection by magnetic manipulation of superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) functionalized with target molecules onto corresponding probe molecules immobilized inside nano-pores of PSi. We first give an introduction to electrochemical and chemical etching procedures used to fabricate a wide range of PSi structures. Next, we describe the basic properties of PSi and underlying optical scattering mechanisms that govern their unique optical properties. Finally, we give examples of our experiments that demonstrate the potential of combining PSi and magnetic beads for real-time point of care diagnostics.

Long-term measurements of equilibrium factor with electrochemically etched CR-39 SSNTD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ng, F.M.F.; Nikezic, D.; Yu, K.N.

2007-01-01

Recently, our group proposed a method (proxy equilibrium factor method) using a bare LR 115 detector for long-term monitoring of the equilibrium factor. Due to the presence of an upper alpha-particle energy threshold for track formation in the LR 115 detector, the partial sensitivities to 222 Rn, 218 Po and 214 Po were the same, which made possible measurements of a proxy equilibrium factor F p that was well correlated with the equilibrium factor. In the present work, the method is extended to CR-39 detectors which have better-controlled etching properties but do not have an upper energy threshold. An exposed bare CR-39 detector is first pre-etched in 6.25 N NaOH solution at 70 o C for 6 h, and then etched electrochemically in a 6.25 N NaOH solution with ac voltage of 400 V (peak to peak) and 5 kHz applied across the detectors for 1 h at room temperature. Under these conditions, for tracks corresponding to incident angles larger than or equal to 50 deg., the treeing efficiency is 0% and 100% for incident energies smaller than and larger than 4 MeV, respectively. A simple method is then proposed to obtain the total number of tracks formed below the upper energy threshold of 4 MeV, from which the proxy equilibrium factor method can apply

Personnel neutron dosimetry applications of track-size distributions on electrochemically etched CR-39 foils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hankins, D.E.; Homann, S.G.; Westermark, J.

1988-01-01

The track-size distribution on electrochemically etched CR-39 foils can be used to obtain some limited information on the incident neutron spectra. Track-size distributions on CR-39 foils can also be used to determine if the tracks were caused by neutrons or if they are merely background tracks (which have a significantly different track-size distribution). Identifying and discarding the high-background foils reduces the number of foils that must be etched. This also lowers the detection limit of the dosimetry system. We have developed an image analyzer program that can more efficiently determine the track density and track-size distribution, as well as read the laser-cut identification numbers on each foil. This new image analyzer makes the routine application of track-size distributions on CR-39 foils feasible. 2 refs., 3 figs

Fabrication of Metallic Microneedle by Electroplating and Sharpening of it by Electrochemical Etching

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Chih-Hao; Tanaka, Takahiro; Takaoki, Yutaka; Izumi, Hayato; Takahashi, Tomokazu; Suzuki, Masato; Aoyagi, Seiji

Aiming at the use in low-invasive medical treatments, this paper reports a fabrication of metallic microneedle, which has a three-dimensionally sharp tip. Compared to a silicon or polymer needle which we previously proposed, a metallic needle has toughness to evade breakage. Even if it is broken, it does not become small pieces thanks to its ductility, which increases the safety for a human body. A nickel needle was fabricated using electroplating, followed by sharpening it by electrochemical etching. A smooth tip surface is obtained due to electrochemical etching reactions. Sharpness and smoothness of the tip are effective for easy insertion in the viewpoint of large stress concentration and small friction, respectively. An experiment of inserting the fabricated needle into an artificial skin of silicone rubber was carried out. The resistance force during insertion was much reduced compared to that of commercial stainless needle (23 G: shank diameter 650 µm). Although a fabricated metallic needle was inserted and pulled-out for several times, it was not broken in any trial. By changing the angle between object surface and needle axis, the insertion experiments were carried out. Fabricated nickel needle was not broken for any angle, while silicon needle was broken in case the angle is small, i.e., the needle is much inclined from normal direction of the surface, which ensures the safety of metallic microneedle to human body in the viewpoint of breakage.

Effect of nano Cu coating on porous Si prepared by acid etching Al-Si alloy powder

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Chunli; Zhang, Ping; Jiang, Zhiyu

2015-01-01

As a promising anode material for lithium ion battery, nano-Cu coated porous Si powder was fabricated through two stages: first, preparation of porous nano Si fibers by acid-etching Al-Si alloy powder; second, modified by nano-Cu particles using an electroless plating method. The nano-Cu particles on the surface of nano-Si fibers, not only increase the conductivity of material, but also inhibit the fuse process between nano Si fibers during charge/discharge cycling process, resulting in increased cycling stability of the material. In 1 M LiPF 6 /EC: DMC (1:1) + 1.5 wt% VC solution at current density of 200 mA g −1 , the 150th discharge capacity of nano-Cu coated porous Si electrode was 1651 mAh g −1 with coulombic efficiency of 99%. As anode material for lithium ion battery, nano-Cu coated porous Si nano fiber material is easier to prepare, costs less, and produces higher performance, representing a promising approach for high energy lithium ion battery application

The study of optimal conditions of electrochemical etching of tunnel electron microscopy tungsten tips

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anguiano, E.; Aguilar, M.; Olivar, A.I.

1996-01-01

We present the experimental results obtained during the study made in the electrochemical etching of tunneling electron microscopy tungsten tips. The experiments was made using DC and two usual electrolytes: KOH and NaOH. For the tip preparation we used a electrochemical cell with stainless steel cathode and the tungsten wire as anode. the electrodes was introduced in a glass recipient containing the electrolytic solution. We study the effects of applied voltage, polish time, tip length and electrolyte concentration as process relevant parameters. The best condition for tip preparation was obtained with a metallurgical microscope and with a SEM.EDX and Auger analysis was made. The results shown the better tips was made with KOH as electrolyte with a limited concentration range (2-4 normal) and applied voltage (2-6 volts) (Author) 20 refs

A Macroporous TiO2 Oxygen Sensor Fabricated Using Anodic Aluminium Oxide as an Etching Mask

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sheng-Po Wu

2010-01-01

Full Text Available An innovative fabrication method to produce a macroporous Si surface by employing an anodic aluminium oxide (AAO nanopore array layer as an etching template is presented. Combining AAO with a reactive ion etching (RIE processes, a homogeneous and macroporous silicon surface can be effectively configured by modulating AAO process parameters and alumina film thickness, thus hopefully replacing conventional photolithography and electrochemical etch methods. The hybrid process integration is considered fully CMOS compatible thanks to the low-temperature AAO and CMOS processes. The gas-sensing characteristics of 50 nm TiO2 nanofilms deposited on the macroporous surface are compared with those of conventional plain (or non-porous nanofilms to verify reduced response noise and improved sensitivity as a result of their macroporosity. Our experimental results reveal that macroporous geometry of the TiO2 chemoresistive gas sensor demonstrates 2-fold higher (~33% improved sensitivity than a non-porous sensor at different levels of oxygen exposure. In addition, the macroporous device exhibits excellent discrimination capability and significantly lessened response noise at 500 °C. Experimental results indicate that the hybrid process of such miniature and macroporous devices are compatible as well as applicable to integrated next generation bio-chemical sensors.

Chemical etching of stainless steel 301 for improving performance of electrochemical capacitors in aqueous electrolyte

Science.gov (United States)

Jeżowski, P.; Nowicki, M.; Grzeszkowiak, M.; Czajka, R.; Béguin, F.

2015-04-01

The main purpose of the study was to increase the surface roughness of stainless steel 301 current collectors by etching, in order to improve the electrochemical performance of electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLC) in 1 mol L-1 lithium sulphate electrolyte. Etching was realized in 1:3:30 (HNO3:HCl:H2O) solution with times varying up to 10 min. For the considered 15 μm thick foil and a mass loss around 0.4 wt.%, pitting was uniform, with diameter of pits ranging from 100 to 300 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed an increase of average surface roughness (Ra) from 5 nm for the as-received stainless steel foil to 24 nm for the pitted material. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy realized on EDLCs with coated electrodes either on as-received or pitted foil in 1 mol L-1 Li2SO4 gave equivalent distributed resistance (EDR) of 8 Ω and 2 Ω, respectively, demonstrating a substantial improvement of collector/electrode interface after pitting. Correlatively, the EDLCs with pitted collector displayed a better charge propagation and low ohmic losses even at relatively high current of 20 A g-1. Hence, chemical pitting of stainless steel current collectors is an appropriate method for optimising the performance of EDLCs in neutral aqueous electrolyte.

New Applications of Electrochemically Produced Porous Semiconductors and Nanowire Arrays

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leisner Malte

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract The growing demand for electro mobility together with advancing concepts for renewable energy as primary power sources requires sophisticated methods of energy storage. In this work, we present a Li ion battery based on Si nanowires, which can be produced reliable and cheaply and which shows superior properties, such as a largely increased capacity and cycle stability. Sophisticated methods based on electrochemical pore etching allow to produce optimized regular arrays of nanowires, which can be stabilized by intrinsic cross-links, which serve to avoid unwanted stiction effects and allow easy processing.

Fabrication and characterization of a nanometer-sized optical fiber electrode based on selective chemical etching for scanning electrochemical/optical microscopy.

Science.gov (United States)

Maruyama, Kenichi; Ohkawa, Hiroyuki; Ogawa, Sho; Ueda, Akio; Niwa, Osamu; Suzuki, Koji

2006-03-15

We have already reported a method for fabricating ultramicroelectrodes (Suzuki, K. JP Patent, 2004-45394, 2004). This method is based on the selective chemical etching of optical fibers. In this work, we undertake a detailed investigation involving a combination of etched optical fibers with various types of tapered tip (protruding-shape, double- (or pencil-) shape and triple-tapered electrode) and insulation with electrophoretic paint. Our goal is to establish a method for fabricating nanometer-sized optical fiber electrodes with high reproducibility. As a result, we realized pencil-shaped and triple-tapered electrodes that had radii in the nanometer range with high reproducibility. These nanometer-sized electrodes showed well-defined sigmoidal curves and stable diffusion-limited responses with cyclic voltammetry. The pencil-shaped optical fiber, which has a conical tip with a cone angle of 20 degrees , was effective for controlling the electrode radius. The pencil-shaped electrodes had higher reproducibility and smaller electrode radii (r(app) etched optical fiber electrodes. By using a pencil-shaped electrode with a 105-nm radius as a probe, we obtained simultaneous electrochemical and optical images of an implantable interdigitated array electrode. We achieved nanometer-scale resolution with a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy SECM and optical microscopy. The resolution of the electrochemical and optical images indicated sizes of 300 and 930 nm, respectively. The neurites of living PC12 cells were also successfully imaged on a 1.6-microm scale by using the negative feedback mode of an SECM.

Effect of hydrofluoric acid concentration on the evolution of photoluminescence characteristics in porous silicon nanowires prepared by Ag-assisted electroless etching method

KAUST Repository

Najar, Adel; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Hedhili, Mohamed N.; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S.; Ben Slimane, Ahmed; Sougrat, Rachid

2012-01-01

We report on the structural and optical properties of porous silicon nanowires (PSiNWs) fabricated using silver (Ag) ions assisted electroless etching method. Silicon nanocrystallites with sizes <5 nm embedded in amorphous silica have been

Non-chapped, vertically well aligned titanium dioxide nanotubes fabricated by electrochemical etching

Science.gov (United States)

Loan Nguyen, Thu; Dieu Thuy Ung, Thi; Liem Nguyen, Quang

2014-06-01

This paper reports on the fabrication of non-chapped, vertically well aligned titanium dioxide nanotubes (TONTs) by using electrochemical etching method and further heat treatment. Very highly ordered metallic titanium nanotubes (TNTs) were formed by directly anodizing titanium foil at room temperature in an electrolyte composed of ammonium fluoride (NH4F), ethylene glycol (EG), and water. The morphology of as-formed TNTs is greatly dependent on the applied voltage, NH4F content and etching time. Particularly, we have found two interesting points related to the formation of TNTs: (i) the smooth surface without chaps of the largely etched area was dependent on the crystalline orientation of the titanium foil; and (ii) by increasing the anodizing potential from 15 V to 20 V, the internal diameter of TNT was increased from about 50 nm to 60 nm and the tube density decreased from 403 tubes μm-2 down to 339 tubes μm-2, respectively. For the anodizing duration from 1 h to 5 h, the internal diameter of each TNT was increased from ˜30 nm to 60 nm and the tube density decreased from 496 tubes μm-2 down to 403 tubes μm-2. After annealing at 400 °C in open air for 1 h, the TNTs were transformed into TONTs in anatase structure; further annealing at 600 °C showed the structural transformation from anatase to rutile as determined by Raman scattering spectroscopy.

Metallographic examination of TD-nickel base alloys. [thermal and chemical etching technique evaluation

Science.gov (United States)

Kane, R. D.; Petrovic, J. J.; Ebert, L. J.

1975-01-01

Techniques are evaluated for chemical, electrochemical, and thermal etching of thoria dispersed (TD) nickel alloys. An electrochemical etch is described which yielded good results only for large grain sizes of TD-nickel. Two types of thermal etches are assessed for TD-nickel: an oxidation etch and vacuum annealing of a polished specimen to produce an etch. It is shown that the first etch was somewhat dependent on sample orientation with respect to the processing direction, the second technique was not sensitive to specimen orientation or grain size, and neither method appear to alter the innate grain structure when the materials were fully annealed prior to etching. An electrochemical etch is described which was used to observe the microstructures in TD-NiCr, and a thermal-oxidation etch is shown to produce better detail of grain boundaries and to have excellent etching behavior over the entire range of grain sizes of the sample.

Effect of illumination on photoluminescence properties of porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Hamadeh, H.

2008-11-01

Porous silicon (PS) layers were formed by photo-electrochemical etching of both p-type and n-type single crystal wafers in HF based solution. During the etching process, the silicon wafer was illuminated by a halogen lamp light guided by an optical fiber through a monochromator or diode lasers at different power density and wavelengths (480,533,580 and 635 nm). The optical and structural properties of the prepared PS samples have been investigated by using temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle (CA) measurements, optical microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM). Beside the strong red-yellow PL band, a blue PL band has been observed only in the PS samples formed under the illumination with low power and short wavelengths (480-580 nm) light. In the near infrared (IR) spectral range, a new PL band at 850 nm was observed in p-type PS samples, which prepared under darkness or illumination with 635 nm of low power light. Temperature dependent PL measurements showed that, in contrast to the main IR PL band at around 1100 nm, the intensity of this new band increases on increasing the temperature. These changes in the PL properties was correlated with the illumination induced-structural and morphological modifications in the PS skeleton. In particular, the FTIR analysis showed that the chemical groups and bonds constituting the PS skeleton, such as, SiH, SiO bonds and silanol SiOH group play key role in deciding the PL emission intensity and blue shift. The study proved that the illumination parameters during the photo-electrochemical etching process can be utilized for tailoring a porous layer with novel optical and structural properties. (Authors)

Effect of illumination on photoluminescence properties of porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; Hamadeh, H.

2009-01-01

Porous silicon (PS) layers were formed by photo-electrochemical etching of both p-type and n-type single crystal wafers in HF based solution. During the etching process, the silicon wafer was illuminated by a halogen lamp light guided by an optical fiber through a monochromator or diode lasers at different power density and wavelengths (480,533,580 and 635 nm). The optical and structural properties of the prepared PS samples have been investigated by using temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle (CA) measurements, optical microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM). Beside the strong red-yellow PL band, a blue PL band has been observed only in the PS samples formed under the illumination with low power and short wavelengths (480-580 nm) light. In the near infrared (IR) spectral range, a new PL band at 850 nm was observed in p-type PS samples, which prepared under darkness or illumination with 635 nm of low power light. Temperature dependent PL measurements showed that, in contrast to the main IR PL band at around 1100 nm, the intensity of this new band increases on increasing the temperature. These changes in the PL properties was correlated with the illumination induced-structural and morphological modifications in the PS skeleton. In particular, the FTIR analysis showed that the chemical groups and bonds constituting the PS skeleton, such as, SiH, SiO bonds and silanol SiOH group play key role in deciding the PL emission intensity and blue shift. The study proved that the illumination parameters during the photo-electrochemical etching process can be utilized for tailoring a porous layer with novel optical and structural properties. (Authors)

Electrochemical development of particle tracks in CR-39 polymer dosimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadlock, D.E.; Parkhurst, M.A.; Yang, C.S.; Groeger, J.; Johnson, J.R.; Huang, S.J.

1985-09-01

Electrochemical etching of CR-39 polymeric track etch neutron detectors results in proton-recoil tracks can be distinguished from background tracks much better than tracks developed solely by chemical etching. A newly designed and constructed electrochemical etching apparatus allows large numbers of dosimeters to be processed simultaneously with consistent results. Many processing systems have been developed for chemical and electrochemical etching of the track etch dosimeters. Three systems specifically show great promise and are being studied extensively

Self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesive systems in clinical dentistry.

Science.gov (United States)

Ozer, Fusun; Blatz, Markus B

2013-01-01

Current adhesive systems follow either an "etch-and-rinse" or "self-etch" approach, which differ in how they interact with natural tooth structures. Etch-and-rinse systems comprise phosphoric acid to pretreat the dental hard tissues before rinsing and subsequent application of an adhesive. Self-etch adhesives contain acidic monomers, which etch and prime the tooth simultaneously. Etch-and-rinse adhesives are offered as two- or three-step systems, depending on whether primer and bonding are separate or combined in a single bottle. Similarly, self-etch adhesives are available as one- or two-step systems. Both etch-and-rinse and self-etch systems form a hybrid layer as a result of resins impregnating the porous enamel or dentin. Despite current trends toward fewer and simpler clinical application steps, one-step dentin bonding systems exhibit bonding agent lower bond strengths and seem less predictable than multi-step etch-and-rinse and self-etch systems. The varying evidence available today suggests that the choice between etch-and-rinse and self-etch systems is often a matter of personal preference. In general, however, phosphoric acid creates a more pronounced and retentive etching pattern in enamel. Therefore, etch-and-rinse bonding systems are often preferred for indirect restorations and when large areas of enamel are still present. Conversely, self-etch adhesives provide superior and more predictable bond strength to dentin and are, consequently, recommended for direct composite resin restorations, especially when predominantly supported by dentin.

Morphology-dependent Electrochemical Enhancements of Porous Carbon as Sensitive Determination Platform for Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Qin; Ji, Liudi; Wu, Kangbing; Zhang, Weikang

2016-02-01

Using starch as the carbon precursor and different-sized ZnO naoparticles as the hard template, a series of porous carbon materials for electrochemical sensing were prepared. Experiments of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms reveal that the particle size of ZnO has big impacts on the porous morphology and surface area of the resulting carbon materials. Through ultrasonic dispersion of porous carbon and subsequent solvent evaporation, different sensing interfaces were constructed on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical behaviors of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) were studied. On the surface of porous carbon materials, the accumulation efficiency and electron transfer ability of AA, DA and UA are improved, and consequently their oxidation signals enhance greatly. Moreover, the interface enhancement effects of porous carbon are also controlled by the particle size of hard template. The constructed porous carbon interface displays strong signal amplification ability and holds great promise in constructing a sensitive platform for the simultaneous determination of AA, DA and UA.

A passive monitor for radon using electrochemical track etch detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Massera, G.E.; Hassib, G.M.; Piesch, E.

1980-01-01

A passive monitor for radon and its decay products based on the electrochemical etching (ECE) of α-particle tracks on Makrofol is described. The monitor has been constructed in such a way that radon and radon daughters attached to aerosols can easily pass through a chamber while dust, heavy particles and water droplets are collected outside. The decay products are accumulated on the bottom of the chamber and a Makrofol detector foil is fixed on the top to register alpha particles. The ECE condition was maintained to detect alpha particles coming mainly from radon daughters trapped on the bottom of the chamber. The response of the monitor was determined at different exposure conditions and compared with those of some active techniques such as working level meters. The merits of this system are low cost, good sensitivity, portability and reliable, unattended operation. (author)

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of porous double-shelled Mn2O3 hollow microspheres as a superior anode material for lithium ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qiao, Yu; Yu, Yan; Jin, Yi; Guan, Yi-Biao; Chen, Chun-Hua

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Double-shelled Mn 2 O 3 hollow microspheres are prepared by a multi-step. • synthesis procedure. • Solid, hollow and yolk-structured Mn 2 O 3 spheres are prepared for comparison. • The double-shelled hollow Mn 2 O 3 is superior in electrochemical properties. - Abstract: By means of a specially designed multi-step synthesis procedure involving steps of precipitation, controlled oxidation, selective etching and calcination, porous double-shelled Mn 2 O 3 hollow microspheres are synthesized. Solid, hollow and yolk-structured Mn 2 O 3 are also similarly synthesized for comparison. X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements are employed to investigate their structures and compositions. Galvanostatic cell cycling and impedance spectroscopy are used to characterize the electrochemical properties of Mn 2 O 3 /Li cells. The results show that the hierarchical hollow structured (double-shelled, hollow and yolk-structured) Mn 2 O 3 anode materials deliver higher reversible capacities and excellent cycling stabilities than the solid Mn 2 O 3 . Moreover, among the three hierarchical hollow structured samples, the double shelled sample possesses the best cycling performance, especially at a high current density

Modification of Patterned Nanoporous Gold Thin Film Electrodes via Electro-annealing and Electrochemical Etching

Science.gov (United States)

Dorofeeva, Tatiana

current to np-Au electrodes, which leads coarsening due to a combination of Joule heating and other mechanisms. This method offers the capability to anneal different electrodes to varying degrees of coarsening in one step, by employing electrodes patterns with different cross-sectional areas - easily attained since np-Au can be patterned into arbitrary shapes via photolithography - to control electrode resistivity, thus current density and the amount of electro-annealing of an electrode. A surprising finding was that electro-annealing lead to electrode coarsening at much lower temperatures than conventional thermal treatment, which was attributed to augmented electron-surface atom interactions at high current densities that may in turn enhance surface atom diffusivity. A major advantage of electro-annealing is the ability to monitor the resistance change of the electrode (surrogate for electrode morphology) in real-time and vary the electro-annealing current accordingly to establish a closed-loop electro-annealing configuration. In nanostructured materials, the electrical resistance is often a function of nanostructure, thus changes in resistance can be directly linked to morphological changes of the electrode. Examination of the underlying mechanisms of nanostructure-dependent resistance change revealed that both ligament diameter and grain size play a role in dictating the observed electrode resistance change. The second method relies on electrochemical etching of ligaments to modify electrode morphology in order to maintain both a high effective surface area and large pores for unhindered transport of molecules to/from the ligament surfaces - an important consideration for many physico-chemical processes, such fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and drug delivery platforms. The advantage of this method over purely chemical approach is that while an entire sample in exposed to the chemical reagent, the etching process does not occur until the necessary electrochemical

An energy and direction independent fast neutron dosemeter based on electrochemically etched CR-39 nuclear track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

James, K.; Matiullah; Durrani, S.A.

1987-01-01

A computer-based model is presented, which simulates the dose equivalent response of electrochemically etched CR-39 to fast neutrons of various energies and angles of incidence. Most previous calculations of the response of CR-39 have neglected the production of recoiling oxygen and carbon nuclei as well as α particles in the CR-39. We calculate that these 'heavy recoils' and α particles are the major source of electrochemically etchable tracks in bare CR-39 at neutron energies above approx. 2 MeV under typical etching conditions. Our calculations have been extended to predict the response of CR-39 used in conjunction with various combinations of polymeric front radiators and we have determined the radiator stack configuration with produces the most energy independent response. Again, the heavy recoils and α particles cannot be neglected and, for energies above approx. 2 MeV, these produce typically about 20% of the total response of our optimum stack. This type of fast neutron dosemeter is, however, strongly direction dependent. We have integrated the response over all appropriate angles to predict the dose equivalent response for two representative neutron fields, and we suggest a method for minimising the angular dependence. (author)

Making Porous Luminescent Regions In Silicon Wafers

Science.gov (United States)

Fathauer, Robert W.; Jones, Eric W.

1994-01-01

Regions damaged by ion implantation stain-etched. Porous regions within single-crystal silicon wafers fabricated by straightforward stain-etching process. Regions exhibit visible photoluminescence at room temperature and might constitute basis of novel class of optoelectronic devices. Stain-etching process has advantages over recently investigated anodic-etching process. Process works on both n-doped and p-doped silicon wafers. Related development reported in article, "Porous Si(x)Ge(1-x) Layers Within Single Crystals of Si," (NPO-18836).

Porous Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms for high performance electrochemical energy storage

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Jianbo; Li, Man; Li, Junru; Wei, Chengzhen; He, Yuyue; Huang, Yixuan; Li, Qiaoling

2017-12-01

Porous Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms have been successfully synthesized via a facile route. The process involves the preparation of nickel-cobalt-manganese acetate hydroxide by a simple co-precipitation method and subsequently the thermal treatment. The as-synthesized Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms had a large surface area (96.53 m2 g-1) and porous structure. As electrode materials for supercapacitors, porous Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms showed a high specific capacitance of 1623.5 F g-1 at 1.0 A g-1. Moreover, the porous Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms were also employed as positive electrode materials to assemble flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors. The resulting flexible device had a maximum volumetric energy density (0.885 mW h cm-3) and power density (48.9 mW cm-3). Encouragingly, the flexible device exhibited good cycling stability with only about 2.2% loss after 5000 charge-discharge cycles and excellent mechanical stability. These results indicate that porous Ni-Co-Mn oxides prisms have the promising application in high performance electrochemical energy storage.

A simplified biomolecule attachment strategy for biosensing using a porous Si oxide interferometer

Science.gov (United States)

Perelman, Loren A.; Schwartz, Michael P.; Wohlrab, Aaron M.; VanNieuwenhze, Michael S.; Sailor, Michael J.

2008-01-01

A simple strategy for linking biomolecules to porous Si surfaces and detecting peptide/drug binding is described. Porous Si is prepared using an electrochemical etch and then thermally oxidized by heating in ambient atmosphere. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is then non-covalently adsorbed to the inner pore walls of the porous Si oxide (PSiO2) matrix. The BSA layer is used as a linker for covalent attachment of the peptide Ac-L-Lysine-D-Alanine-D-Alanine (KAA) using published bioconjugation chemistry. BSA-coated surfaces functionalized with KAA display specificity for the glycopeptide vancomycin while resisting adsorption of non-specific reagents. While the biomolecule attachment strategy reported here is used to bind peptides, the scheme can be generalized to the linking of any primary amine-containing molecule to PSiO2 surfaces. PMID:18458749

Preparing electrochemical active hierarchically porous carbons for detecting nitrite in drinkable water

KAUST Repository

Ding, Baojun

2016-01-13

A class of hierarchically porous carbons were prepared by a facile dual-templating approach. The obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Brunaner-Emmett-Teller measurement and electrochemical work station, respectively. The porous carbons could possess large specific surface area, interconnected pore structures, high conductivity and graphitizing degree. The resulting materials were used to prepare integrated modified electrodes. Based on the experimental results, the as-prepared hierarchically porous graphite (HPG) modified electrode showed the best electroactive performances toward the detection of nitrite with a detection limit of 8.1 × 10-3 mM. This HPG electrode was also repeatable and stable for 6 weeks. Moreover, this electrode was used for the determination of nitrite in drinkable water, and had acceptable recoveries. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016.

Facile Synthesis of Flowerlike LiFe5O8 Microspheres for Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Ying; Dong, Jingjing; Dai, Jingjing; Wang, Jingping; Yang, Haibo; Zong, Hanwen

2017-12-18

Facile synthesis of porous and hollow spinel materials is very urgent due to their extensive applications in the field of energy storage. In present work, flowerlike porous LiFe 5 O 8 microspheres etched for 15, 30, and 45 min (named as p-LFO-15, p-LFO-30, and p-LFO-45, respectively) are successfully synthesized through a facile chemical etching method based on bulk LiFe 5 O 8 (LFO) particles as precursors, and they are applied as electrode materials for high-performance electrochemical capacitors. In particular, the specific surface area of p-LFO-45 reaches 46.13 m 2 g -1 , which is 112 times greater than that of the unetched counterpart. Therefore, the p-LFO-45 electrode can achieve a higher capacitance of 278 F g -1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s -1 than the unetched counterpart. Furthermore, the p-LFO-45 electrode presents a good cycling stability with 78.3% of capacitive retention after 2000 cycles, which is much higher than that of the unetched LFO particles (66%). Therefore, the flowerlike porous LFO microspheres are very promising candidate materials for supercapacitor applications.

Biological functionalization and patterning of porous silicon prepared by Pt-assisted chemical etching

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Hong-Fang; Han, Huan-Mei; Wu, Ya-Guang; Xiao, Shou-Jun

2010-04-01

Porous silicon fabricated via Pt-assisted chemical etching of p-type Si (1 0 0) in 1:1:1 EtOH/HF/H 2O 2 solution possesses a longer durability in air and in aqueous media than anodized one, which is advantageous for biomedical applications. Its surface SiH x ( x = 1 and 2) species can react with 10-undecylenic acid completely under microwave irradiation, and subsequent derivatizations of the end carboxylic acid result in affinity capture of proteins. We applied two approaches to produce protein microarrays: photolithography and spotting. The former provides a homogeneous microarray with a very low fluorescence background, while the latter presents an inhomogeneous microarray with a high noise background.

Biological functionalization and patterning of porous silicon prepared by Pt-assisted chemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Hongfang; Han Huanmei; Wu Yaguang; Xiao Shoujun

2010-01-01

Porous silicon fabricated via Pt-assisted chemical etching of p-type Si (1 0 0) in 1:1:1 EtOH/HF/H 2 O 2 solution possesses a longer durability in air and in aqueous media than anodized one, which is advantageous for biomedical applications. Its surface SiHx (x = 1 and 2) species can react with 10-undecylenic acid completely under microwave irradiation, and subsequent derivatizations of the end carboxylic acid result in affinity capture of proteins. We applied two approaches to produce protein microarrays: photolithography and spotting. The former provides a homogeneous microarray with a very low fluorescence background, while the latter presents an inhomogeneous microarray with a high noise background.

Real-Time and In-Flow Sensing Using a High Sensitivity Porous Silicon Microcavity-Based Sensor.

Science.gov (United States)

Caroselli, Raffaele; Martín Sánchez, David; Ponce Alcántara, Salvador; Prats Quilez, Francisco; Torrijos Morán, Luis; García-Rupérez, Jaime

2017-12-05

Porous silicon seems to be an appropriate material platform for the development of high-sensitivity and low-cost optical sensors, as their porous nature increases the interaction with the target substances, and their fabrication process is very simple and inexpensive. In this paper, we present the experimental development of a porous silicon microcavity sensor and its use for real-time in-flow sensing application. A high-sensitivity configuration was designed and then fabricated, by electrochemically etching a silicon wafer. Refractive index sensing experiments were realized by flowing several dilutions with decreasing refractive indices, and measuring the spectral shift in real-time. The porous silicon microcavity sensor showed a very linear response over a wide refractive index range, with a sensitivity around 1000 nm/refractive index unit (RIU), which allowed us to directly detect refractive index variations in the 10 -7 RIU range.

Porous silicon photonic devices using pulsed anodic etching of lightly doped silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Escorcia-Garcia, J; Sarracino MartInez, O; Agarwal, V; Gracia-Jimenez, J M

2009-01-01

The fabrication of porous silicon photonic structures using lightly doped, p-type, silicon wafers (resistivity: 14-22 Ω cm) by pulsed anodic etching is reported. The optical properties have been found to be strongly dependent on the duty cycle and frequency of the applied current. All the interfaces of the single layered samples were digitally analysed by calculating the mean interface roughness (R m ). The interface roughness was found to be maximum for the sample with direct current. The use of a duty cycle above 50%, in a certain range of frequencies, is found to reduce the interface roughness. The optical properties of some microcavities and rugate filters are investigated from the optimized parameters of the duty cycle and frequency, using the current densities of 10, 90 and 150 mA cm -2 .

Effect of aqueous electrolytes on the electrochemical behaviors of supercapacitors based on hierarchically porous carbons

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Xianyou; Jiang, Lanlan; Wu, Hao; Wu, Chun; Su, Jingcang

2012-10-01

Hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs) have been prepared by sol-gel self-assembly technology with nickel oxide and surfactant as the dual template. The porous carbons are further activated by nitric acid. The electrochemical behaviors of supercapacitors using HPCs as electrode material in different aqueous electrolytes, e.g., (NH4)2SO4, Na2SO4, H2SO4 and KOH are studied by cyclic voltametry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic life, leakage current, self-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the supercapacitors in various electrolytes perform definitely capacitive behaviors; especially in 6 M KOH electrolyte the supercapacitor represents the best electrochemical performance, the shortest relaxation time, and nearly ideal polarisability. The energy density of 8.42 Wh kg-1 and power density of 17.22 kW kg-1 are obtained at the operated voltage window of 1.0 V. Especially, the energy density of 11.54 Wh kg-1 and power density of 10.58 kW kg-1 can be achieved when the voltage is up to 1.2 V.

Porous Silicon Nanowires

Science.gov (United States)

Qu, Yongquan; Zhou, Hailong; Duan, Xiangfeng

2011-01-01

In this minreview, we summarize recent progress in the synthesis, properties and applications of a new type of one-dimensional nanostructures — single crystalline porous silicon nanowires. The growth of porous silicon nanowires starting from both p- and n-type Si wafers with a variety of dopant concentrations can be achieved through either one-step or two-step reactions. The mechanistic studies indicate the dopant concentration of Si wafers, oxidizer concentration, etching time and temperature can affect the morphology of the as-etched silicon nanowires. The porous silicon nanowires are both optically and electronically active and have been explored for potential applications in diverse areas including photocatalysis, lithium ion battery, gas sensor and drug delivery. PMID:21869999

Condiment-Derived 3D Architecture Porous Carbon for Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Qian, Wenjing; Zhu, Jingyue; Zhang, Ye; Wu, Xiao; Yan, Feng

2015-10-07

The one-step synthesis of porous carbon nanoflakes possessing a 3D texture is achieved by cooking (carbonization) a mixture containing two condiments, sodium glutamate (SG) and sodium chloride, which are commonly used in kitchens. The prepared 3D porous carbons are composed of interconnected carbon nanoflakes and possess instinct heteroatom doping such as nitrogen and oxygen, which furnishes the electrochemical activity. The combination of micropores and mesopores with 3D configurations facilitates persistent and fast ion transport and shorten diffusion pathways for high-performance supercapacitor applications. Sodium glutamate carbonized at 800 °C exhibits high charge storage capacity with a specific capacitance of 320 F g(-1) in 6 m KOH at a current density of 1 A g(-1) and good stability over 10,000 cycles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Porous silicon biosensor for detection of variable domain of heavy-chain of HCAb antibody

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Hong-yan; Lü, Xiao-yi; Jia, Zhen-hong; Li, Jiang-wei; Zhang, Fu-chun

2012-03-01

In this paper, we produce porous silicon (PSi) by electrochemical etching, and it is the first time to evaluate the performance of label-free porous silicon biosensor for detection of variable domain of heavy chain of heavy-chain antibody (VHH). The binding of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and VHH causes a red shift in the reflection spectrum of the biosensor. The red shift is proportional to the VHH concentration in the range from 14 g·ml-1 to 30 g·ml-1 with a detection limit of 0.648 ng·ml-1. The research is useful for the development of label-free biosensor applied in the rapid and sensitive determination of small molecules.

Preparation of Chemically Etched Tips for Ambient Instructional Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Zaccardi, Margot J.; Winkelmann, Kurt; Olson, Joel A.

2010-01-01

A first-year laboratory experiment that utilizes concepts of electrochemical tip etching for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is described. This experiment can be used in conjunction with any STM experiment. Students electrochemically etch gold STM tips using a time-efficient method, which can then be used in an instructional grade STM that…

Si Micro-turbine by Proton BeamWriting and Porous Silicon Micromachining

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rajta, I.; Szilasi, S.Z.; Fekete, Z.

2008-01-01

Complete text of publication follows. A 3D Si micro-turbine characterized by high aspect ratio vertical walls was formed by the combination of proton beam writing (PBW) and subsequent selective porous Si (PS) etching. Crystal damages generated by the implanted protons result in increased resistivity, thereby limit or even prevent the current to flow through the implanted area during electrochemical etching. Characteristic feature of the proposed process is that the shape of the micro electromechanical (MEMS) components is defined by two implantation energies. A higher energy is applied for defining the housing of the device while the lower energy is used to write the moving components. The implantation energies were selected such as to result appropriate difference between the two projected ranges, thereby providing structures with different height after development. The thickness of the walls of the moving component and the isotropic etching profile of the electrochemical PS formation was also taken into consideration. The electrochemical etching is driven until the sacrificial PS layer completely under etches the moving components, but the etch-front does not reach the bottom of the housing. Therefore, the dissolution of PS results in a ready-to-operate device with a released moving component embedded in the cavity of the housing. The operation of the encapsulated device fabricated by the two-energy implantation is successfully demonstrated (Fig. 1). Rotation speed of the device is estimated in the range of thousands rpm, however, further analysis of the novel structure optimized for performance and MEMS compatible assembly will be done and precise characteristics will be determined by adequate optical read-out method. The feasibility of Proton Beam Writing combined with Porous Si Micromachining and conventional Si processing steps was successfully demonstrated by fabricating Si microturbine chip. The aligned, two-energy proton beam implantation can provide high

Activated Porous Carbon Spheres with Customized Mesopores through Assembly of Diblock Copolymers for Electrochemical Capacitor.

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Jing; Wang, Jie; Shrestha, Lok Kumar; Hossain, Md Shahriar A; Alothman, Zeid Abdullah; Yamauchi, Yusuke; Ariga, Katsuhiko

2017-06-07

A series of porous carbon spheres with precisely adjustable mesopores (4-16 nm), high specific surface area (SSA, ∼2000 m 2 g -1 ), and submicrometer particle size (∼300 nm) was synthesized through a facile coassembly of diblock polymer micelles with a nontoxic dopamine source and a common postactivation process. The mesopore size can be controlled by the diblock polymer, polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) templates, and has an almost linear dependence on the square root of the degree of polymerization of the PS blocks. These advantageous structural properties make the product a promising electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. The electrochemical capacitive performance was studied carefully by using symmetrical cells in a typical organic electrolyte of 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/acetonitrile (TEA BF 4 /AN) or in an ionic liquid electrolyte of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF 4 ), displaying a high specific capacitance of 111 and 170 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 , respectively. The impacts of pore size distribution on the capacitance performance were thoroughly investigated. It was revealed that large mesopores and a relatively low ratio of micropores are ideal for realizing high SSA-normalized capacitance. These results provide us with a simple and reliable way to screen future porous carbon materials for electrochemical capacitors and encourage researchers to design porous carbon with high specific surface area, large mesopores, and a moderate proportion of micropores.

Real-Time and In-Flow Sensing Using a High Sensitivity Porous Silicon Microcavity-Based Sensor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raffaele Caroselli

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Porous silicon seems to be an appropriate material platform for the development of high-sensitivity and low-cost optical sensors, as their porous nature increases the interaction with the target substances, and their fabrication process is very simple and inexpensive. In this paper, we present the experimental development of a porous silicon microcavity sensor and its use for real-time in-flow sensing application. A high-sensitivity configuration was designed and then fabricated, by electrochemically etching a silicon wafer. Refractive index sensing experiments were realized by flowing several dilutions with decreasing refractive indices, and measuring the spectral shift in real-time. The porous silicon microcavity sensor showed a very linear response over a wide refractive index range, with a sensitivity around 1000 nm/refractive index unit (RIU, which allowed us to directly detect refractive index variations in the 10−7 RIU range.

Electroless porous silicon formation applied to fabrication of boron-silica-glass cantilevers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Teva, Jordi; Davis, Zachary James; Hansen, Ole

2010-01-01

This work describes the characterization and optimization of anisotropic formation of porous silicon in large volumes (0.5-1 mm3) of silicon by an electroless wet etching technique. The main goal is to use porous silicon as a sacrificial volume for bulk micromachining processes, especially in cases...... where etching of the full wafer thickness is needed. The porous silicon volume is formed by a metal-assisted etching in a wet chemical solution composed of hydrogen peroxide (30%), hydrofluoric acid (40%) and ethanol. This paper focuses on optimizing the etching conditions in terms of maximizing...... for bio-chemical sensors. The porous silicon volume is formed in an early step of the fabrication process, allowing easy handling of the wafer during all of the micromachining processes in the process flow. In the final process step, the porous silicon is quickly etched by immersing the wafer in a KOH...

Electrochemical characteristics of vanadium redox reactions on porous carbon electrodes for microfluidic fuel cell applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Jin Wook; Hong, Jun Ki; Kjeang, Erik

2012-01-01

Microfluidic vanadium redox fuel cells are membraneless and catalyst-free fuel cells comprising a microfluidic channel network with two porous carbon electrodes. The anolyte and catholyte for fuel cell operation are V(II) and V(V) in sulfuric acid based aqueous solution. In the present work, the electrochemical characteristics of the vanadium redox reactions are investigated on commonly used porous carbon paper electrodes and compared to a standard solid graphite electrode as baseline. Half-cell electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is applied to measure the overall ohmic resistance and resistivity of the electrodes. Kinetic parameters for both V(II) and V(V) discharging reactions are extracted from Tafel plots and compared for the different electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry techniques reveal that the redox reactions are irreversible and that the magnitudes of peak current density vary significantly for each electrode. The obtained kinetic parameters for the carbon paper are implemented into a numerical simulation and the results show a good agreement with measured polarization curves from operation of a microfluidic vanadium redox fuel cell employing the same material as flow-through porous electrodes. Recommendations for microfluidic fuel cell design and operation are provided based on the measured trends.

Effect of hydrofluoric acid concentration on the evolution of photoluminescence characteristics in porous silicon nanowires prepared by Ag-assisted electroless etching method

KAUST Repository

Najar, Adel

2012-01-01

We report on the structural and optical properties of porous silicon nanowires (PSiNWs) fabricated using silver (Ag) ions assisted electroless etching method. Silicon nanocrystallites with sizes <5 nm embedded in amorphous silica have been observed from PSiNW samples etched using the optimum hydrofluoric acid (HF) concentration. The strongest photoluminescence (PL) signal has been measured from samples etched with 4.8 M of HF, beyond which a significant decreasing in PL emission intensity has been observed. A qualitative model is proposed for the formation of PSiNWs in the presence of Ag catalyst. This model affirms our observations in PL enhancement for samples etched using HF <4.8 M and the eventual PL reduction for samples etched beyond 4.8 M of HF concentration. The enhancement in PL signals has been associated to the formation of PSiNWs and the quantum confinement effect in the Si nanocrystallites. Compared to PSiNWs without Si-O x, the HF treated samples exhibited significant blue PL peak shift of 100 nm. This effect has been correlated to the formation of defect states in the surface oxide. PSiNWs fabricated using the electroless etching method can find useful applications in optical sensors and as anti-reflection layer in silicon-based solar cells. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.

Preparation and electrochemical characteristics of porous hollow spheres of NiO nanosheets as electrodes of supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Wei; Jiang, Xinbing; Ding, Shujiang; Li, Ben Q.

2014-06-01

Porous hollow nanospheres (or spherical shells) made of NiO nanosheets are synthesized and tested for the electrochemical performance of the electrodes made of these materials for supercapacitors. Preparation of the NiO sheet hollow spheres starts with synthesis of polystyrene nanospheres with carboxyl groups (CPS), followed by a two-step activation procedure and the subsequent nucleation and growth by electroless deposition of Ni on the CPS core to obtain CPS@Ni core-shell nanoparticles. The CPS core is eliminated and metallic Ni nanoshell is converted into NiO by calcinations at high temperatures. The material properties of as-prepared hollow NiO nanospheres are characterized by TEM, XRD and N2-absorption measurements. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes made of these nanostructured NiO materials are determined by the CV and galvanostatic measurements. These electrochemical tests indicate that electrodes made of the NiO nanosheet hollow spheres exhibit an improved reversible capacitance of 600 F g-1 after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g-1. It is believed that the good electrochemical performance of these electrodes is attributed to the improved OH- transport in the porous network structures associated with the hollow spheres of randomly oriented NiO nanosheets.

Fabricating porous silicon carbide

Science.gov (United States)

Shor, Joseph S. (Inventor); Kurtz, Anthony D. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

The formation of porous SiC occurs under electrochemical anodization. A sample of SiC is contacted electrically with nickel and placed into an electrochemical cell which cell includes a counter electrode and a reference electrode. The sample is encapsulated so that only a bare semiconductor surface is exposed. The electrochemical cell is filled with an HF electrolyte which dissolves the SiC electrochemically. A potential is applied to the semiconductor and UV light illuminates the surface of the semiconductor. By controlling the light intensity, the potential and the doping level, a porous layer is formed in the semiconductor and thus one produces porous SiC.

Intravitreal properties of porous silicon photonic crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, L; Anglin, E; Cunin, F; Kim, D; Sailor, M J; Falkenstein, I; Tammewar, A; Freeman, W R

2009-01-01

Aim To determine the suitability of porous silicon photonic crystals for intraocular drug-delivery. Methods A rugate structure was electrochemically etched into a highly doped p-type silicon substrate to create a porous silicon film that was subsequently removed and ultrasonically fractured into particles. To stabilise the particles in aqueous media, the silicon particles were modified by surface alkylation (using thermal hydrosilylation) or by thermal oxidation. Unmodified particles, hydrosilylated particles and oxidised particles were injected into rabbit vitreous. The stability and toxicity of each type of particle were studied by indirect ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, tonometry, electroretinography (ERG) and histology. Results No toxicity was observed with any type of the particles during a period of >4 months. Surface alkylation led to dramatically increased intravitreal stability and slow degradation. The estimated vitreous half-life increased from 1 week (fresh particles) to 5 weeks (oxidised particles) and to 16 weeks (hydrosilylated particles). Conclusion The porous silicon photonic crystals showed good biocompatibility and may be used as an intraocular drug-delivery system. The intravitreal injectable porous silicon photonic crystals may be engineered to host a variety of therapeutics and achieve controlled drug release over long periods of time to treat chronic vitreoretinal diseases. PMID:18441177

Porous Co3O4 nanorods as anode for lithium-ion battery with excellent electrochemical performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo, Jinxue; Chen, Lei; Zhang, Xiao; Chen, Haoxin

2014-01-01

In this manuscript, porous Co 3 O 4 nanorods are prepared through a two-step approach which is composed of hydrothermal process and heating treatment as high performance anode for lithium-ion battery. Benefiting from the porous structure and 1-dimensional features, the product becomes robust and exhibits high reversible capability, good cycling performance, and excellent rate performance. - Graphical abstract: 1D porous Co 3 O 4 nanostructure as anode for lithium-ion battery with excellent electrochemical performance. - Highlights: • A two-step route has been applied to prepare 1D porous Co 3 O 4 nanostructure. • Its porous feature facilitates the fast transport of electron and lithium ion. • Its porous structure endows it with capacities higher than its theoretical capacity. • 1D nanostructure can tolerate volume changes during lithation/delithiation cycles. • It exhibits high capacity, good cyclability and excellent rate performance

Morphology of the porous silicon obtained by electrochemical anodization method

Science.gov (United States)

Bertel H, S. D.; Dussán C, A.; Diaz P, J. M.

2018-04-01

In this report, the dependence of porous silicon with the synthesis parameters and their correlation with the optical and morphological properties is studied. The P-type silicon-crystalline samples and orientation were prepared by electrochemical anodization and were characterized using SEM in order to know the evolution of the pore morphology. It was observed that the porosity and thickness of the samples increased with the increase of the concentration in the solution and a high pore density (70%) with a pore size between 40nm and 1.5μm.

Detection of Human Ig G Using Photoluminescent Porous Silicon Interferometer.

Science.gov (United States)

Cho, Bomin; Kim, Seongwoong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Kim, Sungsoo; Sohn, Honglae

2015-02-01

Photoluminescent porous silicon (PSi) interferometers having dual optical properties, both Fabry-Pérot fringe and photolumincence (PL), have been developed and used as biosensors for detection of Human Immunoglobin G (Ig G). PSi samples were prepared by electrochemical etching of p-type silicon under white light exposure. The surface of PSi was characterized using a cold field emission scanning electron microscope. The sensor system studied consisted of a single layer of porous silicon modified with Protein A. The system was probed with various fragments of aqueous human immunoglobin G (Ig G) analyte. Both reflectivity and PL were simultaneously measured under the exposure of human Ig G. An increase of optical thickness and decrease of PL were obtained under the exposure of human Ig G. Detection limit of 500 fM was observed for the human Ig G.

SEM and HRTEM study of porous silicon--relationship between fabrication, morphology and optical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dian, J.; Macek, A.; Niznansky, D.; Nemec, I.; Vrkoslav, V.; Chvojka, T.; Jelinek, I.

2004-01-01

We studied the dependence of porous silicon (PS) morphology on fabrication conditions and the link between morphology, porosity and optical properties. P-type (1 0 0) silicon wafers with resistivity of 10 Ω cm were electrochemically etched in a HF:ethanol:water mixture at various HF concentrations and current densities. Porosity and thickness of the samples were determined gravimetrically. Detailed information about evolution of porous silicon layer morphology with variation of preparation conditions was obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the presence of silicon nanoparticles was confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Decrease of the mean size of silicon nanoparticles with increasing porous silicon porosity was revealed in a monotonous blue shift of photoluminescence (PL) maximum in room temperature photoluminescence spectra of studied samples. This blue shift is consistent with quantum confinement model of photoluminescence mechanism. We observed that total porosity of porous films cannot fully explain observed photoluminescence behavior and correct interpretation of the blue shift of photoluminescence spectra requires detailed knowledge of porous silicon morphology

Electroless porous silicon formation applied to fabrication of boron–silica–glass cantilevers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Teva, J; Davis, Z J; Hansen, O

2010-01-01

This work describes the characterization and optimization of anisotropic formation of porous silicon in large volumes (0.5–1 mm 3 ) of silicon by an electroless wet etching technique. The main goal is to use porous silicon as a sacrificial volume for bulk micromachining processes, especially in cases where etching of the full wafer thickness is needed. The porous silicon volume is formed by a metal-assisted etching in a wet chemical solution composed of hydrogen peroxide (30%), hydrofluoric acid (40%) and ethanol. This paper focuses on optimizing the etching conditions in terms of maximizing the etching rate and reproducibility of the etching. In addition to that, a study of the morphology of the pore that is obtained by this technique is presented. The results from the characterization of the process are applied to the fabrication of boron–silica–glass cantilevers that serve as a platform for bio-chemical sensors. The porous silicon volume is formed in an early step of the fabrication process, allowing easy handling of the wafer during all of the micromachining processes in the process flow. In the final process step, the porous silicon is quickly etched by immersing the wafer in a KOH solution

Development and application of the electrochemical etching technique. Annual progress report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1980-08-01

This annual progress report documents further advances in the development and application of electrochemical etching of polycarbonate foils (ECEPF) for fast, intermediate, and thermal neutron dosimetry as well as alpha particle dosimetry. The fast (> 1.1 MeV) and thermal neutron dosimetry techniques were applied to a thorough investigation of the neutron contamination inherent in and about the primary x-ray beam of several medical therapy electron accelerators. Because of the small size of ECEPF dosimeters in comparison to other neutron meters, they have an unusually low perturbation of the radiation field under measurement. Due to this small size and the increased sensitivity of the ECEPF dosimeter over current techniques of measuring neutrons in a high photon field, the fast neutron contamination in the primary x-ray beam of all the investigated accelerators was measured with precision and found to be greater than that suggested by the other, more common, neutron dosimetry methods.

Development and application of the electrochemical etching technique. Annual progress report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1980-08-01

This annual progress report documents further advances in the development and application of electrochemical etching of polycarbonate foils (ECEPF) for fast, intermediate, and thermal neutron dosimetry as well as alpha particle dosimetry. The fast (> 1.1 MeV) and thermal neutron dosimetry techniques were applied to a thorough investigation of the neutron contamination inherent in and about the primary x-ray beam of several medical therapy electron accelerators. Because of the small size of ECEPF dosimeters in comparison to other neutron meters, they have an unusually low perturbation of the radiation field under measurement. Due to this small size and the increased sensitivity of the ECEPF dosimeter over current techniques of measuring neutrons in a high photon field, the fast neutron contamination in the primary x-ray beam of all the investigated accelerators was measured with precision and found to be greater than that suggested by the other, more common, neutron dosimetry methods

Recent advances in synthesis of three-dimensional porous graphene and its applications in construction of electrochemical (bio)sensors for small biomolecules detection.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Lu

2018-07-01

Electrochemical (bio)sensors have attracted much attention due to their high sensitivity, fast response time, biocompatibility, low cost and easy miniaturization. Specially, ever-growing necessity and interest have given rise to the fast development of electrochemical (bio)sensors for the detection of small biomolecules. They play enormous roles in the life processes with various biological function, such as life signal transmission, genetic expression and metabolism. Moreover, their amount in body can be used as an indicator for diagnosis of many diseases. For example, an abnormal concentration of blood glucose can indicate hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Graphene (GR) shows great applications in electrochemical (bio)sensors. Compared with two-dimensional (2D) GR that is inclined to stack together due to the strong π-π interaction, monolithic 3D porous GR has larger specific area, superior mechanical strength, better stability, higher conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. So they attracted more and increasing attention as sensing materials for small biomolecules. This review focuses on the recent advances and strategies in the fabrication methods of 3D porous GR and the development of various electrochemical (bio)sensors based on porous GR and its nanocomposites for the detection of small biomolecules. The challenges and future efforts direction of high-performance electrochemical (bio)sensors based on 3D porous GR for more sensitive analysis of small biomolecules are discussed and proposed. It will give readers an overall understanding of their progress and provide some theoretical guidelines for their future efforts and development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical performance of porous diamond-like carbon electrodes for sensing hormones, neurotransmitters, and endocrine disruptors.

Science.gov (United States)

Silva, Tiago A; Zanin, Hudson; May, Paul W; Corat, Evaldo J; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

2014-12-10

Porous diamond-like carbon (DLC) electrodes have been prepared, and their electrochemical performance was explored. For electrode preparation, a thin DLC film was deposited onto a densely packed forest of highly porous, vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VACNT). DLC deposition caused the tips of the carbon nanotubes to clump together to form a microstructured surface with an enlarged surface area. DLC:VACNT electrodes show fast charge transfer, which is promising for several electrochemical applications, including electroanalysis. DLC:VACNT electrodes were applied to the determination of targeted molecules such as dopamine (DA) and epinephrine (EP), which are neurotransmitters/hormones, and acetaminophen (AC), an endocrine disruptor. Using simple and low-cost techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, analytical curves in the concentration range from 10 to 100 μmol L(-1) were obtained and excellent analytical parameters achieved, including high analytical sensitivity, good response stability, and low limits of detection of 2.9, 4.5, and 2.3 μmol L(-1) for DA, EP, and AC, respectively.

The effect of porosity on energetic porous silicon solid propellant micro-propulsion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Churaman, Wayne A; Morris, Christopher J; Ramachandran, Raghav; Bergbreiter, Sarah

2015-01-01

Energetic porous silicon is investigated as an actuator for micro-propulsion based on thrust and impulse measurements for a variety of porous silicon porosity conditions. Porosity of 2 mm diameter, porous silicon microthruster devices was varied by changing the concentration of hydrofluoric acid and ethanol in an etch solution, by changing porous silicon etch depth, and by changing the resistivity of silicon wafers used for the etch process. The porosity varied from 30% to 75% for these experiments. The highest mean thrust and impulse values measured with a calibrated Kistler 9215 force sensor were 674 mN and 271 μN s, respectively, with a 73% porosity, 2 mm diameter porous silicon device etched in a 3 : 1 etch solution on a 3.6 Ω cm wafer to a target etch depth of 30 μm. As a result of changing porosity, a 23×  increase in thrust performance and a 36×  increase in impulse performance was demonstrated. Impulse values were also validated using a pendulum experiment in which the porous silicon microthruster was unconstrained, but several non-linearities in the pendulum experimental setup resulted in less consistent data than when measured by the force sensor for microthrusters at this size scale. These thrust and impulse results complement previous work in determining the effect of porosity on other porous silicon reaction metrics such as flame speed. (paper)

Characterization of thermal, optical and carrier transport properties of porous silicon using the photoacoustic technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sheng, Chan Kok; Mahmood Mat Yunus, W.; Yunus, Wan Md. Zin Wan; Abidin Talib, Zainal; Kassim, Anuar

2008-01-01

In this work, the porous silicon layer was prepared by the electrochemical anodization etching process on n-type and p-type silicon wafers. The formation of the porous layer has been identified by photoluminescence and SEM measurements. The optical absorption, energy gap, carrier transport and thermal properties of n-type and p-type porous silicon layers were investigated by analyzing the experimental data from photoacoustic measurements. The values of thermal diffusivity, energy gap and carrier transport properties have been found to be porosity-dependent. The energy band gap of n-type and p-type porous silicon layers was higher than the energy band gap obtained for silicon substrate (1.11 eV). In the range of porosity (50-76%) of the studies, our results found that the optical band-gap energy of p-type porous silicon (1.80-2.00 eV) was higher than that of the n-type porous silicon layer (1.70-1.86 eV). The thermal diffusivity value of the n-type porous layer was found to be higher than that of the p-type and both were observed to increase linearly with increasing layer porosity

Three-dimensional porous hollow fibre copper electrodes for efficient and high-rate electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kas, Recep; Hummadi, Khalid Khazzal; Kortlever, Ruud; de Wit, Patrick; Milbrat, Alexander; Luiten-Olieman, Maria W.J.; Benes, Nieck Edwin; Koper, Marc T.M.; Mul, Guido

2016-01-01

Aqueous-phase electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide requires an active, earth-abundant electrocatalyst, as well as highly efficient mass transport. Here we report the design of a porous hollow fibre copper electrode with a compact three-dimensional geometry, which provides a large area,

Metal-assisted chemical etching in HF/Na2S2O8 OR HF/KMnO4 produces porous silicon

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hadjersi, T.; Gabouze, N.; Kooij, Ernst S.; Zinine, A.; Zinine, A.; Ababou, A.; Chergui, W.; Cheraga, H.; Belhousse, S.; Djeghri, A.

2004-01-01

A new metal-assisted chemical etching method using Na2S2O8 or KMnO4 as an oxidizing agent was proposed to form a porous silicon layer on a highly resistive p-type silicon. A thin layer of Ag or Pd is deposited on the Si(100) surface prior to immersion in a solution of HF and Na2S2O8 or HF and KMnO4.

Influence of the doping type and level on the morphology of porous Si formed by galvanic etching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pyatilova, O. V., E-mail: 5ilova87@gmail.com; Gavrilov, S. A.; Shilyaeva, Yu. I. [Zelenograd, National Research University of Electronic Technology (MIET) (Russian Federation); Pavlov, A. A. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Nanotechnology of Microelectronics (Russian Federation); Shaman, Yu. P. [Zelenograd, Scientific-Manufacturing Complex “Technological Centre” MIET (Russian Federation); Dudin, A. A. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Nanotechnology of Microelectronics (Russian Federation)

2017-02-15

The formation of porous silicon (por-Si) layers by the galvanic etching of single-crystal Si samples (doped with boron or phosphorus) in an HF/C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} solution is investigated. The por-Si layers are analyzed by the capillary condensation of nitrogen and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dependences of the morphological characteristics of por-Si (pore diameter, specific surface area, pore volume, and thickness of the pore walls), which determine the por-Si combustion kinetics, on the dopant type and initial wafer resistivity are established.

Porous nanocubic Mn3O4-Co3O4 composites and their application as electrochemical supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Pang, Huan; Deng, Jiawei; Du, Jimin; Li, Sujuan; Li, Juan; Ma, Yahui; Zhang, Jiangshan; Chen, Jing

2012-09-14

A simple approach has been developed to fabricate ideal supercapacitors based on porous Mn(3)O(4)-Co(3)O(4) nanocubic composite electrodes. We can easily obtain porous corner-truncated nanocubic Mn(3)O(4)-Co(3)O(4) composite nanomaterials without any subsequent complicated workup procedure for the removal of a hard template, seed or by using a soft template. In such a composite, the porous Mn(3)O(4)-Co(3)O(4) enables a fast and reversible redox reaction to improve the specific capacitance. The porous nanocubic Mn(3)O(4)-Co(3)O(4) composite electrode can effectively transport electrolytes and shorten the ion diffusion path, which offers excellent electrochemical performance. These results suggest that such porous Mn(3)O(4)-Co(3)O(4) composite nanocubes are very promising for next generation high-performance supercapacitors.

Advanced In Situ I-V Measurements Used in the Study of Porous Structures Growth on Silicon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Amare Benor

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The rate of oxide formation during growth of pores structures on silicon was investigated by in situ I-V measurements. The measurements were designed to get two I-V curves in a short time (total time for the two measurements was 300 seconds taking into account the gap (in mA/cm2 for each corresponding voltage. The in situ I-V measurements were made at different pore depth/time, at the electrolyte-pore tip interface, while etching takes place based on p-type Si. The results showed increasing, decreasing, and constant I-V gap in time, for macropores, nanopores, and electropolishing regimes, respectively. This was related to the expected diffusion limitation of oxide forming (H2O molecules reaching the electrolyte-pore tip and the anodizing current, while etching takes place. The method can be developed further and has the potential to be applied in other electrochemically etched porous semiconductor materials.

Effect of post-etch annealing gas composition on the structural and electrochemical properties of Ti2CTx MXene electrodes for supercapacitor applications

KAUST Repository

Rakhi, R. B.

2015-07-08

Two-dimensional Ti2CTx MXene nanosheets were prepared by the selective etching of Al layer from Ti2AlC MAX phase using HF treatment. The MXene sheets retained the hexagonal symmetry of the parent Ti2AlC MAX phase. Effect of the post-etch annealing ambient (Ar, N2, N2/H2 and Air) on the structure and electrochemical properties of the MXene nanosheets was investigated in detail. After annealing in Air, the MXene sheets exhibited variations in structure, morphology and electrochemical properties as compared to HF treated MAX phase. In contrast, samples annealed in Ar, N2 and N2/H2 ambient retained their original morphology. However, a significant improvement in the supercapacitor performance is observed upon heat treatment in Ar, N2 and N2/H2 ambients. When used in symmetric two-electrode configuration, the MXene sample annealed in N2/H2 atmosphere exhibited the best capacitive performance with specific capacitance value (51 F/g at 1A/g) and high rate performance (86%). This improvement in the electrochemical performance of annealed samples is attributed to highest carbon content, and lowest fluorine content on the surface of the sample upon annealing, while retaining the original 2D layered morphology, and providing maximum access of aqueous electrolyte to the electrodes.

Electrochemical properties of porous carbon black layer as an electron injector into iodide redox couple

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jung-Min; Rhee, Shi-Woo

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Carbon black (CB) porous layer for triiodide (I 3 − ) ion reduction is coated with spray coating method at 120 °C on the fluorine-doped tin oxide glass. ► The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is analyzed for a symmetric cell and a new circuit model is applied to identify electrochemical parameters. ► Decreased particle size and increased thickness improve the catalytic activity because of the increase in the surface area and the conductivity of the CB layer. - Abstract: Electrochemical properties of carbon black (CB) porous layer as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) are studied. CB electrode for triiodide (I 3 − ) ion reduction is coated with spray coating method on the fluorine-doped tin oxide glass at 120 °C. The CB particle size is varied from 20 nm to 90 nm and the CB electrode thickness is controlled from 1 μm to 9 μm by controlling the spraying time. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is analyzed for a symmetric cell and a new circuit model is applied to identify electrochemical parameters. As the CB particle size is decreased, the catalytic activity is improved because of the increase in the surface area and the conductivity of the CB layer. Increased CB electrode thickness also improves the catalytic activity and leads to the low charge transfer resistance at the electrolyte/CB electrode interface. The CB counter electrode with the particle size of 20 nm and the thickness of 9 μm for DSC shows the energy conversion efficiency of 7.2% with the highest fill factor (FF) of 65.6%, which is similar to the Pt counter electrode with FF of 65.8% and the efficiency of 7.6%.

Investigation of MeV-Cu implantation and channeling effects into porous silicon formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahmad, M.; Naddaf, M.

2011-01-01

P-type (1 1 1) silicon wafers were implanted by copper ions (2.5 MeV) in channeling and random directions using ion beam accelerator of the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS). The effect of implantation direction on formation process of porous silicon (PS) using electrochemical etching method has been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. SEM observations revealed that the size, shape and density of the formed pores are highly affected by the direction of beam implantation. This in turn is seen to influence the PL behavior of the PS.

Investigation of MeV-Cu implantation and channeling effects into porous silicon formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahmad, M.; Naddaf, M.

2012-01-01

P-type (1 1 1) silicon wafers were implanted by copper ions (2.5 MeV) in channeling and random directions using ion beam accelerator of the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS). The effect of implantation direction on formation process of porous silicon (PS) using electrochemical etching method has been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. SEM observations revealed that the size, shape and density of the formed pores are highly affected by the direction of beam implantation. This in turn is seen to influence the PL behavior of the PS.(author)

Investigation of MeV-Cu implantation and channeling effects into porous silicon formation

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, M.; Naddaf, M.

2011-11-01

P-type (1 1 1) silicon wafers were implanted by copper ions (2.5 MeV) in channeling and random directions using ion beam accelerator of the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS). The effect of implantation direction on formation process of porous silicon (PS) using electrochemical etching method has been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. SEM observations revealed that the size, shape and density of the formed pores are highly affected by the direction of beam implantation. This in turn is seen to influence the PL behavior of the PS.

Formation and properties of porous silicon layers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vitanov, P.; Kamenova, M.; Dimova-Malinovska, D.

1993-01-01

Preparation, properties and application of porous silicon films are investigated. Porous silicon structures were formed by an electrochemical etching process resulting in selective dissolution of the silicon substrate. The silicon wafers used with a resistivity of 5-10Ω.cm were doped with B to concentrations 6x10 18 -1x10 19 Ω.cm -3 in the temperature region 950 o C-1050 o C. The density of each porous films was determined from the weight loss during the anodization and it depends on the surface resistivity of the Si wafer. The density decreases with decreasing of the surface resistivity. The surface of the porous silicon layers was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy which indicates the presence of SiF 4 . The kinetic dependence of the anode potential and the porous layer thickness on the time of anodization in a galvanostatic regime for the electrolytes with various HF concentration were studied. In order to compare the properties of the resulting porous layers and to establish the dependence of the porosity on the electrolyte, three types of electrolytes were used: concentrated HF, diluted HF:H 2 O=1:1 and ethanol-hydrofluoric solutions HF:C 2 H 5 OH:H 2 O=2:1:1. High quality uniform and reproducible layers were formed using aqueous-ethanol-hydrofluoric electrolyte. Both Kikuchi's line and ring patterns were observed by TEM. The porous silicon layer was single crystal with the same orientation as the substrate. The surface shows a polycrystalline structure only. The porous silicon layers exhibit visible photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature under 480 nm Ar + laser line excitation. The peak of PL was observed at about 730 nm with FWHM about 90 nm. Photodiodes was made with a W-porous silicon junction. The current voltage and capacity voltage characteristics were similar to those of an isotype heterojunction diode. (orig.)

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Illuminating Performance Evolution of Porous Core–Shell Structured Nickel/Nickel Oxide Anode Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan, Bo; Li, Minsi; Li, Xifei; Bai, Zhimin; Dong, Lei; Li, Dejun

2015-01-01

Highlights: • The electrochemical reaction kinetics of the Ni/NiO anode was studied for the first time. • Charge transfer resistance is main contribution to total resistance during discharge process. • The slow growth of the SEI film is responsible for the capacity fading upon cycling. • Some promising strategies to optimize NiO anode performance were summarized. - Abstract: The electrochemical reaction kinetics of the porous core–shell structured Ni/NiO anode for Li ion battery application is systematically investigated by monitoring the electrochemical impedance evolution for the first time. The electrochemical impedance under prescribed condition is measured by using impedance spectroscopy in equilibrium conditions at various depths of discharge (DOD) during charge–discharge cycles. The Nyquist plots of the binder-free porous Ni/NiO electrode are interpreted with a selective equivalent circuit composed of solution resistance, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, charge transfer and solid state diffusion. The impedance analysis shows that the change of charge transfer resistance is the main contribution to the total resistance change during discharge, and the surface configuration of the obtained electrode may experience significant change during the first two cycles. Meanwhile, the increase of internal resistance reduced the utilization efficiency of the active material may be another convincing factor to increase the irreversible capacity. In addition, the impedance evolution of the as-prepared electrode during charge–discharge cycles reveals that the slow growth of the SEI film is responsible for the capacity fading after long term cycling. As a result, several strategies are summarized to optimize the electrochemical performances of transition metal oxide anodes for lithium ion batteries

Bias-assisted KOH etching of macroporous silicon membranes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mathwig, K; Geilhufe, M; Müller, F; Gösele, U

2011-01-01

This paper presents an improved technique to fabricate porous membranes from macroporous silicon as a starting material. A crucial step in the fabrication process is the dissolution of silicon from the backside of the porous wafer by aqueous potassium hydroxide to open up the pores. We improved this step by biasing the silicon wafer electrically against the KOH. By monitoring the current–time characteristics a good control of the process is achieved and the yield is improved. Also, the etching can be stopped instantaneously and automatically by short-circuiting Si and KOH. Moreover, the bias-assisted etching allows for the controlled fabrication of silicon dioxide tube arrays when the silicon pore walls are oxidized and inverted pores are released.

A new parameter in the electrochemical etching of polymer track detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohrabi, M.; Katouzi, M.

1993-01-01

It was discovered that the pressure applied to the electrochemical etching (ECE) chamber system and in turn to washers holding the detector tight in place between two semi-chambers has a direct effect on the internal heating and time to breakdown of the polymer detector. The effect was found to be dependent on the type, material, shape and size of the washers holding the detector in place under pressure. To verify such parameters, a pressure ECE chamber (PECE) with measurable and reproducible pressure was designed and constructed. Three types of rubber washers, such as ''O'' rings, flat rings and sheets as well as polycarbonate (PC) detectors glued directly between two semi-syringes, were used. Flat rubber sheets were shown to have relatively minor effects on the internal heating rate and are recommended. The effect seems to be due to forced vibrations of the detector under an electric field, the frequency of which depends on the degree to which the detector is stretched under pressure, like winding the strings of a musical instrument. The results of the above studies are presented and discussed. (orig.)

Design of characteristic parameters for controlling tungsten tip profile during electrochemical etching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Le Duy Cuong; Duong, Thanh Hung; Kim, Huyn Chul [Inje University, Gimhae (Korea, Republic of)

2014-05-15

Micro/nano-scale tungsten tips fabricated by electrochemical etching have many diverse industrial applications. The characteristic parameters of the tungsten tip profile include apex radius, taper angle, and aspect ratio. These parameters are governed by many factors including applied voltage, concentration of the electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) solution, and diameter of the inner gold ring. However, a systematic investigation with the aim of determining the best conditions for fabricating micro/nano-scale tips with desired profiles has not been carried out yet. This study is aimed at obtaining controllable tungsten tip -particularly with respect to the radius of curvature and aspect ratio of tips (taper angle)-by altering the experimental conditions. A series of experiments were executed and the results were aggregated and analyzed using response surface methodology in order to identify the relationships between the tungsten tip characteristics and input parameters. The method proposed herein would prove to be suitable for a variety of applications in industries that require tungsten tips with a specific profile.

Design of characteristic parameters for controlling tungsten tip profile during electrochemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Le Duy Cuong; Duong, Thanh Hung; Kim, Huyn Chul

2014-01-01

Micro/nano-scale tungsten tips fabricated by electrochemical etching have many diverse industrial applications. The characteristic parameters of the tungsten tip profile include apex radius, taper angle, and aspect ratio. These parameters are governed by many factors including applied voltage, concentration of the electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) solution, and diameter of the inner gold ring. However, a systematic investigation with the aim of determining the best conditions for fabricating micro/nano-scale tips with desired profiles has not been carried out yet. This study is aimed at obtaining controllable tungsten tip -particularly with respect to the radius of curvature and aspect ratio of tips (taper angle)-by altering the experimental conditions. A series of experiments were executed and the results were aggregated and analyzed using response surface methodology in order to identify the relationships between the tungsten tip characteristics and input parameters. The method proposed herein would prove to be suitable for a variety of applications in industries that require tungsten tips with a specific profile

UV photooxidation induced structural and photoluminescence behaviors in vapor-etching based porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aouida, S.; Saadoun, M.; Ben Saad, K.; Bessais, B.

2006-01-01

In this paper, we investigate the effect of UV irradiation on Vapor-Etching (VE) based Porous Silicon (PS) structure and luminescence under controlled atmosphere (N 2 , air, O 2 ). The oxidation evolution is monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR measurements show that the SiH x bond, initially present in the freshly prepared PS layers, decreased progressively with UV irradiation time until they completely disappear. We found that this treatment accelerates the oxidation process. SiO x structures appear and gradually become dominant as regard to the SiH x species, while UV irradiation is in progress. Generally, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the PS layer decreases instantaneously at the starting by the UV excitation and stabilizes after a period depending on the ambient gas and the specific surface area of the porous structure. Further UV exposure leads to a linear decrease of the PL intensity due to change of surface passivation from SiH x to O y SiH x . After less than 100 min of UV irradiation, the PL intensity exhibits an exponential decay. UV exposure in air and O 2 leads approximately to the same PL behavior, although faster PL intensity decrease was observed under O 2 -rich ambient. This was explained as being due to intense hydrogen desorption in presence of oxygen. Correlations of PL results with FTIR measurements show that surface passivation determine the electronic states of silicon nano-crystallites and influence the photoluminescence efficiency

Porous MnO2 prepared by sol-gel method for electrochemical supercapacitor

Science.gov (United States)

Bazzi, K.; Kumar, A.; Jayakumar, O. D.; Nazri, G. A.; Naik, V. M.; Naik, R.

2015-03-01

MnO2 has attracted great attention as material for electrochemical pseudocapacitor due to its high theoretical specific faradic capacitance (~ 1370 F .g-1) , environmental friendliness and wide potential window in both aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. However, the MnO2 has a low surface area which depresses its electrochemical performance. The amorphous α-MnO2 composite was synthesized by sol gel method in the presence of the tri-block copolymer P123. Our aim is to investigate the role of P123 on the electrochemical performance of MnO2. The samples with and without P123 were prepared and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TEM and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The electrochemical performances of the amorphous MnO2 composites as the electrode materials for supercapacitors were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance measurements in a 1M Na2SO4 solution. The results show that the sample prepared without P123 exhibited a relatively low specific capacitance of 28F .g-1, whereas the porous MnO2 prepared with P123 exhibited 117 F .g-1at 5 mV/s. The results of crystalline MnO2 composites will also be presented. The authors acknowledge the support from the Richard J. Barber Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research.

Morphology and stress study of nanostructured porous silicon as a substrate for PbTe thin films growth by electrochemical process

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Claudia Renata Borges Miranda

2004-12-01

Full Text Available Porous silicon layers (PSL were produced by stain etching from a HF:HNO3 500:1 mixture with etching time varying in the range of 1 up to 10 min. The samples have presented nanometric porosity as a function of etching time, characteristic of heavily doped p type silicon. The residual stress and the correlation length of the layers were obtained through the analysis of the micro-Raman spectra using a phonon confinement model including a term to account for the amorphous phase. The residual compressive stress tends to increase as expected due to the contribution of smaller crystallites to be more representative as the etching time increases. PbTe thin films were electrodeposited on PSL from aqueous alkaline solutions of Pb(CH3COO2, disodium salt of ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA and TeO2 by galvanostatic and potentiostatic method. It was also obtained nanostructured PbTe thin films with polycrystalline morphology evidenced by X-ray Diffraction (XRD spectra. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM analysis has demonstrated good films reproducibility with an average grain size of 100 nm.

Electrodeposited manganese dioxide nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fibers: High performance materials for supercapacitor applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kazemi, Sayed Habib; Maghami, Mostafa Ghaem; Kiani, Mohammad Ali

2014-01-01

Highlights: • We report a facile method for fabrication of MnO 2 nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fiber. • MnO 2 -ECF electrode shows outstanding supercapacitive behavior even at high discharge rates. • Exceptional cycle stability was achieved for MnO 2 -ECF electrode. • The coulombic efficiency of MnO 2 -ECF electrode is nearly 100%. - Abstract: In this article we introduce a facile, low cost and additive/template free method to fabricate high-rate electrochemical capacitors. Manganese oxide nanostructures were electrodeposited on electro-etched carbon fiber substrate by applying a constant anodic current. Nanostructured MnO 2 on electro-etched carbon fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The electrochemical behavior of MnO 2 electro-etched carbon fiber electrode was investigated by electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A maximum specific capacitance of 728.5 F g −1 was achieved at a scan rate of 5 mV s −1 for MnO 2 electro-etched carbon fiber electrode. Also, this electrode showed exceptional cycle stability, suggesting that it can be considered as a good candidate for supercapacitor electrodes

Electrodeposited manganese dioxide nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fibers: High performance materials for supercapacitor applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kazemi, Sayed Habib, E-mail: habibkazemi@iasbs.ac.ir [Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Center for Research in Climate Change and Global Warming (CRCC), Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Maghami, Mostafa Ghaem [Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Kiani, Mohammad Ali [Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran, P.O. Box 14335-186, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2014-12-15

Highlights: • We report a facile method for fabrication of MnO{sub 2} nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fiber. • MnO{sub 2}-ECF electrode shows outstanding supercapacitive behavior even at high discharge rates. • Exceptional cycle stability was achieved for MnO{sub 2}-ECF electrode. • The coulombic efficiency of MnO{sub 2}-ECF electrode is nearly 100%. - Abstract: In this article we introduce a facile, low cost and additive/template free method to fabricate high-rate electrochemical capacitors. Manganese oxide nanostructures were electrodeposited on electro-etched carbon fiber substrate by applying a constant anodic current. Nanostructured MnO{sub 2} on electro-etched carbon fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The electrochemical behavior of MnO{sub 2} electro-etched carbon fiber electrode was investigated by electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A maximum specific capacitance of 728.5 F g{sup −1} was achieved at a scan rate of 5 mV s{sup −1} for MnO{sub 2} electro-etched carbon fiber electrode. Also, this electrode showed exceptional cycle stability, suggesting that it can be considered as a good candidate for supercapacitor electrodes.

Facile preparation of hierarchically porous diatomite/MFI-type zeolite composites and their performance of benzene adsorption: the effects of NaOH etching pretreatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Wenbin; Yuan, Peng; Liu, Dong; Deng, Liangliang; Yuan, Weiwei; Tao, Bo; Cheng, Hefa; Chen, Fanrong

2015-03-21

Hierarchically porous diatomite/MFI-type zeolite (Dt/Z) composites with excellent benzene adsorption performance were prepared. The hierarchical porosity was generated from the microporous zeolite coated at the surface of diatom frustules and from the macroporous diatomite support. A facile NaOH etching method was employed for the first time to treat the frustule support, followed by hydrothermal growth of MFI-type zeolite at the surface of frustules previously seeded with nanocrystalline silicalite-1 (Sil-1). NaOH etching enlarged the pores on diatom frustules and further increased the coated zeolite contents (W(z)). The central macropore size of the diatom frustules increased from approximately 200-500 nm to 400-1000 nm after NaOH etching. The W(z) could reach 61.2%, while the macroporosity of the composites was largely preserved due to more voids for zeolite coating being formed by NaOH etching. The Dt/Z composites exhibited higher benzene adsorption capacity per unit mass of zeolite and less mass transfer resistance than Sil-1, evaluated via a method of breakthrough curves. These results demonstrate that etching of a diatomite support is a facile but crucial process for the preparation of Dt/Z composites, enabling the resulting composites to become promising candidates for uses in volatile organic compounds emission control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conciliating surface superhydrophobicities and mechanical strength of porous silicon films

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Fuguo; Zhao, Kun; Cheng, Jinchun; Zhang, Junyan

2011-01-01

Hydrophobic surfaces on Mechanical stable macroporous silicon films were prepared by electrochemical etching with subsequent octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) modification. The surface morphologies were controlled by current densities and the mechanical properties were adjusted by their corresponding porosities. Contrast with the smooth macroporous silicon films with lower porosities (34.1%) and microporous silicon with higher porosities (97%), the macroporous film with a rough three-dimension (3D) surface and a moderate pore to cross-section area ratio (37.8%, PSi2‧) exhibited both good mechanical strength (Yong' modulus, shear modulus and collapse strength are 64.2, 24.1 and 0.32 GPa, respectively) and surface superhydrophobicity (water contact angle is 158.4 ± 2° and sliding angle is 2.7 ± 1°). This result revealed that the surface hydrophobicities (or the surface roughness) and mechanical strength of porous films could be conciliated by pore to cross-section area ratios control and 3D structures construction. Thus, the superhydrophobic surfaces on mechanical stable porous films could be obtained by 3D structures fabrication on porous film with proper pore to cross-section area ratios.

Photonic Crystal Sensors Based on Porous Silicon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Claudia Pacholski

2013-04-01

Full Text Available Porous silicon has been established as an excellent sensing platform for the optical detection of hazardous chemicals and biomolecular interactions such as DNA hybridization, antigen/antibody binding, and enzymatic reactions. Its porous nature provides a high surface area within a small volume, which can be easily controlled by changing the pore sizes. As the porosity and consequently the refractive index of an etched porous silicon layer depends on the electrochemial etching conditions photonic crystals composed of multilayered porous silicon films with well-resolved and narrow optical reflectivity features can easily be obtained. The prominent optical response of the photonic crystal decreases the detection limit and therefore increases the sensitivity of porous silicon sensors in comparison to sensors utilizing Fabry-Pérot based optical transduction. Development of porous silicon photonic crystal sensors which allow for the detection of analytes by the naked eye using a simple color change or the fabrication of stacked porous silicon photonic crystals showing two distinct optical features which can be utilized for the discrimination of analytes emphasize its high application potential.

Photonic Crystal Sensors Based on Porous Silicon

Science.gov (United States)

Pacholski, Claudia

2013-01-01

Porous silicon has been established as an excellent sensing platform for the optical detection of hazardous chemicals and biomolecular interactions such as DNA hybridization, antigen/antibody binding, and enzymatic reactions. Its porous nature provides a high surface area within a small volume, which can be easily controlled by changing the pore sizes. As the porosity and consequently the refractive index of an etched porous silicon layer depends on the electrochemial etching conditions photonic crystals composed of multilayered porous silicon films with well-resolved and narrow optical reflectivity features can easily be obtained. The prominent optical response of the photonic crystal decreases the detection limit and therefore increases the sensitivity of porous silicon sensors in comparison to sensors utilizing Fabry-Pérot based optical transduction. Development of porous silicon photonic crystal sensors which allow for the detection of analytes by the naked eye using a simple color change or the fabrication of stacked porous silicon photonic crystals showing two distinct optical features which can be utilized for the discrimination of analytes emphasize its high application potential. PMID:23571671

Facile synthesis of porous Pt botryoidal nanowires and their electrochemical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Zhongyuan; Zhou, Haihui; Chen, Zhongxue; Zeng, Fanyan; Chen, Liang; Luo, Wucheng; Kuang, Yafei

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Porous Pt nanowires were synthesized by combination of soft and hard templets. • Te nanowires were used as the hard templet and reductant. • The Pt nanowires are composed of many small Pt nanoparticles and pores. • The Pt nanowires have very good electrochemical activity and stability. - Abstract: Long and porous Pt botryoidal nanowires (Pt BNWs) were facilely synthesized by combination of soft and hard templates accompanying chemical reduction of ascorbic acid and replacement of Te nanowires. This bis-template and bis-reductant method is proved to be an effective way to prepare nanowires with special structure. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show the as-prepared product is botryoidal nanowires with diameter of 20–30 nm and length of several micrometers. High resolution transmission electron microscopy shows the Pt botryoidal nanowires are composed of many small Pt nanoparticles (about 3 nm in diameter), which is just like that many grapes grow on the branch. These small nanoparticles make Pt nanowires have botryoidal and porous structure. Moreover, the diameter of Pt BNWs can be adjusted by changing the dosage of Pt precursor, polyvinylpyrrolidone and L-ascorbic acid. The electrocatalytic performance of Pt botryoidal nanowires is studied, which shows that the as-prepared Pt botryoidal nanowires have not only high activity but also good stability for oxygen reduction reaction

Preparation and characterisation of light emitting porous semiconductors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harris, P.J.

1996-01-01

Semiconducting materials exhibit electrical conductivity in the region between that of metals and insulators. The electronic properties depend upon the particular element and the level of impurities contained within it. These materials are the basis of today's electronics industry with silicon being the most important element. It was believed until recently that efficient photoluminescence in the visible region was not possible from silicon due to its relatively small, indirect band-gap (1.12 eV). For this reason semiconductors with a larger, direct band-gap such as gallium arsenide have been used for optical devices. Photoluminescence from silicon has been observed in the infrared region but this was of little use to the opto-electronics industry. However, when silicon is in the form of small nano-structures, photoluminescence can be observed in the visible region from red to blue. This photoluminescence corresponds to a shift in the band gap to between 1.5 eV and 4.5 eV. This is in accordance with the predictions of quantum mechanics for structures of this scale. Nano-structures of silicon and of other semiconductors are relatively easy to produce. Electro-chemical etching is by far the most reliable method, resulting in uniform and reproducible structures. Anodic etching in a hydrofluoric acid based etch solution results in the silicon becoming porous to a depth of the order of microns. The lateral dimensions of these porous structures are in the range of a few nanometres resulting in an aspect ratio of the order of 1000:1. These materials studied in this work have been studied with the aid of EXAFS, scanning probe microscopy and Muon spectroscopy in order to determine the local structures. Measurements of the photoluminescence intensity have been taken at the synchrotron radiation facility, (Daresbury Laboratory). These results show that the observed photoluminescence is temperature dependent. The porous silicon samples studied for this work showed

Porous Silicon Nanoparticle Photosensitizers for Singlet Oxygen and Their Phototoxicity Against Cancer Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Ling; Gu, Luo; Howell, Stephen B.; Sailor, Michael J.

2011-01-01

Porous Si nanoparticles, prepared from electrochemically etched single crystal Si wafers, function as photosensitizers to generate 1O2 in ethanol and in aqueous media. The preparation conditions for the porous Si nanoparticles were optimized to maximize (1) the yield of material; (2) its quantum yield of 1O2 production; and (3) its in vitro degradation properties. The optimal formulation was determined to consist of nanoparticles 146 ± 7 nm in diameter, with nominal pore sizes of 12 ± 4 nm. The quantum yield for 1O2 production is 0.10 ± 0.02 in ethanol and 0.17 ± 0.01 in H2O. HeLa or NIH-3T3 cells treated with 100 µg/mL porous Si nanoparticles and exposed to 60 J/cm2 white light (infrared filtered, 100 mW/cm2 for 10 min) exhibit ~ 45% cell death, while controls containing no nanoparticles show 10% or 25% cell death, respectively. The dark control experiment yields < 10% cytotoxicity for either cell type. PMID:21452822

Unobstructed electron transfer on porous polyelectrolyte nanostructures and its characterization by electrochemical surface plasmon resonance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Davis, Bryce W.; Linman, Matthew J.; Linley, Kamara S.; Hare, Christopher D. [Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 (United States); Cheng Quan, E-mail: quan.cheng@ucr.ed [Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 (United States)

2010-06-01

Thin organic films with desirable redox properties have long been sought in biosensor research. We report here the development of a polymer thin film interface with well-defined hierarchical nanostructure and electrochemical behavior, and its characterization by electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (ESPR) spectroscopy. The nano-architecture build-up is monitored in real time with SPR, while the redox response is characterized by cyclic voltammetry in the same flow cell. The multilayer assembly is built on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 1:1 (molar ratio) 11-ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiolate (FUT) and mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), and constructed using a layer-by-layer deposition of cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and anionic poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). Electron transfer (ET) on the mixed surface and the effect of the layer structures on ET are systematically studied. Under careful control, multiple layers can be deposited onto the 1:1 FUT/MUA SAM that presents unobstructed redox chemistry, indicating a highly ordered, extensively porous structure obtained under this condition. The use of SPR to trace the minute change during the electrochemical process offers neat characterization of local environment at the interface, in particular double layer region, allowing for better control over the redox functionality of the multilayers. The 1:1 SAM has a surface coverage of 4.1 +- 0.3 x 10{sup -10} mol cm{sup -2} for ferrocene molecules and demonstrates unperturbed electrochemistry activity even in the presence of a 13 nm polymer film adhered to the electrode surface. This thin layer possesses some desirable properties similar to those on a SAM while presenting approx15 nm exceedingly porous structure for high loading capacity. The high porosity allows perchlorate to freely partition into the film, leading to high current density that is useful for sensitive electrochemical measurements.

A preliminary study on the etching behavior of SiO sub 2 aerogel film with CHF sub 3 gas

CERN Document Server

Wang, S J; Yeom, G Y

1998-01-01

Etching behavior of SiO sub 2 aerogel film has been investigated in order to examine the feasibility of its application to an interlevel dielectric material. Low dielectric property of SiO sub 2 aerogel film is simply originated from its highly porous structure, but interconnected particles are covered with surface chemical bondings (-OH, -OC sub 2 H sub 5 , etc). Etching experiments have been performed with high density inductively coupled CHF sub 3 plasma. The effects of porous structure and surface chemical bondings on the etching of SiO sub 2 aerogel film have been analyzed. The changes of surface morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses revealed compositions and chemical bonding states of reaction layer. From the analyses, 3-dimensional etching was not feasible macroscopically in SiO sub 2 aerogel film even with its porous nature because network structure was maintained through the etching process. Internal surface chemicals seemed to act an ...

Nucleation and Growth of Porous MnO2 Coatings Prepared on Nickel Foam and Evaluation of Their Electrochemical Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wenxin Huang

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Porous MnO2 was uniformly electrodeposited on nickel foam in MnSO4 solution, which was applied as the electrode of supercapacitors. The nucleation/growth mechanisms of porous MnO2 were investigated firstly. Then two kinds of electrochemical measuring technologies, corresponding to the cycle voltammetry (CV and galvanostatic charge-discharge, were adopted to assess the electrochemical performance of MnO2 electrodes. The results demonstrated that the deposition of MnO2 on nickel foam included four stages. Prior to the deposition, an extremely short incubation period of about 2 s was observed (the first stage. Then the exposed nickel foam was instantly covered by a large number of MnO2 crystal nuclei and crystal nuclei connected with each other in a very short time of about 3 s (the second stage. Nucleation predominated in the second stage. The sharply rise of current was caused by the increase in substrate surface area which due to nucleation of MnO2. Grain boundaries grew preferentially due to their high energy, accompanied with a honeycomb-like structure with the higher surface area was formed. However, accompanied with the electrochemical reactions gradually diffusion-controlled, the current presented the decline trend with increasing the time (the third stage. When the electrochemical reactions were completely diffusion-controlled, the porous MnO2 coating with an approximately constant surface area was formed (the fourth stage. MnO2 coatings deposited for different time (30, 60, 120, 300 s exhibited a similar specific capacitance (CV: about 224 F/g; galvanostatic charge-discharge: about 264 F/g. Comparatively speaking, the value of MnO2 deposited for 600 s was highest (CV: 270 F/g; galvanostatic charge-discharge: 400 F/g.

Enhanced in vitro biocompatibility of ultrafine-grained titanium with hierarchical porous surface

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, C.Y.; Nie, F.L.; Zheng, Y.F.; Cheng, Y.; Wei, S.C.; Valiev, R.Z.

2011-01-01

Bulk ultrafine-grained Ti (UFG Ti) was successfully fabricated by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique in the present study, and to further improve its surface biocompatibility, surface modification techniques including sandblasting, acid etching and alkali treatment were employed to produce a hierarchical porous surface. The effect of the above surface treatments on the surface roughness, wettability, electrochemical corrosion behavior, apatite forming ability and cellular behavior of UFG Ti were systematically investigated with the coarse-grained Ti as control. Results show that UFG-Ti with surface modification had no pitting corrosion and presented low corrosion rate in simulated body fluids (SBF). The hierarchical porous surface yielded by surface modification enhanced the ability of UFG Ti to form a complete apatite layer when soaked in SBF and promoted osteoblast-like cells attachment and proliferation in vitro, which promises to have a significant impact on increasing bone-bonding ability and reducing healing time when implanted due to faster tissue integration.

Highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platforms for food colourants based on the property-tuning of porous carbon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Qin [Key Laboratory for Large-Format Battery Materials and System, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074 (China); Xia, Shanhong; Tong, Jianhua [State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100190 (China); Wu, Kangbing, E-mail: kbwu@hust.edu.cn [Key Laboratory for Large-Format Battery Materials and System, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074 (China)

2015-08-05

It is very challenging to develop highly-sensitive analytical platforms for toxic synthetic colourants that widely added in food samples. Herein, a series of porous carbon (PC) was prepared using CaCO{sub 3} nanoparticles (nano-CaCO{sub 3}) as the hard template and starch as the carbon precursor. Characterizations of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the morphology and porous structure were controlled by the weight ratio of starch and nano-CaCO{sub 3}. The electrochemical behaviours of four kinds of widely-used food colourants, Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red, were studied. On the surface of PC samples, the oxidation signals of colourants enhanced obviously, and more importantly, the signal enhancement abilities of PC were also dependent on the starch/nano-CaCO{sub 3} weight ratio. The greatly-increased electron transfer ability and accumulation efficiency were the main reason for the enhanced signals of colourants, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The prepared PC-2 sample by 1:1 starch/nano-CaCO{sub 3} weight ratio was more active for the oxidation of food colourtants, and increased the signals by 89.4-fold, 79.3-fold, 47.3-fold and 50.7-fold for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. As a result, a highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platform was developed, and the detection limits were 1.4, 3.5, 2.1 and 1.7 μg L{sup −1} for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. The practical application of this new sensing platform was demonstrated using drink samples, and the detected results consisted with the values that obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. - Highlights: • PC samples with different morphology and electrochemical activities were prepared. • Highly sensitive electrochemical sensing platform was developed for food colourants. • The accuracy and practicability was testified to be good by HPLC.

Highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platforms for food colourants based on the property-tuning of porous carbon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, Qin; Xia, Shanhong; Tong, Jianhua; Wu, Kangbing

2015-01-01

It is very challenging to develop highly-sensitive analytical platforms for toxic synthetic colourants that widely added in food samples. Herein, a series of porous carbon (PC) was prepared using CaCO 3 nanoparticles (nano-CaCO 3 ) as the hard template and starch as the carbon precursor. Characterizations of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the morphology and porous structure were controlled by the weight ratio of starch and nano-CaCO 3 . The electrochemical behaviours of four kinds of widely-used food colourants, Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red, were studied. On the surface of PC samples, the oxidation signals of colourants enhanced obviously, and more importantly, the signal enhancement abilities of PC were also dependent on the starch/nano-CaCO 3 weight ratio. The greatly-increased electron transfer ability and accumulation efficiency were the main reason for the enhanced signals of colourants, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The prepared PC-2 sample by 1:1 starch/nano-CaCO 3 weight ratio was more active for the oxidation of food colourtants, and increased the signals by 89.4-fold, 79.3-fold, 47.3-fold and 50.7-fold for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. As a result, a highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platform was developed, and the detection limits were 1.4, 3.5, 2.1 and 1.7 μg L −1 for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. The practical application of this new sensing platform was demonstrated using drink samples, and the detected results consisted with the values that obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. - Highlights: • PC samples with different morphology and electrochemical activities were prepared. • Highly sensitive electrochemical sensing platform was developed for food colourants. • The accuracy and practicability was testified to be good by HPLC

Light Absorption Enhancement of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Devices with Multiple Bandgap Structures of Porous Silicon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kuen-Hsien Wu

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Porous-silicon (PS multi-layered structures with three stacked PS layers of different porosity were prepared on silicon (Si substrates by successively tuning the electrochemical-etching parameters in an anodization process. The three PS layers have different optical bandgap energy and construct a triple-layered PS (TLPS structure with multiple bandgap energy. Photovoltaic devices were fabricated by depositing aluminum electrodes of Schottky contacts on the surfaces of the developed TLPS structures. The TLPS-based devices exhibit broadband photoresponses within the spectrum of the solar irradiation and get high photocurrent for the incident light of a tungsten lamp. The improved spectral responses of devices are owing to the multi-bandgap structures of TLPS, which are designed with a layered configuration analog to a tandem cell for absorbing a wider energy range of the incidental sun light. The large photocurrent is mainly ascribed to an enhanced light-absorption ability as a result of applying nanoporous-Si thin films as the surface layers to absorb the short-wavelength light and to improve the Schottky contacts of devices. Experimental results reveal that the multi-bandgap PS structures produced from electrochemical-etching of Si wafers are potentially promising for development of highly efficient Si-based solar cells.

Selective formation of porous silicon

Science.gov (United States)

Fathauer, Robert W. (Inventor); Jones, Eric W. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A pattern of porous silicon is produced in the surface of a silicon substrate by forming a pattern of crystal defects in said surface, preferably by applying an ion milling beam through openings in a photoresist layer to the surface, and then exposing said surface to a stain etchant, such as HF:HNO3:H2O. The defected crystal will preferentially etch to form a pattern of porous silicon. When the amorphous content of the porous silicon exceeds 70 percent, the porous silicon pattern emits visible light at room temperature.

Performance enhancement of membrane electrode assemblies with plasma etched polymer electrolyte membrane in PEM fuel cell

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cho, Yong-Hun; Yoon, Won-Sub [School of Advanced Materials Engineering, Kookmin University, 861-1 Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-702 (Korea); Bae, Jin Woo; Cho, Yoon-Hwan; Lim, Ju Wan; Ahn, Minjeh; Jho, Jae Young; Sung, Yung-Eun [World Class University (WCU) program of Chemical Convergence for Energy and Environment (C2E2), School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University (SNU), 599 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-744 (Korea); Kwon, Nak-Hyun [Fuel Cell Vehicle Team 3, Advanced Technology Center, Corporate Research and Development Division, Hyundai-Kia Motors, 104 Mabuk-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-912 (Korea)

2010-10-15

In this work, a surface modified Nafion 212 membrane was fabricated by plasma etching in order to enhance the performance of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Single-cell performance of MEA at 0.7 V was increased by about 19% with membrane that was etched for 10 min compared to that with untreated Nafion 212 membrane. The MEA with membrane etched for 20 min exhibited a current density of 1700 mA cm{sup -2} at 0.35 V, which was 8% higher than that of MEA with untreated membrane (1580 mA cm{sup -2}). The performances of MEAs containing etched membranes were affected by complex factors such as the thickness and surface morphology of the membrane related to etching time. The structural changes and electrochemical properties of the MEAs with etched membranes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. (author)

Optical and microstructural investigations of porous silicon

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Raman scattering and photoluminescence (PL) measurements on (100) oriented -type crystalline silicon (-Si) and porous silicon (PS) samples were carried out. PS samples were prepared by anodic etching of -Si under the illumination of light for different etching times of 30, 60 and 90 min. Raman scattering from the ...

Porous platinum nanotubes labeled with hemin/G-quadruplex based electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive thrombin analysis via the cascade signal amplification.

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Aili; Qi, Qingan; Wang, Xuannian; Bie, Ping

2014-07-15

For the first time, a sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for thrombin (TB) was developed by using porous platinum nanotubes (PtNTs) labeled with hemin/G-quadruplex and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) as labels. Porous PtNTs with large surface area exhibited the peroxidase-like activity. Coupling with GDH and hemin/G-quadruplex as NADH oxidase and HRP-mimicking DNAzyme, the cascade signal amplification was achieved by the following ways: in the presence of glucose and NAD(+) in the working buffer, GDH electrocatalyzed the oxidation of glucose with the production of NADH. Then, hemin/G-quadruplex as NADH oxidase catalyzed the oxidation of NADH to in situ generate H2O2. Based on the corporate electrocatalysis of PtNTs and hemin/G-quadruplex toward H2O2, the electrochemical signal was significantly amplified, allowing the detection limit of TB down to 0.15 pM level. Moreover, the proposed strategy was simple because the intercalated hemin offered the readout signal, avoiding the adding of additional redox mediator as signal donator. Such an electrochemical aptasensor is highly promising for sensitive detection of other proteins in clinical diagnostics. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sulfur-doped porous reduced graphene oxide hollow nanosphere frameworks as metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and as supercapacitor electrode materials.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Xi'an; Chen, Xiaohua; Xu, Xin; Yang, Zhi; Liu, Zheng; Zhang, Lijie; Xu, Xiangju; Chen, Ying; Huang, Shaoming

2014-11-21

Chemical doping with foreign atoms is an effective approach to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of the carbon materials. Herein, sulfur-doped three-dimensional (3D) porous reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hollow nanosphere frameworks (S-PGHS) are fabricated by directly annealing graphene oxide (GO)-encapsulated amino-modified SiO2 nanoparticles with dibenzyl disulfide (DBDS), followed by hydrofluoric acid etching. The XPS and Raman spectra confirmed that sulfur atoms were successfully introduced into the PGHS framework via covalent bonds. The as-prepared S-PGHS has been demonstrated to be an efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with the activity comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (40%) and much better methanol tolerance and durability, and to be a supercapacitor electrode material with a high specific capacitance of 343 F g(-1), good rate capability and excellent cycling stability in aqueous electrolytes. The impressive performance for ORR and supercapacitors is believed to be due to the synergistic effect caused by sulfur-doping enhancing the electrochemical activity and 3D porous hollow nanosphere framework structures facilitating ion diffusion and electronic transfer.

Refined tip preparation by electrochemical etching and ultrahigh vacuum treatment to obtain atomically sharp tips for scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hagedorn, Till; Ouali, Mehdi El; Paul, William; Oliver, David; Miyahara, Yoichi; Gruetter, Peter

2011-01-01

A modification of the common electrochemical etching setup is presented. The described method reproducibly yields sharp tungsten tips for usage in the scanning tunneling microscope and tuning fork atomic force microscope. In situ treatment under ultrahigh vacuum (p ≤10 -10 mbar) conditions for cleaning and fine sharpening with minimal blunting is described. The structure of the microscopic apex of these tips is atomically resolved with field ion microscopy and cross checked with field emission.

Ti Porous Film-Supported NiCo₂S₄ Nanotubes Counter Electrode for Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Deng, Jianping; Wang, Minqiang; Song, Xiaohui; Yang, Zhi; Yuan, Zhaolin

2018-04-17

In this paper, a novel Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotube was fabricated by the acid etching and two-step hydrothermal method and then used as a counter electrode in a CdS/CdSe quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. Measurements of the cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the symmetric cells revealed that compared with the conventional FTO (fluorine doped tin oxide)/Pt counter electrode, Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotubes counter electrode exhibited greater electrocatalytic activity toward polysulfide electrolyte and lower charge-transfer resistance at the interface between electrolyte and counter electrode, which remarkably improved the fill factor, short-circuit current density, and power conversion efficiency of the quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. Under illumination of one sun (100 mW/cm²), the quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell based on Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotubes counter electrode achieved a power conversion efficiency of 3.14%, which is superior to the cell based on FTO/Pt counter electrode (1.3%).

New development on electrochemical etching processes at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

CERN Document Server

Sohrabi, M

1999-01-01

Some highlights of new developments made in our laboratory at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran on chemical and electrochemical etching (ECE) of polymer track detectors like polycarbonate (PC) are presented. They include introduction of new ECE chamber systems and methods for production of ECE signs and symbols, and a new versatile ECE chamber (VECE) system for multi-purpose, multi-size, and/or multi-shape detector processing; determination of photoneutron doses in and around high-energy X-ray beams of a 20 MV medical accelerator; verification of the Smythe and Mason equations for ECE of tracks in polymers; ECE of alpha and recoil tracks in PC using PMW, PEW and PEMW etchants; introduction of a novel method using ethylene diamine for treatment of PC detectors with its applications, for example in precision removal of surface layers of PC (e.g. bulk removal rates of about 0.04, 0.15, 0.36, 0.66, and 1.33 mm min sup - sup 1 for 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 80% ethylene diamine solution (v/v) in water respectivel...

Morphological and optical properties of n-type porous silicon

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

type silicon wafer have been reported in the present article. Method of PS fabrication is by photo-assisted electrochemical etching with different etching current densities ( J ). Porosity and PS layer thickness, obtained by the gravimetric method, ...

Preparation of porous lead from shape-controlled PbO bulk by in situ electrochemical reduction in ChCl-EG deep eutectic solvent

Science.gov (United States)

Ru, Juanjian; Hua, Yixin; Xu, Cunying; Li, Jian; Li, Yan; Wang, Ding; Zhou, Zhongren; Gong, Kai

2015-12-01

Porous lead with different shapes was firstly prepared from controlled geometries of solid PbO bulk by in situ electrochemical reduction in choline chloride-ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvents at cell voltage 2.5 V and 353 K. The electrochemical behavior of PbO powders on cavity microelectrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. It is indicated that solid PbO can be directly reduced to metal in the solvent and a nucleation loop is apparent. Constant voltage electrolysis demonstrates that PbO pellet can be completely converted to metal for 13 h, and the current efficiency and specific energy consumption are about 87.79% and 736.82 kWh t-1, respectively. With the electro-deoxidation progress on the pellet surface, the reduction rate reaches the fastest and decreases along the distance from surface to inner center. The morphologies of metallic products are porous and mainly consisted of uniform particles which connect with each other by finer strip-shaped grains to remain the geometry and macro size constant perfectly. In addition, an empirical model of the electro-deoxidation process from spherical PbO bulk to porous lead is also proposed. These findings provide a novel and simple route for the preparation of porous metals from oxide precursors in deep eutectic solvents at room temperature.

Efficient alpha particle detection by CR-39 applying 50 Hz-HV electrochemical etching method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohrabi, M.; Soltani, Z.

2016-01-01

Alpha particles can be detected by CR-39 by applying either chemical etching (CE), electrochemical etching (ECE), or combined pre-etching and ECE usually through a multi-step HF-HV ECE process at temperatures much higher than room temperature. By applying pre-etching, characteristics responses of fast-neutron-induced recoil tracks in CR-39 by HF-HV ECE versus KOH normality (N) have shown two high-sensitivity peaks around 5–6 and 15–16 N and a large-diameter peak with a minimum sensitivity around 10–11 N at 25°C. On the other hand, 50 Hz-HV ECE method recently advanced in our laboratory detects alpha particles with high efficiency and broad registration energy range with small ECE tracks in polycarbonate (PC) detectors. By taking advantage of the CR-39 sensitivity to alpha particles, efficacy of 50 Hz-HV ECE method and CR-39 exotic responses under different KOH normalities, detection characteristics of 0.8 MeV alpha particle tracks were studied in 500 μm CR-39 for different fluences, ECE duration and KOH normality. Alpha registration efficiency increased as ECE duration increased to 90 ± 2% after 6–8 h beyond which plateaus are reached. Alpha track density versus fluence is linear up to 10 6  tracks cm −2 . The efficiency and mean track diameter versus alpha fluence up to 10 6  alphas cm −2 decrease as the fluence increases. Background track density and minimum detection limit are linear functions of ECE duration and increase as normality increases. The CR-39 processed for the first time in this study by 50 Hz-HV ECE method proved to provide a simple, efficient and practical alpha detection method at room temperature. - Highlights: • Alpha particles of 0.8 MeV were detected in CR-39 by 50 Hz-HV ECE method. • Efficiency/track diameter was studied vs fluence and time for 3 KOH normality. • Background track density and minimum detection limit vs duration were studied. • A new simple, efficient and low-cost alpha detection method

High aspect ratio channels in glass and porous silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liang, H.D. [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411 (Singapore); Dang, Z.Y. [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Wu, J.F. [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583 (Singapore); Kan, J.A. van; Qureshi, S. [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542 (Singapore); Ynsa, M.D.; Torres-Costa, V. [Department of Applied Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid (Spain); Centro de Micro-Análisis de Materiales (CMAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco Edif. 22, Faraday 3, E-28049 Madrid (Spain); Maira, A. [Department of Applied Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid (Spain); Venkatesan, T.V. [Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411 (Singapore); Breese, M.B.H., E-mail: phymbhb@nus.edu.sg [Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542 (Singapore)

2017-03-01

We have developed a micromachining process to produce high-aspect-ratio channels and holes in glass and porous silicon. Our process utilizes MeV proton beam irradiation of silicon using direct writing with a focused beam, followed by electrochemical etching. To increase throughput we have also developed another process for large area ion irradiation based on a radiation-resistant gold surface mask, allowing many square inches to be patterned. We present a study of the achievable channel width, depth and period and sidewall verticality for a range of channels which can be over 100 μm deep or 100 nm wide with aspect ratios up to 80. This process overcomes the difficulty of machining glass on a micro- and nanometer scale which has limited many areas of applications in different fields such as microelectronics and microfluidics.

Nanostructure Size Determination in N+-Type Porous Silicon by X-Ray diffractometry and Raman Spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramirez Porras, A.

1997-01-01

A series of porous silicon surfaces were obtained after different exposition times of electrochemical etching on cristalline n+- type silicon in presence of hydrofluoric acid. These kind of surfaces show photoluminescence when illuminated by UV light. One possible explanation for this is that the treated surface is made up of small crystallites the nanometer scale that split away the semiconductor band edges up to optical photon energies for the band- to -band recombination processes. In this study, a nanometer size determination of such proposed structures was performed by the use of X-Ray Diffractometry and Raman Spectroscopy. The result suggest the consistency between the so called Quantum Confined Model and the experimental results. (Author) [es

Nanostructure Size Determination in N+-Type Porous Silicon by X-Ray diffractometry and Raman Spectroscopy

CERN Document Server

Ramirez-Porras, A

1997-01-01

A series of porous silicon surfaces were obtained after different exposition times of electrochemical etching on cristalline n+- type silicon in presence of hydrofluoric acid. These kind of surfaces show photoluminescence when illuminated by UV light. One possible explanation for this is that the treated surface is made up of small crystallites the nanometer scale that split away the semiconductor band edges up to optical photon energies for the band- to -band recombination processes. In this study, a nanometer size determination of such proposed structures was performed by the use of X-Ray Diffractometry and Raman Spectroscopy. The result suggest the consistency between the so called Quantum Confined Model and the experimental results. (Author)

Hierarchical porous microspheres of the Co3O4@graphene with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for electrochemical biosensors.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, MinHo; Jeong, Jae-Min; Lee, Kyoung G; Kim, Do Hyun; Lee, Seok Jae; Choi, Bong Gill

2017-03-15

The integration of organic and inorganic building blocks into hierarchical porous architectures makes potentially desirable electrocatalytic materials in many electrochemical applications due to their combination of attractive qualities of dissimilar components and well-constructed charge transfer pathways. Herein, we demonstrate the preparation of the hierarchical porous Co 3 O 4 @graphene (Co 3 O 4 @G) microspheres by one-step hydrothermal method to achieve high electrocatalytic performance for enzyme-free biosensor applications. The obtained Co 3 O 4 @G microspheres are consisted of the interconnected networks of Co 3 O 4 and graphene sheets, and thus provide large accessible active sites through porous structure, while graphene sheets offer continuous electron pathways for efficient electrocatalytic reaction of Co 3 O 4 . These structural merits with synergy effect of Co 3 O 4 and graphene lead to a high performance of enzyme-free detection for glucose: high sensitivity, good selectivity, and remarkable stability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Porous-Nickel-Scaffolded Tin-Antimony Anodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Properties for Li/Na-Ion Batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jiachen; Pu, Jun; Liu, Ziqiang; Wang, Jian; Wu, Wenlu; Zhang, Huigang; Ma, Haixia

2017-08-02

The energy and power densities of rechargeable batteries urgently need to be increased to meet the ever-increasing demands of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Alloy anodes are among the most promising candidates for next-generation high-capacity battery materials. However, the high capacities of alloy anodes usually suffer from some serious difficulties related to the volume changes of active materials. Porous supports and nanostructured alloy materials have been explored to address these issues. However, these approaches seemingly increase the active material-based properties and actually decrease the electrode-based capacity because of the oversized pores and heavy mass of mechanical supports. In this study, we developed an ultralight porous nickel to scaffold with high-capacity SnSb alloy anodes. The porous-nickel-supported SnSb alloy demonstrates a high specific capacity and good cyclability for both Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Its capacity retains 580 mA h g -1 at 2 A g -1 after 100 cycles in Li-ion batteries. For a Na-ion battery, the composite electrode can even deliver a capacity of 275 mA h g -1 at 1 A g -1 after 1000 cycles. This study demonstrates that combining the scaffolding function of ultralight porous nickel and the high capacity of the SnSb alloy can significantly enhance the electrochemical performances of Li/Na-ion batteries.

Refined tip preparation by electrochemical etching and ultrahigh vacuum treatment to obtain atomically sharp tips for scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope.

Science.gov (United States)

Hagedorn, Till; El Ouali, Mehdi; Paul, William; Oliver, David; Miyahara, Yoichi; Grütter, Peter

2011-11-01

A modification of the common electrochemical etching setup is presented. The described method reproducibly yields sharp tungsten tips for usage in the scanning tunneling microscope and tuning fork atomic force microscope. In situ treatment under ultrahigh vacuum (p ≤10(-10) mbar) conditions for cleaning and fine sharpening with minimal blunting is described. The structure of the microscopic apex of these tips is atomically resolved with field ion microscopy and cross checked with field emission. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Porous silicon gettering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsuo, Y.S.; Menna, P.; Pitts, J.R. [National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)] [and others

1996-05-01

The authors have studied a novel extrinsic gettering method that uses the large surface areas produced by a porous-silicon etch as gettering sites. The annealing step of the gettering used a high-flux solar furnace. They found that a high density of photons during annealing enhanced the impurity diffusion to the gettering sites. The authors used metallurgical-grade Si (MG-Si) prepared by directional solidification casing as the starting material. They propose to use porous-silicon-gettered MG-Si as a low-cost epitaxial substrate for polycrystalline silicon thin-film growth.

Future developments in etched track detectors for neutron dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tommasino, L.

1987-01-01

Many laboratories engaged in the field of personal neutron dosimetry are interested in developing better etching processes and improving the CR-39 detecting materials. To know how much effort must still be devoted to the development of etch track dosimetry, it is necessary to understand the advantages. limitations and degree of exploitation of the currently available techniques. So much has been learned about the chemical and electrochemical etching processes that an optimised combination of etching processes could make possible the elimination of many of the existing shortcomings. Limitations of etched track detectors for neutron dosimetry arise mainly because the registration occurs only on the detector surface. These damage type detectors are based on radiation induced chain scission processes in polymers, which result in hole-type tracks in solids. The converse approach, yet to be discovered, would be the development of cure-track detectors, where radiation induced cross linking between organic polymer chains could result in solid tracks in liquids. (author)

A new electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen and codeine based on porous silicon/palladium nanostructure.

Science.gov (United States)

Ensafi, Ali A; Ahmadi, Najmeh; Rezaei, Behzad; Abarghoui, Mehdi Mokhtari

2015-03-01

A porous silicon/palladium nanostructure was prepared and used as a new electrode material for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen (ACT) and codeine (COD). Palladium nanoparticles were assembled on porous silicon (PSi) microparticles by a simple redox reaction between the Pd precursor and PSi in an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid. This novel nanostructure was characterized by different spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The high electrochemical activity, fast electron transfer rate, high surface area and good antifouling properties of this nanostructure enhanced the oxidation peak currents and reduced the peak potentials of ACT and COD at the surface of the proposed sensor. Simultaneous determination of ACT and COD was explored using differential pulse voltammetry. A linear range of 1.0-700.0 µmol L(-1) was achieved for ACT and COD with detection limits of 0.4 and 0.3 µmol L(-1), respectively. Finally, the proposed method was used for the determination of ACT and COD in blood serum, urine and pharmaceutical compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Longitudinally Controlled Modification of Cylindrical and Conical Track-Etched Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Pores Using an Electrochemically Assisted Click Reaction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coceancigh, Herman; Tran-Ba, Khanh-Hoa; Columbia University, New York, NY; Siepser, Natasha; Baker, Lane A.; Ito, Takashi

2017-01-01

Here in this study, the longitudinally controlled modification of the inner surfaces of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) track-etched pores was explored using an electrochemically assisted Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reaction. Cylindrical or conical PET track-etched pores were first decorated with ethynyl groups via the amidation of surface -COOH groups, filled with a solution containing Cu(II) and azide-tagged fluorescent dye, and then sandwiched between comb-shaped and planar gold electrodes. Cu(I) was produced at the comb-shaped working electrode by the reduction of Cu(II); it diffused along the pores toward the other electrode and catalyzed CuAAC between an azide-tagged fluorescent dye and a pore-tethered ethynyl group. The modification efficiency of cylindrical pores (ca. 1 μm in diameter) was assessed from planar and cross-sectional fluorescence microscope images of modified membranes. Planar images showed that pore modification took place only above the teeth of the comb-shaped electrode with a higher reaction yield for longer Cu(II) reduction times. Cross-sectional images revealed micrometer-scale gradient modification along the pore axis, which reflected a Cu(I) concentration profile within the pores, as supported by finite-element computer simulations. The reported approach was applicable to the asymmetric modification of cylindrical pores with two different fluorescent dyes in the opposite directions and also for the selective visualization of the tip and base openings of conical pores (ca. 3.5 μm in base diameter and ca. 1 μm in tip diameter). Lastly, the method based on electrochemically assisted CuAAC provides a controlled means to fabricate asymmetrically modified nanoporous membranes and, in the future, will be applicable for chemical separations and the development of sequential catalytic reactors.

Analysis of etchants behavior on the electrochemical etching amplification of fast-neutron-induced recoil particle tracks in polycarbonate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Masnadi Shirazi Nezhad, K.

1979-08-01

The composition, concentration, and temperature of etchant are important parameters controlling electrochemical etching (ECE) amplification of charged particle tracks in polymers. These parameters were further studied for sohralir polycarbonate neutron dosimeter (Sohrabi 1974), using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions, and a mixture of potassium hydroxide, ethanol, and water (PEW solution), at different concentrations applying a field strength of 32KV/cm at 2KHz frequency using 250 μ thick polycarbonate exposed to fast neutrons. The recoal track density per rad of neutrons, in general, was found to increase by increasing the etchant concentration reaching a semi-platean after which it increases again. This increase is up to a concentration at which a track removing process occurs and no tracks have been amplified anymore. This track removing process occurred at about 11 normality in both KOH (50% by weight) and NaOH (30% by weight) solution at 25degC. The mean track diameter, in general, passed through a cyclic variation having a maximun and a minimum. For NaOH solution, the track removing process occurred at the minimum point. In the three regions of the track diameter curve the tracks appear in different shapes especially in KOH solution. The PEW solution at its optimum conditions was more effective in terms of both sensitivity, track diameter and a shorter period of etching. The chemical mechanism of etching process may be explained to be a ''saponification'' process. These studies further support the adequacy of Sohrabi dosimeter for routing health physics and radiation research applications. The above parameters are further discussed and the results as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the above etchants are given. (author)

Controlled delivery of acyclovir from porous silicon micro- and nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Maniya, Nalin H.; Patel, Sanjaykumar R.; Murthy, Z. V. P.

2015-03-01

In this work, micro- and nanoparticles of porous silicon (PSi) are demonstrated to act as effective carrier for the controlled delivery of acyclovir (ACV). PSi films prepared by electrochemical etching were fractured by ultrasonication to prepare micro- and nanoparticles. PSi native particles were thermally oxidized (TOPSi) and thermally hydrosilylated using undecylenic acid (UnPSi). PSi particles with three different surface chemistries were then loaded with ACV by physical adsorption and covalent attachment. Such particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro ACV release experiments in phosphate buffered saline showed sustained release behaviour from both micro- and nanoparticles and order of release was found to be native PSi > TOPSi > UnPSi. Drug release kinetics study using Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggested a combination of both drug diffusion and Si scaffold erosion based drug release mechanisms.

Acid Etching as Surface Treatment Method for Luting of Glass-Ceramic Restorations, part 1: Acids, Application Protocol and Etching Effectiveness

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emilija Barjaktarova-Valjakova

2018-03-01

CONCLUSION: Acid etching of the bonding surface of glass - ceramic restorations is considered as the most effective treatment method that provides a reliable bond with composite cement. Selective removing of the glassy matrix of silicate ceramics results in a micromorphological three-dimensional porous surface that allows micromechanical interlocking of the luting composite.

Porous silicon surfaces for metabonomics: Detection and identification of nucleotides without matrix interference

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gomez, D.; Azcarate, Sabino [Dpto. de Micro y Nanotecnologias, Fundacion Tekniker, Av. Otaola 20, 20600 Eibar (Spain); Fernandez, Jose A.; Astigarraga, Egoitz [Dpto. de Quimica Fisica, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Campus de Lejona, Lejona (Spain); Marcaide, Arrate [Dpto. de Procesos de Fabricacion, Fundacion Tekniker, Av. Otaola 20, 20600 Eibar (Spain)

2007-07-01

In present work, porous silicon surfaces (PSS) have been developed for time of flight mass spectrometric experiments (TOF-MS) in the monitoring of nucleotides, commonly found as metabolites in the cell. The mass range of the studied molecules ({proportional_to} 400 amu) is common to several important messengers and other metabolites. Different porosified surfaces have been developed by means of electrochemical etching and different degree of porosity and pore size achieved as function of silicon dopant concentration, silicon resistivity, current density and the presence or absence of illumination along the process. As main conclusion, it can be said that an interesting commercial nucleotide (Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, c-AMP) has been detected on low concentrations ({proportional_to}hundreds of femtomols) for some of the fabricated porous surfaces. Taking into account that these concentrations are similar to the ones found in real samples, this result opens the possibility to the fabrication of DIOS (Desorption Ionization On Silicon) chips for the detection of nucleotides in biological fluids. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Development of a reader for track etch detectors based on a commercially available slide scanner

CERN Document Server

Steele, J D; Tanner, R J; Bartlett, D T

1999-01-01

NRPB has operated a routine neutron personal dosimetry service based on the electrochemical etch of PADC elements since 1986. Since its inception it has used an automated reader based on a video camera and real time analysis. A new and more powerful replacement system has been developed using a commercially available photographic slide scanner. This permits a complete image of the dosemeter to be grabbed in a single scan, generating a 2592x3888 pixel file which is saved for subsequent analysis. This gives an effective pixel size of 10x10 mu m with an image of the entire dosemeter in one field of view. Custom written software subsequently analyses the image to assess the number of etched pits on the dosemeter and read the detector identification number (code). Batch scanning of up to 40 detectors is also possible using an autofeed attachment. The system can be used for electrochemically etched tracks for neutron detectors and chemically etched tracks for radon detectors.

Power ultrasound irradiation during the alkaline etching process of the 2024 aluminum alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moutarlier, V.; Viennet, R.; Rolet, J.; Gigandet, M.P.; Hihn, J.Y., E-mail: jean-yves.hihn@univ-fcomte.fr

2015-11-15

Graphical abstract: Result of an etching step in ultrasound presence on intermetallic particles on a 2024 aluminum alloy. - Highlights: • Etching step prior to anodization on 2024 aluminum alloy. • Etching rate measurement and hydroxide film characterization by GDOES and SEM. • Various etching parameters (temperature, presence or absence of ultrasound). • Improvement of corrosion resistance show by electrochemical tests. - Abstract: Prior to any surface treatment on an aluminum alloy, a surface preparation is necessary. This commonly consists in performing an alkaline etching followed by acid deoxidizing. In this work, the use of power ultrasound irradiation during the etching step on the 2024 aluminum alloy was studied. The etching rate was estimated by weight loss, and the alkaline film formed during the etching step was characterized by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The benefit of power ultrasound during the etching step was confirmed by pitting potential measurement in NaCl solution after a post-treatment (anodizing).

Power ultrasound irradiation during the alkaline etching process of the 2024 aluminum alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moutarlier, V.; Viennet, R.; Rolet, J.; Gigandet, M.P.; Hihn, J.Y.

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: Result of an etching step in ultrasound presence on intermetallic particles on a 2024 aluminum alloy. - Highlights: • Etching step prior to anodization on 2024 aluminum alloy. • Etching rate measurement and hydroxide film characterization by GDOES and SEM. • Various etching parameters (temperature, presence or absence of ultrasound). • Improvement of corrosion resistance show by electrochemical tests. - Abstract: Prior to any surface treatment on an aluminum alloy, a surface preparation is necessary. This commonly consists in performing an alkaline etching followed by acid deoxidizing. In this work, the use of power ultrasound irradiation during the etching step on the 2024 aluminum alloy was studied. The etching rate was estimated by weight loss, and the alkaline film formed during the etching step was characterized by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The benefit of power ultrasound during the etching step was confirmed by pitting potential measurement in NaCl solution after a post-treatment (anodizing).

Highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platforms for food colourants based on the property-tuning of porous carbon.

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Qin; Xia, Shanhong; Tong, Jianhua; Wu, Kangbing

2015-08-05

It is very challenging to develop highly-sensitive analytical platforms for toxic synthetic colourants that widely added in food samples. Herein, a series of porous carbon (PC) was prepared using CaCO3 nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) as the hard template and starch as the carbon precursor. Characterizations of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the morphology and porous structure were controlled by the weight ratio of starch and nano-CaCO3. The electrochemical behaviours of four kinds of widely-used food colourants, Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red, were studied. On the surface of PC samples, the oxidation signals of colourants enhanced obviously, and more importantly, the signal enhancement abilities of PC were also dependent on the starch/nano-CaCO3 weight ratio. The greatly-increased electron transfer ability and accumulation efficiency were the main reason for the enhanced signals of colourants, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronocoulometry. The prepared PC-2 sample by 1:1 starch/nano-CaCO3 weight ratio was more active for the oxidation of food colourtants, and increased the signals by 89.4-fold, 79.3-fold, 47.3-fold and 50.7-fold for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. As a result, a highly-sensitive electrochemical sensing platform was developed, and the detection limits were 1.4, 3.5, 2.1 and 1.7 μg L(-1) for Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R and Allura red. The practical application of this new sensing platform was demonstrated using drink samples, and the detected results consisted with the values that obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel porous tubular Co3O4: Self-assembly and excellent electrochemical performance as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xing; Yang, Zheng; Li, Cun; Xie, Anjian; Shen, Yuhua

2017-05-01

Herein, the novel porous tubular Co3O4 was successfully prepared by a simple, low-cost and eco-friendly process using waste napkin paper as template and organizer. It is very noteworthy that the formation and self-assembly of Co3O4 nanoparticles occur simultaneously. The as-synthesized porous tubular structure with average outer diameter of 2.2 μm is orderly self-assembled by numerous Co3O4 nanoparticles with diameter of 50-150 nm. The specific surface area of typical product is 24.6 m2 g-1 by the BET method, and the majority diameter of pores is about 67 nm. In addition, the effects of different Co2+ concentration on the morphology and electrochemical performance of the products were explored. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the typical sample shows a high reversible specific capacity (1053 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g-1), remarkable cycling performance and a good rate capability of 727 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at a high specific current density of 500 mA g-1. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique porous tubular structure. With these outstanding performances, the as-prepared Co3O4 may be an outstanding candidate anode material for LIBs.

Characterisation of anisotropic etching in KOH using network etch rate function model: influence of an applied potential in terms of microscopic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen, Q D; Elwenspoek, M

2006-01-01

Using the network etch rate function model, the anisotropic etch rate of p-type single crystal silicon was characterised in terms of microscopic properties including step velocity, step and terrace roughening. The anisotropic etch rate data needed have been obtained using a combination of 2 wagon wheel patterns on different substrate and 1 offset trench pattern. Using this procedure the influence of an applied potential has been investigated in terms of microscopic properties. Model parameter trends show a good correlation with chemical/electrochemical reaction mechanism and mono- and dihydride terminated steps reactivity difference. Results also indicate a minimum in (111) terrace roughening which results in a peak in anisotropic ratio at the non-OCP applied potential of -1250 mV vs OCP

Electrochemical supercapacitor studies of porous MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles in neutral electrolytes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Srither, S.R.; Karthik, A.; Arunmetha, S. [Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637 215, Tamil Nadu (India); Murugesan, D. [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu (India); Rajendran, V., E-mail: veerajendran@gmail.com [Centre for Nano Science and Technology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode 637 215, Tamil Nadu (India)

2016-11-01

In this study, porous MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles (sample A and sample B) with higher active surface area were synthesized using sonochemical and soft template methods. To determine the crystalline phase, the samples were characterized to study their microstructure, chemical composition, and physical properties. X-ray diffraction results showed that both the samples were amorphous. Microstructure study confirmed that the sample A is spherical, existing with rod-shaped morphology whereas sample B shows flake-like morphology. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller results showed the value obtained for sample B to be 1559 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}, which is effectively high when compared to that of sample A. The electrochemical capacitor behavior of the prepared nanoparticles was investigated in 0.1 M Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolytes. The cyclic voltammogram result showed that both the sample electrodes behave as an ideal capacitor in both electrolytes. The charge–discharge test result indicated that the highest specific capacitance value of 280 F g{sup −1} was obtained for sample B electrode in Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte with good capacity retention of 92.31% after 500 cycles. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements confirm that sample B electrode has a lower R{sub ct} value in Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte when compared to that in Li{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte. - Highlights: • Porous MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles are synthesized using two different methods. • Spherical with rod-shaped and flake-like morphology is observed for sample A and B. • Specific capacitance of 280 F g{sup −1} is obtained for sample B in Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte. • EIS confirms that sample B has a lower R{sub ct} value in Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte.

Efficient suppression of nanograss during porous anodic TiO2 nanotubes growth

Science.gov (United States)

Gui, Qunfang; Yu, Dongliang; Li, Dongdong; Song, Ye; Zhu, Xufei; Cao, Liu; Zhang, Shaoyu; Ma, Weihua; You, Shiyu

2014-09-01

When Ti foil was anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte for a long time, undesired etching-induced "nanograss" would inevitably generate on the top of porous anodic TiO2 nanotubes (PATNTs). The nanograss will hinder the ions transport and in turn yield depressed (photo) electrochemical performance. In order to obtain nanograss-free nanotubes, a modified three-step anodization and two-layer nanostructure of PATNTs were designed to avoid the nanograss. The first layer (L1) nanotubes were obtained by the conventional two-step anodization. After washing and drying processes, the third-step anodization was carried out with the presence of L1 nanotubes. The L1 nanotubes, serving as a sacrificed layer, was etched and transformed into nanograss, while the ultralong nanotubes (L2) were maintained underneath the L1. The bi-layer nanostructure of the nanograss/nanotubes (L1/L2) was then ultrasonically rinsed in deionized water to remove the nanograss (L1 layer). Then much longer nanotubes (L2 layer) with intact nanotube mouths could be obtained. Using this novel approach, the ultralong nanotubes without nanograss can be rationally controlled by adjusting the anodizing times of two layers.

Cascaded nano-porous silicon for high sensitive biosensing and functional group distinguishing by Mid-IR spectra.

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Minh-Hang; Tsai, Hau-Jie; Wu, Jen-Kuei; Wu, Yi-Shiuan; Lee, Ming-Chang; Tseng, Fan-Gang

2013-09-15

We present a chemical-biosensor in the Mid-IR range and based on cascaded porous silicon made on p- and n-type (100) silicon substrates of resistivities between 0.001Ωcm and 0.005Ωcm. The stacked porous layers of various porosities (20-80%) and thicknesses (5-9μm) are formed by successive electrochemical etchings with different current densities. Working with FTIR technique that possesses fast response, high sensitivity, and capability of detecting and identifying functional groups, the cascaded porous structures provided enhanced refractive index sensitivities and reduced detection limits in chemical and biodetection. The largest wavenumber shifts were 50cm(-1)/mM obtained for d-(+)-glucose and 96cm(-1)/μg/mL for Cy5-conjungated Rabbit Anti-Mouse IgG. The lowest detectable concentration of glucose was 80μM (1.4mg/mL) with PS porosity of 40% and thickness of about 9μm while it was 40ng/mL for Cy5-conjugated Rabbit Anti-Mouse IgG which is 2.5×10(5) folds better than those in literature. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical and microstructural characterization of porous silicon using photoluminescence, SEM and positron annihilation spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheung, C K; Nahid, F; Cheng, C C; Beling, C D; Fung, S; Ling, C C; Djurisic, A B; Pramanik, C; Saha, H; Sarkar, C K

2007-01-01

We have studied the dependence of porous silicon morphology and porosity on fabrication conditions. N-type (100) silicon wafers with resistivity of 2-5 Ω cm were electrochemically etched at various current densities and anodization times. Surface morphology and the thickness of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Detailed information of the porous silicon layer morphology with variation of preparation conditions was obtained by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS): the depth-defect profile and open pore interconnectivity on the sample surface has been studied using a slow positron beam. Coincidence Doppler broadening spectroscopy (CDBS) was used to study the chemical environment of the samples. The presence of silicon micropores with diameter varying from 1.37 to 1.51 nm was determined by positron lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Visible luminescence from the samples was observed, which is considered to be a combination effect of quantum confinement and the effect of Si = O double bond formation near the SiO 2 /Si interface according to the results from photoluminescence (PL) and positron annihilation spectroscopy measurements. The work shows that the study of the positronium formed when a positron is implanted into the porous surface provides valuable information on the pore distribution and open pore interconnectivity, which suggests that positron annihilation spectroscopy is a useful tool in the porous silicon micropores' characterization

Stability of field emission current from porous n-GaAs(110)

Science.gov (United States)

Tondare, V. N.; Naddaf, M.; Bhise, A. B.; Bhoraskar, S. V.; Joag, D. S.; Mandale, A. B.; Sainkar, S. R.

2002-02-01

Field electron emission from porous GaAs has been investigated. The emitter was prepared by anodic etching of n-GaAs (110) in 0.1 M HCl solution. The as-etched porous GaAs shows nonlinear Fowler-Nordheim (FN) characteristics, with a low onset voltage. The emitter, after operating for 6 h at the residual gas pressure of 1×10-8 mbar, shows a linear FN characteristics with a relatively high onset voltage and poor field emission current stability as compared to the as-etched emitter. The change in the behavior was attributed to the residual gas ion bombardment during field electron emission. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations were carried out on as-etched sample and the one which was studied for field emission. The studies indicate that the as-etched surface contains As2O3 and the surface after field electron emission for about 6 h becomes gallium rich. The presence of As2O3 seems to be a desirable feature for the stable field emission current.

Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

The effect of formation of porous silicon on the performance of multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells is presented. Surface treatment of mc-Si solar cells was performed by electrochemical etching in HF-based solution. The effect of etching is viewed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs that ...

A novel porous tubular Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}: Self-assembly and excellent electrochemical performance as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xing; Yang, Zheng; Li, Cun; Xie, Anjian, E-mail: anjx@163.com; Shen, Yuhua, E-mail: s_yuhua@163.com

2017-05-01

Highlights: • A novel porous tubular Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} was prepared by a simple, eco-friendly and turning waste into treasure method using waste napkin paper as template and organizer. • The formation and self-assembly of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles occur simultaneously. • The unique Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} tubular structure with many pores could accelerate electrolyte diffusion and Li-ion transport, as well as accommodate the volume change during the charge and discharge progress. • Significant electrochemical performance of porous tubular Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} has been observed. - Abstract: Herein, the novel porous tubular Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} was successfully prepared by a simple, low-cost and eco-friendly process using waste napkin paper as template and organizer. It is very noteworthy that the formation and self-assembly of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles occur simultaneously. The as-synthesized porous tubular structure with average outer diameter of 2.2 μm is orderly self-assembled by numerous Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles with diameter of 50–150 nm. The specific surface area of typical product is 24.6 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} by the BET method, and the majority diameter of pores is about 67 nm. In addition, the effects of different Co{sup 2+} concentration on the morphology and electrochemical performance of the products were explored. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the typical sample shows a high reversible specific capacity (1053 mAh g{sup −1} after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g{sup −1}), remarkable cycling performance and a good rate capability of 727 mAh g{sup −1} after 100 cycles at a high specific current density of 500 mA g{sup −1}. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique porous tubular structure. With these outstanding performances, the as-prepared Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} may be an outstanding candidate anode material for LIBs.

Metal-Embedded Porous Graphitic Carbon Fibers Fabricated from Bamboo Sticks as a Novel Cathode for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xuqing; Zhong, Yu; Xia, Xinhui; Xia, Yang; Wang, Donghuang; Zhou, Cheng'ao; Tang, Wangjia; Wang, Xiuli; Wu, J B; Tu, Jiangping

2018-04-25

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are deemed to be among the most prospective next-generation advanced high-energy batteries. Advanced cathode materials fabricated from biological carbon are becoming more popular due to their unique properties. Inspired by the fibrous structure of bamboo, herein we put forward a smart strategy to convert bamboo sticks for barbecue into uniform bamboo carbon fibers (BCF) via a simple hydrothermal treatment proceeded in alkaline solution. Then NiCl 2 is used to etch the fibers through a heat treatment to achieve Ni-embedded porous graphitic carbon fibers (PGCF/Ni) for LSBs. The designed PGCF/Ni/S electrode exhibits improved electrochemical performances including high initial capacity (1198 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C), prolonged cycling life (1030 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C after 200 cycles), and improved rate capability. The excellent properties are attributed to the synergistic effect of 3D porous graphitic carbon fibers with highly conductive Ni nanoparticles embedded.

Porous silicon localization for implementation in matrix biosensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benilov, A.; Cabrera, M.; Skryshevsky, V.; Martin, J.-R.

2007-01-01

The search of appropriate substrates and methods of surface DNA functionalisation is one of the important tasks of semiconductor biosensors. In this work we develop a method of light-assisted porous silicon etching in order to localize porous silicon spots on silicon substrate for matrix fluorophore-labeled DNA sensors implementation. The principal difference of porous spots localization proposed is considered for n- and p-type Si substrates under the condition of supplementary illumination. The tuning of the porous profile via applying of lateral electric field is proposed and experimentally proved

Effect of rigidity of porous structure on electrochemical behavior of pristine Li4Ti5O12 microspheres

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jia, Zhenyong; Zhou, Qun; Li, Xiaowei; Fu, Yu; Ming, Hai; Zheng, Junwei

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Rigid porous framework of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 microspheres can be fabricated by mutual molten growth of primary particles. • Well-confined nanosized tortuous channels are formed inside Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 microspheres. • Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 microspheres with rigid porous structures exhibit greatly enhanced electrochemical performance. - Abstract: Highly controllable porous architecture is desirable to tailor the physical and chemical properties of functional materials in advanced lithium ion batteries. Here, porous microspheres of spinel lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ), a promising alternative anode material for lithium ion batteries, are fabricated by mutual molten growth method in a controllable manner. The key role of the rigidity of the porous structure on the performance of the electrode materials in lithium ion batteries is demonstrated. Rigid framework of the materials is formed by second growth of the primary particles that fused together to generate an interconnected nanopore system inside the spheres, leading to better electrolyte diffusion and lower interparticle contact resistance, relative to the non-porous counterpart. The pristine Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 microspheres with uniform pore distribution and continuous framework exhibit high tap density, remarkable reversible capacity and rate capability, as well as excellent cycling stability. The present method is scalable and may provide a new approach to fabricate other candidate electrode materials for applications that require both high power and high volumetric energy density

Permeability, strength and electrochemical studies on ceramic multilayers for solid-state electrochemical cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Kjeld Bøhm; Charlas, Benoit; Stamate, Eugen

2017-01-01

An electrochemical reactor can be used to purify flue gasses. Such a reactor can be a multilayer structure consisting of alternating layers of porous electrodes and electrolytes (a porous cell stack). In this work optimization of such a unit has been done by changing the pore former composition...

Electrochemical construction of a bio-inspired micro/nano-textured structure with cell-sized microhole arrays on biomedical titanium to enhance bioactivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang, Jianhe; Song, Ran; Huang, Qiaoling; Yang, Yun; Lin, Longxiang; Zhang, Yanmei; Jiang, Pinliang; Duan, Hongping; Dong, Xiang; Lin, Changjian

2015-01-01

Highlights: • The bio-inspired structure mimicked mulit-level structures of natural bone. • Ordered cell-sized microhole arrays were employed as microscale structure. • High surface roughness and superhydrophilicity were achieved on the titanium surface. • The bio-inspired titanium surface showed superior ability of biomineralization. • Cell responses were enhanced on the bio-inspired micro/nano-texutred surface. - Abstract: Biomimetic surface design of medical implants is vitally crucial to improve cellular responses and the integration of tissue onto materials. In this study, a novel hierarchical cell-sized microhole array combined with a nano-network structure was fabricated on a medical titanium surface to mimic multi-level bone structure. A three-step procedure was developed as follows: 1) electrochemical self-organization of etching on titanium substrate to create highly ordered cell-sized microhole arrays, 2) suitable dual acid etching to increase the roughness of the microholes, and then 3) electrochemical anodization in a NaOH electrolyte to construct a nano-network porous titania layer on the above micro-roughened surface. The bio-inspired micro/nano-textured structure presented the enhanced wettability and superhydrophilicity. The ability of in vitro biomineralization and corrosion resistance of the bio-inspired micro/nano-textured structure were enhanced after annealing treatment. More importantly, the bio-inspired micro/nano-textured structure on the titanium surface possessed a favourable interfacial environment to enhance attachment and proliferation of human osteoblast-like MG63 cells. All of the results demonstrated that such a bio-inspired surface of micro/nano-textured porous TiO 2 is a most promising candidate for the next generation of titanium implants

Si/C composite lithium-ion battery anodes synthesized using silicon nanoparticles from porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Jung-Bae; Lee, Kwan-Hee; Jeon, Young-Jun; Lim, Sung-Hwan; Lee, Sung-Man

2014-01-01

The synthesis of Si nanoparticles by ultrasonication processing of porous Si powder and a novel method for preparing a high-capacity Si/C composite using this technique is reported. The porous Si powder is prepared by selectively etching the silicide phase of a Ti 24 Si 76 alloy consisting of Si and silicide phases. The particle size of the nanocrystalline Si is determined by the crystallite size of the Si and silicide phases in the alloy powder. Ultrasonication of the porous Si obtained from the mechanically alloyed Ti 24 Si 76 alloy generates nanocrystalline Si particles of size about 5 nm. Growth of the Si and silicide phases in the alloy is induced by annealing of the mechanically alloyed sample, with a consequent increase in the size of the Si particles obtained after ultrasonication. Application of the ultrasonication process to the fabrication of Si/C composite anode materials generates nanometer-scale Si particles in situ that are distributed in the matrix. Analysis of the phases obtained and evaluation of the distribution of the nanometer-scale Si particles in the composites via XRD/TEM measurements show that the nanometer-scale Si particles are effectively synthesized and uniformly distributed in the carbon matrix, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance of the Si/C composites

Thickness- and Particle-Size-Dependent Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide on Thin-Layer Porous Silver Electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Lin; Wang, Zhiyong; Mehio, Nada; Jin, Xianbo; Dai, Sheng

2016-03-08

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 can not only convert it back into fuels, but is also an efficient manner to store forms of renewable energy. Catalysis with silver is a possible technology for CO2 reduction. We report that in the case of monolithic porous silver, the film thickness and primary particle size of the silver particles, which can be controlled by electrochemical growth/reduction of AgCl film on silver substrate, have a strong influence on the electrocatalytic activity towards CO2 reduction. A 6 μm thick silver film with particle sizes of 30-50 nm delivers a CO formation current of 10.5 mA cm(-2) and a mass activity of 4.38 A gAg (-1) at an overpotential of 0.39 V, comparable to levels achieved with state-of-the-art gold catalysts. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Effect of Normal Force on Tribocorrosion Behaviour of Ti-10Zr Alloy and Porous TiO2-ZrO2 Thin Film Electrochemical Formed

Science.gov (United States)

Dănăilă, E.; Benea, L.

2017-06-01

The tribocorrosion behaviour of Ti-10Zr alloy and porous TiO2-ZrO2 thin film electrochemical formed on Ti-10Zr alloy was evaluated in Fusayama-Mayer artificial saliva solution. Tribocorrosion experiments were performed using a unidirectional pin-on-disc experimental set-up which was mechanically and electrochemically instrumented, under various solicitation conditions. The effect of applied normal force on tribocorrosion performance of the tested materials was determined. Open circuit potential (OCP) measurements performed before, during and after sliding tests were applied in order to determine the tribocorrosion degradation. The applied normal force was found to greatly affect the potential during tribocorrosion experiments, an increase in the normal force inducing a decrease in potential accelerating the depassivation of the materials studied. The results show a decrease in friction coefficient with gradually increasing the normal load. It was proved that the porous TiO2-ZrO2 thin film electrochemical formed on Ti-10Zr alloy lead to an improvement of tribocorrosion resistance compared to non-anodized Ti-10Zr alloy intended for biomedical applications.

Porous silicon carbide (SIC) semiconductor device

Science.gov (United States)

Shor, Joseph S. (Inventor); Kurtz, Anthony D. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

Porous silicon carbide is fabricated according to techniques which result in a significant portion of nanocrystallites within the material in a sub 10 nanometer regime. There is described techniques for passivating porous silicon carbide which result in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices which exhibit brighter blue luminescence and exhibit improved qualities. Based on certain of the techniques described porous silicon carbide is used as a sacrificial layer for the patterning of silicon carbide. Porous silicon carbide is then removed from the bulk substrate by oxidation and other methods. The techniques described employ a two-step process which is used to pattern bulk silicon carbide where selected areas of the wafer are then made porous and then the porous layer is subsequently removed. The process to form porous silicon carbide exhibits dopant selectivity and a two-step etching procedure is implemented for silicon carbide multilayers.

Ultra-low reflection porous silicon nanowires for solar cell applications

OpenAIRE

Najar , Adel; Charrier , Joël; Pirasteh , Parastesh; Sougrat , R.

2012-01-01

International audience; High density vertically aligned Porous Silicon NanoWires (PSiNWs) were fabricated on silicon substrate using metal assisted chemical etching process. A linear dependency of nanowire length to the etching time was obtained and the change in the growth rate of PSiNWs by increasing etching durations was shown. A typical 2D bright-field TEM image used for volume reconstruction of the sample shows the pores size varying from 10 to 50 nm. Furthermore, reflectivity measuremen...

A passive monitor for radon using electrochemical track etch detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Massera, G.E.; Hassib, G.M.; Piesch, E.

1980-01-01

A passive, inexpensive monitor for radon detection and dosimetry is described in detail. It consists of a Makrofoil track etch detector inside a diffusion chamber which is sealed by a fibreglass filter through which radon may diffuse while radon daughters and aerosols are retained on the surface of the filter. The α-particle tracks are revealed by etching the Makrofoil in KOH. The lower detection limit of the radon dosimeter is equivalent to a mean dose in the lung of 130 mrem. After an exposure period of 3 months, a mean radon concentration of 0.3 pCi/l can be detected. The instrument is intended for use in a study to measure the long-term radon exposure in buildings in West Germany. (UK)

Method of preparing porous, rigid ceramic separators for an electrochemical cell. [Patent application

Science.gov (United States)

Bandyopadhyay, G.; Dusek, J.T.

Porous, rigid separators for electrochemical cells are prepared by first calcining particles of ceramic material at temperatures above about 1200/sup 0/C for a sufficient period of time to reduce the sinterability of the particles. A ceramic powder that has not been calcined is blended with the original powder to control the porosity of the completed separator. The ceramic blend is then pressed into a sheet of the desired shape and sintered at a temperature somewhat lower than the calcination temperature. Separator sheets of about 1 to 2.5 mm thickness and 30 to 70% porosity can be prepared by this technique. Ceramics such as yttria, magnesium oxide, and magnesium-aluminium oxide have advantageously been used to form separators by this method.

Electrochemical photovoltaic cells and electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Skotheim, Terje A.

1984-01-01

Improved electrochemical photovoltaic cells and electrodes for use therein, particularly electrodes employing amorphous silicon or polyacetylene coating are produced by a process which includes filling pinholes or porous openings in the coatings by electrochemical oxidation of selected monomers to deposit insulating polymer in the openings.

Hydrogen, oxygen and hydroxyl on porous silicon surface: A joint density-functional perturbation theory and infrared spectroscopy approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alfaro, Pedro; Palavicini, Alessio; Wang, Chumin

2014-01-01

Based on the density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), infrared absorption spectra of porous silicon are calculated by using an ordered pore model, in which columns of silicon atoms are removed along the [001] direction and dangling bonds are initially saturated with hydrogen atoms. When these atoms on the pore surface are gradually replaced by oxygen ones, the ab-initio infrared absorption spectra reveal oxygen, hydroxyl, and coupled hydrogen–oxygen vibrational modes. In a parallel way, freestanding porous silicon samples were prepared by using electrochemical etching and they were further thermally oxidized in a dry oxygen ambient. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the surface modifications caused by oxygen adsorption. In particular, the predicted hydroxyl and oxygen bound to the silicon pore surface are confirmed. Finally, a global analysis of measured transmittance spectra has been performed by means of a combined DFPT and thin-film optics approach. - Highlights: • The density functional perturbation theory is used to study infrared absorption. • An ordered pore model is used to investigate the oxidation in porous silicon (PSi). • Infrared transmittance spectra of oxidized PSi freestanding samples are measured

Porous and Nanoporous Semiconductors and Emerging Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Helmut Föll

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Pores in single-crystalline semiconductors can be produced in a wide range of geometries and morphologies, including the “nanometer” regime. Porous semiconductors may have properties completely different from the bulk, and metamaterials with, for example, optical properties not encountered in natural materials are emerging. Possible applications of porous semiconductors include various novel sensors, but also more “exotic” uses as, for example, high explosives or electrodes for micro-fuel cells. The paper briefly reviews pore formation (including more applied aspects of large area etching, properties of porous semiconductors, and emerging applications.

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beline, Thamara; Garcia, Camila S.; Ogawa, Erika S.; Marques, Isabella S.V.; Matos, Adaias O.; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T.

2016-01-01

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sandblasted with Al 2 O 3 , and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva — control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (R p ) (P < .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P < .006), corrosion current density (I corr ) and corrosion rate (P < .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased R p and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced R p (P < .008) and increased I corr and corrosion rate (P < .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P < .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi. - Highlights: • Acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. • Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the corrosion resistance of cpTi. • Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride can be safely used.

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Beline, Thamara [Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13414-903 (Brazil); IBTN/Br — Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, Brazilian Branch (Brazil); Garcia, Camila S. [Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13414-903 (Brazil); Ogawa, Erika S. [Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13414-903 (Brazil); IBTN/Br — Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, Brazilian Branch (Brazil); Marques, Isabella S.V. [Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13414-903 (Brazil); Matos, Adaias O. [Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, São Paulo 13414-903 (Brazil); IBTN/Br — Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine, Brazilian Branch (Brazil); Sukotjo, Cortino [Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, 801 S Paulina, Chicago, IL 60612 (United States); IBTN — Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine (United States); Mathew, Mathew T. [IBTN — Institute of Biomaterials, Tribocorrosion and Nanomedicine (United States); Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1611 W Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612 (United States); and others

2016-02-01

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sandblasted with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva — control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (R{sub p}) (P < .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P < .006), corrosion current density (I{sub corr}) and corrosion rate (P < .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased R{sub p} and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced R{sub p} (P < .008) and increased I{sub corr} and corrosion rate (P < .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P < .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi. - Highlights: • Acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. • Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the corrosion resistance of cpTi. • Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride can be safely used.

Formation of three-dimensional nano-porous silver films and application toward electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, Junpeng [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061 (China); Bian, Xiufang, E-mail: xfbian@sdu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061 (China); Niu, Yuchao [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Fengming Road, Lingang Development Zone, Jinan 250101 (China); Bai, Yanwen; Xiao, Xinxin; Yang, Chuncheng; Yang, Jianfei; Yang, Jinyue [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061 (China)

2013-11-15

By using the chemically dealloying method, three-dimensional nano-porous silver films (3-D NPSFs) are fabricated into a novel sensor for detecting hydrogen peroxide. The precursor films are prepared by high vacuum magnetron co-sputtering. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are taken to investigate the structure and the micro morphology of the precursor films and nano-porous films. We find that the precursor films are composed of glassy matrix and nanocrystallines. After dealloying, the films exhibit a combination of homogenously distributed pores and silver filaments, and exhibit an open, three dimensional bicontinuous interpenetrating ligament–channel structure. Thickness and morphology of the films can be easily controlled by the sputtering time and alloy composition of the precursor films, respectively. In addition, NPSFs show a good linear responding for the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in phosphate buffered solutions, which indicates NPSFs could be a promising electrochemical material for hydrogen peroxide detection.

High-performance supercapacitors of Cu-based porous coordination polymer nanowires and the derived porous CuO nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Meng-Ke; Zhou, Jiao-Jiao; Yi, Fei-Yan; Chen, Chen; Li, Yan-Li; Li, Qin; Tao, Kai; Han, Lei

2017-12-12

Electrode materials for supercapacitors with one-dimensional porous nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanotubes, are very attractive for high-efficiency storage of electrochemical energy. Herein, ultralong Cu-based porous coordination polymer nanowires (copper-l-aspartic acid) were used as the electrode material for supercapacitors, for the first time. The as-prepared material exhibits a high specific capacitance of 367 F g -1 at 0.6 A g -1 and excellent cycling stability (94% retention over 1000 cycles). Moreover, porous CuO nanotubes were successfully fabricated by the thermal decomposition of this nanowire precursor. The CuO nanotube exhibits good electrochemical performance with high rate capacity (77% retention at 12.5 A g -1 ) and long-term stability (96% retention over 1000 cycles). The strategy developed here for the synthesis of porous nanowires and nanotubes can be extended to the construction of other electrode materials for more efficient energy storage.

Oxygen plasma etching of silver-incorporated diamond-like carbon films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marciano, F.R.; Bonetti, L.F.; Pessoa, R.S.; Massi, M.; Santos, L.V.; Trava-Airoldi, V.J.

2009-01-01

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film as a solid lubricant coating represents an important area of investigation related to space devices. The environment for such devices involves high vacuum and high concentration of atomic oxygen. The purpose of this paper is to study the behavior of silver-incorporated DLC thin films against oxygen plasma etching. Silver nanoparticles were produced through an electrochemical process and incorporated into DLC bulk during the deposition process using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The presence of silver does not affect significantly DLC quality and reduces by more than 50% the oxygen plasma etching. Our results demonstrated that silver nanoparticles protect DLC films against etching process, which may increase their lifetime in low earth orbit environment.

Oxygen plasma etching of silver-incorporated diamond-like carbon films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marciano, F.R., E-mail: fernanda@las.inpe.b [Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), Laboratorio Associado de Sensores e Materiais (LAS), Av. dos Astronautas 1758, Sao Jose dos Campos, 12227-010, SP (Brazil); Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica (ITA), Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA), Pca. Marechal Eduardo Gomes, 50-Sao Jose dos Campos, 12228-900, SP (Brazil); Bonetti, L.F. [Clorovale Diamantes Industria e Comercio Ltda, Estr. do Torrao de Ouro, 500-Sao Jose dos Campos, 12229-390, SP (Brazil); Pessoa, R.S.; Massi, M. [Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica (ITA), Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA), Pca. Marechal Eduardo Gomes, 50-Sao Jose dos Campos, 12228-900, SP (Brazil); Santos, L.V.; Trava-Airoldi, V.J. [Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), Laboratorio Associado de Sensores e Materiais (LAS), Av. dos Astronautas 1758, Sao Jose dos Campos, 12227-010, SP (Brazil)

2009-08-03

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film as a solid lubricant coating represents an important area of investigation related to space devices. The environment for such devices involves high vacuum and high concentration of atomic oxygen. The purpose of this paper is to study the behavior of silver-incorporated DLC thin films against oxygen plasma etching. Silver nanoparticles were produced through an electrochemical process and incorporated into DLC bulk during the deposition process using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The presence of silver does not affect significantly DLC quality and reduces by more than 50% the oxygen plasma etching. Our results demonstrated that silver nanoparticles protect DLC films against etching process, which may increase their lifetime in low earth orbit environment.

Plasma surface modification of polypropylene track-etched membrane to improve its performance properties

Science.gov (United States)

Kravets, L. I.; Elinson, V. M.; Ibragimov, R. G.; Mitu, B.; Dinescu, G.

2018-02-01

The surface and electrochemical properties of polypropylene track-etched membrane treated by plasma of nitrogen, air and oxygen are studied. The effect of the plasma-forming gas composition on the surface morphology is considered. It has been found that the micro-relief of the membrane surface formed under the gas-discharge etching, changes. Moreover, the effect of the non-polymerizing gas plasma leads to formation of oxygen-containing functional groups, mostly carbonyl and carboxyl. It is shown that due to the formation of polar groups on the surface and its higher roughness, the wettability of the plasma-modified membranes improves. In addition, the presence of polar groups on the membrane surface layer modifies its electrochemical properties so that conductivity of plasma-treated membranes increase.

Morphological and optical properties of n-type porous silicon: effect ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Method of PS fabrication is by photo-assisted electrochemical etching with different etching current densities ... Observation of room temperature visible photoluminescence (PL) [4,5] in PS has ... are pre-treated with HF and ethanol in an ultrasonic bath for 5 min to remove any native oxide present on the silicon surface [16].

Polyhedral-Like NiMn-Layered Double Hydroxide/Porous Carbon as Electrode for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance Supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Mei; Liu, Ruili; Liu, Jianhua; Li, Songmei; Ma, Yuxiao

2017-11-01

Polyhedral-like NiMn-layered double hydroxide/porous carbon (NiMn-LDH/PC-x) composites are successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method (x = 1, 2 means different mass percent of porous carbon (PC) in composites). The NiMn-LDH/PC-1 composites possess specific capacitance 1634 F g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1 , and it is much better than that of pure LDH (1095 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 ). Besides, the sample can retain 84.58% of original capacitance after 3000 cycles at 15 A g -1 . An asymmetric supercapacitor with NiMn-LDH/PC-1 as anode and activated carbon as cathode is fabricated, and the supercapacitor can achieve an energy density of 18.60 Wh kg -1 at a power density of 225.03 W kg -1 . The enhanced electrochemical performance attributes to the high faradaic pseudocapacitance of NiMn-LDH, the introduction of PC, and the 3D porous structure of LDH/PC-1 composites. The introduction of PC hinders serious agglomeration of LDH and further accelerates ions transport. The encouraging results indicate that these materials are one of the most potential candidates for energy storage devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optical ammonia gas sensor based on a porous silicon rugate filter coated with polymer-supported dye.

Science.gov (United States)

Shang, Yunling; Wang, Xiaobo; Xu, Erchao; Tong, Changlun; Wu, Jianmin

2011-01-24

An ammonia gas sensor chip was prepared by coating an electrochemically-etched porous Si rugate filter with a chitosan film that is crosslinked by glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The bromothylmol blue (BTB), a pH indicator, was loaded in the film as ammonia-sensing molecules. White light reflected from the porous Si has a narrow bandwidth spectrum with a peak at 610 nm. Monitoring reflective optical intensity at the peak position allows for direct, real-time observation of changes in the concentration of ammonia gas in air samples. The reflective optical intensity decreased linearly with increasing concentrations of ammonia gas over the range of 0-100 ppm. The lowest detection limit was 0.5 ppm for ammonia gas. At optimum conditions, the full response time of the ammonia gas sensor was less than 15s. The sensor chip also exhibited a good long-term stability over 1 year. Therefore, the simple sensor design has potential application in miniaturized optical measurement for online ammonia gas detection. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microneedles array with biodegradable tips for transdermal drug delivery

Science.gov (United States)

Iliescu, Ciprian; Chen, Bangtao; Wei, Jiashen; Tay, Francis E. H.

2008-12-01

The paper presented an enhancement solution for transdermal drug delivery using microneedles array with biodegradable tips. The microneedles array was fabricated by using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and the biodegradable tips were made to be porous by electrochemical etching process. The porous silicon microneedle tips can greatly enhance the transdermal drug delivery in a minimum invasion, painless, and convenient manner, at the same time; they are breakable and biodegradable. Basically, the main problem of the silicon microneedles consists of broken microneedles tips during the insertion. The solution proposed is to fabricate the microneedle tip from a biodegradable material - porous silicon. The silicon microneedles are fabricated using DRIE notching effect of reflected charges on mask. The process overcomes the difficulty in the undercut control of the tips during the classical isotropic silicon etching process. When the silicon tips were formed, the porous tips were then generated using a classical electrochemical anodization process in MeCN/HF/H2O solution. The paper presents the experimental results of in vitro release of calcein and BSA with animal skins using a microneedle array with biodegradable tips. Compared to the transdermal drug delivery without any enhancer, the microneedle array had presented significant enhancement of drug release.

X-ray and scanning electron microscopic investigation of porous silicon and silicon epitaxial layers grown on porous silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wierzchowski, W.; Pawlowska, M.; Nossarzewska-Orlowska, E.; Brzozowski, A.; Wieteska, K.; Graeff, W.

1998-01-01

The 1 to 5 μm thick layers of porous silicon and epitaxial layers grown on porous silicon were studied by means of X-ray diffraction methods, realised with a wide use of synchrotron source and scanning microscopy. The results of x-ray investigation pointed the difference of lateral periodicity between the porous layer and the substrate. It was also found that the deposition of epitaxial layer considerably reduced the coherence of porous fragments. A number of interface phenomena was also observed in section and plane wave topographs. The scanning electron microscopic investigation of cleavage faces enabled direct evaluation of porous layer thickness and revealed some details of their morphology. The scanning observation of etched surfaces of epitaxial layers deposited on porous silicon revealed dislocations and other defects not reasonable in the X-ray topographs. (author)

Influence of the doping level on the porosity of silicon nanowires prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geyer, Nadine; Wollschläger, Nicole; Tonkikh, Alexander; Berger, Andreas; Werner, Peter; Fuhrmann, Bodo; Leipner, Hartmut S; Jungmann, Marco; Krause-Rehberg, Reinhard

2015-01-01

A systematic method to control the porosity of silicon nanowires is presented. This method is based on metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and takes advantage of an HF/H_2O_2 etching solution and a silver catalyst in the form of a thin patterned film deposited on a doped silicon wafer. It is found that the porosity of the etched nanowires can be controlled by the doping level of the wafer. For low doping concentrations, the wires are primarily crystalline and surrounded by only a very thin layer of porous silicon (pSi) layer, while for highly doped silicon, they are porous in their entire volume. We performed a series of controlled experiments to conclude that there exists a well-defined critical doping concentration separating the crystalline and porous regimes. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy investigations showed that the pSi has also a crystalline morphology on a length scale smaller than the pore size, determined from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy to be mesoscopic. Based on the experimental evidence, we devise a theoretical model of the pSi formation during MACE and apply it for better control of the nanowire morphology. (paper)

Electrochemical performance of arc-produced carbon nanotubes as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Shubin; Song, Huaihe; Chen, Xiaohong; Okotrub, A.V.; Bulusheva, L.G.

2007-01-01

The effects of etching process on the morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of arc-produced multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as anode material for lithium-ion batteries were systematically investigated by TEM and a variety of electrochemical testing techniques. It was found that the etched CNTs exhibited four times higher reversible capacity than that of raw CNTs, and possessed excellent cyclability with almost 100% capacity retention after 30 cycles. The kinetic properties of three kinds of CNTs electrodes involving the pristine (CNTs-1), etched (CNTs-2) as well as etch-carbonized samples (CNTs-3) were characterized via ac impedance measurement. It was indicated that, after 30 cycles the exchange current density i 0 of etched CNTs ((7.6-7.8) x 10 -3 A cm -2 ) was higher than that of the raw CNTs (5.9 x 10 -3 A cm -2 ), suggesting the electrochemical activity of CNTs was enhanced by the etching treatment. The storage characteristics of the CNTs electrodes at room temperature and 50 o C were particularly compared. It was found that the film resistance on CNTs electrode generally tended to become large with the elongation of storage time, especially storage at high temperature. In comparison with CNTs-1 and CNTs-3, CNTs-2 exhibited more distinctly increase of film resistance, which is related with the surface properties

Porous solid backbone impregnation for electrochemical energy conversion systems

KAUST Repository

Boulfrad, Samir; Jabbour, Ghassan

2013-01-01

An apparatus and method for impregnating a porous solid backbone. The apparatus may include a platform for holding a porous solid backbone, an ink jet nozzle configured to dispense a liquid solution onto the porous solid backbone, a positioning mechanism configured to position the ink jet nozzle proximate to a plurality of locations of the porous solid backbone, and a control unit configured to control the positioning mechanism to position the ink jet nozzle proximate to the plurality of locations and cause the ink jet nozzle to dispense the liquid solution onto the porous solid backbone.

Porous solid backbone impregnation for electrochemical energy conversion systems

KAUST Repository

Boulfrad, Samir

2013-09-19

An apparatus and method for impregnating a porous solid backbone. The apparatus may include a platform for holding a porous solid backbone, an ink jet nozzle configured to dispense a liquid solution onto the porous solid backbone, a positioning mechanism configured to position the ink jet nozzle proximate to a plurality of locations of the porous solid backbone, and a control unit configured to control the positioning mechanism to position the ink jet nozzle proximate to the plurality of locations and cause the ink jet nozzle to dispense the liquid solution onto the porous solid backbone.

Metal Nanoparticles/Porous Silicon Microcavity Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Fluorescence for the Detection of DNA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiajia Wang

2018-02-01

Full Text Available A porous silicon microcavity (PSiMC with resonant peak wavelength of 635 nm was fabricated by electrochemical etching. Metal nanoparticles (NPs/PSiMC enhanced fluorescence substrates were prepared by the electrostatic adherence of Au NPs that were distributed in PSiMC. The Au NPs/PSiMC device was used to characterize the target DNA immobilization and hybridization with its complementary DNA sequences marked with Rhodamine red (RRA. Fluorescence enhancement was observed on the Au NPs/PSiMC device substrate; and the minimum detection concentration of DNA ran up to 10 pM. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR of the MC substrate; which is so well-positioned to improve fluorescence enhancement rather the fluorescence enhancement of the high reflection band of the Bragg reflector; would welcome such a highly sensitive in biosensor.

Metal Nanoparticles/Porous Silicon Microcavity Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Fluorescence for the Detection of DNA.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Jiajia; Jia, Zhenhong

2018-02-23

A porous silicon microcavity (PSiMC) with resonant peak wavelength of 635 nm was fabricated by electrochemical etching. Metal nanoparticles (NPs)/PSiMC enhanced fluorescence substrates were prepared by the electrostatic adherence of Au NPs that were distributed in PSiMC. The Au NPs/PSiMC device was used to characterize the target DNA immobilization and hybridization with its complementary DNA sequences marked with Rhodamine red (RRA). Fluorescence enhancement was observed on the Au NPs/PSiMC device substrate; and the minimum detection concentration of DNA ran up to 10 pM. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the MC substrate; which is so well-positioned to improve fluorescence enhancement rather the fluorescence enhancement of the high reflection band of the Bragg reflector; would welcome such a highly sensitive in biosensor.

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid micro/nano-structured NiTi surfaces by a combination of etching and anodizing

Science.gov (United States)

Huan, Z.; Fratila-Apachitei, L. E.; Apachitei, I.; Duszczyk, J.

2014-02-01

The purpose of this study was to generate hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi). To achieve this, NiTi surfaces were firstly electrochemically etched and then anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte. With the etching process, the NiTi surface was micro-roughened through the formation of micropits uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Following the subsequent anodizing process, self-organized nanotube structures enriched in TiO2 could be superimposed on the etched surface under specific conditions. Furthermore, the anodizing treatment significantly reduced water contact angles and increased the surface free energy compared to the surfaces prior to anodizing. The results of this study show for the first time that it is possible to create hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical NiTi alloys by combining electrochemical etching and anodizing under controlled conditions. These novel structures are expected to significantly enhance the surface biofunctionality of the material when compared to conventional implant devices with either micro- or nano-structured surfaces.

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid micro/nano-structured NiTi surfaces by a combination of etching and anodizing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huan, Z; Fratila-Apachitei, L E; Apachitei, I; Duszczyk, J

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to generate hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical nickel–titanium alloy (NiTi). To achieve this, NiTi surfaces were firstly electrochemically etched and then anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte. With the etching process, the NiTi surface was micro-roughened through the formation of micropits uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Following the subsequent anodizing process, self-organized nanotube structures enriched in TiO 2 could be superimposed on the etched surface under specific conditions. Furthermore, the anodizing treatment significantly reduced water contact angles and increased the surface free energy compared to the surfaces prior to anodizing. The results of this study show for the first time that it is possible to create hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical NiTi alloys by combining electrochemical etching and anodizing under controlled conditions. These novel structures are expected to significantly enhance the surface biofunctionality of the material when compared to conventional implant devices with either micro- or nano-structured surfaces. (paper)

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid micro/nano-structured NiTi surfaces by a combination of etching and anodizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Huan, Z; Fratila-Apachitei, L E; Apachitei, I; Duszczyk, J

2014-02-07

The purpose of this study was to generate hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi). To achieve this, NiTi surfaces were firstly electrochemically etched and then anodized in fluoride-containing electrolyte. With the etching process, the NiTi surface was micro-roughened through the formation of micropits uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Following the subsequent anodizing process, self-organized nanotube structures enriched in TiO2 could be superimposed on the etched surface under specific conditions. Furthermore, the anodizing treatment significantly reduced water contact angles and increased the surface free energy compared to the surfaces prior to anodizing. The results of this study show for the first time that it is possible to create hybrid micro/nano-structures on biomedical NiTi alloys by combining electrochemical etching and anodizing under controlled conditions. These novel structures are expected to significantly enhance the surface biofunctionality of the material when compared to conventional implant devices with either micro- or nano-structured surfaces.

Thermal Annealing induced relaxation of compressive strain in porous GaN structures

KAUST Repository

Ben Slimane, Ahmed; Najar, Adel; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S.

2012-01-01

The effect of annealing on strain relaxation in porous GaN fabricated using electroless chemical etching is presented. The Raman shift of 1 cm-1 in phonon frequency of annealed porous GaN with respect to as-grown GaN corresponds to a relaxation

A fast neutron spectrometer based on an electrochemically etched CR-39 detector with degrader and front radiator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matiullah; Durrani, S.A.

1987-01-01

In addition to having promising applications for the development of a fast-neutron dosemeter, electrochemically etched (ECE) CR-39 detectors also offer the possibility of energy-selective fast-neutron detection. This property stems basically from the fact that, to produce 'sparkable' trails in the polymeric detector subjected to ECE, the charged particle resulting from a neutron interaction must fall within a definite 'energy window'. The lower and upper limits of proton energies that can yield ECE spots in CR-39 have been experimentally determined to be ∼ 50 keV and ∼ 2.2 MeV under our processing conditions. To accomplish our objective, we have developed a technique based on ECE spot-density measurements in CR-39 detectors placed in conjuction with judiciously chosen thicknesses of a polyethylene radiator and a lead degrader. The optimum thicknesses of the radiator and the degrader, for a given neutron energy, are determined by computer calculations. (author)

Al2O3-coated porous separator for enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium sulfur batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Zhiyong; Lai, Yanqing; Zhang, Zhian; Zhang, Kai; Li, Jie

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: Al2O3-coated separator with developed porous channels is prepared by coating Al2O3 polymer solution on routine separator. The batteries with Al2O3-coated separator exhibited a reversible capacity of as high as 593 mAh g-1 at the rate of 0.2 C after 50th charge/discharge cycle. The enhancement in the electrochemical performance could be attributed to the reduced charge transfer resistance after the introduction of Al2O3 coating layer. Besides, the Al2O3 coating layer, acting as a physical barrier for polysulfides, can effectively prevent polysulfides shuttling between the cathode and the anode. We believe that the Al2O3-coated separator is promising in the lithium sulfur battery applications. - Highlights: • Al 2 O 3 -coated separator is used as the separator of lithium sulfur battery. • The cell with Al 2 O 3 -coated separator exhibits excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. • Al 2 O 3 -coated separator is promising in the lithium sulfur battery applications. - Abstract: In this paper, Al 2 O 3 -coated separator with developed porous channels is prepared to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium sulfur batteries. It is demonstrated that the Al 2 O 3 -coating layer is quite effective in reducing shuttle effect and enhancing the stability of the sulfur electrode. The initial discharge capacity of the cell with Al 2 O 3 -coated separator can reach 967 mAh g −1 at the rate of 0.2 C. After 50th charge/discharge cycle, this cell can also deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 593.4 mAh g −1 . Significantly, the charge-transfer resistance of the electrode tends to be reducing after using Al 2 O 3 -coated separator. The improved cell performance is attributed to the porous architecture of the Al 2 O 3 -coating layer, which serves as an ion-conducting skeleton for trapping and depositing dissolved sulfur-containing active materials, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X

Silicon epitaxy on textured double layer porous silicon by LPCVD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cai Hong; Shen Honglie; Zhang Lei; Huang Haibin; Lu Linfeng; Tang Zhengxia; Shen Jiancang

2010-01-01

Epitaxial silicon thin film on textured double layer porous silicon (DLPS) was demonstrated. The textured DLPS was formed by electrochemical etching using two different current densities on the silicon wafer that are randomly textured with upright pyramids. Silicon thin films were then grown on the annealed DLPS, using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). The reflectance of the DLPS and the grown silicon thin films were studied by a spectrophotometer. The crystallinity and topography of the grown silicon thin films were studied by Raman spectroscopy and SEM. The reflectance results show that the reflectance of the silicon wafer decreases from 24.7% to 11.7% after texturing, and after the deposition of silicon thin film the surface reflectance is about 13.8%. SEM images show that the epitaxial silicon film on textured DLPS exhibits random pyramids. The Raman spectrum peaks near 521 cm -1 have a width of 7.8 cm -1 , which reveals the high crystalline quality of the silicon epitaxy.

Cauliflower-derived porous carbon without activation for electrochemical capacitor and CO2 capture applications

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Juan; Yu, Yifeng; Lv, Haijun; Chen, Chunlin; Zhang, Jian; Chen, Aibing

2018-01-01

Carbon materials have attracted great attention in CO2 capture and energy storage due to their excellent characteristics such as tunable pore structure, modulated surface properties and superior bulk conductivities, etc. Biomass, provided by nature with non-toxic, widespread, abundant, and sustainable advantages, is considered to be a very promising precursor of carbons for the view of economic, environmental, and societal issues. However, the preparation of high-performance biomass-derived carbons is still a big challenge because of the multistep process for their synthesis and subsequent activation. Herein, hierarchically porous structured carbon materials have been prepared by directly carbonizing dried cauliflowers without any addition of agents and activation process, featuring with large specific surface area, hierarchically porous structure and improved pore volume, as well as suitable nitrogen content. Being used as a solid-state CO2 adsorbent, the obtained product exhibited a high CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.1 mmol g-1 under 1 bar and 25 °C and a remarkable reusability of 96.7% retention after 20 adsorption/regeneration cycles. Our study reveals that choosing a good biomass source was significant as the unique structure of precursor endows the carbonized product with abundant pores without the need of any post-treatment. Used as an electrode material in electrochemical capacitor, the non-activated porous carbon displayed a fairly high specific capacitance of 228.9 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and an outstanding stability of 99.2% retention after 5000 cycles at 5 A g-1. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Optical properties of phosphorescent nano-silicon electrochemically doped with terbium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gelloz, Bernard [Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603 (Japan); Mentek, Romain; Koshida, Nobuyoshi [Tokyo University A and T, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588 (Japan)

2012-12-15

Hybrid thin films consisting of oxidized nano-silicon doped with terbium have been fabricated. Nano-silicon was formed by electrochemical etching of silicon wafers. Terbium was incorporated into nano-silicon pores by electrochemical deposition. Different oxidizing thermal treatments were applied to the films. The samples treated by high-pressure water vapor annealing (HWA) exhibited strong blue emission with a phosphorescent component, as previously reported by our group. The low temperature (260 C) HWA also led to strong emission from Tb{sup 3+} ions, whereas typical high temperature (900 C) treatment generally used to activate Tb{sup 3+} ions in silicon-based materials led to less luminescent samples. Spectroscopic and dynamic analyses suggest that terbium was incorporated as a separate oxide phase in the pores of the porous nano-silicon. The PL of the terbium phase and nano-silicon phase exhibit different temperature and excitation power dependences suggesting little optical or electronic interaction between the two phases. The luminescence of terbium is better activated at low temperature (260 C) than at high temperature (900 C). The hybrid material may find some applications in photonics, for instance as a display material. (copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Electrochemical Methods for the Intergranular Corrosion Property Evaluation of Stainless Steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Jung Bok

1987-01-01

For the last fifteen years, the Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation (EPR) method, an electrochemical method, has been actively investigated for use in determining the degree of sensitization (DOS) in stainless steels (a metallurgical structure susceptible to intergranular corrosion). One of the reasons for this active investigation was due to the fact that the technique may be usable for field nondestructive measurements of DOS in stainless steels. In this paper, a brief overview of the technique, including the advantages and limitations, is discussed. Then, a new test method which is able to detect the sensitized metallurgical structures nondestructively after field welding is introduced. This new nondestructive method is a modification of the ASTM A262-A (the oxalic acid etch test). The improved test method employs a 30 second etching in a 10% oxalic acid solution under an anodic current density of 1 ampere per square centimeter at the temperatures above 60 .deg. C. Between 50 and 60 .deg. C the thirty second etching test should be used first. When the thirty second etching shows an under etched grain boundary, the etching time should be increased to ninety seconds. At temperatures below 50 .deg. C the ninety second etching, as described in ASTM A 262-A, should be employed. This improved test method can be used in the temperature range of 0 and 100 .deg. C

Effects of polymer corrosion inhibitor on widening etch tunnels of aluminum foil for capacitor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ban, Chaolei; He, Yedong; Shao, Xin; Wang, Zhishen

2014-01-01

Highlights: •With PSSA, the exterior surface dissolution of etched Al foil is suppressed. •With PSSA, the interior surface dissolution of etched Al foil is facilitated. •With PSSA, the tunnels are widened along the entire length. •With PSSA, the area and capacitance of etched Al foil are significantly improved. -- Abstract: We investigated the effects of polymeric corrosion inhibitor polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) additive to 3% HNO 3 solution on widening tunnels of pre-etched aluminum foil by electrochemical DC etching for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, using scanning electron microscopy and polarization curves. With trace PSSA, the dissolution of exterior surface of etch tunnels of Al foil is suppressed and the dissolution of interior surface of etch tunnels of Al foil is facilitated, respectively. The tunnels transform from circular cone to circular column in shape and pits-merging on the surface is weakened, leading to significant increase in the surface area and specific capacitance of the Al foil. The amounts of reduced thickness and weight of Al foil during the widening process of etch tunnels can be decreased if PSSA is employed

Depth of Etch Comparison Between Self-limiting and Traditional Etchant Systems

Science.gov (United States)

2016-06-18

Wen Lien for his dedication to research and his assistance in piloting this study. Thank you to Dr. David Lee for his continued mentorship not only...porous layer (5 microns to 50 microns deep ) (Lopes, 2007). In 1975, Silverstone reported three different types of etch patterns on enamel surfaces

Porous silicon nanoparticle as a stabilizing support for chondroitinase.

Science.gov (United States)

Daneshjou, Sara; Dabirmanesh, Bahareh; Rahimi, Fereshteh; Khajeh, Khosro

2017-01-01

Chondroitinase ABCI (cABCI) from Proteus vulgaris is a drug enzyme that can be used to treat spinal cord injuries. One of the main problems of chondroitinase ABC1 is its low thermal stability. The objective of the current study was to stabilize the enzyme through entrapment within porous silicon (pSi) nanoparticles. pSi was prepared by an electrochemical etch of p-type silicon using hydrofluoric acid/ethanol. The size of nanoparticles were determined 180nm by dynamic light scattering and the mean pore diameter was in the range of 40-60nm obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Enzymes were immobilized on porouse silicon nanoparticles by entrapment. The capacity of matrix was 35μg enzyme per 1mg of silicon. The immobilized enzyme displayed lower V max values compared to the free enzyme, but Km values were the same for both enzymes. Immobilization significantly increased the enzyme stability at various temperatures (-20, 4, 25 and 37°C). For example, at 4°C, the free enzyme (in 10mM imidazole) retained 20% of its activity after 100min, while the immobilized one retained 50% of its initial activity. Nanoparticles loading capacity and the enzyme release rate showed that the selected particles could be a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for chondroitinase. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical Effects Accompanying the Dynamical Bragg Diffraction in Linear 1D Photonic Crystals Based on Porous Silicon

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anton Maydykovskiy

2014-10-01

Full Text Available We survey our recent results on the observation and studies of the effects accompanying the dynamical Bragg diffraction in one-dimensional photonic crystals (PhC. Contrary to the kinematic Bragg diffraction, the dynamical one considers a continuous interaction between the waves travelling within a spatially-periodic structure and is the most pronounced in the so called Laue geometry, leading to a number of exciting phenomena. In the described experiments, we study the PhC based on porous silicon or porous quartz, made by the electrochemical etching of crystalline silicon with the consequent thermal annealing. Importantly, these PhC are approximately hundreds of microns thick and contain a few hundreds of periods, so that the experiments in the Laue diffraction scheme are available. We discuss the effect of the temporal splitting of femtosecond laser pulses and show that the effect is quite sensitive to the polarization and the phase of a femtosecond laser pulse. We also show the experimental realization of the Pendular effect in porous quartz PhC and demonstrate the experimental conditions for the total spatial switching of the output radiation between the transmitted and diffracted directions. All described effects are of high interest for the control over the light propagation based on PhC structures.

Electrochemical capacitor

Science.gov (United States)

Anderson, Marc A.; Liu, Kuo -Chuan; Mohr, Charles M.

1999-10-05

An inexpensive porous metal oxide material having high surface area, good conductivity and high specific capacitance is advantageously used in an electrochemical capacitor. The materials are formed in a sol-gel process which affords control over the properties of the resultant metal oxide materials.

Characterization of the nanosized porous structure of black Si solar cells fabricated via a screen printing process

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Tang Yehua; Fei Jianming; Cao Hongbin; Zhou Chunlan; Wang Wenjing; Zhou Su; Zhao Yan; Zhao Lei; Li Hailing; Yan Baojun; Chen Jingwei

2012-01-01

A silicon (Si) surface with a nanosized porous structure was formed via simple wet chemical etching catalyzed by gold (Au) nanoparticles on p-type Cz-Si (100).The average reflectivity from 300 to 1200 nm was less than 1.5％.Black Si solar cells were then fabricated using a conventional production process.The results reflected the output characteristics of the cells fabricated using different etching depths and emitter dopant profiles.Heavier dopants and shallower etching depths should be adopted to optimize the black Si solar cell output characteristics.The efficiency at the optimized etching time and dopant profile was 12.17％.However,surface passivation and electrode contact due to the nanosized porous surface structure are still obstacles to obtaining high conversion efficiency for the black Si solar cells.

Nanoscale electrochemical metallization memories based on amorphous (La, Sr)MnO3 using ultrathin porous alumina masks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Dongqing; Zhang, Chaoyang; Wang, Nannan; Cheng, Haifeng; Wang, Guang; Shao, Zhengzheng; Zhu, Xuan

2014-01-01

Nanoscale electrochemical metallization (ECM) memories based on amorphous La 1−x Sr x MnO 3 (a-LSMO) were fabricated using ultrathin porous alumina masks. The ultrathin alumina masks, with thicknesses of about 200 nm and pore diameters of about 80 nm, were fabricated through a typical two-step anodization electrochemical procedure and transferred onto conductive Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrates. Resistive switching (RS) properties of the individual Ag/a-LSMO/Pt ECM cell were directly measured using a conductive atomic force microscope. The cells exhibited typical RS characteristics and the OFF/ON resistance ratio is as high as 10 2 . Reproducible RS behaviours on the same ECM cell and the I–V cycles obtained from different ECM cells ensured that the RS properties in nanoscale Ag/a-LSMO/Pt cells are reproducible and reliable. This work provides an effective approach for the preparation of nanostructured large-scale ordered ECM memories or memristors. (paper)

Reduced SnO2 Porous Nanowires with a High Density of Grain Boundaries as Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 -into-HCOOH Conversion.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Bijandra; Atla, Veerendra; Brian, J Patrick; Kumari, Sudesh; Nguyen, Tu Quang; Sunkara, Mahendra; Spurgeon, Joshua M

2017-03-20

Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 into energy-dense liquids, such as formic acid, is desirable as a hydrogen carrier and a chemical feedstock. SnO x is one of the few catalysts that reduce CO 2 into formic acid with high selectivity but at high overpotential and low current density. We show that an electrochemically reduced SnO 2 porous nanowire catalyst (Sn-pNWs) with a high density of grain boundaries (GBs) exhibits an energy conversion efficiency of CO 2 -into-HCOOH higher than analogous catalysts. HCOOH formation begins at lower overpotential (350 mV) and reaches a steady Faradaic efficiency of ca. 80 % at only -0.8 V vs. RHE. A comparison with commercial SnO 2 nanoparticles confirms that the improved CO 2 reduction performance of Sn-pNWs is due to the density of GBs within the porous structure, which introduce new catalytically active sites. Produced with a scalable plasma synthesis technology, the catalysts have potential for application in the CO 2 conversion industry. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication and Optical Characterization of Silicon Nanostructure Arrays by Laser Interference Lithography and Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P. Heydari

2014-10-01

Full Text Available In this paper metal-assisted chemical etching has been applied to pattern porous silicon regions and silicon nanohole arrays in submicron period simply by using positive photoresist as a mask layer. In order to define silicon nanostructures, Metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE was carried out with silver catalyst. Provided solution (or materiel in combination with laser interference lithography (LIL fabricated different reproducible pillars, holes and rhomboidal structures. As a result, Submicron patterning of porous areas and nanohole arrays on Si substrate with a minimum feature size of 600nm was achieved. Measured reflection spectra of the samples present different optical characteristics which is dependent on the shape, thickness of metal catalyst and periodicity of the structure. These structures can be designed to reach a photonic bandgap in special range or antireflection layer in energy harvesting applications. The resulted reflection spectra of applied method are comparable to conventional expensive and complicated dry etching techniques.

Fabrication of Microcomponents by Electrochemical Manufacturing: Advanced Feed-Through Metallisation on Silicon and Nickel Micromechanical Resonators

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tang, Peter Torben; Heschel, Matthias; Ravnkilde, Jan Tue

2000-01-01

Electrochemical processes such as electroplating, wet selective etching (or controlled corrosion) and electroless plating are powerful tools for fabrication of MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems) products. Especially when the electrochemical processes are used in combination with UV-lithograph......Electrochemical processes such as electroplating, wet selective etching (or controlled corrosion) and electroless plating are powerful tools for fabrication of MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems) products. Especially when the electrochemical processes are used in combination with UV......, as well as nickel/gold pads for conductive adhesive bonding, are also deposited by electroplating. The second example is a simple, inexpensive, low-temperature electroplating process for fabrication of released, stress-free nickel comb resonators. Since the manufacturing sequence only involves low...

One-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowires in HF/AgNO3/H2O2 solution at room temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bai, Fan; Li, Meicheng; Song, Dandan; Yu, Hang; Jiang, Bing; Li, Yingfeng

2012-01-01

One-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowire arrays was achieved by etching the silicon wafer in HF/AgNO 3 /H 2 O 2 solution at room temperature. The lightly doped porous silicon nanowires (pNWs) have circular nanopores on the sidewall, which can emit strong green fluorescence. The surface morphologies of these nanowires could be controlled by simply adjusting the concentration of H 2 O 2 , which influences the distribution of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) along the nanowire axis. A mechanism based on Ag NPs-induced lateral etching of nanowires was proposed to explain the formation of pNWs. The controllable and widely applicable synthesis of pNWs will open their potential application to nanoscale photoluminescence devices. - Graphical abstract: The one-step synthesis of porous silicon nanowire arrays is achieved by chemical etching of the lightly doped p-type Si (100) wafer at room temperature. These nanowires exhibit strong green photoluminescence. SEM, TEM, HRTEM and photoluminescence images of pNWs. The scale bars of SEM, TEM HRTEM and photoluminescence are 10 μm, 20 nm, 10 nm, and 1 μm, respectively. Highlights: ► Simple one-step synthesis of lightly doped porous silicon nanowire arrays is achieved at RT. ► Etching process and mechanism are illustrated with etching model from a novel standpoint. ► As-prepared porous silicon nanowire emits strong green fluorescence, proving unique property.

Electrochemical desalination of bricks - Experimental and modeling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skibsted, Gry; Ottosen, Lisbeth M.; Jensen, Pernille Erland

2015-01-01

Chlorides, nitrates and sulfates play an important role in the salt-decay of porous materials in buildings and monuments. Electrochemical desalination is a technology able to remove salts from such porous materials in order to stop or prevent the decay. In this paper, experimental and numerical......-contaminated bricks with respect to the monovalent ions is discussed. Comparison between the experimental and the simulation results showed that the proposed numerical model is able to predict electrochemical desalination treatments with remarkable accuracy, and it can be used as a predictive tool...

Selective, electrochemical etching of a semiconductor

Science.gov (United States)

Dahal, Rajendra P.; Bhat, Ishwara B.; Chow, Tat-Sing

2018-03-20

Methods for facilitating fabricating semiconductor structures are provided which include: providing a multilayer structure including a semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer including a dopant and having an increased conductivity; selectively increasing, using electrochemical processing, porosity of the semiconductor layer, at least in part, the selectively increasing porosity utilizing the increased conductivity of the semiconductor layer; and removing, at least in part, the semiconductor layer with the selectively increased porosity from the multilayer structure. By way of example, the selectively increasing porosity may include selectively, anodically oxidizing, at least in part, the semiconductor layer of the multilayer structure.

Ion track etching revisited: II. Electronic properties of aged tracks in polymers

Science.gov (United States)

Fink, D.; Muñoz Hernández, G.; Cruz, S. A.; Garcia-Arellano, H.; Vacik, J.; Hnatowicz, V.; Kiv, A.; Alfonta, L.

2018-02-01

We compile here electronic ion track etching effects, such as capacitive-type currents, current spike emission, phase shift, rectification and background currents that eventually emerge upon application of sinusoidal alternating voltages across thin, aged swift heavy ion-irradiated polymer foils during etching. Both capacitive-type currents and current spike emission occur as long as obstacles still prevent a smooth continuous charge carrier passage across the foils. In the case of sufficiently high applied electric fields, these obstacles are overcome by spike emission. These effects vanish upon etchant breakthrough. Subsequent transmitted currents are usually of Ohmic type, but shortly after breakthrough (during the track' core etching) often still exhibit deviations such as strong positive phase shifts. They stem from very slow charge carrier mobility across the etched ion tracks due to retarding trapping/detrapping processes. Upon etching the track's penumbra, one occasionally observes a split-up into two transmitted current components, one with positive and another one with negative phase shifts. Usually, these phase shifts vanish when bulk etching starts. Current rectification upon track etching is a very frequent phenomenon. Rectification uses to inverse when core etching ends and penumbra etching begins. When the latter ends, rectification largely vanishes. Occasionally, some residual rectification remains which we attribute to the aged polymeric bulk itself. Last not least, we still consider background currents which often emerge transiently during track etching. We could assign them clearly to differences in the electrochemical potential of the liquids on both sides of the etched polymer foils. Transient relaxation effects during the track etching cause their eventually chaotic behaviour.

Method of fabricating porous silicon carbide (SiC)

Science.gov (United States)

Shor, Joseph S. (Inventor); Kurtz, Anthony D. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

Porous silicon carbide is fabricated according to techniques which result in a significant portion of nanocrystallites within the material in a sub 10 nanometer regime. There is described techniques for passivating porous silicon carbide which result in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices which exhibit brighter blue luminescence and exhibit improved qualities. Based on certain of the techniques described porous silicon carbide is used as a sacrificial layer for the patterning of silicon carbide. Porous silicon carbide is then removed from the bulk substrate by oxidation and other methods. The techniques described employ a two-step process which is used to pattern bulk silicon carbide where selected areas of the wafer are then made porous and then the porous layer is subsequently removed. The process to form porous silicon carbide exhibits dopant selectivity and a two-step etching procedure is implemented for silicon carbide multilayers.

Correlation between porosity and roughness as obtained by porous silicon nano surface scattering spectrum

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R Dariani

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Reflection spectra of four porous silicon samples under etching times of 2, 6, 10, and 14 min with current density of 10 mA/cm2 were measured. Reflection spectra behaviors for all samples were the same, but their intensities were different and decreased by increasing the etching time. The similar behavior of reflection spectra could be attributed to the electrolyte solution concentration which was the same during fabrication and reduction of reflection spectrum due to the reduction of particle size. Also, the region for the lowest intensity at reflection spectra was related to porous silicon energy gap which shows blue shift for porous silicon energy gap. Roughness study of porous silicon samples was done by scattering spectra measurements, Rayleigh criteria, and Davis-Bennet equation. Scattering spectra of the samples were measured at 10, 15, and 20 degrees by using spectrophotometer. Reflected light intensity reduced by increasing the scattering angle except for the normal scattering which agreed with Rayleigh criteria. Also, our results showed that by increasing the etching time, porosity (sizes and numbers of pores increases and therefore light absorption increases and scattering from surface reduces. But since scattering varies with the observation scale (wavelength, the relationship between scattering and porosity differs by varying the observation scale (wavelength

Porous MnO/C of composite nanostructure consisting of nanorods and nano-octahedra as anode of lithium ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical performances

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Yue-Feng; Xu, Gui-Liang [State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China); Su, Hang [College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China); Chen, Yuan; Fang, Jun-Chuan; Wang, Qi; Huang, Ling [State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China); Li, Jun-Tao [College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China); Sun, Shi-Gang, E-mail: sgsun@xmu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China)

2016-08-15

Porous MnO/C materials of composite nanostructure consisting of nanorods and nano-octahedra (denoted as nRO-MnO/C) were synthesized for the first time through a one-pot hydrothermal procedure followed by thermal annealing using PEG6000 as a soft template. When served as anode of LIBs, the nRO-MnO/C materials could maintain a reversible capacity as high as 861.3 mAh g{sup −1} after 120 cycles at a rate of 0.13 C (1 C = 755.6 mA g{sup −1}), and a stable capacity of 313.5 mAh g{sup −1} at a much higher rate of 4.16 C. Moreover, excellent long cycleability at high rate has been also evidenced by a capacity of 628.9 mAh g{sup −1} measured after 300 cycles at 1.32 C. In comparison with mono-form porous nanorods (nR-MnO/C) and mono-form porous nano-octahedra (nO-MnO/C), the enhanced electrochemical performances of the nRO-MnO/C materials are attributed to the composite nanostructure, in which the nano-octahedra contact effectively with nanorods by laying in the space between them yielding synergy effect that facilitates the electronic transportation on electrode. - Highlights: • Porous MnO/C with composite nanostructure was prepared by hydrothermal reaction. • The composite nanostructure is consisting of nanorods and nano-octahedra. • The nRO-MnO/C delivers a charge capacity of 628.9 mAh g{sup −1} after 300 cycles at 1.32 C. • The superior electrochemical performance should be owed to composite structure.

A novel approach for osteocalcin detection by competitive ELISA using porous silicon as a substrate.

Science.gov (United States)

Rahimi, Fereshteh; Mohammadnejad Arough, Javad; Yaghoobi, Mona; Davoodi, Hadi; Sepehri, Fatemeh; Amirabadizadeh, Masood

2017-11-01

In this study, porous silicon (PSi) was utilized instead of prevalent polystyrene platforms, and its capability in biomolecule screening was examined. Here, two types of porous structure, macroporous silicon (Macro-PSi) and mesoporous silicon (Meso-PSi), were produced on silicon wafers by electrochemical etching using different electrolytes. Moreover, both kinds of fresh and oxidized PSi samples were investigated. Next, osteocalcin as a biomarker of the bone formation process was used as a model biomarker, and the colorimetric detection was performed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both Macro-PSi and Meso-PSi substrates in the oxidized state, specifically the Meso-porous structure, were reported to have higher surface area to volume ratio, more capacitance of surface-antigen interaction, and more ability to capture antigen in comparison with the prevalent platforms. Moreover, the optical density signal of osteocalcin detected by the ELISA technique was notably higher than the common platforms. Based on the findings of this study, PSi can potentially be used in the ELISA to achieve better results and consequently more sensitivity. A further asset of incorporating such a nanometer structure in the ELISA technique is that the system response to analyte concentration could be maintained by consuming lower monoclonal antibody (or antigen) and consequently reduces the cost of the experiment. © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

LLL development of a combined etch track: albedo dosimeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Griffith, R.V.; Fisher, J.C.; Harder, C.A.

1977-01-01

The addition of polycarbonate sheet to albedo detectors for electrochemical etching provides a simple, inexpensive way to reduce the spectral sensitivity of the personnel dosimeter without losing the albedo features of sensitivity and ease of automation. The ECEP technique also provides the dosimetrist with the potential for identifying conditions of body orientation that might otherwise lead to significant error in dosimeter evaluation

Gas recombination assembly for electrochemical cells

Science.gov (United States)

Levy, Isaac; Charkey, Allen

1989-01-01

An assembly for recombining gases generated in electrochemical cells wherein a catalyst strip is enveloped within a hydrophobic, gas-porous film which, in turn, is encased between gas-porous, metallic layers. The sandwich construction of metallic layers and film is formed into a spiral with a tab for connection to the cell.

Porous silicon in drug delivery devices and materials☆

Science.gov (United States)

Anglin, Emily J.; Cheng, Lingyun; Freeman, William R.; Sailor, Michael J.

2009-01-01

Porous Si exhibits a number of properties that make it an attractive material for controlled drug delivery applications: The electrochemical synthesis allows construction of tailored pore sizes and volumes that are controllable from the scale of microns to nanometers; a number of convenient chemistries exist for the modification of porous Si surfaces that can be used to control the amount, identity, and in vivo release rate of drug payloads and the resorption rate of the porous host matrix; the material can be used as a template for organic and biopolymers, to prepare composites with a designed nanostructure; and finally, the optical properties of photonic structures prepared from this material provide a self-reporting feature that can be monitored in vivo. This paper reviews the preparation, chemistry, and properties of electrochemically prepared porous Si or SiO2 hosts relevant to drug delivery applications. PMID:18508154

Properties of Ni and Ni–Fe nanowires electrochemically deposited into a porous alumina template

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alla I. Vorobjova

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The comparative analysis of the electrochemical deposition of Ni and Ni–Fe nanowires (NWs into ordered porous alumina templates is presented. The method developed allows for obtaining NWs of 50 ± 5 nm in diameter and 25 μm in length, i.e., with an aspect ratio of 500. XRD data demonstrate the polycrystalline nature of Ni and Ni–Fe in a face-centered cubic close-packed lattice. Both fabricated materials, Ni and Ni–Fe, have shown ferromagnetic properties. The specific magnetization value of Ni–Fe NWs in the alumina template is higher than that of the Ni sample and bulk Ni, also the Curie temperature of the Ni–Fe sample (790 K is higher than that of the Ni sample one or bulk Ni.

Bilayer–metal assisted chemical etching of silicon microwire arrays for photovoltaic applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. W. Wu

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Silicon microwires with lateral dimension from 5 μm to 20 μm and depth as long as 20 μm are prepared by bilayer metal assisted chemical etching (MaCE. A bilayer metal configuration (Metal 1 / Metal 2 was applied to assist etching of Si where metal 1 acts as direct catalyst and metal 2 provides mechanical support. Different metal types were investigated to figure out the influence of metal catalyst on morphology of etched silicon. We find that silicon microwires with vertical side wall are produced when we use Ag/Au bilayer, while cone–like and porous microwires formed when Pt/Au is applied. The different micro-/nano-structures in as-etched silicon are demonstrated to be due to the discrepancy of work function of metal catalyst relative to Si. Further, we constructed a silicon microwire arrays solar cells in a radial p–n junction configurations in a screen printed aluminum paste p–doping process.

Morphologies and wetting properties of copper film with 3D porous micro-nano hierarchical structure prepared by electrochemical deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Hongbin; Wang, Ning; Hang, Tao; Li, Ming

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A 3D porous micro-nano hierarchical structure Cu films were prepared. • The evolution of morphology and wettability with deposition time was reported. • The effects of EDA on the microscopic morphology were revealed. • A high contact angle of 162.1° was measured when deposition time is 5 s. • The mechanism of super-hydrophobicity was illustrated by two classical models. - Abstract: Three-dimensional porous micro-nano hierarchical structure Cu films were prepared by electrochemical deposition with the Hydrogen bubble dynamic template. The morphologies of the deposited films characterized by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) exhibit a porous micro-nano hierarchical structure, which consists of three levels in different size scales, namely the honeycomb-like microstructure, the dendritic substructure and the nano particles. Besides, the factors which influenced the microscopic morphology were studied, including the deposition time and the additive Ethylene diamine. By measuring the water contact angle, the porous copper films were found to be super-hydrophobic. The maximum of the contact angles could reach as high as 162.1°. An empirical correlation between morphologies and wetting properties was revealed for the first time. The pore diameter increased simultaneously with the deposition time while the contact angle decreased. The mechanism was illustrated by two classical models. Such super-hydrophobic three-dimensional hierarchical micro-nano structure is expected to have practical application in industry.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Propene with a LSF15/CGO10 Electrochemical Reactor

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ippolito, Davide; Kammer Hansen, Kent

2014-01-01

A porous electrochemical reactor, made of La0.85Sr0.15FeO3 (LSF) as electrode and Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (CGO) as electrolyte, was studied for the electrochemical oxidation of propene over a wide range of temperatures. Polarization was found to enhance propene oxidation rate. Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 was used...... as infiltration material to enhance the effect of polarization on propene oxidation rate, especially at low temperatures. The influence of infiltrated material, as a function of heat treatment, on the reactor electrochemical behavior has been evaluated by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy...... in suppressing the competing oxygen evolution reaction and promoting the oxidation of propene under polarization, with faradaic efficiencies above 70% at 250◦C. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society....

Room-Temperature H2 Gas Sensing Characterization of Graphene-Doped Porous Silicon via a Facile Solution Dropping Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nu Si A. Eom

2017-11-01

Full Text Available In this study, a graphene-doped porous silicon (G-doped/p-Si substrate for low ppm H2 gas detection by an inexpensive synthesis route was proposed as a potential noble graphene-based gas sensor material, and to understand the sensing mechanism. The G-doped/p-Si gas sensor was synthesized by a simple capillary force-assisted solution dropping method on p-Si substrates, whose porosity was generated through an electrochemical etching process. G-doped/p-Si was fabricated with various graphene concentrations and exploited as a H2 sensor that was operated at room temperature. The sensing mechanism of the sensor with/without graphene decoration on p-Si was proposed to elucidate the synergetic gas sensing effect that is generated from the interface between the graphene and p-type silicon.

Diffuse charge and Faradaic reactions in porous electrodes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Biesheuvel, P.M.; Yu, F.; Bazant, M.Z.

2011-01-01

Porous electrodes instead of flat electrodes are widely used in electrochemical systems to boost storage capacities for ions and electrons, to improve the transport of mass and charge, and to enhance reaction rates. Existing porous electrode theories make a number of simplifying assumptions: (i) The

Preparation of freestanding GaN wafer by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on porous silicon

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Xian; Li, Peng; Liang, Renrong; Xiao, Lei; Xu, Jun; Wang, Jing

2018-05-01

A freestanding GaN wafer was prepared on porous Si (111) substrate using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). To avoid undesirable effects of the porous surface on the crystallinity of the GaN, a GaN seed layer was first grown on the Si (111) bare wafer. A pattern with many apertures was fabricated in the GaN seed layer using lithography and etching processes. A porous layer was formed in the Si substrate immediately adjacent to the GaN seed layer by an anodic etching process. A 500-μm-thick GaN film was then grown on the patterned GaN seed layer using HVPE. The GaN film was separated from the Si substrate through the formation of cracks in the porous layer caused by thermal mismatch stress during the cooling stage of the HVPE. Finally, the GaN film was polished to obtain a freestanding GaN wafer.

Ultrastructure of the surface of dental enamel with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) with and without acid etching.

Science.gov (United States)

Bozal, Carola B; Kaplan, Andrea; Ortolani, Andrea; Cortese, Silvina G; Biondi, Ana M

2015-01-01

The aim of the present work was to analyze the ultrastructure and mineral composition of the surface of the enamel on a molar with MIH, with and without acid etching. A permanent tooth without clinical MIH lesions (control) and a tooth with clinical diagnosis of mild and moderate MIH, with indication for extraction, were processed with and without acid etching (H3PO4 37%, 20") for observation with scanning electron microscope (SEM) ZEISS (Supra 40) and mineral composition analysis with an EDS detector (Oxford Instruments). The control enamel showed normal prismatic surface and etching pattern. The clinically healthy enamel on the tooth with MIH revealed partial loss of prismatic pattern. The mild lesion was porous with occasional cracks. The moderate lesion was more porous, with larger cracks and many scales. The mineral composition of the affected surfaces had lower Ca and P content and higher O and C. On the tooth with MIH, even on normal looking enamel, the demineralization does not correspond to an etching pattern, and exhibits exposure of crystals with rods with rounded ends and less demineralization in the inter-prismatic spaces. Acid etching increased the presence of cracks and deep pores in the adamantine structure of the enamel with lesion. In moderate lesions, the mineral composition had higher content of Ca, P and Cl. Enamel with MIH, even on clinically intact adamantine surfaces, shows severe alterations in the ultrastructure and changes in ionic composition, which affect the acid etching pattern and may interfere with adhesion.

Quasi-periodic Fibonacci and periodic one-dimensional hypersonic phononic crystals of porous silicon: Experiment and simulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aliev, Gazi N., E-mail: g.aliev@bath.ac.uk; Goller, Bernhard [Department of Physics, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY (United Kingdom)

2014-09-07

A one-dimensional Fibonacci phononic crystal and a distributed Bragg reflector were constructed from porous silicon. The structures had the same number of layers and similar acoustic impedance mismatch, and were electrochemically etched in highly boron doped silicon wafers. The thickness of the individual layers in the stacks was approximately 2 μm. Both types of hypersonic band gap structure were studied by direct measurement of the transmittance of longitudinal acoustic waves in the 0.1–2.6 GHz range. Acoustic band gaps deeper than 50 dB were detected in both structures. The experimental results were compared with model calculations employing the transfer matrix method. The acoustic properties of periodic and quasi-periodic structures in which half-wave retarding bi-layers do not consist of two quarter-wave retarding layers are discussed. The strong correlation between width and depth of gaps in the transmission spectra is demonstrated. The dominant mechanisms of acoustic losses in porous multilayer structures are discussed. The elastic constants remain proportional over our range of porosity, and hence, the Grüneisen parameter is constant. This simplifies the expression for the porosity dependence of the Akhiezer damping.

Functionalization of nanochannels by radio-induced grafting polymerization on PET track-etched membranes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soto Espinoza, S.L.; Arbeitman, C.R.; Clochard, M.C.; Grasselli, M.

2014-01-01

The application of swift-heavy ion bombardment to polymers is a well-established technique to manufacture micro- and nanopores onto polymeric films to obtain porous membranes. A few years ago, it was realized that, during ion bombardment, the high energy deposition along the ion path through the polymer reached cylindrical damage regions corresponding to the core trace and the penumbra. After the etching procedure, there are still enough active sites left in the penumbra that can be used to initiate a polymerization process selectively inside the membrane pores. In this study, we report the grafting polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate onto etched PET foils to obtain functionalized nanochannels. Grafted polymers were labeled with a fluorescent tag and analyzed by different fluorescence techniques such as direct fluorescence, fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy. These techniques allowed identifying and quantifying the grafted regions on the polymeric foils. - Highlights: • Irradiated PET foils with swift-heavy ions were etched and grafted in a step-by-step process. • Grafting polymerization was performed on the remaining active sites after etching. • Track-etched PET membranes were fluorescently labeled by chemical functionalization. • Functionalized track-etched PET membranes were analyzed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy

One-step electrochemical composite polymerization of polypyrrole integrated with functionalized graphene/carbon nanotubes nanostructured composite film for electrochemical capacitors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding Bing; Lu Xiangjun; Yuan Changzhou; Yang Sudong; Han Yongqin; Zhang Xiaogang; Che Qian

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: A novel one-step electrochemical co-deposition strategy was first proposed to prepare unique polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (PPy/F-RGO/CNTs) ternary composites, where F-RGO, CNTs, and PPy were electrodeposited simultaneously to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) highly porous film electrode. Highlights: ► Isolated, water-soluble graphene was obtained through benzenesulfonic functionalization. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs ternary composite film was prepared via one-step electrochemical co-deposition route. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs film shows 3-D highly porous nanostructure and high electrical conductivity. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs film exhibits high capacitance, good high-rate performance with a remarkable cycling stability. - Abstract: A novel one-step electrochemical composite polymerization strategy was first proposed to prepare unique polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (PPy/F-RGO/CNTs) ternary composites, where F-RGO, CNTs, and PPy were electrodeposited simultaneously to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) highly porous film electrode. Such ternary composite film electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 300 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 as well as a remarkable cycling stability at high rates, which is related to its unique nanostructure and high electrical conductivity. F-RGO and CNTs act as an electron-transporting backbone of a 3-D porous nanostructure, leaving adequate working space for facile electrolyte penetration and better faradaic utilization of the electro-active PPy. Furthermore, the straightforward approach proposed here can be readily extended to prepare other composite film electrodes with good electrochemical performance for energy storage.

Structural and optical characterization of porous anodic aluminum oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Galca, Aurelian C.; Kooij, E. Stefan; Wormeester, Herbert; Salm, Cora; Leca, Victor; Rector, Jan H.; Poelsema, Bene

2003-01-01

Spectroscopic ellipsometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments are employed to characterize porous aluminum oxide obtained by anodization of thin aluminum films. Rutherford backscattering spectra and x-ray diffraction experiments provide information on the composition and the structure of the samples. Results on our thin film samples with a well-defined geometry show that anodization of aluminum is reproducible and results in a porous aluminum oxide network with randomly distributed, but perfectly aligned cylindrical pores perpendicular to the substrate. The ellipsometry spectra are analyzed using an anisotropic optical model, partly based on the original work by Bruggeman. The model adequately describes the optical response of the anodized film in terms of three physically relevant parameters: the film thickness, the cylinder fraction, and the nanoporosity of the aluminum oxide matrix. Values of the first two quantities, obtained from fitting the spectra, are in perfect agreement with SEM results, when the nanoporosity of the aluminum oxide matrix is taken into account. The validity of our optical model was verified over a large range of cylinder fractions, by widening of the pores through chemical etching in phosphoric acid. While the cylinder fraction increases significantly with etch time and etchant concentration, the nanoporosity remains almost unchanged. Additionally, based on a simple model considering a linear etch rate, the concentration dependence of the etch rate was determined

Synthesis and characterization of porous silicon as hydroxyapatite host matrix of biomedical applications.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A Dussan

Full Text Available In this work, porous-silicon samples were prepared by electrochemical etching on p-type (B-doped Silicon (Si wafers. Hydrofluoric acid (HF-ethanol (C2H5OH [HF:Et] and Hydrofluoric acid (HF-dimethylformamide (DMF-C3H7NO [HF:DMF] solution concentrations were varied between [1:2]-[1:3] and [1:7]-[1:9], respectively. Effects of synthesis parameters, like current density, solution concentrations, reaction time, on morphological properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM measurements. Pore sizes varying from 20 nm to micrometers were obtained for long reaction times and [HF:Et] [1:2] concentrations; while pore sizes in the same order were observed for [HF:DMF] [1:7], but for shorter reaction time. Greater surface uniformity and pore distribution was obtained for a current density of around 8 mA/cm2 using solutions with DMF. A correlation between reflectance measurements and pore size is presented. The porous-silicon samples were used as substrate for hydroxyapatite growth by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD and SEM were used to characterize the layers grown. It was found that the layer topography obtained on PS samples was characterized by the evidence of Hydroxyapatite in the inter-pore regions and over the surface.

Synthesis and characterization of porous silicon as hydroxyapatite host matrix of biomedical applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Dussan, A; Bertel, S D; Melo, S F; Mesa, F

2017-01-01

In this work, porous-silicon samples were prepared by electrochemical etching on p-type (B-doped) Silicon (Si) wafers. Hydrofluoric acid (HF)-ethanol (C2H5OH) [HF:Et] and Hydrofluoric acid (HF)-dimethylformamide (DMF-C3H7NO) [HF:DMF] solution concentrations were varied between [1:2]-[1:3] and [1:7]-[1:9], respectively. Effects of synthesis parameters, like current density, solution concentrations, reaction time, on morphological properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Pore sizes varying from 20 nm to micrometers were obtained for long reaction times and [HF:Et] [1:2] concentrations; while pore sizes in the same order were observed for [HF:DMF] [1:7], but for shorter reaction time. Greater surface uniformity and pore distribution was obtained for a current density of around 8 mA/cm2 using solutions with DMF. A correlation between reflectance measurements and pore size is presented. The porous-silicon samples were used as substrate for hydroxyapatite growth by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM were used to characterize the layers grown. It was found that the layer topography obtained on PS samples was characterized by the evidence of Hydroxyapatite in the inter-pore regions and over the surface.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chemically Etched Nanostructured Silicon

KAUST Repository

Mughal, Asad Jahangir

2012-05-01

Silicon is an essential element in today’s modern world. Nanostructured Si is a more recently studied variant, which has currently garnered much attention. When its spatial dimensions are confined below a certain limit, its optical properties change dramatically. It transforms from an indirect bandgap material that does not absorb or emit light efficiently into one which can emit visible light at room temperatures. Although much work has been conducted in understanding the properties of nanostructured Si, in particular porous Si surfaces, a clear understanding of the origin of photoluminescence has not yet been produced. Typical synthesis approaches used to produce nanostructured Si, in particular porous Si and nanocrystalline Si have involved complex preparations used at high temperatures, pressures, or currents. The purpose of this thesis is to develop an easier synthesis approach to produce nanostructured Si as well as arrive at a clearer understanding of the origin of photoluminescence in these systems. We used a simple chemical etching technique followed by sonication to produce nanostructured Si suspensions. The etching process involved producing pores on the surface of a Si substrate in a solution containing hydrofluoric acid and an oxidant. Nanocrystalline Si as well as nanoscale amorphous porous Si suspensions were successfully synthesized using this process. We probed into the phase, composition, and origin of photoluminescence in these materials, through the use of several characterization techniques. TEM and SEM were used to determine morphology and phase. FT-IR and XPS were employed to study chemical compositions, and steady state and time resolved optical spectroscopy techniques were applied to resolve their photoluminescent properties. Our work has revealed that the type of oxidant utilized during etching had a significant impact on the final product. When using nitric acid as the oxidant, we formed nanocrystalline Si suspensions composed of

Novel single-cell mega-size chambers for electrochemical etching of panorama position-sensitive polycarbonate ion image detectors

Science.gov (United States)

Sohrabi, Mehdi

2017-11-01

A novel development is made here by inventing panorama single-cell mega-size electrochemical etching (MS-ECE) chamber systems for processing panorama position-sensitive mega-size polycarbonate ion image detectors (MS-PCIDs) of potential for many neutron and ion detection applications in particular hydrogen ions or proton tracks and images detected for the first time in polycarbonates in this study. The MS-PCID is simply a large polycarbonate sheet of a desired size. The single-cell MS-ECE invented consists of two large equally sized transparent Plexiglas sheets as chamber walls holding a MS-PCID and the ECE chamber components tightly together. One wall has a large flat stainless steel electrode (dry cell) attached to it which is directly in contact with the MS-PCID and the other wall has a rod electrode with two holes to facilitate feeding and draining out the etching solution from the wet cell. A silicon rubber washer plays the role of the wet cell to hold the etchant and the electrical insulator to isolate the dry cell from the wet cell. A simple 50 Hz-HV home-made generator provides an adequate field strength through the two electrodes across the MS-ECE chamber. Two panorama single-cell MS-ECE chamber systems (circular and rectangular shapes) constructed were efficiently applied to processing the MS-PCIDs for 4π ion emission image detection of different gases in particular hydrogen ions or protons in a 3.5 kJ plasma focus device (PFD as uniquely observed by the unaided eyes). The panorama MS-PCID/MS-ECE image detection systems invented are novel with high potential for many applications in particular as applied to 4π panorama ion emission angular distribution image detection studies in PFD space, some results of which are presented and discussed.

Synthesis and electrochemical capacitive properties of nitrogen-doped porous carbon micropolyhedra by direct carbonization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-11

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hao, Fei; Li, Li; Zhang, Xiaohua, E-mail: mickyxie@hnu.edu.cn; Chen, Jinhua, E-mail: chenjinhua@hnu.edu.cn

2015-06-15

Highlights: • Nitrogen-doped porous carbon micropolyhedra (N-PCMPs) were prepared from ZIF-11. • The activated N-PCMPs with fused KOH (N-PCMPs-A) have high specific surface area. • N-PCMPs-A exhibits high specific capacitance. • N-PCMPs-A reveals good cycling performance even at a high current density. - Abstract: Nitrogen-doped porous carbon micropolyhedra (N-PCMPs) were successfully prepared by direct carbonization of ZIF-11 polyhedra and further activated with fused KOH to obtain N-PCMPs-A. The morphology and microstructure of samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and micropore and chemisorption analyzer. Electrochemical properties were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge method in 1.0 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} aqueous solution on a standard three-electrode system. Results show that, compared with N-PCMPs, N-PCMPs-A has higher specific surface area (2188 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}) and exhibits improved electrochemical capacitive properties (307 F g{sup −1} at 1.0 A g{sup −1}). The mass specific capacitance of N-PCMPs-A is also higher than that of most MOF-derived carbons, some carbide-derived carbons and carbon aerogel-derived carbons. In addition, the capacitance of the N-PCMPs-A retains 90% after 4000 cycles even at a high current density of 10 A g{sup −1}. These imply that N-PCMPs-A is the promising materials for the construction of a high-performance supercapacitor.

In situ electrochemical etching and examination by SPM of titanate ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thorogood, G.J.; Short, K.T; Zhang, Y.

2002-01-01

Full text: The aqueous durability of titanate related ceramics is of great importance for the immobilisation of high level radioactive waste-in order to observe the reaction progress at the solid-liquid interface of these durable ceramics, we have attempted to accelerate the dissolution process via electrochemical means by using a SPM cell with electrochemical capability. The experiment involves placing a titanate ceramic disk (with flat polished surfaces) in the electrochemical cell. The cell is then set up with the ceramic acting as one electrode and another electrode being placed in the solution. In a flow through cell it is possible to select the pH and observe the change, not only in surface morphology as dissolution occurs, but also the frictional characteristics of the surface. The SPM tip plays no role in the electrochemical reaction. We will be presenting results from our work and discussing possible mechanisms for dissolution and future directions of the work. Copyright (2002) Australian Society for Electron Microscopy Inc

Enhanced ferro-actuator with a porosity-controlled membrane using the sol-gel process and the HF etching method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, KiSu; Ko, Seong Young; Park, Jong-Oh; Park, Sukho

2016-01-01

In this paper, we propose a ferro-actuator using a porous polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane. In detail, we fabricated the silica-embedded PVDF membrane using a sol-gel process with PVDF solution and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solution, where the size of the silica was determined by the ratio of the PVDF and TEOS solutions. Using hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, the silica were removed from the silica-embedded PVDF membrane, and porous PVDF membranes with different porosities were obtained. Finally, through absorption of a ferrofluid on the porous PVDF membrane, the proposed ferro-actuator using porous PVDF membranes with different porosities was fabricated. We executed the characterization and actuation test as follows. First, the silica size of the silica-embedded PVDF membrane and the pore size of the porous PVDF membrane were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Second, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis showed that the silica had clearly been removed from the silica-embedded PVDF membrane by HF etching. Third, through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) of the ferro-actuators, we found that more ferrofluids were absorbed by the porous PVDF membrane when the pore of the membrane was smaller and uniformly distributed. Finally, we executed tip displacement and a blocking force test of the proposed ferro-actuator using the porous PVDF membrane. Similar to the VSM result, the ferro-actuator that used a porous PVDF membrane with smaller pores exhibited better actuation performance. The ferro-actuator that used a porous PVDF membrane displayed a tip displacement that was about 7.2-fold better and a blocking force that was about 6.5-fold better than the ferro-actuator that used a pure PVDF membrane. Thus, we controlled the pore size of the porous PVDF membrane and enhanced the actuation performance of the ferro-actuator using a porous PVDF membrane. (technical note)

Electrochemical synthesis of MoS2 quantum dots embedded nanostructured porous silicon with enhanced electroluminescence property

Science.gov (United States)

Shrivastava, Megha; Kumari, Reeta; Parra, Mohammad Ramzan; Pandey, Padmini; Siddiqui, Hafsa; Haque, Fozia Z.

2017-11-01

In this report we present the successful enhancement in electroluminescence (EL) in nanostructured n-type porous silicon (PS) with an idea of embedding luminophorous Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) quantum dots (QD's). Electrochemical anodization technique was used for the formation of PS surface and MoS2 QD's were prepared using the electrochemical route. Spin coating technique was employed for the proper incorporation of MoS2 QD's within the PS nanostructures. The crystallographic analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. However, surface morphology was determined using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optical measurements were performed on photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometer; additionally for electroluminescence (EL) study special arrangement of instrumental setup was made at laboratory level which provides novelty to this work. A diode prototype was made comprising Ag/MoS2:PS/Silicon/Ag for EL study. The MoS2:PS shows a remarkable concentration dependent enhancement in PL as well as in EL intensities, which paves a way to better utilize this strategy in optoelectronic device applications.

Track-Etched Magnetic Micropores for Immunomagnetic Isolation of Pathogens

Science.gov (United States)

Muluneh, Melaku; Shang, Wu

2014-01-01

A microfluidic chip is developed to selectively isolate magnetically tagged cells from heterogeneous suspensions, the track-etched magnetic micropore (TEMPO) filter. The TEMPO consists of an ion track-etched polycarbonate membrane coated with soft magnetic film (Ni20Fe80). In the presence of an applied field, provided by a small external magnet, the filter becomes magnetized and strong magnetic traps are created along the edges of the micropores. In contrast to conventional microfluidics, fluid flows vertically through the porous membrane allowing large flow rates while keeping the capture rate high and the chip compact. By utilizing track-etching instead of conventional semiconductor fabrication, TEMPOs can be fabricated with microscale pores over large areas A > 1 cm2 at little cost ( 500 at a flow rate of Φ = 5 mL h−1. Furthermore, the large density of micropores (ρ = 106 cm−2) allows the TEMPO to sort E. coli from unprocessed environmental and clinical samples, as the blockage of a few pores does not significantly change the behavior of the device. PMID:24535921

Preparation of scanning tunneling microscopy tips using pulsed alternating current etching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valencia, Victor A.; Thaker, Avesh A.; Derouin, Jonathan; Valencia, Damian N.; Farber, Rachael G.; Gebel, Dana A.; Killelea, Daniel R.

2015-01-01

An electrochemical method using pulsed alternating current etching (PACE) to produce atomically sharp scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tips is presented. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used to control the number and duration of the alternating current (AC) pulses, allowing for ready optimization of the procedures for both Pt:Ir and W tips using a single apparatus. W tips prepared using constant and pulsed AC power were compared. Tips fashioned using PACE were sharper than those etched with continuous AC power alone. Pt:Ir tips were prepared with an initial coarse etching stage using continuous AC power followed by fine etching using PACE. The number and potential of the finishing AC pulses was varied and scanning electron microscope imaging was used to compare the results. Finally, tip quality using the optimized procedures was verified by UHV-STM imaging. With PACE, at least 70% of the W tips and 80% of the Pt:Ir tips were of sufficiently high quality to obtain atomically resolved images of HOPG or Ni(111)

Preparation of scanning tunneling microscopy tips using pulsed alternating current etching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Valencia, Victor A.; Thaker, Avesh A.; Derouin, Jonathan; Valencia, Damian N.; Farber, Rachael G.; Gebel, Dana A.; Killelea, Daniel R., E-mail: dkillelea@luc.edu [Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, 1068 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60660 (United States)

2015-03-15

An electrochemical method using pulsed alternating current etching (PACE) to produce atomically sharp scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tips is presented. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used to control the number and duration of the alternating current (AC) pulses, allowing for ready optimization of the procedures for both Pt:Ir and W tips using a single apparatus. W tips prepared using constant and pulsed AC power were compared. Tips fashioned using PACE were sharper than those etched with continuous AC power alone. Pt:Ir tips were prepared with an initial coarse etching stage using continuous AC power followed by fine etching using PACE. The number and potential of the finishing AC pulses was varied and scanning electron microscope imaging was used to compare the results. Finally, tip quality using the optimized procedures was verified by UHV-STM imaging. With PACE, at least 70% of the W tips and 80% of the Pt:Ir tips were of sufficiently high quality to obtain atomically resolved images of HOPG or Ni(111)

Porous silicon-based direct hydrogen sulphide fuel cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Dzhafarov, T D; Yuksel, S Aydin

2011-10-01

In this paper, the use of Au/porous silicon/Silicon Schottky type structure, as a direct hydrogen sulphide fuel cell is demonstrated. The porous silicon filled with hydrochlorid acid was developed as a proton conduction membrane. The Au/Porous Silicon/Silicon cells were fabricated by first creating the porous silicon layer in single-crystalline Si using the anodic etching under illumination and then deposition Au catalyst layer onto the porous silicon. Using 80 mM H2S solution as fuel the open circuit voltage of 0.4 V was obtained and maximum power density of 30 W/m2 at room temperature was achieved. These results demonstrate that the Au/Porous Silicon/Silicon direct hydrogen sulphide fuel cell which uses H2S:dH2O solution as fuel and operates at room temperature can be considered as the most promising type of low cost fuel cell for small power-supply units.

Micropatterned arrays of porous silicon: toward sensory biointerfaces.

Science.gov (United States)

Flavel, Benjamin S; Sweetman, Martin J; Shearer, Cameron J; Shapter, Joseph G; Voelcker, Nicolas H

2011-07-01

We describe the fabrication of arrays of porous silicon spots by means of photolithography where a positive photoresist serves as a mask during the anodization process. In particular, photoluminescent arrays and porous silicon spots suitable for further chemical modification and the attachment of human cells were created. The produced arrays of porous silicon were chemically modified by means of a thermal hydrosilylation reaction that facilitated immobilization of the fluorescent dye lissamine, and alternatively, the cell adhesion peptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine. The latter modification enabled the selective attachment of human lens epithelial cells on the peptide functionalized regions of the patterns. This type of surface patterning, using etched porous silicon arrays functionalized with biological recognition elements, presents a new format of interfacing porous silicon with mammalian cells. Porous silicon arrays with photoluminescent properties produced by this patterning strategy also have potential applications as platforms for in situ monitoring of cell behavior.

Electrochemically cathodic exfoliation of graphene sheets in room temperature ionic liquids N-butyl, methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and their electrochemical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Yingchang; Lu, Fang; Zhou, Zhou; Song, Weixin; Chen, Qiyuan; Ji, Xiaobo

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: Electrochemically cathodic exfoliation of graphite into few-layer graphene sheets in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) N-butyl, methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (BMPTF 2 N). -- Highlights: • Few-layer graphene sheets were prepared through electrochemically cathodic exfoliation in room temperature ionic liquids. • The mechanism of cathodic exfoliation in ionic liquids was proposed. • The derived activated graphene sheets show enhanced electrochemical properties. -- Abstract: Electrochemically cathodic exfoliation in room temperature ionic liquids N-butyl, methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (BMPTF 2 N) has been developed for few-layer graphene sheets, demonstrating low levels of oxygen (2.7 at% of O) with a nearly perfect structure (I D /I G 2 N involves the intercalation of ionic liquids cation [BMP] + under highly negatively charge followed by graphite expansion. Porous activated graphene sheets were also obtained by activation of graphene sheets in KOH. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize these graphene materials. The electrochemical performances of the graphene sheets and porous activated graphene sheets for lithium-ion battery anode materials were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Preparation of nano-porous LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with high electrochemical performances by a co-precipitation method for 5 V lithium-ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Xiaoling; Li, Hongliang; Li, Shiyou

2017-10-01

Porous LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is prepared by co-precipitation method. The results of scanning electron microscopy show that the sample has a nano-porous structure. Charge-discharge tests show that the synthesized product exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high initial discharge capacity of 129.1 mAh g-1 at 0.5 C and a preferably capacity retention of 96.5% after 200 cycles. The superior performance of the synthesized product is attributed to its nano-porous structure. The nanoparticle reduces the path of Li+ diffusion and increases the reaction sites for lithium insertion/extraction, the pores provide room to buffer the volume changes during charge-discharge.

Metal-assisted etch combined with regularizing etch

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yim, Joanne; Miller, Jeff; Jura, Michael; Black, Marcie R.; Forziati, Joanne; Murphy, Brian; Magliozzi, Lauren

2018-03-06

In an aspect of the disclosure, a process for forming nanostructuring on a silicon-containing substrate is provided. The process comprises (a) performing metal-assisted chemical etching on the substrate, (b) performing a clean, including partial or total removal of the metal used to assist the chemical etch, and (c) performing an isotropic or substantially isotropic chemical etch subsequently to the metal-assisted chemical etch of step (a). In an alternative aspect of the disclosure, the process comprises (a) performing metal-assisted chemical etching on the substrate, (b) cleaning the substrate, including removal of some or all of the assisting metal, and (c) performing a chemical etch which results in regularized openings in the silicon substrate.

Modification of porous silicon rugate filters through thiol-yne photochemistry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soeriyadi, Alexander H.; Zhu, Ying; Gooding, J. Justin; Reece, Peter

2014-01-01

Porous silicon (PSi) has a considerable potential as biosensor platform. In particular, the ability to modify the surface chemistry of porous silicon is of interest. Here we present a generic method to modify the surface of porous silicon through thiol-yne photochemistry initiated by a radical initiator. Firstly, a freshly etched porous silicon substrate is modified through thermal hydrosilylation with 1,8-nonadiyne to passivate the surface and introduce alkyne functionalities. The alkyne functional surface could then be further reacted with thiol species in the presence of a radical initiator and UV light. Functionalization of the PSi rugate filter is followed with optical reflectivity measurements as well as high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

Size Control of Porous Silicon-Based Nanoparticles via Pore-Wall Thinning.

Science.gov (United States)

Secret, Emilie; Leonard, Camille; Kelly, Stefan J; Uhl, Amanda; Cozzan, Clayton; Andrew, Jennifer S

2016-02-02

Photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals are very attractive for biomedical and electronic applications. Here a new process is presented to synthesize photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals with diameters smaller than 6 nm from a porous silicon template. These nanoparticles are formed using a pore-wall thinning approach, where the as-etched porous silicon layer is partially oxidized to silica, which is dissolved by a hydrofluoric acid solution, decreasing the pore-wall thickness. This decrease in pore-wall thickness leads to a corresponding decrease in the size of the nanocrystals that make up the pore walls, resulting in the formation of smaller nanoparticles during sonication of the porous silicon. Particle diameters were measured using dynamic light scattering, and these values were compared with the nanocrystallite size within the pore wall as determined from X-ray diffraction. Additionally, an increase in the quantum confinement effect is observed for these particles through an increase in the photoluminescence intensity of the nanoparticles compared with the as-etched nanoparticles, without the need for a further activation step by oxidation after synthesis.

Synthesis of Porous Europium Oxide Particles for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Cheng-Hui; Zheng, Kai; Lou, Kai-Li; Meng, Xiao-Ting; Yan, Zi-Qiao; Ye, Zhen-Ni; Su, Rui-Rui; Zhong, Shengliang

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Porous Eu 2 O 3 particles were synthesized by a facile electrochemical method. • Porous Eu 2 O 3 NPs were firstly implemented as photoanode for PEC water splitting. • The Eu 2 O 3 NPs exhibited good PEC performance and stability. - Abstract: In this paper, we report the facile electrochemical synthesis of porous Eu 2 O 3 particles (NPs) and their implementation as photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for the first time. These porous Eu 2 O 3 NPs exhibit a significant photocurrent density of 40 μA cm −2 at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl in 1 M KOH electrolyte under white light irradiation (Xe lamp, 100 mW cm −2 ). Moreover, the as-synthesized Eu 2 O 3 NPs have an excellent PEC stability with no obvious decay in its photocurrent after 100 min irradiation

Effective antireflection properties of porous silicon nanowires for photovoltaic applications

KAUST Repository

Najar, Adel; Al-Jabr, Ahmad; Alsunaidi, Mohammad; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Ng, Tien Khee; Ooi, Boon S.; Ben Slimane, Ahmed; Sougrat, Rachid

2013-01-01

Porous silicon nanowires (PSiNWs) have been prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching method on the n-Si substrate. The presence of nano-pores with pore size ranging between 10-50nm in SiNWs was confirmed by electron tomography (ET

The fabrication of nitrogen detector porous silicon nanostructures

Science.gov (United States)

Husairi, F. S.; Othman, N.; Eswar, K. A.; Guliling, Muliyadi; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.; Abdullah, S.

2018-05-01

In this study the porous silicon nanostructure used as a the nitrogen detector was fabricated by using anodization method because of simple and easy to handle. This method using 20 mA/ cm2 of current density and the etching time is from 10 - 40 minutes. The properties of the porous silicon nanostructure analyzed using I-V testing (electrical properties) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. From the I-V testing, sample PsiE40 where the sensitivity is 25.4% is a sensitivity of PSiE40 at 10 seconds exposure time.

Electrochemical and hydrothermal deposition of ZnO on silicon: from continuous films to nanocrystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Balucani, M.; Nenzi, P.; Chubenko, E.; Klyshko, A.; Bondarenko, V.

2011-01-01

This article presents the study of the electrochemical deposition of zinc oxide from the non-aqueous solution based on dimethyl sulfoxide and zinc chloride into the porous silicon matrix. The features of the deposition process depending on the thickness of the porous silicon layer are presented. It is shown that after deposition process the porous silicon matrix is filled with zinc oxide nanocrystals with a diameter of 10–50 nm. The electrochemically deposited zinc oxide layers on top of porous silicon are shown to have a crystalline structure. It is also shown that zinc oxide crystals formed by hydrothermal method on the surface of electrochemically deposited zinc oxide film demonstrate ultra-violet luminescence. The effect of the porous silicon layer thickness on the morphology of the zinc oxide is shown. The structures obtained demonstrated two luminescence bands peaking at the 375 and 600 nm wavelengths. Possible applications of ZnO nanostructures, porous and continuous polycrystalline ZnO films such as gas sensors, light-emitting diodes, photovoltaic devices, and nanopiezo energy generators are considered. Aspects of integration with conventional silicon technology are also discussed.

Track profile and range studies of heavy and light ions in CR-39: effect of thermal pre-treatment on etching characteristics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Najjar, S.A.R.; Bull, R.K.; Durrani, S.A.

1982-01-01

Sheets of CR 39 have been irradiated with 20 Ne, 32 S, 40 Ar, 56 Fe and 63 Cu ions at normal incidence to the surface of the sheets and at normal incidence to the edges. The profiles of the etched tracks have been observed side-on and measurements made of the variation of V (the ratio of track to bulk etching velocities) along the tracks and of the fully etched range of the tracks. Heating the plastic at 100 0 C prior to etching produces zones within the plastic having different bulk etching rates Vsub(B). An outer zone of low Vsub(B) is followed by a zone of much higher Vsub(B). This allows tracks to be readily etched to very large diameters, comparable in size to the breakdown spots produced by electrochemical etching. (author)

Integration of Porous Carbon Nanowrinkles into Carbon Micropost Array for Microsupercapacitors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shuang Xi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Porous carbon nanowrinkles (PCW coated on carbon micropost (CMP arrays were successfully fabricated via three-step process, which took advantages of the large difference in elastic moduli between PCW and the raw material of CMP. The effect of nanowrinkle integration on the electrochemical performances was investigated, showing an improved electrochemical performance. The electrode also shows excellent cycling stability, which retains 84% of its initial discharge capacitance after 1700 cycles with >90% Coulombic efficiency. This enhanced electrochemical performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of enlarged surface area and porous structure of PCW. The obtained PCW/CMP compositing electrode with the advantages of low cost and easy scaling-up has great potential for on-chip supercapacitors.

Silica decorated on porous activated carbon nanofiber composites for high-performance supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, So Yeun; Kim, Bo-Hye

2016-10-01

A hybrid of silica decorated on porous activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) is fabricated in the form of a web via electrospinning and an activation process as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors in an organic electrolyte. The introduction of PhSiH3 (PS) into the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution induces a porous ACNF structure containing silica nanoparticles (NPs) via the spontaneous sol-gel process of PS by steam in the subsequent physical activation process. These inorganic-organic hybrid composites of porous ACNF containing silica NPs show superior specific capacitance and energy density in electrochemical tests, along with good rate capability and excellent cycle life in an organic electrolyte, which is attributed to the combination of ACNF's high surface area and silica's hydrophilicity. The electrochemical performance decreases with increasing PS concentration, and this trend is consistent with the specific surface area results, which reveal the rapid formation of a double layer.

Development of Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Porous Supports for High Flux Composite Membranes: Air Plasma and Piranha Etching

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ilya Borisov

2017-02-01

Full Text Available For the development of high efficiency porous supports for composite membrane preparation, polysulfone (PSf hollow fiber membranes (outer diameter 1.57 mm, inner diameter 1.12 mm were modified by air plasma using the low temperature plasma treatment pilot plant which is easily scalable to industrial level and the Piranha etch (H2O2 + H2SO4. Chemical and plasma modification affected only surface layers and did not cause PSf chemical structure change. The modifications led to surface roughness decrease, which is of great importance for further thin film composite (TFC membranes fabrication by dense selective layer coating, and also reduced water and ethylene glycol contact angle values for modified hollow fibers surface. Furthermore, the membranes surface energy increased two-fold. The Piranha mixture chemical modification did not change the membranes average pore size and gas permeance values, while air plasma treatment increased pore size 1.5-fold and also 2 order enhanced membranes surface porosity. Since membranes surface porosity increased due to air plasma treatment the modified membranes were used as efficient supports for preparation of high permeance TFC membranes by using poly[1-(trimethylsilyl-1-propyne] as an example for selective layer fabrication.

A parametric study of laser induced ablation-oxidation on porous silicon surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

De Stefano, Luca; Rea, Ilaria; Nigro, M Arcangela; Della Corte, Francesco G; Rendina, Ivo

2008-01-01

We have investigated the laser induced ablation-oxidation process on porous silicon layers having different porosities and thicknesses by non-destructive optical techniques. In particular, the interaction between a low power blue light laser and the porous silicon surfaces has been characterized by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The oxidation profiles etched on the porous samples can be tuned as functions of the layer porosity and laser fluence. Oxide stripes of width less than 2 μm and with thicknesses between 100 nm and 5 μm have been produced, depending on the porosity of the porous silicon, by using a 40 x focusing objective

Unveiling the Formation Pathway of Single Crystalline Porous Silicon Nanowires

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Xing; Qu, Yongquan; Lin, Yung-Chen; Liao, Lei; Duan, Xiangfeng

2011-01-01

Porous silicon nanowire is emerging as an interesting material system due to its unique combination of structural, chemical, electronic, and optical properties. To fully understand their formation mechanism is of great importance for controlling the fundamental physical properties and enabling potential applications. Here we present a systematic study to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the formation of porous silicon nanowires in a two-step silver-assisted electroless chemical etching method. It is shown that silicon nanowire arrays with various porosities can be prepared by varying multiple experimental parameters such as the resistivity of the starting silicon wafer, the concentration of oxidant (H2O2) and the amount of silver catalyst. Our study shows a consistent trend that the porosity increases with the increasing wafer conductivity (dopant concentration) and oxidant (H2O2) concentration. We further demonstrate that silver ions, formed by the oxidation of silver, can diffuse upwards and re-nucleate on the sidewalls of nanowires to initiate new etching pathways to produce porous structure. The elucidation of this fundamental formation mechanism opens a rational pathway to the production of wafer-scale single crystalline porous silicon nanowires with tunable surface areas ranging from 370 m2·g−1 to 30 m2·g−1, and can enable exciting opportunities in catalysis, energy harvesting, conversion, storage, as well as biomedical imaging and therapy. PMID:21244020

Thermal Annealing induced relaxation of compressive strain in porous GaN structures

KAUST Repository

Ben Slimane, Ahmed

2012-01-01

The effect of annealing on strain relaxation in porous GaN fabricated using electroless chemical etching is presented. The Raman shift of 1 cm-1 in phonon frequency of annealed porous GaN with respect to as-grown GaN corresponds to a relaxation of compressive strain by 0.41 ± 0.04 GPa. The strain relief promises a marked reduction in threading dislocation for subsequent epitaxial growth.

Electrochemical reduction of nickel ions from dilute solutions

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Njau, K.N.; Janssen, L.J.J.

1995-01-01

Electrochemical reduction of nickel ions in dilute solution using a divided GBC-cell is of interest for purification of waste waters. A typical solution to be treated is the effluent from steel etching processes which contain low quantities of nickel, chromate and chromium ions. Reduction of

Buried Porous Silicon-Germanium Layers in Monocrystalline Silicon Lattices

Science.gov (United States)

Fathauer, Robert W. (Inventor); George, Thomas (Inventor); Jones, Eric W. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

Monocrystalline semiconductor lattices with a buried porous semiconductor layer having different chemical composition is discussed and monocrystalline semiconductor superlattices with a buried porous semiconductor layers having different chemical composition than that of its monocrystalline semiconductor superlattice are discussed. Lattices of alternating layers of monocrystalline silicon and porous silicon-germanium have been produced. These single crystal lattices have been fabricated by epitaxial growth of Si and Si-Ge layers followed by patterning into mesa structures. The mesa structures are strain etched resulting in porosification of the Si-Ge layers with a minor amount of porosification of the monocrystalline Si layers. Thicker Si-Ge layers produced in a similar manner emitted visible light at room temperature.

A Highly Controllable Electrochemical Anodization Process to Fabricate Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membranes

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Yuanjing; Lin, Qingfeng; Liu, Xue; Gao, Yuan; He, Jin; Wang, Wenli; Fan, Zhiyong

2015-12-01

Due to the broad applications of porous alumina nanostructures, research on fabrication of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) with nanoporous structure has triggered enormous attention. While fabrication of highly ordered nanoporous AAO with tunable geometric features has been widely reported, it is known that its growth rate can be easily affected by the fluctuation of process conditions such as acid concentration and temperature during electrochemical anodization process. To fabricate AAO with various geometric parameters, particularly, to realize precise control over pore depth for scientific research and commercial applications, a controllable fabrication process is essential. In this work, we revealed a linear correlation between the integrated electric charge flow throughout the circuit in the stable anodization process and the growth thickness of AAO membranes. With this understanding, we developed a facile approach to precisely control the growth process of the membranes. It was found that this approach is applicable in a large voltage range, and it may be extended to anodization of other metal materials such as Ti as well.

Introducing etch kernels for efficient pattern sampling and etch bias prediction

Science.gov (United States)

Weisbuch, François; Lutich, Andrey; Schatz, Jirka

2018-01-01

Successful patterning requires good control of the photolithography and etch processes. While compact litho models, mainly based on rigorous physics, can predict very well the contours printed in photoresist, pure empirical etch models are less accurate and more unstable. Compact etch models are based on geometrical kernels to compute the litho-etch biases that measure the distance between litho and etch contours. The definition of the kernels, as well as the choice of calibration patterns, is critical to get a robust etch model. This work proposes to define a set of independent and anisotropic etch kernels-"internal, external, curvature, Gaussian, z_profile"-designed to represent the finest details of the resist geometry to characterize precisely the etch bias at any point along a resist contour. By evaluating the etch kernels on various structures, it is possible to map their etch signatures in a multidimensional space and analyze them to find an optimal sampling of structures. The etch kernels evaluated on these structures were combined with experimental etch bias derived from scanning electron microscope contours to train artificial neural networks to predict etch bias. The method applied to contact and line/space layers shows an improvement in etch model prediction accuracy over standard etch model. This work emphasizes the importance of the etch kernel definition to characterize and predict complex etch effects.

Electrochemical Design of Optical Nanoantennas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vasilchenko V.E.

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Electrochemical techniques for fabricating tapered gold nanoantennas (tips are discussed. In the paper, the tunable design of nanoantennas is demonstrated. Tip parameters such as a tip apex curvature, mesoscopic morphology, aspect ratio and enhancement factor can be varied with etching electrolyte and applied voltage. The low-cost method makes tipehnahced optical spectroscopy and microscopy feasible for routine optical measurements beyond the diffraction limit.

KOH etched graphite felt with improved wettability and activity for vanadium flow batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Zhengyang; Xi, Jingyu; Zhou, Haipeng; Qiu, Xinping

2016-01-01

Highlights: • GF electrode is activated by KOH etching method for VFB application. • The wettability and activity of eGF electrode towards VO 2+ /VO 2 + and V 2+ /V 3+ couples are improved. • VFB with eGF electrode can run stable at current densities range from 50 to 250 mA cm −2 . • Cycling test at current density of 150 mA cm −2 confirms the superior durability of eGF electrode. - Abstract: In this work, a simple and effective method to activate graphite felt (GF) electrode by using KOH as etching agent is studied for vanadium flow battery (VFB) application. The surface of GF is etched by KOH at 800 °C to generate micropores and attain oxygen-containing functional groups, resulting in greatly improved electrolyte accessibility. Surface morphology, oxygen distribution and microstructure of the KOH etched graphite felts (eGFs) are characterized by SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD and Raman techniques. Due to the abundant exposed edge carbon sites and oxygen-containing functional groups introduced by KOH activation, electrochemical activity of eGFs towards both VO 2+ /VO 2 + and V 2+ /V 3+ redox couples are remarkably improved comparing with GF. In particular, eGF-2 (mass ratio of KOH/GF = 1.25) exhibits the best electrochemical activity and VFB performance among all eGFs. Moreover, the VFB with eGF-2 electrode can run at current density up to 250 mA cm −2 with the energy efficiency of 64%. Long-term cycle life test at higher current density of 150 mA cm −2 confirms the outstanding stability of eGF-2 electrode.

XPS study of palladium sensitized nano porous silicon thin film

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Keywords. Porous silicon; passivation; palladium; oxidation; XPS. Abstract. Nano porous silicon (PS) was formed on -type monocrystalline silicon of 2–5 cm resistivity and (100) orientation by electrochemical anodization method using HF and ethanol as the electrolytes. High density of surface states, arising due to its ...

Formation of Porous Silicon Carbide and its Suitability as a Chemical and Temperature Detector

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Rittenhouse, Tilghman

2004-01-01

.... A novel electroless method of producing porous silicon carbide (PSiC) is presented. Unlike anodic methods of producing PSiC the electroless process does not require electrical contact during etching...

High-performance macroporous bulk silicon anodes synthesized by template-free chemical etching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bang, Byoung Man; Lee, Jung-In; Kim, Hyunjung; Cho, Jaephil; Park, Soojin [Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan (Korea, Republic of)

2012-07-15

Three-dimensional porous silicon particles can be produced via the combination of a galvanic displacement reaction and a metal-assisted chemical etching process. This simple synthetic route can be applied to make high-performance anode materials, including high specific capacity, stable cycling retention, and high rate capability, in lithium-ion batteries. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Track-etch dosemeter response to neutrons up to 300 MeV

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Devine, R.T.; Walker, S.; Staples, P.; Duran, M.; Mundis, R.; Miller, J.

1996-01-01

Electro-chemical and chemical track-etch dosemeters were obtained from commercial suppliers and exposed to neutrons produced at the LANTF WNR white neutron source at 15 degree with no shielding and filtered by polyethylene blocks of 2.5, 5.1, 10.2, 20.3 and 40.6 cin thickness. The neutron spectrum was determined using calculations. Mean energies from 28 to 300 MeV were produced. Dose was calculated from the NCRP-38 flux-to-dose conversion. The results are compared with NTA film which was exposed in the same configuration. The response of track etch dosimeters was found to reach a minimum and then rise as the average neutron energy increased. The response of the NTA film increased as the neutron energy increased

Annealing Heat Treatment of ZnO Nanoparticles Grown on Porous Si Substrate Using Spin-Coating Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

K. A. Eswar

2014-01-01

Full Text Available ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on porous silicon (PSi substrate using spin-coating method. In order to prepare PSi, electrochemical etching was employed to modify the Si surface. Zinc acetate dihydrate was used as a starting material in ZnO sol-gel solution preparation. The postannealing treatments were investigated on morphologies and photoluminescence (PL properties of the ZnO thin films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM results indicate that the thin films composed by ZnO nanoparticles were distributed uniformly on PSi. The average sizes of ZnO nanoparticle increase with increasing annealing temperature. Atomic force microscopic (AFM analysis reveals that ZnO thin films annealed at 500°C had the smoothest surface. PL spectra show two peaks that completely correspond to nanostructured ZnO and PSi. These findings indicate that the ZnO nanostructures grown on PSi are promising for application as light emitting devices.

Synthesis of aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers from porous anodic alumina

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jha, Himendra; Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Sakairi, Masatoshi; Takahashi, Hideaki [Laboratory of Interface Microstructure Analysis (LIMSA), Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8628 (Japan)], E-mail: himendra@eng.hokudai.ac.jp

2008-10-01

A novel method for the synthesis of aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers from a porous anodic oxide film of aluminum is demonstrated. In the present method, the porous anodic alumina not only acts as a template, but also serves as the starting material for the synthesis. The porous anodic alumina film is hydrothermally treated for pore-sealing, which forms aluminum oxy-hydroxide inside the pores of the oxide film as well as on the surface of the film. The hydrothermally sealed porous oxide film is immersed in the sodium citrate solution, which selectively etches the porous aluminum oxide from the film, leaving the oxy-hydroxide intact. The method is simple and gives highly uniform aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers. Moreover, the diameter of the nanofibers can be controlled by controlling the pore size of the porous anodic alumina film, which depends on the anodizing conditions. Nanofibers with diameters of about 38-85 nm, having uniform shape and size, were successfully synthesized using the present method.

Synthesis of aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers from porous anodic alumina

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jha, Himendra; Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Sakairi, Masatoshi; Takahashi, Hideaki

2008-01-01

A novel method for the synthesis of aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers from a porous anodic oxide film of aluminum is demonstrated. In the present method, the porous anodic alumina not only acts as a template, but also serves as the starting material for the synthesis. The porous anodic alumina film is hydrothermally treated for pore-sealing, which forms aluminum oxy-hydroxide inside the pores of the oxide film as well as on the surface of the film. The hydrothermally sealed porous oxide film is immersed in the sodium citrate solution, which selectively etches the porous aluminum oxide from the film, leaving the oxy-hydroxide intact. The method is simple and gives highly uniform aluminum oxy-hydroxide nanofibers. Moreover, the diameter of the nanofibers can be controlled by controlling the pore size of the porous anodic alumina film, which depends on the anodizing conditions. Nanofibers with diameters of about 38-85 nm, having uniform shape and size, were successfully synthesized using the present method

Engineered porous silicon counter electrodes for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Erwin, William R; Oakes, Landon; Chatterjee, Shahana; Zarick, Holly F; Pint, Cary L; Bardhan, Rizia

2014-06-25

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time, the use of porous silicon (P-Si) as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with efficiencies (5.38%) comparable to that achieved with platinum counter electrodes (5.80%). To activate the P-Si for triiodide reduction, few layer carbon passivation is utilized to enable electrochemical stability of the silicon surface. Our results suggest porous silicon as a promising sustainable and manufacturable alternative to rare metals for electrochemical solar cells, following appropriate surface modification.

Novel Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} porous polyhedrons derived from metal–organic framework toward high performance for electrochemical energy devices

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Youcun, E-mail: chenyc@aqtc.edu.cn [Anqing Normal College, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anqing 246011 (China); Hu, Lin [High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China)

2016-07-15

Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} polyhedrons with porous structure have been synthesized simply by annealing Prussian blue analogue (PBA) Co{sub 3}[Co(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2} polyhedrons at 400 °C in air. The product was characterized by a series of techniques, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) gas adsorption. Interestingly, when evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} porous polyhedrons manifested high reversible capacity (about 1200 mAh g{sup −1} at 50 mA g{sup −1}) and excellent cycling performance. Moreover, they also exhibited a high specific capacitance of 110 Fg{sup −1} when used as an electrode in the supercapacitor. It is suggested that the special morphology and porous nanostructure lead to the promising electrochemical properties. - Graphical abstract: Novel and complicated mesoporous architectures of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} have been fabricated by thermal decomposition of Prussian Blue Analog (PBA) Co{sub 3}[Co(CN){sub 6}]{sub 2} polyhedrons which obtained at the room temperature. When Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} product was evaluated for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), they exhibited high reversible capacity of 1000 mAh g{sup −1} with excellent cycle life because of the hollow/porous structure. Display Omitted.

Chemically Etched Silicon Nanowires as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

West, Hannah Elise [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

2015-08-01

This study focused on silicon as a high capacity replacement anode for Lithium-ion batteries. The challenge of silicon is that it expands ~270% upon lithium insertion which causes particles of silicon to fracture, causing the capacity to fade rapidly. To account for this expansion chemically etched silicon nanowires from the University of Maine were studied as anodes. They were built into electrochemical half-cells and cycled continuously to measure the capacity and capacity fade.

The study of optimal conditions of electrochemical etching of tunnel electron microscopy tungsten tips; Estudio de las condiciones optimas para la preparacion electroquimica de puntas de tungsteno para el Microscopio de Efecto Tunel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anguiano, E; Aguilar, M [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales del SCIC, Madrid (Spain); Olivar, A I [Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Merida. Departamento de fisica Aplicada, Yucatan, Mexico (Mexico)

1997-12-31

We present the experimental results obtained during the study made in the electrochemical etching of tunneling electron microscopy tungsten tips. The experiments was made using DC and two usual electrolytes: KOH and NaOH. For the tip preparation we used a electrochemical cell with stainless steel cathode and the tungsten wire as anode. the electrodes was introduced in a glass recipient containing the electrolytic solution. We study the effects of applied voltage, polish time, tip length and electrolyte concentration as process relevant parameters. The best condition for tip preparation was obtained with a metallurgical microscope and with a SEM.EDX and Auger analysis was made. The results shown the better tips was made with KOH as electrolyte with a limited concentration range (2-4 normal) and applied voltage (2-6 volts) (Author) 20 refs.

Effect of Current Density on Thermal and Optical Properties of p-Type Porous Silicon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kasra Behzad; Wan Mahmood Mat Yunus; Zainal Abidin Talib; Azmi Zakaria; Afarin Bahrami

2011-01-01

The different parameters of the porous silicon (PSi) can be tuned by changing some parameters in preparation process. We have chosen the anodization as formation method, so the related parameters should be changed. In this study the porous silicon (PSi) layers were formed on p-type Si wafer. The samples were anodized electrically in a fixed etching time under some different current densities. The structural and optical properties of porous silicon (PSi) on silicon (Si) substrates were investigated using photoluminescence (PL) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS). (author)

3D nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel nanomesh: Facile synthesis and electrochemical properties as the electrode materials for supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Su, Xiao-Li; Fu, Lin; Cheng, Ming-Yu; Yang, Jing-He; Guan, Xin-Xin; Zheng, Xiu-Cheng

2017-12-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel nanomesh (N-GANM) has been hydrothermally prepared from graphene oxide and ammonium hydroxide using iron nitrate as the etching agent. The results showed that N-GANM with an interesting nanomesh structure on the graphene sheets maintained the 3D architecture of graphene aerogel (GA). Furthermore, it exhibited excellent electrochemical capacitive behavior and the specific capacitance value (290.0 F g-1 at 1 A g-1) remained approximately 90.3% after 2000 cycles in the three-electrode system. In addition, N-GANM displayed an energy density of 30.9 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 450.3 W kg-1 and excellent cycling stability retention (98%) after 10,000 cycles in the two-electrode symmetric device. The resulting N-GANM was expected to be a much favorable supercapacitor electrode material due to the heteroatom-doping and its unique porous structure.

Porous micrometer-sized MnO cubes as anode of lithium ion battery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fan, Xiaoyong; Li, Siheng; Lu, Li

2016-01-01

In this study, porous micrometer-sized MnO cubes have been designed and synthesized by hydrothermal treatment followed by high temperature annealing. The pore size is controlled by changing annealing temperature in order to achieve good electrochemical performance. The cube edge length is about 10 μm and the pore size changes from mesoporous to macroporous. The presence of pores in the MnO cubes is able to accommodate the volumetric changes during electrochemical cycling, and enables electrolyte easy penetration so that to improve the electrochemical performance. The porous micrometer-sized MnO cubes prepared by hydrothermal treatment at 100 °C followed by annealing at 700 °C delivers the best long-term and rate cyclability owing to its stable porous structure serving as lithium ion rapid transfer channels and enough pore volume to accommodate volumetric changes during electrochemical cycling. The reversible capacity in the first cycle is 615.9 mAh g"−"1at 0.2 A g"−"1, slightly decreases to 404.6 mAh g"−"1 at 1.0 A g"−"1in the 6"t"h cycle and remains at 425.5 mAh g"−"1 at 1.0 A g"−"1 even after 495 cycles. The same porous micrometer-sized MnO cube electrode delivers high rate reversible specific capacities of 201.8 and 50.4 mAh g"−"1 at 5.0 and 10.0 A g"−"1 respectively.

A novel method to fabricate discrete porous carbon hemispheres and their electrochemical properties as supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jiafu; Lang, Zhanlin; Xu, Qun; Zhang, Jianan; Fu, Jianwei; Chen, Zhimin

2013-11-07

A simple and efficient method to produce discrete, hierarchical porous carbon hemispheres (CHs) with high uniformity has been successfully developed by constructing nanoreactors and using low crosslinked poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) (P(St-co-DVB)) capsules as precursors. The samples are characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N2 adsorption and desorption. Considering their application, the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization are tested. The experimental results show that the achievement of discrete and perfect carbon hemispheres is dependent on the proper amount of DVB in the P(St-co-DVB) capsules, which can contribute to the ideal thickness or mechanical strength of the shells. When the amount of DVB is 35 wt% in the precursors, a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 676 m(2) g(-1) can be obtained for the carbon hemispheres, and the extremely large pore volume of 2.63 cm(3) g(-1) can also be achieved at the same time. The electrochemical test shows the carbon hemispheres have a higher specific capacitance of ca. 83 F g(-1) at 10 mV s(-1), compared to other carbon materials. So this method supplies a platform to extend the fabrication field of carbon materials and supplies more chances for the application of carbon materials including carbon hemispheres that are important components and substrates for supercapacitors.

Enhanced photo-response of porous silicon photo-detectors by embeddingTitanium-dioxide nano-particles

Science.gov (United States)

Ali, Hiba M.; Makki, Sameer A.; Abd, Ahmed N.

2018-05-01

Porous silicon (n-PS) films can be prepared by photoelectochemical etching (PECE) Silicon chips n - types with 15 (mA / cm2), in 15 minutes etching time on the fabrication nano-sized pore arrangement. By using X-ray diffraction measurement and atomic power microscopy characteristics (AFM), PS was investigated. It was also evaluated the crystallites size from (XRD) for the PS nanoscale. The atomic force microscopy confirmed the nano-metric size chemical fictionalization through the electrochemical etching that was shown on the PS surface chemical composition. The atomic power microscopy checks showed the roughness of the silicon surface. It is also notified (TiO2) preparation nano-particles that were prepared by pulse laser eradication in ethanol (PLAL) technique through irradiation with a Nd:YAG laser pulses TiO2 target that is sunk in methanol using 400 mJ of laser energy. It has been studied the structural, optical and morphological of TiO2NPs. It has been detected that through XRD measurement, (TiO2) NPs have been Tetragonal crystal structure. While with AFM measurements, it has been realized that the synthesized TiO2 particles are spherical with an average particle size in the (82 nm) range. It has been determined that the energy band gap of TiO2 NPs from optical properties and set to be in (5eV) range.The transmittance and reflectance spectra have determined the TiO2 NPs optical constants. It was reported the effectiveness of TiO2 NPs expansion on the PS Photodetector properties which exposes the benefits in (Al/PS/Si/Al). The built-in tension values depend on the etching time current density and laser flounce. Al/TiO2/PS/Si/Al photo-detector heterojunction have two response peaks that are situated at 350 nm and (700 -800nm) with max sensitivity ≈ 0.7 A/W. The maximum given detectivity is 9.38at ≈ 780 nm wavelength.

Combustion performance of porous silicon-based energetic composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mason, Benjamin Aaron [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Son, Steve F [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Asay, Blaine W [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Cho, Kevin Y [PURDUE UNIV

2009-01-01

The combustion performance of oxidizer filled porous silicon(PSi) was studied. PSi samples with diameters of 2.54 cm were fabricated by electrochemical etching. The % porosity of the samples ranged from 55 to 82%. The samples were cut into 3-5 mm strips and filled with the oxidizers NaClO{sub 4} x 1H{sub 2}O, Ca(ClO{sub 4}){sub 2} x 4H{sub 2}O, S and perfluoropolyether (PFPE). The filled PSi was then burned by igniting the sample with a hot NiChrome{trademark} wire. The burns were recorded using high speed photography from which bring rates were calculated. That burning rates showed a strong dependency on quality of the oxidizer loading. The % porosity did not appear to have a direct affect on the burning rates for those studied. PSi loaded with NaClO{sub 4} x 1H{sub 2}O produced burning rates that ranged from 216-349 cm/s. PSi loaded with Ca(ClO{sub 4}){sub x}x 4 H{sub 2}O had burning rates of 154-285 cm/s. An S filled PSi sample burned a rate of 16 to 290 cm/s, and perfluoropolyether loaded PSi burned at a rate of 1.4 cm/s.

Fabrication and surface passivation of porous 6H-SiC by atomic layer deposited films

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lu, Weifang; Ou, Yiyu; Petersen, Paul Michael

2016-01-01

Porous 6H-SiC samples with different thicknesses were fabricated through anodic etching in diluted hydrofluoric acid. Scanning electron microscope images show that the dendritic pore formation in 6HSiC is anisotropic, which has different lateral and vertical formation rates. Strong photoluminesce...... above the 6H-SiC crystal band gap, which suggests that the strong photoluminescence is ascribed to surface state produced during the anodic etching....

Oxygen- and Nitrogen-Enriched 3D Porous Carbon for Supercapacitors of High Volumetric Capacity.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jia; Liu, Kang; Gao, Xiang; Yao, Bin; Huo, Kaifu; Cheng, Yongliang; Cheng, Xiaofeng; Chen, Dongchang; Wang, Bo; Sun, Wanmei; Ding, Dong; Liu, Meilin; Huang, Liang

2015-11-11

Efficient utilization and broader commercialization of alternative energies (e.g., solar, wind, and geothermal) hinges on the performance and cost of energy storage and conversion systems. For now and in the foreseeable future, the combination of rechargeable batteries and electrochemical capacitors remains the most promising option for many energy storage applications. Porous carbonaceous materials have been widely used as an electrode for batteries and supercapacitors. To date, however, the highest specific capacitance of an electrochemical double layer capacitor is only ∼200 F/g, although a wide variety of synthetic approaches have been explored in creating optimized porous structures. Here, we report our findings in the synthesis of porous carbon through a simple, one-step process: direct carbonization of kelp in an NH3 atmosphere at 700 °C. The resulting oxygen- and nitrogen-enriched carbon has a three-dimensional structure with specific surface area greater than 1000 m(2)/g. When evaluated as an electrode for electrochemical double layer capacitors, the porous carbon structure demonstrated excellent volumetric capacitance (>360 F/cm(3)) with excellent cycling stability. This simple approach to low-cost carbonaceous materials with unique architecture and functionality could be a promising alternative to fabrication of porous carbon structures for many practical applications, including batteries and fuel cells.

Assembly of core–shell structured porous carbon–graphene composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo, Rong; Zhao, Li; Yue, Wenbo

2015-01-01

As potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, mesoporous carbons such as CMK-3 and CMK-8 usually show stable cycling performances but only slightly higher reversible capacities than commercial graphite. Graphene has much higher theoretical capacity than that of graphite in theory. However, its electrochemical behavior is not as good as expected due to the aggregation of graphene nanosheets. Herein we describe a novel strategy for the preparation of core–shell structured porous carbon–graphene composites. Compared to pure porous carbons or pure graphene nanosheets, these novel composites exhibit superior electrochemical performances including higher reversible capacities and better cycle/rate performances. This core–shell structure can avoid the aggregation of graphene nanosheets as well as may stabilize the mesostructure of porous carbon, which is beneficial to improving the electrochemical performances of the composites

Fabrication of porous silicon nanowires by MACE method in HF/H2O2/AgNO3 system at room temperature

Science.gov (United States)

2014-01-01

In this paper, the moderately and lightly doped porous silicon nanowires (PSiNWs) were fabricated by the ‘one-pot procedure’ metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method in the HF/H2O2/AgNO3 system at room temperature. The effects of H2O2 concentration on the nanostructure of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were investigated. The experimental results indicate that porous structure can be introduced by the addition of H2O2 and the pore structure could be controlled by adjusting the concentration of H2O2. The H2O2 species replaces Ag+ as the oxidant and the Ag nanoparticles work as catalyst during the etching. And the concentration of H2O2 influences the nucleation and motility of Ag particles, which leads to formation of different porous structure within the nanowires. A mechanism based on the lateral etching which is catalyzed by Ag particles under the motivation by H2O2 reduction is proposed to explain the PSiNWs formation. PMID:24910568

Wavelength tuning of porous silicon microcavities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mulders, J.; Reece, P.; Zheng, W.H.; Lerondel, G.; Sun, B.; Gal, M.

2002-01-01

Full text: In the last decade much attention has been given to porous silicon (PS) for optoelectronic applications, which include efficient room temperature light emission as well as microcavity formation. Due to the large specific surface area, the use of porous silicon microcavities (PSMs) has been proposed for chemical sensing. Large wavelength shifts have indicated that the optical properties of PSMs are indeed strongly dependent on the environment. In this paper, we report the shifting of the resonance frequency of high quality PSMs, with the aim of tuning a future PS device to a certain required wavelength. The PSM samples were prepared by anodically etching p + -doped (5mΩcm) bulk silicon wafer in a solution (25%) of aqueous HF and ethanol. The device structure consisted of a PS layer sandwiched between 2 stacks of thin PS layers with alternating high and low effective refractive indices (RI), i.e. distributed Bragg mirrors (DBM). The layer thickness depends on the etch time while the porosity and hence refractive index is determined by the current density as the Si is etched. The position and the width of the stop-band can be fully controlled by the design of the DBMs, with the microcavity resonance mode sitting within the stop-band. We achieved tuning of the microcavity resonance by a number of methods, including temperature dependent tuning. The temperature induced wavelength shift was found to be of the order of 10 -15 nm. Computer modeling of these changes in the reflectivity spectra allowed us to quantify the changes of the effective refractive index and the respective layer thicknesses

Porous carbon spheres via microwave-assisted synthesis for capacitive deionization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Yong; Pan, Likun; Chen, Taiqiang; Xu, Xingtao; Lu, Ting; Sun, Zhuo; Chua, Daniel H.C.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Porous carbon spheres were fabricated through a fast microwave-assisted approach. • The capacitive deionization performance of Porous carbon spheres was studied. • Porous carbon spheres exhibit a high NaCl removal with good regeneration ability. - Abstract: Porous carbon spheres (PCSs) were fabricated through a fast microwave-assisted approach using sucrose as the precursor in a microwave system and subsequent thermal treatment at 600, 800 and 1000 °C. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of the PCSs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Their electrosorption performance in NaCl solution was studied and compared with activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene and carbon aerogels. The results show that due to their high specific surface area and low charge transfer resistance, PCSs treated at 1000 °C exhibit high electrosorption capacity of 5.81 m g g −1 when the initial solution concentration is 500 mg l −1 , which is higher than those of other carbon materials

Etch bias inversion during EUV mask ARC etch

Science.gov (United States)

Lajn, Alexander; Rolff, Haiko; Wistrom, Richard

2017-07-01

The introduction of EUV lithography to high volume manufacturing is now within reach for 7nm technology node and beyond (1), at least for some steps. The scheduling is in transition from long to mid-term. Thus, all contributors need to focus their efforts on the production requirements. For the photo mask industry, these requirements include the control of defectivity, CD performance and lifetime of their masks. The mask CD performance including CD uniformity, CD targeting, and CD linearity/ resolution, is predominantly determined by the photo resist performance and by the litho and etch processes. State-of-the-art chemically amplified resists exhibit an asymmetric resolution for directly and indirectly written features, which usually results in a similarly asymmetric resolution performance on the mask. This resolution gap may reach as high as multiple tens of nanometers on the mask level in dependence of the chosen processes. Depending on the printing requirements of the wafer process, a reduction or even an increase of this gap may be required. A potential way of tuning via the etch process, is to control the lateral CD contribution during etch. Aside from process tuning knobs like pressure, RF powers and gases, which usually also affect CD linearity and CD uniformity, the simplest knob is the etch time itself. An increased over etch time results in an increased CD contribution in the normal case. , We found that the etch CD contribution of ARC layer etch on EUV photo masks is reduced by longer over etch times. Moreover, this effect can be demonstrated to be present for different etch chambers and photo resists.

Formation of multiple levels of porous silicon for buried insulators and conductors in silicon device technologies

Science.gov (United States)

Blewer, Robert S.; Gullinger, Terry R.; Kelly, Michael J.; Tsao, Sylvia S.

1991-01-01

A method of forming a multiple level porous silicon substrate for semiconductor integrated circuits including anodizing non-porous silicon layers of a multi-layer silicon substrate to form multiple levels of porous silicon. At least one porous silicon layer is then oxidized to form an insulating layer and at least one other layer of porous silicon beneath the insulating layer is metallized to form a buried conductive layer. Preferably the insulating layer and conductive layer are separated by an anodization barrier formed of non-porous silicon. By etching through the anodization barrier and subsequently forming a metallized conductive layer, a fully or partially insulated buried conductor may be fabricated under single crystal silicon.

Buffered Electrochemical Polishing of Niobium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ciovati, Gianluigi [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF), Newport News, VA (United States); Tian, Hui [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF), Newport News, VA (United States); College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA (United States); Corcoran, Sean [Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

2011-03-01

The standard preparation of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities made of pure niobium include the removal of a 'damaged' surface layer, by buffered chemical polishing (BCP) or electropolishing (EP), after the cavities are formed. The performance of the cavities is characterized by a sharp degradation of the quality factor when the surface magnetic field exceeds about 90 mT, a phenomenon referred to as 'Q-drop.' In cavities made of polycrystalline fine grain (ASTM 5) niobium, the Q-drop can be significantly reduced by a low-temperature (? 120 °C) 'in-situ' baking of the cavity if the chemical treatment was EP rather than BCP. As part of the effort to understand this phenomenon, we investigated the effect of introducing a polarization potential during buffered chemical polishing, creating a process which is between the standard BCP and EP. While preliminary results on the application of this process to Nb cavities have been previously reported, in this contribution we focus on the characterization of this novel electrochemical process by measuring polarization curves, etching rates, surface finish, electrochemical impedance and the effects of temperature and electrolyte composition. In particular, it is shown that the anodic potential of Nb during BCP reduces the etching rate and improves the surface finish.

Efficiency Enhancement of Silicon Solar Cells by Porous Silicon Technology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eugenijus SHATKOVSKIS

2012-09-01

Full Text Available Silicon solar cells produced by a usual technology in p-type, crystalline silicon wafer were investigated. The manufactured solar cells were of total thickness 450 mm, the junction depth was of 0.5 mm – 0.7 mm. Porous silicon technologies were adapted to enhance cell efficiency. The production of porous silicon layer was carried out in HF: ethanol = 1 : 2 volume ratio electrolytes, illuminating by 50 W halogen lamps at the time of processing. The etching current was computer-controlled in the limits of (6 ÷ 14 mA/cm2, etching time was set in the interval of (10 ÷ 20 s. The characteristics and performance of the solar cells samples was carried out illuminating by Xenon 5000 K lamp light. Current-voltage characteristic studies have shown that porous silicon structures produced affect the extent of dark and lighting parameters of the samples. Exactly it affects current-voltage characteristic and serial resistance of the cells. It has shown, the formation of porous silicon structure causes an increase in the electric power created of solar cell. Conversion efficiency increases also respectively to the initial efficiency of cell. Increase of solar cell maximum power in 15 or even more percent is found. The highest increase in power have been observed in the spectral range of Dl @ (450 ÷ 850 nm, where ~ 60 % of the A1.5 spectra solar energy is located. It has been demonstrated that porous silicon technology is effective tool to improve the silicon solar cells performance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.18.3.2428

Formic Acid Oxidation over Hierarchical Porous Carbon Containing PtPd Catalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elena Pastor

2013-10-01

Full Text Available The use of high surface monolithic carbon as support for catalysts offers important advantage, such as elimination of the ohmic drop originated in the interparticle contact and improved mass transport by ad-hoc pore design. Moreover, the approach discussed here has the advantage that it allows the synthesis of materials having a multimodal porous size distribution, with each pore size contributing to the desired properties. On the other hand, the monolithic nature of the porous support also imposes new challenges for metal loading. In this work, the use of Hierarchical Porous Carbon (HPC as support for PtPd nanoparticles was explored. Three hierarchical porous carbon samples (denoted as HPC-300, HPC-400 and HPC-500 with main pore size around 300, 400 and 500 nm respectively, are used as porous support. PtPd nanoparticles were loaded by impregnation and subsequent chemical reduction with NaBH4. The resulting material was characterized by EDX, XRD and conventional electrochemical techniques. The catalytic activity toward formic acid and methanol electrooxidation was evaluated by electrochemical methods, and the results compared with commercial carbon supported PtPd. The Hierarchical Porous Carbon support discussed here seems to be promising for use in DFAFC anodes.

Porous olivine composites synthesized by sol-gel technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dominko, R.; Bele, M.; Gaberscek, M.; Jamnik, J. [National Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 660, SI-1001 Ljubljana (Slovenia); Remskar, M.; Hanzel, D. [Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana (Slovenia); Goupil, J.M. [ENSICAEN, UMR CNRS 6506, Catalyse and Spectrochimie Lab, F-14050 Caen (France); Pejovnik, S. [Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana (Slovenia)

2006-02-28

Porous LiMPO{sub 4}/C composites (where M stands for Fe and/or Mn) with micro-sized particles were synthesised by sol-gel technique. Particles porosity is discussed in terms of qualitative results obtained from SEM micrographs and in terms of quantitative results obtained from N{sub 2} adsorption isotherms. Porous particles could be described as an inverse picture of nanoparticulate arrangement, where the pores serve as channels for lithium supply and the distance between the pores determines the materials kinetics. Tests show that the electrochemical behaviour of porous LiMPO{sub 4}/C composite is comparable with the results from the literature. The best electrochemical results were obtained with a LiFePO{sub 4}/C composite (over 140mAhg{sup -1} at C/2 rate during continuous cycling). The capacity obtained with LiMnPO{sub 4}/C composite is much lower (40mAhg{sup -1} at C/20 rate), although the textural properties are similar to those observed in the LiFePO{sub 4}/C composite. (author)

Functional Biomass Carbons with Hierarchical Porous Structure for Supercapacitor Electrode Materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Hao; Liu, Duo; Shen, Zhehong; Bao, Binfu; Zhao, Shuyan; Wu, Limin

2015-01-01

Highlights: • We successfully prepared bamboo-derived porous carbon with B and N co-doping. • This novel carbon exhibits significantly enhanced specific capacitance and energy density. • The highest specific capacitance exceeds those of most similar carbon materials. • Asymmetric supercapacitor based on this carbon shows satisfactory capacitive performance. - Abstract: This paper presents nitrogen and boron co-doped KOH-activated bamboo-derived carbon as a porous biomass carbon with utility as a supercapacitor electrode material. Owing to the high electrochemical activity promoted by the hierarchical porous structure and further endowed by boron and nitrogen co-doping, electrodes based on the as-obtained material exhibit significantly enhanced specific capacitance and energy density relative to those based on most similar materials. An asymmetric supercapacitor based on this novel carbon material demonstrated satisfactory energy density and electrochemical cycling stability.

Influence of the particle discriminator for producing the microporous nuclear track etched membrane

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thongphud, Apaporn; Ratanatongchai, Wichian; Supaphol, Pitt; Visal-athaphand, Pinpan

2005-10-01

The particle discriminator was used to focus the fission fragments from nuclear fission reaction between thermal neutron from the Thai Research Reactor and U-235 in uranium screen to strike almost normally to the polycarbonate (PC) film. The latent tracks in the thin 15 mm PC film were revealed after etching in 6N NaOH solution at 70 o C for 60 min. It was found that the tracks were porous. The porosity was more discrete and the pore shape was more circular as well. The track diameter was measured 3.73 +- 0.32 mm. It was also found that using particle discriminators with increasing thickness during exposure gives fewer pores in the PC film, after chemical etching under the same condition as above

Enhanced photoconductivity and fine response tuning in nanostructured porous silicon microcavities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Urteaga, R; MarIn, O; Acquaroli, L N; Schmidt, J A; Koropecki, R R [INTEC-UNL-CONICET, Guemes 3450 - 3000 Santa Fe (Argentina); Comedi, D, E-mail: rkoro@intec.ceride.gov.a [CONICET y LAFISO, Departamento de Fisica, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman (Argentina)

2009-05-01

We used light confinement in optical microcavities to achieve a strong enhancement and a precise wavelength tunability of the electrical photoconductance of nanostructured porous silicon (PS). The devices consist of a periodic array of alternating PS layers, electrochemically etched to have high and low porosities - and therefore distinct dielectric functions. A central layer having a doubled thickness breaks up the symmetry of the one-dimensional photonic structure, producing a resonance in the photonic band gap that is clearly observed in the reflectance spectrum. The devices were transferred to a glass coated with a transparent SnO{sub 2} electrode, while an Al contact was evaporated on its back side. The electrical conductance was measured as a function of the photon energy. A strong enhancement of the conductance is obtained in a narrow (17nm FWHM) band peaking at the resonance. We present experimental results of the angular dependence of this photoconductance peak energy, and propose an explanation of the conductivity behaviour supported by calculations of the internal electromagnetic field. These devices are promising candidates for finely tuned photoresistors with potential application as chemical sensors and biosensors.

Anodic etching of GaN based film with a strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer: Mechanism and properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gao, Qingxue; Liu, Rong; Xiao, Hongdi; Cao, Dezhong; Liu, Jianqiang; Ma, Jin

2016-01-01

Highlights: • GaN film with a strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer was etched by electrochemical etching. • Vertically aligned nanopores in n-GaN films were buried underneath the InGaN/GaN structures. • The relaxation of compressive stress in the MQW structure was found by PL and Raman spectra. - Abstract: A strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer, which consists of multiple quantum wells (MQW) and superlattices (SL) layers and can produce a blue wavelength spectrum, has been grown on n-GaN thin film, and then fabricated into nanoporous structures by electrochemical etching method in oxalic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique reveals that the etching voltage of 8 V leads to a vertically aligned nanoporous structure, whereas the films etched at 15 V show branching pores within the n-GaN layer. Due to the low doping concentration of barriers (GaN layers) in the InGaN/GaN layer, we observed a record-low rate of etching (<100 nm/min) and nanopores which are mainly originated from the V-pits in the phase-separated layer. In addition, there exists a horizontal nanoporous structure at the interface between the phase-separated layer and the n-GaN layer, presumably resulting from the high transition of electrons between the barrier and the well (InGaN layer) at the interface. As compared to the as-grown MQW structure, the etched MQW structure exhibits a photoluminescence (PL) enhancement with a partial relaxation of compressive stress due to the increased light-extracting surface area and light-guiding effect. Such a compressive stress relaxation can be further confirmed by Raman spectra.

Anodic etching of GaN based film with a strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer: Mechanism and properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gao, Qingxue [School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 (China); Liu, Rong [Department of Fundamental Theories, Shandong Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Jinan 250063 (China); Xiao, Hongdi, E-mail: hdxiao@sdu.edu.cn [School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 (China); Cao, Dezhong; Liu, Jianqiang; Ma, Jin [School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 (China)

2016-11-30

Highlights: • GaN film with a strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer was etched by electrochemical etching. • Vertically aligned nanopores in n-GaN films were buried underneath the InGaN/GaN structures. • The relaxation of compressive stress in the MQW structure was found by PL and Raman spectra. - Abstract: A strong phase-separated InGaN/GaN layer, which consists of multiple quantum wells (MQW) and superlattices (SL) layers and can produce a blue wavelength spectrum, has been grown on n-GaN thin film, and then fabricated into nanoporous structures by electrochemical etching method in oxalic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique reveals that the etching voltage of 8 V leads to a vertically aligned nanoporous structure, whereas the films etched at 15 V show branching pores within the n-GaN layer. Due to the low doping concentration of barriers (GaN layers) in the InGaN/GaN layer, we observed a record-low rate of etching (<100 nm/min) and nanopores which are mainly originated from the V-pits in the phase-separated layer. In addition, there exists a horizontal nanoporous structure at the interface between the phase-separated layer and the n-GaN layer, presumably resulting from the high transition of electrons between the barrier and the well (InGaN layer) at the interface. As compared to the as-grown MQW structure, the etched MQW structure exhibits a photoluminescence (PL) enhancement with a partial relaxation of compressive stress due to the increased light-extracting surface area and light-guiding effect. Such a compressive stress relaxation can be further confirmed by Raman spectra.

Adsorption of anionic surfactant on porous and nonporous polyethylene terephthalate films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamauchi, Yu.; Apel, P.Yu.

2016-01-01

We study the adsorption of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl diphenyloxide disulfonate (SDDD) on three types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates from aqueous solutions of SDDD of different concentrations. Neutral electrolyte (KCl) was added to the solutions to vary the ionic strength. Three types of substrates were used: 1) original PET film; 2) etched nonporous film, obtained from pristine film by chemical etching and bearing negative charge on the surface; 3) etched porous membranes, fabricated from pristine film by ion irradiation and subsequent chemical etching. The membranes have negative charge on the flat surface and on the inner pore walls. The comparison shows that the negative charge on the flat surface has weak effect on adsorption of the anionic surfactant, and the SDDD adsorption on the inner walls of pores is much weaker than on flat surface, even if the pore radius is significantly larger than the Debye length. This «exclusion» effect strongly depends on ionic strength of solution. [ru

Facile synthesis and electrochemical properties of continuous porous spheres assembled from defect-rich, interlayer-expanded, and few-layered MoS2/C nanosheets for reversible lithium storage

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Biao; Lu, Huihui; Zhao, Naiqin; Shi, Chunsheng; Liu, Enzuo; He, Chunnian; Ma, Liying

2018-05-01

Hollow or continuous porous hierarchical MoS2/C structures with large Li-ion and electron transport kinetics, and high structural stability are urgent needs for their application in lithium ion batteries. In this regard, a novel continuous porous micro-sphere constructed from defect-rich, interlayer-expanded, and few-layered MoS2/C nanosheets is successfully synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone surfactant serves as carbon source and supporter, while the CS2 works as soft template and sulfur source during hydrothermal process. The morphologies, structures, and electrochemical properties are systematically characterized. Importantly, it should be noted that the unique porous micro-spheres with merits of rich-defect, expanded-interlayer, few-layer (integrating carbon are favorable for lithium ion batteries application. When the uniform composites are used as lithium ion batteries anode materials, they deliver a high reversible capacity, excellent cycling performance (average capacity fading of 0.037% per cycle at 0.2 A g-1), and good rate capability.

In Situ Reductive Synthesis of Structural Supported Gold Nanorods in Porous Silicon Particles for Multifunctional Nanovectors.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Guixian; Liu, Jen-Tsai; Wang, Yuzhen; Zhang, Dechen; Guo, Yi; Tasciotti, Ennio; Hu, Zhongbo; Liu, Xuewu

2016-05-11

Porous silicon nanodisks (PSD) were fabricated by the combination of photolithography and electrochemical etching of silicon. By using PSD as a reducing agent, gold nanorods (AuNR) were in situ synthesized in the nanopores of PSD, forming PSD-supported-AuNR (PSD/AuNR) hybrid particles. The formation mechanism of AuNR in porous silicon (pSi) was revealed by exploring the role of pSi reducibility and each chemical in the reaction. With the PSD support, AuNR exhibited a stable morphology without toxic surface ligands (CTAB). The PSD/AuNR hybrid particles showed enhanced plasmonic property compared to free AuNR. Because high-density "hot spots" can be generated by controlling the distribution of AuNR supported in PSD, surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) using PSD/AuNR as particle substrates was demonstrated. A multifunctional vector, PSD/AuNR/DOX, composed of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded PSD/AuNR capped with agarose (agar), was developed for highly efficient, combinatorial cancer treatment. Their therapeutic efficacy was examined using two pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2. PSD/AuNR/DOX (20 μg Au and 1.25 μg DOX/mL) effectively destroyed these cells under near-IR laser irradiation (810 nm, 15 J·cm(-2) power, 90 s). Overall, we envision that PSD/AuNR may be a promising injectable, multifunctional nanovector for biomedical application.

Sol-gel Technology and Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Chu, Chung-tse; Zheng, Haixing

1996-01-01

Advanced materials play an important role in the development of electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical capacitors. The sol-gel process is a versatile solution for use in the fabrication of ceramic materials with tailored stoichiometry, microstructure, and properties. This processing technique is particularly useful in producing porous materials with high surface area and low density, two of the most desirable characteristics for electrode materials. In addition,the porous surface of gels can be modified chemically to create tailored surface properties, and inorganic/organic micro-composites can be prepared for improved material performance device fabrication. Applications of several sol-gel derived electrode materials in different energy storage devices are illustrated in this paper. V2O5 gels are shown to be a promising cathode material for solid state lithium batteries. Carbon aerogels, amorphous RuO2 gels and sol-gel derived hafnium compounds have been studied as electrode materials for high energy density and high power density electrochemical capacitors.

Synthesis and characterization of porous silicon-based bio-sensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naddaf, M.; AlMariry, A.

2015-01-01

The efficiency of porous silicon (Ps) as a platform for immobilization of biological molecules has been investigated. ps samples were prepared by electrochemical etching o both n and p- type crystalline silicon surfaces in a suitable electrolyte. Biotin anti-human IL-6; rat IgG2a antibody was chosen as biological element and the process of its immobilization onto ps surfaces was carried out via physical absorption process. Chemical surface characterization by means of fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the efficiency of PS as entrapping template for the specific immobilization of IgG 2a antibody via physical absorption process. the antibody presence was detected by monitoring both the C Is and N Is sing nals in XPS spectra and amide i absorption band in the FTIR spectra of immobilized PS layer. these findings were also supported by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy which showed significant reduction in the PL peak intensity by the presence of the antibody. the PL quenching was utilized as an indicator for sensing the effect of ph of antibody solution on immobilization process the efficiency of PS as interferometric biosensor has been also demonstrated. (author)

Improvement in Electrode Performance of Novel SWCNT Loaded Three-Dimensional Porous RVC Composite Electrodes by Electrochemical Deposition Method

Science.gov (United States)

Almoigli, Mohammed; Meriey, Al Yahya; Alharbi, Khalid N.

2018-01-01

The three-dimensional (3D) composite electrodes were prepared by depositing different amounts of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (a-SWCNTs) on porous reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) through the electrochemical deposition method. The SWCNT was functionalized by the reflux method in nitric acid and was proven by Raman and visible spectra. The optimum time for sonication to disperse the functionalized SWCNT (a-SWCNT) in dimethyl formamide (DMF) well was determined by UV spectra. The average pore size of RVC electrodes was calculated from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Moreover, the surface morphology of composite electrodes was also examined by SEM study. All 3D electrodes were evaluated for their electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry. The result showed that the value of specific capacitance of the electrode increases with the increase in the amount of a-SWCNT in geometric volume. However, the value of specific capacitance per gram decreases with the increase in scan rate as well as the amount of a-SWCNT. The stability of the electrodes was also tested. This revealed that all the electrodes were stable; however, lower a-SWCNT-loaded electrodes had excellent cyclic stability. These results suggest that the a-SWCNT-coated RVC electrodes have promise as an effective technology for desalination. PMID:29301258

Etching Enhancement Followed by Nitridation on Low-k SiOCH Film in Ar/C5F10O Plasma

Science.gov (United States)

Miyawaki, Yudai; Shibata, Emi; Kondo, Yusuke; Takeda, Keigo; Kondo, Hiroki; Ishikawa, Kenji; Okamoto, Hidekazu; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru

2013-02-01

The etching rates of low-dielectric-constant (low-k), porous SiOCH (p-SiOCH) films were increased by nitrogen-added Ar/C5F10O plasma etching in dual-frequency (60 MHz/2 MHz)-excited parallel plate capacitively coupled plasma. Previously, perfluoropropyl vinyl ether [C5F10O] provided a very high density of CF3+ ions [Nagai et al.: Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 45 (2006) 7100]. Surface nitridation on the p-SiOCH surface exposed to Ar/N2 plasma led to the etching of larger amounts of p-SiOCH in Ar/C5F10O plasma, which depended on the formation of bonds such as =C(sp2)=N(sp2)- and -C(sp)≡N(sp).

Free-Standing Porous Carbon Nanofiber Networks from Electrospinning Polyimide for Supercapacitors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bo Wang

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Free-standing porous carbon nanofiber networks (CFNs were synthesized by electrospinning method and carbonization procedure. We study the implementation of porous CFNs as supercapacitor electrodes and electrochemical measurements demonstrated that porous CFNs exhibit a specific capacitance (205 F/g at the scan rate of 5 mV/s with high flexibility and good rate capability performance (more than 70% of its initial capacitance from 5 mV/s to 200 mV/s. Furthermore, porous CFNs exhibited an excellent cycling stability (just 12% capacitance loss after 10,000 cycles. These results suggest that porous CFNs are very promising candidates as flexible supercapacitor electrodes.

Semi-solid electrode cell having a porous current collector and methods of manufacture

Science.gov (United States)

Chiang, Yet-Ming; Carter, William Craig; Cross, III, James C.; Bazzarella, Ricardo; Ota, Naoki

2017-11-21

An electrochemical cell includes an anode, a semi-solid cathode, and a separator disposed therebetween. The semi-solid cathode includes a porous current collector and a suspension of an active material and a conductive material disposed in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte. The porous current collector is at least partially disposed within the suspension such that the suspension substantially encapsulates the porous current collector.

Porous silicon based anode material formed using metal reduction

Science.gov (United States)

Anguchamy, Yogesh Kumar; Masarapu, Charan; Deng, Haixia; Han, Yongbong; Venkatachalam, Subramanian; Kumar, Sujeet; Lopez, Herman A.

2015-09-22

A porous silicon based material comprising porous crystalline elemental silicon formed by reducing silicon dioxide with a reducing metal in a heating process followed by acid etching is used to construct negative electrode used in lithium ion batteries. Gradual temperature heating ramp(s) with optional temperature steps can be used to perform the heating process. The porous silicon formed has a high surface area from about 10 m.sup.2/g to about 200 m.sup.2/g and is substantially free of carbon. The negative electrode formed can have a discharge specific capacity of at least 1800 mAh/g at rate of C/3 discharged from 1.5V to 0.005V against lithium with in some embodiments loading levels ranging from about 1.4 mg/cm.sup.2 to about 3.5 mg/cm.sup.2. In some embodiments, the porous silicon can be coated with a carbon coating or blended with carbon nanofibers or other conductive carbon material.

Room-temperature Electrochemical Synthesis of Carbide-derived Carbons and Related Materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gogotsi, Yury [Drexel Univ., Philadelphia, PA (United States). Nanomaterials Group. Materials Science and Engineering Dept.

2015-02-28

This project addresses room-temperature electrochemical etching as an energy-efficient route to synthesis of 3D nanoporous carbon networks and layered 2D carbons and related structures, as well as provides fundamental understanding of structure and properties of materials produced by this method. Carbide-derived-carbons (CDCs) are a growing class of nanostructured carbon materials with properties that are desirable for many applications, such as electrical energy and gas storage. The structure of these functional materials is tunable by the choice of the starting carbide precursor, synthesis method, and process parameters. Moving from high-temperature synthesis of CDCs through vacuum decomposition above 1400°C and chlorination above 400°C, our studies under the previous DOE BES support led to identification of precursor materials and processing conditions for CDC synthesis at temperatures as low as 200°C, resulting in amorphous and highly reactive porous carbons. We also investigated synthesis of monolithic CDC films from carbide films at 250-1200°C. The results of our early studies provided new insights into CDC formation, led to development of materials for capacitive energy storage, and enabled fundamental understanding of the electrolyte ions confinement in nanoporous carbons.

A multimodal optical and electrochemical device for monitoring surface reactions: redox active surfaces in porous silicon Rugate filters.

Science.gov (United States)

Ciampi, Simone; Guan, Bin; Darwish, Nadim A; Zhu, Ying; Reece, Peter J; Gooding, J Justin

2012-12-21

Herein, mesoporous silicon (PSi) is configured as a single sensing device that has dual readouts; as a photonic crystal sensor in a Rugate filter configuration, and as a high surface area porous electrode. The as-prepared PSi is chemically modified to provide it with stability in aqueous media and to allow for the subsequent coupling of chemical species, such as via Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions between 1-alkynes and azides ("click" reactions). The utility of the bimodal capabilities of the PSi sensor for monitoring surface coupling procedures is demonstrated by the covalent coupling of a ferrocene derivative, as well as by demonstrating ligand-exchange reactions (LER) at the PSi surface. Both types of reactions were monitored through optical reflectivity measurements, as well as electrochemically via the oxidation/reduction of the surface tethered redox species.