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Investigating the Potential of Electroless Nickel Plating for Fabricating Ultra-Porous Metal-Based Lattice Structures
Nihan Sengokmen-Ozsoz1, R Boston2, Frederik Claeyssens1
1Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, United Kingdom.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 13, 2023
Summary
Polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) serve as templates for electroless nickel plating, creating ultra-porous metallic lattices. Different atmospheres during template removal yield distinct nickel compounds and preserve the porous structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) are versatile templates for creating porous materials.
- Electroless nickel plating offers a method for depositing metal coatings onto various substrates.
- Ultra-porous metallic structures possess unique properties beneficial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the electroless nickel plating process using polyHIPEs as templates.
- To investigate the influence of different atmospheres on the resulting metallic structures.
- To explore the potential of polyHIPEs for fabricating advanced porous metallic lattices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyHIPEs using 3D printing with acrylate-based resins.
- Optimization of the electroless nickel plating process on polyHIPE discs.
- Thermal treatment of metallized polyHIPEs under air, argon, and reducing atmospheres.
Main Results:
- Successful deposition of nickel onto polyHIPEs, creating ultra-porous metallic lattices.
- Atmospheric conditions significantly influenced the composition of the resulting metal structures (Ni metal, Ni3P, oxides).
- Argon and reducing atmospheres preserved the polyHIPE's porous structure through carbonization.
Conclusions:
- PolyHIPEs are effective templates for producing complex, ultra-porous metallic structures via electroless nickel plating.
- Control over the atmosphere during template removal is crucial for tailoring the final material's composition and structure.
- The developed method enables the fabrication of advanced metallic lattices for applications in batteries, catalysis, and damping.
