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Functionalization of Ti64 via Direct Laser Interference Patterning and Its Influence on Wettability and Oxygen Bubble
Julian Heinrich1,2, Fabian Ränke3, Karin Schwarzenberger1,2
1Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstr. 400, Dresden 01328, Germany.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|January 31, 2024
Summary
Optimizing surface wettability enhances oxygen bubble nucleation during electrolysis. Tailored hydrophobic surfaces significantly boost nucleation efficiency, improving energy conversion processes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Bubble nucleation on surfaces is critical for electrolysis efficiency.
- Oxygen bubble formation in proton-exchange membrane electrolysis causes overpotential, reducing efficiency.
- Surface functionalization offers a route to optimize gas separation and improve industrial material interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between surface wettability and oxygen bubble nucleation.
- Tailor the wettability of titanium alloy (Ti64) substrates using laser patterning.
- Analyze how surface structure influences oxygen nucleation and bubble behavior.
Main Methods:
- Direct laser interference patterning with a 1064 nm, 12 ps laser to create periodic structures on Ti64.
- Surface characterization using water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and X-ray photon spectroscopy.
- Experimental setup to expose functionalized surfaces to oxygen-oversaturated solutions for nucleation studies.
Main Results:
- Generated Ti64 surfaces with water contact angles from 20° to superhydrophobic conditions.
- Demonstrated that increased surface hydrophobicity enhances interaction with dissolved oxygen.
- Observed a significant increase in oxygen nucleation (up to 350%), with ~20 times more nucleation spots, smaller bubble sizes, and reduced detachment rates on hydrophobic surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Surface wettability, controlled by laser-induced patterning, directly impacts oxygen bubble nucleation.
- Hydrophobic surfaces promote significantly enhanced oxygen nucleation and alter bubble dynamics.
- Optimized surface properties are crucial for improving electrolysis efficiency and advancing power-to-gas technologies.
