Microscale Templating of Functional Particles Using Self-Limiting Electrospray Deposition.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Electrospray deposition (ESD) utilizes electric fields to create charged droplets for coating applications.
• Self-limiting electrospray deposition (SLED) achieves uniform coatings by charge trapping, but particle loading disrupts this.
• Methylcellulose (MC) exhibits fibril gelling, enabling nanowire formation in SLED.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of methylcellulose (MC) nanowires in self-limiting electrospray deposition (SLED) for high-concentration particle loading.
• To overcome charge buildup disruption caused by particles in SLED.
• To demonstrate the fabrication of functional devices using particle-laden SLED.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of conductive and insulating particles within MC SLED.
• Utilizing patterned and un-patterned substrates for controlled deposition.
• Functionalization of interdigitated electrodes with Ti3C2Tx MXene via SLED for supercapacitor applications.

Main Results:

• MC nanowires effectively separate particles, preventing percolation and enabling higher particle loading in SLED.
• Controlled and highly concentrated functional sprays were achieved with various particle types.
• Successful demonstration of Ti3C2Tx MXene functionalized electrodes for supercapacitor performance.

Conclusions:

• MC-based SLED provides a method to achieve high-concentration particle loading in functional sprays by mitigating charge disruption.
• The developed technique allows for precise control over particle distribution and coating uniformity.
• This approach holds promise for fabricating advanced energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors.