In an article published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers presented the potentiostatic deposition used to electrodeposit nickel (Ni) and nickel-graphene (Ni-G) films on copper substrates. Myristic acid (MA) was employed to alter the plane of the electrodeposited coatings to create superhydrophobicity (SHP).
With water contact angles of 159° and 162°, respectively, the Ni-G films altered with MA (Ni-G-MA) and the Ni films altered with MA (Ni-MA) exhibited exceptional SHP qualities. When the surface morphology of the SHP films was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the findings showed that the Ni-G-MA and Ni-MA films had micro-nano structures.
The Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) findings demonstrated that the grafting of the Ni-G-MA and Ni-MA films onto the copper metal was successful. Compared to Ni-MA, the Ni-G-MA film was more resistant to mechanical abrasion and had higher chemical stability.
The Ni-G-MA and Ni-MA films demonstrated long-term durability for about four months outdoors. Also, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization results showed that the SHP film on the copper substrate had exceptional corrosion resistance in 0.5 molar sodium chloride (NaCl).
SEM images of copper grafted by (a) Ni-MA and (b) Ni-G-MA. Image Credit: Ragheb, D. M et al., Scientific Reports
Understanding the Makeup of Superhydrophobic Films
SHP surfaces have a slight sliding angle (SA) of less than 10° and a high contact angle (CA) greater than 150°. Lotuses, rice leaves, and roses are a few examples of the natural occurrences on which the SHP surface synthesis concepts are based. SHP surfaces have recently generated tremendous attention in academic research and potential commercial applications due to their applicability in drag reduction, self-cleaning capabilities, corrosion resistance, and water and oil separation.
A superhydrophobic surface requires two components, including a surface chemistry alteration with a low-free-energy covering and a rough surface texture with a specific binary structure. Several methods have been proposed for creating bio-inspired SHP surfaces by modifying chemical compositions and surface morphology. These techniques include sol-gel, chemical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, chemical etching, and spray. Most of these methods, however, have limitations due to the requirement for specialized machinery or challenging process control.
Producing SHP coatings on metals, conducting polymers, and metal oxides is simpler using electrodeposition. Due to its benefits, such as ease of control, scalability, low cost, simplicity, and production of a durable SHP coating, electrodeposition has emerged as a competitive way to generate superhydrophobic surfaces.
This study aimed to produce Ni and graphene-doped Ni films on a copper substrate using an electrodeposition method. These films were then altered with MA, a chemical with a negligible environmental impact, yielding SHP surfaces. Using an SEM and an FTIR, the chemical makeup and the surface topography of the synthesized SHP surfaces were investigated. The wettability, weather resistance, mechanical and chemical stability, and corrosion resistance of the manufactured SHP films were evaluated. The corrosion performance was examined in an aqueous medium of 0.5 molar NaCl.
Experimental Set-Up
A copper plate measuring two centimeters by one centimeter by 0.3 centimeters was used as the working electrode. The authors used analytical-grade nickel chloride hexahydrate, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, nickel sulfate, anhydrous ethanol, boric acid, and MA for the study.
The copper substrate was polished with various grades of silicon carbide (SiC) paper before electrodeposition, commencing with a sieve of grade 150 and working up to the superior 800 grade. Then the copper substrate was immersed in a soap solution for 10 minutes, followed by a 0.5 molar sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for one minute. Finally, the copper substrate was cleaned with distilled water before entering the electrodeposition bath.
SEM analysis was used to investigate the surface topography of the electrodeposited coating. Utilizing FTIR, the chemical makeup of the manufactured SHP coating was examined. The spectra were recorded between 400 and 4000 per centimeter.
The scratch, sand impact tests, and tape peeling were used to analyze the mechanical properties of the manufactured SHP films. This SHP film was applied to SiC paper of 1200 grade, which served as the abrasion surface, to conduct the scratch test.
A chemical stability test was conducted to validate that the created SHP films might be used in industrial applications. For one hour, several samples of copper grafted onto SHP films were submerged in aqueous solutions with pH ranges of one to 13. At every pH, the CAs and SAs were then calculated. The Ni-G-MA SHP-coated copper showed higher chemical stability than several previously observed values.
The potentiodynamic polarization method investigated the corrosion resistance of uncoated copper and copper coated with Ni, Ni-MA, Ni-G, and Ni-G-MA. Here, the findings showed that copper covered with Ni-G-MA film had a higher corrosion resistance. Thus, the prepared copper covered with Ni-G-MA had better protective efficacy than Ni-MA.
Findings and Significance of the Study
In this study, the authors effectively grafted Ni-G-MA and Ni-MA superhydrophobic films onto the copper substrate. Additionally, the mechanical strength and stability of the produced superhydrophobic films were evaluated through mechanical abrasion, sand impact testing, and tape peeling. The three methods demonstrated that the Ni-G-MA coating had more excellent mechanical stability compared to Ni-MA. Also, the Ni-G-MA films had more chemical stability than Ni-MA in basic and acidic conditions, according to the chemical stability assessment of the manufactured superhydrophobic films.
Schematic representation of the suggested mechanism for corrosion protection of the prepared SHP films. Image Credit: Ragheb, D. M et al., Scientific Reports
The findings revealed that adding graphene improved the mechanical and chemical stability of the resulting superhydrophobic coating. Also, the corrosion resistance of bare copper and copper coated with superhydrophobic material was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques and potentiodynamic polarisation. Finally, the findings demonstrated that the SHP coating on the copper surface prevented the diffusion of corrosive species into the copper surface and blocked active corrosion sites.
Therefore, the superhydrophobic coated copper had a strong corrosion resistance, particularly when the superhydrophobic coat was doped with graphene. Using the EIS approach, the manufacturing of superhydrophobic coatings’ continuing corrosion resistance was evaluated. The findings indicated that the manufactured superhydrophobic coatings showed excellent durability in 0.5 molar NaCl solution.
News
Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results, study suggests
According to a new study, lower doses of approved immunotherapy for malignant melanoma can give better results against tumors, while reducing side effects. This is reported by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in the Journal of the National [...]
Researchers highlight five pathways through which microplastics can harm the brain
Microplastics could be fueling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with a new study highlighting five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain. More than 57 million people live with dementia, [...]
Tiny Metal Nanodots Obliterate Cancer Cells While Largely Sparing Healthy Tissue
Scientists have developed tiny metal-oxide particles that push cancer cells past their stress limits while sparing healthy tissue. An international team led by RMIT University has developed tiny particles called nanodots, crafted from a metallic compound, [...]
Gold Nanoclusters Could Supercharge Quantum Computers
Researchers found that gold “super atoms” can behave like the atoms in top-tier quantum systems—only far easier to scale. These tiny clusters can be customized at the molecular level, offering a powerful, tunable foundation [...]
A single shot of HPV vaccine may be enough to fight cervical cancer, study finds
WASHINGTON -- A single HPV vaccination appears just as effective as two doses at preventing the viral infection that causes cervical cancer, researchers reported Wednesday. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common and spread [...]
New technique overcomes technological barrier in 3D brain imaging
Scientists at the Swiss Light Source SLS have succeeded in mapping a piece of brain tissue in 3D at unprecedented resolution using X-rays, non-destructively. The breakthrough overcomes a long-standing technological barrier that had limited [...]
Scientists Uncover Hidden Blood Pattern in Long COVID
Researchers found persistent microclot and NET structures in Long COVID blood that may explain long-lasting symptoms. Researchers examining Long COVID have identified a structural connection between circulating microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The [...]
This Cellular Trick Helps Cancer Spread, but Could Also Stop It
Groups of normal cbiells can sense far into their surroundings, helping explain cancer cell migration. Understanding this ability could lead to new ways to limit tumor spread. The tale of the princess and the [...]
New mRNA therapy targets drug-resistant pneumonia
Bacteria that multiply on surfaces are a major headache in health care when they gain a foothold on, for example, implants or in catheters. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have found [...]
Current Heart Health Guidelines Are Failing To Catch a Deadly Genetic Killer
New research reveals that standard screening misses most people with a common inherited cholesterol disorder. A Mayo Clinic study reports that current genetic screening guidelines overlook most people who have familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited disorder that [...]
Scientists Identify the Evolutionary “Purpose” of Consciousness
Summary: Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum explore why consciousness evolved and why different species developed it in distinct ways. By comparing humans with birds, they show that complex awareness may arise through different neural architectures yet [...]
Novel mRNA therapy curbs antibiotic-resistant infections in preclinical lung models
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Nature Biotechnology, show that in [...]
New skin-permeable polymer delivers insulin without needles
A breakthrough zwitterionic polymer slips through the skin’s toughest barriers, carrying insulin deep into tissue and normalizing blood sugar, offering patients a painless alternative to daily injections. A recent study published in the journal Nature examines [...]
Multifunctional Nanogels: A Breakthrough in Antibacterial Strategies
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern - from human health to crop survival. A new study successfully uses nanogels to target and almost entirely inhibit the bacteria P. Aeruginosa. Recently published in Angewandte Chemie, the study [...]
Nanoflowers rejuvenate old and damaged human cells by replacing their mitochondria
Biomedical researchers at Texas A&M University may have discovered a way to stop or even reverse the decline of cellular energy production—a finding that could have revolutionary effects across medicine. Dr. Akhilesh K. Gaharwar [...]
The Stunning New Push to Protect the Invisible 99% of Life
Scientists worldwide have joined forces to build the first-ever roadmap for conserving Earth’s vast invisible majority—microbes. Their new IUCN Specialist Group reframes conservation by elevating microbial life to the same urgency as plants and [...]
