This thesis dissertation covers the electrochemical synthesis and the characterization of the physical and physico-chemical properties of three different binary systems, namely cobalt-indium (Co-In), iron-rhodium (Fe-Rh) and iron-phosphorous (Fe-P). Several strategies toward systems miniaturization at micron- and nanoscales were pursued._x000D_ _x000D_ Continuous thick Co-In films (25 at.\% ≤ Co ≤ 90 at.\%) featuring spatio-temporal patterns (targets, concentric rings and spirals of variable sizes) were prepared on flat, conductive Si/Ti/Au substrates. X-ray diffraction analyses evidenced the formation of highly heterogeneous coatings. The spontaneous formation of these micron-sized patterns during electrodeposition gave rise to topographical, compositional and, in turn, magnetic patterning. The confined growth of Co-In in lithographically patterned arrays of cylindrical holes of 50 µm in diameter imposed restrictions to the type of spatio-temporal motifs that could be formed. Specifically, only spiral-like patterns of purely compositional nature (with virtually no topographic features) were self-generated in the microdisks. As a result, not only a periodic modulation of the magnetic but also electric and mechanical properties was uncovered using advanced surface sensitive characterization techniques. A detailed assessment of the cross-sections of the continuous Co-In electrodeposits using electron microscopy techniques revealed a layer-by-layer growth mode spanning the whole deposit thickness (10 µm). The occurrence of local changes in composition within each layer (ca. 175 nm thick) also led to stripe-like magnetic patterning._x000D_ _x000D_ Meanwhile, bimetallic Fe-Rh nanoparticles with different sizes, Fe/Rh ratios, and coverage degree were prepared by direct current electrodeposition from Fe(III) containing electrolyte solutions to prevent the formation of dense, continuous films. The nanoparticles were well-adhered to the substrate and could be directly tested as an electrocatalyst without the need for post-processing immobilization steps. The nanoparticles were mostly metallic as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Depending on the Fe content (15 at.\% ≤ Fe ≤ 36 at.\%), diameter (20-80 nm) and coverage, they showed dissimilar electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Under specific synthetic conditions, the resulting nanoparticles outperformed pure Rh nanoparticles obtained from an analogous electrolytic solution. _x000D_ _x000D_ Finally, highly-ordered, macroporous Fe-P films were prepared by electrodeposition onto Si/Ti/Au substrates pre-patterned by colloidal templating. Prior to electrodeposition, polystyrene spheres of 350 nm in diameter were self-assembled on the substrate by electrophoresis. Fully dense Fe-P films were also electrodeposited for comparison purposes. Both dense and porous films showed tunable Fe/P ratios and magnetic behavior. The electrocatalytic activity towards HER and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was investigated in alkaline media.
Novel electrochemical approaches to micro- and nanoscale metallic materials for advanced magnetic and energy applications: Co-In, Fe-Rh and Fe-P systems
Golvano Escobal, I. (Author). 31 Mar 2017
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis
Student thesis: Doctoral thesis