(Invited) Stable Nanocrystalline Electrodeposits: Case Studies Spanning from Theory to Products

Abstract

Although many metals and alloys can be electrodeposited with nanoscale internal structure, few of these are stable enough for engineering use. Many more have processing and property disadvantages that prohibit commercialization. This talk will describe a general recipe developed at MIT and subsequently at Xtalic Corporation (Marlborough, MA) for the design of stable and deployable nanocrystalline electrodeposits. Such deposits have the strength, hardness and wear benefits well known to nanostructured metals, but with a stabilized structure that resists coarsening even under significant heating conditions. Three case studies will be discussed, for alloy coatings based on Ni, Ag, and Al. With emphasis on the basic theory of alloy design, through reduction to practice, and to commercialization at the level of billions of coated components, the talk will highlight the role of thermodynamic thinking in streamlining the search for product-viable electrodeposits.