Electrophoretic Deposition Technique Research Articles

Biofunctionalization of dental abutments by a zinc/chitosan/gelatin coating to optimize fibroblast behavior and antibacterial properties.

Tightly sealed peri-implant gingival tissue provides a barrier against oral bacterial invasion, protecting the alveolar bone and maintaining long-term implant survival. To investigate if zinc can enhance the integration between peri-implant gingival tissue and abutment surface, we herein present novel zinc/chitosan/gelatin (Zn/CS/Gel) coatings prepared using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The effect of these coatings on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) was investigated by culturing these cells on top of the EPD coatings. Surface characterization demonstrated that Zn2+ were released in a sustained and pH-responsive manner. The preclinical cell culture evaluation of these coatings indicated that the zinc-containing coatings enhanced cell migration, adhesion and collagen secretion of hGFs. Moreover, the zinc-containing coatings exhibited antibacterial efficacy by inhibiting the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and reducing attachment of Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, zinc-free CS/Gel coatings prevented attachment of P. gingivalis as well. The coatings were also shown to be cytocompatible with epithelial cells and osteoblasts, which are other relevant cell types which surround dental implants after clinical placement. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that Zn-containing coatings hold promise to enhance the adhesion of gingival tissue to the implant surface, which may potentially contribute to the formation of a robust peri-implant soft sealing counteracting bacterial invasion.

Investigation of biomimetic HAp formation on graphite

According to reports, coating implants with hydroxyapatite (HAp) promotes bone repair and combines the biological effectiveness of the material with the mechanical properties of standard metallic implants. In this contribution, bioactive nanographite particles were synthesized using a novel technique to stimulate HAp deposition using a biomimetic method. The rapid breakdown ionization (RBA) technique was used to synthesize graphite nanoparticles. The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was utilized to deposit the nanoparticle on titanium substrates. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the creation of nanoparticles with a size of around 65nm. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) test confirmed the polycrystalline structure of graphite with a dominant peak (002). UV-VIS absorption and FTIR spectra confirmed the production of graphite powder. To test the bioactivity of the graphite layer, it was immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 30 days. The formation of a HAp layer on graphite is depicted by an XRD pattern, and SEM images illustrate nanoclusters of this layer.

Fabrication of g-C3N4 films with enhanced mechanical and charge transfer properties by electrophoretic deposition and subsequent citric acid modification

A low-cost 2D metal-free material based on a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) film functionalized with a citric acid molecule has been successfully fabricated by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) and thermal techniques, aiming to evaluate its suitability for optoelectronic devices. The thickness-controlled g-C3N4 film having a good mechanical property was successfully performed. The chemical stability and photostability of the citric-modified g-C3N4 films deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass were investigated. New chemical links were clarified such that it could possibly become a bridge for enhancing charge transport. The modified samples exhibited a significant increase in their photocurrent response, reaching 25 μA/cm2 at a thickness of about 20 μm. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) verified the enhanced conductivity, efficient charge transfer, and reduced electron-hole recombination rate. This research revealed a facile synthetic route and environmentally benign materials, thereby suggesting promising prospects for their application in the optoelectronic field.

Electrophoretic Deposition of 58S Bioactive Glass- Polymer Composite Coatings on 316L Stainless Steel: An Optimization for Corrosion, Bioactivity, and Cytocompatibility.

This study presents a facile fabrication of 58S bioactive glass (BG)-polymer composite coatings on a 316L stainless steel (SS) substrate using the electrophoretic deposition technique. The suspension characteristics and deposition kinetics of BG, along with three different polymers, namely ethylcellulose (EC), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), have been utilized to fabricate the coatings. Among all coatings, 58S BG and EC polymers are selected as the final composite coating (EC6) owing to their homogeneity and good adhesion. EC6 coating exhibits a thickness of ∼18 μm and an average roughness of ∼2.5 μm. Herein, EC6 demonstrates better hydroxyapatite formation compared to PAA and PVP coatings in simulated body fluid-based mineralization studies for a period of 28 days. Corrosion studies of EC6 in phosphate-buffered saline further confirm the higher corrosion resistance properties after 14 days. In vitro cytocompatibility studies using human placental mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate an increase in cellular viability, attachment, and higher proliferation compared to the bare SS substrate. EC6 coatings promote osteogenic differentiation, which is confirmed via the upregulation of the OPN and OCN genes. Moreover, the EC6 sample exhibits improved antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared to the uncoated ones. The findings of this work emphasize the potential of electrophoretically fabricated BG-EC composite coatings on SS substrates for orthopedic applications.

In Situ Electrophoretic Decorated Cactus-Type Metallic-Phase MoS2 on CaMn2O4 Nanofibers for Binder-Free Next-Generation LIBs.

Ternary manganese-based oxides, such as CaMn2O4 (CMO) nanofibers fabricated via the electrospinning technique, have the potential to offer higher reversible capacity through conversion reactions in comparison to that of carbon-based anodes. However, its poor electrical conductivity hinders its usage in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hence, to mitigate this issue, controlled single-step in situ decoration of highly conducting metallic-phase MoS2@CMO nanofibers has been achieved for the first time via the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique and utilized as a binder-free nanocomposite anode for LIBs. Further, the composition of MoS2@CMO nanofibers has also been optimized to attain better electronic and ionic conductivity. The morphological investigation revealed that the flakes of MoS2 nanoflowers are successfully and uniformly decorated over the CMO nanofibers' surface, forming a cactus-type morphology. As a binder-free nanocomposite LIB anode, CMOMS-7 (7 wt % MoS2@CMO) demonstrates a specific capacity of 674 mA h g-1 after 60 cycles at 50 mA g-1 and maintains a capacity of 454 mA h g-1 even after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g-1. Further, the good rate performance (102 mA h g-1 at 5000 mA g-1) of CMOMS-7 can be ascribed to the enhanced electrical conductivity provided by the metallic-phase MoS2. Moreover, the feasibility of CMOMS-7 is thoroughly investigated by using a full Li-ion cell incorporating a binder-free cathode of LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3O2 (NMC). This configuration showcases an impressive energy density of 154 Wh kg-1. Thus, the hierarchical and aligned structure of CMO nanofibers combined with highly conductive MoS2 nanoflowers facilitates charge transportation within the composite electrodes. This synergistic effect significantly enhances the energy density of the conversion-based nanocomposites, making them highly promising anodes for advanced LIBs.

Structural and corrosion analysis of copper/chitosan coating on nanotubular TiO2/Ti6Al4V implant surface

In this research, we focused on the investigation of the structural, surface, and corrosion behavior properties of copper-loaded TiO2 nanotubular array surfaces that were further deposited with a chitosan biopolymer. This composite material was fabricated on Ti6Al4V alloy substrates using a combination of anodic oxidation (AO), electro-cathodic deposition (ECD), and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) techniques, primarily to apply it in medical implant contexts. Initially, the TiO2 nanotubes were prepared via anodization (AO). Subsequently, copper was introduced into the TiO2 nanotubes through electro-cathodic deposition (ECD), followed by the coating of chitosan over the copper-loaded TiO2 nanotubes using electrophoretic deposition (EPD). To comprehensively assess the characteristics of these surfaces, a series of analytical techniques were employed, including SEM, EDX mapping, XRD, and wettability measurements. Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of these surfaces, namely the OCP, PDP, and EIS, were extensively scrutinized.The outcomes of this investigation directed a notable development in the electrochemical corrosion resistance of the chitosan-deposited copper-loaded TiO2 nanotubular array surfaces in comparison to uncoated Ti6Al4V alloy, particularly under conditions simulating a physiological environment (simulated body fluid, SBF). Corrosion rates, assessed through PDP (Potentiodynamic Polarization) curves, were determined to be 0.3023 mm/y for polished Ti6Al4V, 0.1476 mm/y for TiO2 30 V 4 h, 0.1235 mm/y for TNT-Cu2/30/Ch, 0.0733 mm/y for TNT-Cu2/60/Ch, and 0.0611 mm/y for TNT-Cu2/90/Ch. Additionally, corrosion protection efficiencies were calculated as 51.16 % for TiO2 30 V 4 h, 59.15 % for TNT-Cu2/30/Ch, 75.76 % for TNT-Cu2/60/Ch, and 79.81 % for TNT-Cu2/90/Ch. Notably, the TNT-Cu2/90/Ch sample demonstrated a significantly low corrosion rate of 0.0611 mm/year and a high corrosion protection efficiency of 79.81 %. This enhancement can happen due to the chitosan coating, which acts as a protective layer, hindering the ingress of the physical solution into the original metal surfaces. Notably, TNT-Cu2/90/Ch coated sample exhibited a corrosion rate (icorr) approximately 5 times lower than that of the uncoated alloy. In conclusion, this study presents a novel chitosan-coated composite material consisting of copper-loaded TiO2 nanotubular surfaces that effectively enhances corrosion resistance compared to polished Ti6Al4V substrates.

Synergistic effects of Core@Shell (CZTS@CZTSe) on photovoltaic & photocathode applications

Nanotechnology has undergone significant advancements attributable to the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), reflecting the collaborative endeavours of numerous researchers. This investigation contributes to the field by fabricating core–shell (Csh) NPs composed of CZTS (Cu2ZnSnS4)-CZTSe(Cu2ZnSn(SSe)4), exhibiting potential applications as photocatalysts for water treatment and photocathodes for solar cells. Utilizing the innovative “Hot-Injection” method in NP synthesis represents a noteworthy breakthrough, facilitating a reduction in reaction time and enabling precise control over morphology. Characterization employing diverse techniques has unveiled noteworthy structural and electrochemical properties. This includes the identification of a Kesterite phase with varying S and Se ratios, as well as binary/ternary phases influencing purity. UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy has provided insights into electronic properties, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has indicated the low charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the CZTS80Se20 core–shell structure, positioning it as a prime candidate for application procedures. Photocatalytic efficiency assessment involved subjecting the NPs to Methylene blue dye under visible light, resulting in a maximum efficiency of 99.9% within a certain range of catalyst concentrations. This study also demonstrated the NP’s suitability as absorber layers of optimal thickness in solar cells, deposited through the Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) technique. Linear and symmetric I-V response results indicate the ohmic nature of the contacts. This research represents a significant stride forward, unveiling promising prospects for the utilisation of core–shell CZTS-CZTSe NPs across.

FABRICATION OF A NEW CERAMIC COATING BY ELECTROPHORETIC METHOD FOR GRAPHITE ELECTRODES AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

A large part of the cost of steel production in the world is related to the consumption of graphite electrodes. Electrode is the only material that maintains its electrical conductivity at high temperatures, and hence it is used as a conductor of electric current in EAF furnaces. Considering the high costs of graphite electrodes, any action that leads to reducing the consumption of graphite electrode can lead to increasing the productivity of steelmaking operations. In this study and as its novelty, the electrophoretic method was used to generate a ceramic coating for the protection of graphite electrodes. Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a two-step process in which charged particles suspended in a suspension move towards the oppositely charged electrode under the influence of an electric field which combine as a dense film on the surface. In the EPD technique, the particle size limit is not very important if a stable suspension is formed and micro and nano-sized particles can be used in this method. The numerical simulation of the thermal contour on the graphite electrode was done in ABAQUS software. Moreover, the surface morphology of graphite samples has been investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The created coating was a combination of Al2O3 and SiO2, which was placed on the surface of test samples by EPD treatment. The obtained results have the properties of resistance to thermal shock and show the increase in the life of coated graphite samples at different temperatures and times.

Development and characterisation of block copolymer/bioactive glass and block copolymer/TCP composite coatings obtained by EPD

The aim of this work focused on the synthesis of composite coatings based on poly(dimethylsiloxane-block-ε-caprolactone), Bioglass® (BG) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles deposited on stainless steel plates obtained by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. In vitro assessment was performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate the potential uses of these coatings in tissue engineering. Thermal characterization from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that experimental [Polymer]:[mineral]e wt/wt ratios were 32:68 and 26:74 for coatings with BG and TCP, respectively. In addition, all coatings exhibited thicknesses ranging from 45.3 μm to 59.9 μm. Finally, the growth of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the coatings, after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF), was evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. This last result suggests that the obtained coatings could be used as promising materials in bone tissue regeneration.

Effects of composite coatings on pool boiling performance characteristics in demineralized water

Nucleate boiling is known for its high heat transfer capacity which occurs at a reasonably low temperature difference between the surface and saturated liquid due to the rapid vaporization process. The vaporization process and boiling heat transfer (BHT) primarily depend on surface morphology and wettability. In this article, surface morphology and wettability of smooth copper surfaces have been altered by coating with binary oxide nanoparticles. Three different combinations of composite coatings: TiO2/SiO2, TiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/Al2O3 are considered and pool boiling performances have been investigated in demineralized water. Samples have been prepared using electrophoretic deposition techniques in binary oxide nanofluid of 0.1 wt. % concentration. The coating was performed for a fixed duration of 10 min in a medium of hybrid nanofluids of TiO2/SiO2, TiO2/Al2O3 and SiO2/Al2O3 which are referred to as S1, S2 and S3, respectively, in the text. The surface morphology, wettability and coating layer thickness of the sample are varied with the coating duration. The smooth copper surface is hydrophilic while coated samples are hydrophobic by nature. Experiments were carried out on all surfaces, and the results were compared with the smooth copper surface. The maximum enhancements in BHT coefficient for surfaces S1, S2 and S3 are 38%, 43% and 59%, respectively, corresponding to heat flux of ∼275,∼ 200 and ∼220 kW/m2. The reduction in boiling incipient temperature is 0.7, 3.6 and 4.4°C, respectively.

Reinforcement of carbon fibers: γ-irradiation induced microporous modulation and surface defect repairing with graphene quantum dots

Due to the presence of numerous defects both internally and on the surface, carbon fiber exhibits mechanical properties far below theoretical predictions. Finding a rapid and effective method for reinforcing the matrix remains a challenge. To address this, we have conducted structural reinforcement of carbon fiber by improving the orientation of internal micropores and eliminating surface defects. On the one hand, we subjected the carbon fiber to a dose of 100 kGy of gamma-ray irradiation in the air. After testing, the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber improved by 5.59%. Analysis using techniques such as small-angle x-ray scattering revealed that gamma rays can slightly alter the orientation of the fiber’s internal micropores and enhance graphitization to some extent. On the other hand, we introduced graphene quantum dots (GQDs) onto the surface of the carbon fiber using electrostatic spraying and electrophoretic deposition techniques to fill the defect sites. Compared to untreated carbon fiber, the mechanical properties improved by 10.65% and 9.40% when GQDs were grafted using electrophoretic deposition and electrostatic spraying methods, respectively. This improvement can be attributed to the adsorption of GQDs on the surface of the carbon fiber, which disperses stress during tensile loading and delays fracture. Finally, grafting of GQDs onto the surface of gamma-irradiated carbon fibers by electrophoresis improved the mechanical properties of the carbon fibers by 15.53% compared to unmodified carbon fibers. This work provides a more comprehensive perspective for repairing carbon fiber structures.

Fabrication and electrochemical properties of bonded NdFeB magnetic rings coated with double layer epoxy resin coating

On bonded NdFeB magnetic rings (B/NdFeB), a double-layer epoxy resin (DL-EP) coating was created using rolling spraying and cathode electrophoretic deposition techniques. The corrosion behaviors of the B/NdFeB and coated samples were examined using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), high pressure accelerated aging test (PCT), and neutral salt spray resistance test (NSS). The DL-EP coating significantly improved the corrosion resistance of B/NdFeB, as evidenced by the comparison of corrosion current density (Jcorr), PCT time, and NSS time.

Comparative corrosion performance of YSZ-coated Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy and commercially pure titanium in orthopedic implants

This study delves into the corrosion performance and wear behavior of orthopedic implant alloys, particularly the Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy and commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti), both coated with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) nanoceramic. The research utilizes the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) approach and employs electrophoretic deposition (EPD) techniques to create thin, well-adhering YSZ layers on these alloys. Employing an orthogonal Taguchi L9 array, the study investigates how various EPD parameters, including electrical voltages, YSZ concentration, deposition duration, and grinding intensity, influence the deposition yield on both Ti alloys. To optimize the EPD parameters for these Ti alloys, the coated substrates underwent thickness and adhesion tests. The optimal conditions established are as follows: for commercially pure Ti, YSZ coating thickness and adhesion were achieved using 60 Vs, 7 min of deposition, 15 % concentration, and 400° of grinding. Meanwhile, for Ti-13Zr-13Nb, the ideal parameters were 60 Vs, 7 min of deposition, 20 % concentration, and 400° of grinding. Comprehensive characterization techniques were employed, including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for alloy analysis, optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface microstructure and thickness evaluation, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) for composition analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis.The research goes on to assess corrosion resistance by subjecting the optimal coated Ti alloys to simulated body fluid (SBF) using electrochemical methods such as polarization (Tafel) and cyclic polarization. Additionally, adhesion force was measured using a tip tester. Notably, both cp-Ti and Ti-13Zr-13Nb coatings showcased enhanced corrosion resistance in Ringer's solution at 37 °C. Importantly, the corrosion rate of the coated Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy (1.888 × 10–3) was found to be lower than that of the coated cp-Ti alloy (3.013 × 10–3)..

Electrophoretic deposition of graphene oxide as a stabilizing layer on the Ni-rich layered oxide electrodes for enhancing the cycling stability of Li-ion cathodes

One of the critical challenges for layered Ni-rich cathode material is the surface degradation caused by the parasitic reaction between the cathode material and the organic electrolytes. Herein, we develop an overall electrode modification strategy to improve the cathode surface's structural stability by integrating graphene oxide (GO) coating on the surface of the cathode electrode with the assistance of the electrophoretic deposition technique (EPD). The attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results confirm the formation of the uniform thin GO layer on the surface of the Ni-rich cathode. The electrochemical studies such as galvanostatic charge-discharge, galvanostatic intermittent titration Technique (GITT), and incremental capacity analysis (ICA) tests show that the existence of thin layers of GO not only does not hinder the intercalation of Li+ ions but also can facilitate the charge transfer and intercalation of Li+ ions by decreasing the charge transfer resistance of the electrode. The cycling stability of the cathode coated with GO in 30 s of EPD shows better performance over 150 charge-discharge cycles and lower Rct than the pristine electrode. Our work provides a design idea for stabilizing the surface/bulk structure of advanced Ni-rich cathode for high-performance Li-ion batteries.

Boiling Heat Transfer Performance of Pure Water on Binary Oxide-Based Nanoparticles Coatings

Abstract Pool boiling heat transfer performance has been evaluated on a binary oxide based nanoparticles coated surface. Electrophoretic deposition techniques were used for TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles coatings on polished copper substrates. Four different surfaces have been prepared by varying the deposition time 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 min which are referred to in the text as coated surface (CS)#1, CS#2, CS#3, and CS#4, respectively. The surface characteristics like surface roughness, morphology, and wettability have changed after the coating. It has been observed that all the deposited surfaces are hydrophobic, whereas polished copper surfaces are hydrophilic by nature. The boiling heat transfer performance of surface CS#2 is superior to the other three surfaces, while CS#4 is the worst. The highest enhancement in boiling heat transfer coefficient (BHTC) observed for CS#2 is 62.3%, corresponding to a heat flux of ∼220 kW/m2. The coating layer thickness was also observed to be an important parameter, apart from surface roughness, wettability, and morphology, which may be a cause for heat transfer deterioration, if it crosses a limiting value. In this study the limiting value of coating layer thickness discovered ∼15 μm experimentally.

Self-alignment of amino-functionalized Ti3C2Tx modified with cerium-doped ZIF-8 nanocontainer towards anti-corrosive/wear and self-healing application

Despite Ti3C2Tx MXene has certified tremendous promise for improving the anti-corrosion/wear of epoxy resin, it falls short of matching the protective standards under long-term extreme conditions. Herein, 2-methylimidazole zinc salt ZIF-8 was grown in-situ on amino-functionalized Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and doped with cerium cations (P+-Ti3C2Tx@ZCe). The Ti3C2Tx-based composite was then parallel arranged within epoxy coating utilizing electrophoretic deposition technique to prepare a novel self-healing intelligent coating (PMX@ZCe). The encapsulation structure of P+-Ti3C2Tx@ZCe was investigated by XRD, FTIR, XPS, FE-SEM, TEM, Zeta potential and TG techniques. Furthermore, the corrosion/wear resistance and self-healing performances of PMX@ZCe were discussed detailedly and the strengthening mechanism of P+-Ti3C2Tx@ZCe was revealed. Results indicate that PMX@ZCe maintains the highest |Z|0.01Hz value of 1.24 × 1010 Ω cm2 after 4 weeks of electrochemical test and exhibits excellent self-healing efficiency of 153 % under artificial scratch, which is ascribed to the release of Ce3+/Ce4+ that could form insoluble protective films at the coating/metal interface. The wear rate of PMX@ZCe is 2.29 × 10−5 mm3/N · m about 56 % lower than that of EP. PMX@ZCe possesses satisfactory corrosion/wear protection performance, thanks to the synergy of good interfacial interaction, parallel-aligned barrier effect and active-passive protection. This work provides a new design thinking for MXene-based intelligent protective coatings that can meet the demands of multi-service environments.

Moringa oleifera/chitosan-coated silk sutures for improved wound healing

The potential of Moringa oleifera/chitosan, as an antibacterial coating material on sutures against surgical infections, was studied. Chitosan and Moringa oleifera powder, obtained via standard extraction and drying procedure, were mixed in a 1:2 ratio to produce the polymer-based film. A silk braided suture was coated by chitosan and Moringa oleifera mixture employing an electrophoretic deposition technique. The amount of Moringa oleifera released by the coated sutures was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) throughout the degradation process. The antibacterial potential of the Moringa oleifera-coated sutures was evaluated by antibacterial testing against E. coli and S. aureus. For biocompatibility/cytotoxicity analysis of the Moringa oleifera-coated sutures, the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium) assay was considered through an indirect testing approach. For this, an elution attained from the extraction of the sutures for 7 days was placed in a 3T3 fibroblast cell culture. The outcomes presented that Moringa oleifera-coated sutures did not develop any notable adverse effect. This was the first investigation on silk-braided sutures coated with Moringa oleifera as a prevention of nosocomial infections and promoting wound healing.

Electrophoretic Deposition of ZnO-Containing Bioactive Glass Coatings on AISI 316L Stainless Steel for Biomedical Applications

The main objective of this investigation was to study the implications of incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles into the matrix of a bioactive glass for the bioactivity and structural properties of the deposited coating. ZnO-containing bioactive glass was coated on an AISI 316L stainless steel substrate using the electrophoretic deposition technique. AISI 316L stainless steel is a biomedical grade steel, which is widely used in different biomedical applications. For the electrophoretic deposition, voltages and times were chosen in the range of 15–40 V and 15–120 min, respectively. The microstructure, phase composition, and surface roughness of coated samples were analyzed in this investigation. Moreover, the corrosion behavior and the MTT (mitochondrial activity) of samples were studied. Results showed a uniform distribution of elements such as silicon and calcium, characteristic of bioactive glass 58S5, in the coating as well as the uniform distribution of Zn inside the ZnO-containing samples. The findings showed that the deposited ZnO-containing bioactive glass is a hydrophilic surface with a relatively rough surface texture. The results of the MTT and antibacterial effects showed that the deposited layers have promising cell viability.

Electrochemical performance of electrophoretically deposited zinc antimony oxide–carbon black anode for lithium-ion batteries

Zinc antimony oxide (ZnSb2O6), a relatively new anode having a tri-rutile type of structure, is synthesized by a solution-based synthesis route. Zinc antimony oxide–carbon black (ZSO-CB) electrodes are fabricated by electrophoretic deposition technique. Regarding, film quality and mass loading, a 3-minute deposition period at 100 V applied potential is shown to yield optimized performance. When used as an anode for lithium-ion battery (LIB), these electrodes show a steady capacity of 464 mAhg−1 at a specific current of 500 mAg−1 after 400 cycles. It exhibits an excellent rate capability of 370 mAhg−1 at 4000 mAg−1 specific current, which is comparable to that of the theoretical capacity of commercial graphite anode (372 mAhg−1). ZSO can therefore be a potential anode for LIBs.

Effective removal of trace arsenic from groundwater by capacitive deionization

In this paper, functionalized CNTs and Fe3O4 were compounded by co-precipitation method and the binder-free capacitive deionization (CDI) electrodes were innovative prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique. The effects of applied voltage, flow rate and solution pH on the adsorption capacity of arsenic were investigated. The results confirmed that introduction of different functional groups (–COOH, -SO3H and -PO3H2) and composite transition metal oxide (Fe3O4) led to the materials not only with enhanced hydrophilicity but also with higher capacitance. The CDI test showed that trace arsenic can be effective treated to less 2 μg/L, which satisfied the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard (below 10 μg/L). The CNTs-X@Fe3O4 electrode was found to maintain specific adsorption of arsenic through selectivity experiments. In addition, the combined electro-sorption and chemisorption effectively produce higher adsorption capacity, faster adsorption rate and high selectivity. Therefore, the electrode prepared by EPD has a high prospect of application in arsenic removal by CDI.