NanoCones - Magnetic-field assisted single-step electrodeposition of Co-Fe-Ni nano-structures

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Kerstin Eckert; Dr. Annett Gebert, since 2/2020; Dr.-Ing. Gerd Mutschke
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Theoretical Chemistry: Molecules, Materials, Surfaces
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 381712986

This proposal studies the magneto-electrodeposition of tailored conical nanostructures of ferromagnetic Co-Fe-Ni based alloys. Due to their specific structure, nano-cones are attractive for very different applications, including magnetic, super-hydrophobic or electrocatalytic materials. By the ability to switch-on and off two different forces, the Lorentz and the magnetic gradient force, magnetic fields introduce unique possibilities to control the mass transport of both electroactive ions and crystal modifier directly at the conical structures. The vision is to establish a novel and simple route toward ordered arrays of ferromagnetic alloy nano-cones with improved electro-catalytic properties.To approach this vision, systematic experimental and numerical investigations of all relevant electrochemical and hydrodynamic aspects will be conducted on the full length scale hierarchy, from mm to nm range. While the German team is in charge for the hydrodynamics of the electrodeposition process on the millimeter and micrometer scale, the Polish team is responsible for the characterization of the morphological and electro-catalytic properties achieved on the nanoscale. Complementary numerical simulations will be performed by the German team. Based on improved understanding of physics and scaling of the magnetohydrodynamic microconvection and the mass transfer at conical structures as well as on detailed characterization of the morphology and the properties of nano-cone arrays deposited in magnetic fields, models and techniques will be developed towards ordered arrays of electrocatalytic, ferromagnetic nano-cones in a single electrodeposition step.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Poland
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Remigiusz Kowalik; Dr. Marek Wojnicki; Professor Dr. Piotr Zabinski
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Dr. Margitta Uhlemann, until 1/2020