Electrodeposition from weakly coordinating solvents
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Studies of the electrochemical deposition of p-block elements and their alloys for applications in thermoelectrics, memory and infra-red detectors. Studies will involve the use of both conventional non-aqueous solvents, such as dichloromethane, and of supercritical fluids and the characterisation of the composition and properties of the deposits using a range of techniques.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Philip Bartlett (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Alexander Black (Student) |
| Description | This project is concerned with the electrodeposition of p-block elements for the manufacture of semiconductors, and the role of the solvent in this process. For electrodeposition, the element/s to be deposited must first be dissolved in a solvent. The nature of the solute and solvent can dramatically alter the interactions between the two, therefore judicious choice of the solvent is necessary to achieve the desired behaviour of the metal precursors to be deposited. The project is associated with the Advanced Devices by Electroplating (ADEPT) program grant which intends to electrodeposit functional semiconductor devices. The project aims to understand the influence the solvent has on the behaviour of the elements of interest and discover solvents for use in the project superior to those originally proposed. To this end, several additional solvents have been identified and demonstrated to be appropriate for electrodeposition. Some are also capable of performing electrodeposition at raised temperatures, which is currently not possible on the ADEPT grant and is highly desirable since doing so typically improves the material properties of the deposited material. |
| Exploitation Route | As stated above, new solvents have been selected for investigation. These have the potential to significantly improve the capabilities of the ADEPT grant, or others interested in similar materials by permitting the electrodeposition at raised temperatures. It is also expected that semiconductors which were previously unsuccessfully deposited become possible to do so in the new solvents (for reasons presently under investigation), providing new capabilities to the ADEPT grant and wider material science field. |
| Sectors | Chemicals |
| Description | Contributed to the science outreach brand 'Electrochemical Circus' aiming to explain the importance of electrochemistry to the general public through various public engagement activities including university open days, scout camps and festivals dedicated to increasing the participation of the general public with science. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
| Sector | Chemicals |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The work of the project was presented at an international conference dedicated to the field of work. This raised awareness of the present work and the broader aims and achievements of the program grant associated with it. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Participation in an event aimed at informing and encouraging the interest of the general public in science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Participated in outreach aiming to interest and improve the understanding of the general public in the field of electrochemistry at a day long event dedicated to improving the general public's engagement with science at the University of Southampton. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |