Nanostructured metallic foam electrodeposits on a nonconductive substrate

Abstract

A way to prepare the nanostructured metallic foam (NMF) electrodeposits on nonconductive materials was suggested for the first time. This innovative process involves the electrochemical preparation of NMFs on a metal-coated nonconductive substrate and subsequent removal of the deliberately heat-treated dense layer around the NMF trunks, leaving self-supported NMFs on the nonconductive substrate. The creation of nanostructured (or nanoramified) nickel foams on alumina was demonstrated as an exemplary application of the fabrication process.