The formation of nanostructured surfaces by electrochemical techniques: a range of emerging surface finishes - Part 1: achieving nanostructured surfaces by electrochemical techniques

Emerging practice to realise nanostructured metallic coatings by electrodeposition, anodising and electrophoresis is considered. Conventional, aqueous electrolytes may be utilised in some cases if workpiece preparation and process conditions are well controlled. Such coatings can provide wear and corrosion resistance or a catalytic or high active area compared to more conventional coatings. An overview of the principles involved in deploying electrochemical techniques to produce nanostructured surfaces and factors influencing developments in this rapidly emerging field is given. The strategies, which can be adopted to electrodeposit nanostructured metallic coatings, include grain refinement, application of a pulsed current, inclusion of nanoparticles into the coating and the use of nanoporous templates. Part 2 will consider examples of nanostructured surfaces together with their potential applications.