We have demonstrated a method of producing nanoplatelets or complex well-ordered nanostructures from silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers. Preferential etching of SiC whiskers in a mixture of hydrofluoric and nitric acids (3:1 ratio) at 100 degrees C results in the selective removal of cubic SiC and the formation of complex structures resembling a pagoda architecture. Possible mechanisms governing se...

A novel method is presented to fabricate high-resolution, high-aspect ratio metal wires embedded in a plastic substrate for flexible electronics applications. In a sequential process, high-resolution channels connected to low-resolution reservoirs are first created in a thermosetting polymer by imprint lithography. A reactive Ag ink is then inkjet-printed into the reservoirs and wicked into the...

Nickel-based activated carbon was prepared from coconut shell activated carbon by electroless plating with palladium-free activation. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and vector network analyzer, respectively. The results show that the surface of the activated carbon was cover...

Capillary zone electrophoresis was used in the analysis of anions and cations in electroless plating bath samples. Examples described in this application note include the analysis of inorganic and organic anions in nickel-plating baths, cations in nickel-iron-cobalt-plating baths and metal-EDTA complexes in plating bath waste. Sample preparation was minimal, consisting merely of diluting the sa...

The first section of this chapter describes general pollution prevention techniques for plating solutions and covers housekeeping, monitoring, additives, equipment modification, and on-site recycling and recovery. The next section covers general issues in pollution prevention for cyanide-based plating. The next seven sections cover pollution prevention options for plating specific metals such a...