The formation of nanostructured surfaces by electrochemical techniques: a range of emerging surface finishes. Part 2: examples of nanostructured surfaces by plating and anodising with their applications

In part 1 of this review, emerging practice to realise nanostructured metallic coatings by electrodeposition, anodising and electrophoresis has been 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 were considered. 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. In part 2, examples of nanostructured coatings and their properties are illustrated with research findings from the authors’ laboratory and the literature. Nanostructured metallic coatings include nanocrystalline, functionally graded, nanocomposite and recently introduced hierarchical structures. The potential uses for these coatings in engineering industries (including tribology and energy conversion) are summarised. Finally, future developments necessary to realise and deploy the coatings in increasingly demanding environments are considered.