A simple method for the deposition of noble metal (Pd, Au) nanoparticles on a free-standing chemical vapour deposited graphene (CVD GR) monolayer is reported. The method consists of assembling the high purity CVD GR, by transfer from poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), at the organic/water interface. Metal deposition can then proceed using either spontaneous or electrochemically-controlled proce...

Suppressing dendrite formation at lithium metal anodes during cycling is critical for the implementation of future lithium metal-based battery technology. Here we report that it can be achieved via the facile process of immersing the electrodes in ionic liquid electrolytes for a period of time before battery assembly. This creates a durable and lithium ion-permeable solid-electrolyte interphase...

Liquid metal droplets of gallium (Ga) and Ga-based alloys are traditionally incorporated as deformable additives into soft elastomers to make them conductive. However, such a strategy has not been implemented develop conductive sponges with real sponge-like characteristics. Herein, polyurethane-based Ga microdroplets embedded inside the polyurethane walls developed. The liquid phase (at 45 °C) ...

Gallium is a metal that literally melts in your hand. It has low toxicity, near-zero vapor pressure, and viscosity similar to water. Despite possessing surface tension larger than any other liquid (near room temperature), gallium can form nonspherical shapes due the thin, solid native oxide skin forms rapidly oxygen. These properties enable new ways pattern metals (e.g., injection printing) cre...

Aqueous waste streams of the metallurgical industry often contain considerable concentrations of metal salts. Previous research showed that the metal chloride salts of zinc(ii), manganese(ii) and iron(iii) can be recovered by solvent extraction using a sustainable and renewable fatty acid based ionic liquid as the extractant. In this paper, the extraction mechanism of Zn(ii), Co(ii) and Ni(ii) ...

The growth of epitaxial Si nanowires by a metal-catalyst-free process has been investigated as an alternative to the more common metal-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid process. The well-aligned Si nanowires are successfully grown on a (111)-oriented Si substrate without any metal catalysts by a thermal treatment using silicon sulfide as a Si source at approximately 1200 °C. The needle-shaped Si nan...