Galvanic exchange platinization reveals laser-inscribed pattern in 3D-LAM-printed steel

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry Vol. 22; no. 6; pp. 1755 - 1762
• Main Authors: Litherland, Alex G. M., Spurway, Lee M., Gordeev, Sergey N., Aaronson, Barak D. B., Wain, Andrew J., O’Connell, Michael A., Piili, Heidi, Hovilehto, Mikko, Matilainen, Ville-Pekka, Vuorema, Anne, Marken, Frank
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.06.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Austenitic stainless steels; Bright plating; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Electrochemistry; Energy Storage; Original Paper; Oxidation; Physical Chemistry; Platinum; Porosity; Stainless steel; Steel industry; Steel structures; Three dimensional printing; Laser pattern; Catalysis; Electroless deposition; Alloys; Nanoporosity
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-017-3869-8

Galvanic exchange involving dissolution of iron and the simultaneous growth of platinum onto 316 L stainless steel was investigated for specimens manufactured by 3D-printing, and the behavior was compared to conventional stainless steel. Novel phenomena associated with the 3D-printed steel, but not conventional steel, reacting in three distinct phases were observed: first, with low platinum loading, a bright etching pattern linked to the laser-manufacturing process is revealed at the steel surface; second, a nanostructured pore pattern with platinum nano-deposits forms; and third, a darker platinum film coating of typically 500-nm thickness forms and then peels off the steel surface with further platinum growth underneath. Unlike the conventional steel (and mainly due to residual porosity), 3D-printed steel supports well-adhered platinum films for potential application in electrocatalysis, as demonstrated for alkaline methanol oxidation. Graphical abstract ᅟ