Metal batteries and electroplating
Metal-ion batteries are systems for electrochemical energy conversion and storage in which only one type of ion oscillates back and forth between the negative and positive electrodes during discharging and charging. This concept is also known as a rocking chair battery. Due to its extremely high theoretical specific capacity (3,860 mA h g-1), its low density (0.59 g cm-3) and the lowest negative electrochemical potential (-3,040 V compared to the standard hydrogen electrode), lithium metal is an ideal anode material for rechargeable batteries. However, the highly reactive nature of the lithium metal in these batteries limits their application.
Researchers led by Prof. Aleksandar Matic at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are working on the development of the so-called batteries of the future. The work takes place in so-called "glove boxes", a closed and inert environment in which the materials are exposed to as few external influences as possible (Figure 1/cover picture). Their research shows a simple way to avoid the formation of a surface layer on the reactive metal electrode, which degrades battery life, and points to future strategies to make metal batteries both more stable and safer.
Unavoidable reactions on the active metal surface degrade battery performance. Instead of dealing with the reactive electrode materials outside the battery, they made the electrode inside the battery by electroplating, which prevents the reactive metal from reacting with the environment. This results in a more predictable and stable electrode. When a metal battery is charged, metal ions are converted into metal. The same process can also be used to create a metal electrode directly in the battery cell, as in electroplating. By creating the metal electrode inside the battery, the metal cannot react with impurities outside the battery and has a better and more stable surface layer. The researchers conducted the study using potassium as the metal. Potassium, sodium and lithium have similar properties. The electroplating bath was prepared by mixing potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and 1,2-dimethoxyethane in a molar ratio of 1:2.5.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-07-electroplating-strategy-safer-stable-metal.html;
J. Electrochem. Soc. 171 020517;
DOI 10.1149/1945-7111/ad2593
Copper plating and chemical-mechanical planarization
Electroplating technology has always kept pace with developments in electronics. The rapid developments in the semiconductor industry, especially the practically unchecked and constant miniaturization, bring new challenges. Machine learning (ML) is also beginning to play a role here.
Copper plating is known to play a critical role in the manufacture of chips. At dimensions of 5 nm and below, it becomes more difficult for copper plating to keep pace with the gapless filling of narrower structures. Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) uses a combination of chemical and mechanical forces to planarize the surface of a wafer. The equipment for CMP is stretched to quickly remove impurities while minimizing dishing and erosion (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2: Damascene copper filling and CMP wiring process - graphic: Lam Research
The effectiveness of ML-based algorithms generally depends critically on the availability of good quality data. Using data from in-situ or in-line sensors together with ML-based analytics for advanced process control and improved mold health and productivity addresses the problem. Advanced machine learning control loops are set up to increase equipment uptime, manage consumables and improve controls.
https://semiengineering.com/precise-control-of-copper-plating-and-cmp/
India Silver Conference 2024
The India Silver Conference, supported by The Silver Institute and India Bullion and Jewellers Association, was organized for the second time at the end of April 2024.
Fig. 3: Conference participants at the introductory event of the India Silver Conference 2024 - Photo: Eventell
With 37 presentations and 13 exhibitors, the conference in Goa was a special experience for the more than 240 delegates. Mining, recycling and trade restrictions dominated the conference. There was a dearth of technical presentations on the industrial applications of silver (Figure 3).
https://eventellglobal.com/conferences-details.php?conf=isc
