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Projekt Titel
Mechanisch adaptive nanoporöse Metalle durch reversible Metallelektroabscheidung
Förderkennzeichen
SH 2005/4-1
Funding code
945.03-1117
Startdatum
January 1, 2027
Enddatum
December 31, 2029
Gepris ID
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Nanoporous metals have attracted significant attention due to their nanostructure-enabled mechanical, optical, and electrochemical properties. Of particular interest are materials with reversibly tunable macroscopic mechanical behaviors, which are essential for adaptive systems capable of responding dynamically to external stimuli. Controlled, reversible modulation of properties such as stiffness, strength, and shape is highly desirable for next-generation smart and multifunctional devices, including soft robotics and artificial muscles. In the past two decades, advances in nanoscale architecture have enabled unprecedented control over mechanical properties through surface and interface effects, facilitated by the high surface-to-volume ratios inherent in these materials. While reversible tuning of strain, namely actuation, in nanoporous metals is well established, reversible tuning of other mechanical properties remains relatively underexplored, especially beyond noble-metal systems. Prior studies have largely focused on electrochemical surface charging and hydroxide adsorption as mechanisms for tunability. This project introduces an alternative and broadly applicable approach: reversible metal electrodeposition (RME). RME offers expanded tunability and compatibility with earth-abundant, cost-effective metals. This project will employ in situ mechanical testing to demonstrate significant, reversible modulation of stiffness and strength in nanoporous metals during RME. The work will also extend to hierarchical nanoporous architectures with dual-scale porosity to optimize the interplay between surface area, mass transport, mechanical performance, and structural integrity. To uncover the underlying mechanisms, we will combine in situ mechanical testing with microstructural characterization such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and ultra-/small angle X-ray scattering methods. We will elucidate critical structure–property–function relationships by examining how features such as ligament size, coating thickness, hierarchical porosity, and interface characteristics influence the tunable mechanical response. Ultimately, this research aims to establish a hybrid metal–electrolyte nanomaterial system capable of rapid, large-amplitude mechanical switching that could enable a new class of adaptive structural materials and smart devices. Furthermore, we will explore electrodeposition as a fabrication pathway for core–shell nanoporous metal/metal nanocomposites, targeting the rare and valuable combination of high strength and tensile ductility.