Sonoelectrochemical Synthesis of FeCo Nanoparticles: Study of the Effects of Bath's Composition on Process Efficiency and Particles Features

This study describes synthesis of FeCo nanoparticles by using a method which couples electrodeposition of metals with the employment of high power ultrasound. A 20 kH titanium alloy horn ultrasound generator, a “sonoelectrode”, generated short current pulses which were triggered and followed by ultrasonic pulses. The primary role of ultrasound is to induce cavitation phenomenon in the electrolyte and the ablation of the metallic nuclei from the cathodic surface. A rest time restores the initial conditions in the electrolyte close to the sonoelectrode. The final product is a suspension of nanoparticles with high purity and surface/volume ratio, which can be controlled by varying process parameters like time management and current density. The effects of bath's components on chemical, morphological and structural features of produced nanoparticles were investigated and evaluated. Nanopowders were characterized by TEM, XRF, XRD and X-EDS; results showed that (i) process efficiency was mainly affected by combined effects of organic additive and supporting electrolyte while (ii) chemical composition of produced nanoparticles was influenced by metal salt anions; (iii) nanoparticles with prevalent bcc crystalline structure were formed, and with (iv) an average grain size of 15÷25 nm; finally (v) morphological and structural features of nanoparticles were not influenced by bath's composition.