Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for water electrolysis. The system includes an ion exchange membrane, a first electrode catalyst layer on a first side of the ion exchange membrane, wherein the first electrode catalyst layer includes a transition metal-phosphorus-based compound on the first side of the ion exchange membrane, and a second electrode catalyst layer on a second side of the ion exchange membrane opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the first electrode catalyst layer is electroplated to the first side of the ion exchange membrane. In some embodiments, the second electrode catalyst layer includes a compound comprising the same transition metal as the first electrode catalyst layer.

Abstract: Methods of refreshing plating solutions containing phosphate anions, refreshed plating solutions, and uses thereof are described. The method may include adding a metal sulfate to the plating solution; precipitating out phosphate anions present in the plating solution with metal ions from the metal sulfate; adding barium carbonate to the plating solution; precipitating sulfate introduced from the metal sulfate added to the plating solution with barium from the barium carbonate; separating insoluble components from the plating solution; and replenishing the plating solution with components originally present in the plating solution.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical machining of a metallic article formed by additive manufacturing includes obtaining or producing the metallic article. The metallic article includes an interior surface and a geometry. The method further includes inserting a flexible, metallic cathode tube into the article. The metallic cathode is spaced apart from the interior surface of the article, and the metallic cathode tube is inserted so as to conform to the geometry of the article. Still further, the method includes introducing an electrolyte fluid into the metallic cathode tube and the interior surface of the article and electrochemical machining the metallic article by applying a voltage across the cathode tube and the metallic article, the metallic article functioning as an anode.

Abstract: A probe assembly of an electropolishing system for electropolishing a surface of a part is disclosed. The probe assembly includes a supply line, at least a part of which is flexible. The supply line defines a fluid passage for a flow of an electrolyte therethrough. The probe assembly also includes an electrode with at least one aperture. The electrode is attached to the supply line and is fluidly connected to the fluid passage for receiving the electrolyte and outputting the electrolyte via the at least one aperture. The electrode is configured to be electrically charged for electropolishing the surface of the part. Also, the probe assembly includes a sensor that is attached to at least one of the supply line and the electrode. The sensor is configured to provide substantially real-time feedback corresponding to the electropolishing of the surface of the part. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Additive-based electroforming manufacturing methods for producing turbomachine components and other metallic articles are provided, as are metallic articles manufactured utilizing such manufacturing methods. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of additively manufacturing a sacrificial tooling structure having a component-defining surface region. A metallic body layer or shell is deposited over the component-defining surface region utilizing an electroforming process such that a geometry of the component-defining surface region is transferred to the body layer. The tooling structure is chemically dissolved, thermally decomposed, or otherwise removed, while the metallic body layer is left substantially intact. After tooling structure removal, the metallic body layer is further processed to complete fabrication of the metallic component.

Abstract: Methods for depositing wear resistant NiW plating systems on metallic components are provided. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of preparing a NiW plating bath containing a particle suspension. The NiW plating bath is prepared by introducing wear resistant particles into the NiW plating path and adding at least one charged surfactant. The first type of wear resistant particles and the first charged surfactant may be contacted when introduced into the NiW plating bath or prior to introduction into the NiW plating bath. The at least one charged surfactant binds with the wear resistant particles to form a particle-surfactant complex. The wear resistant NiW plating system is then electrodeposited onto a surface of a component at least partially submerged in the NiW plating bath. The resulting wear resistant NiW plating system comprised of a NiW matrix in which the wear resistant particles are embedded.

Abstract: Additive-based electroforming manufacturing methods for producing turbomachine components and other metallic articles are provided, as are metallic articles manufactured utilizing such manufacturing methods. In various embodiments, the method includes providing a sacrificial tooling structure having a component-defining surface region. A metallic body layer or shell is deposited over the component-defining surface region utilizing an electroforming process. The tooling structure is removed, while the metallic body layer is left substantially intact. After tooling structure removal, the metallic body layer is further processed to complete fabrication of the metallic component.

Abstract: Additive-based electroforming manufacturing methods for producing turbomachine components and other metallic articles are provided, as are metallic articles manufactured utilizing such manufacturing methods. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of additively manufacturing a sacrificial tooling structure having a component-defining surface region. A metallic body layer or shell is deposited over the component-defining surface region utilizing an electroforming process such that a geometry of the component-defining surface region is transferred to the body layer. The tooling structure is chemically dissolved, thermally decomposed, or otherwise removed, while the metallic body layer is left substantially intact. After tooling structure removal, the metallic body layer is further processed to complete fabrication of the metallic component.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical machining of a metallic article formed by additive manufacturing includes obtaining or producing the metallic article. The metallic article includes an interior surface and a geometry. The method further includes inserting a flexible, metallic cathode tube into the article. The metallic cathode is spaced apart from the interior surface of the article, and the metallic cathode tube is inserted so as to conform to the geometry of the article. Still further, the method includes introducing an electrolyte fluid into the metallic cathode tube and the interior surface of the article and electrochemical machining the metallic article by applying a voltage across the cathode tube and the metallic article, the metallic article functioning as an anode.

Abstract: Coatings containing nickel-tungsten (NiW) plating layers are provided, as are methods for forming coatings and NiW plating layers over metallic components. In embodiments, the method includes preparing a plating bath containing a tungsten (W) ion source; inserting at least one consumable nickel (Ni) electrode and at least a portion of the metallic component into the plating bath; and, afterwards, electrodepositing a NiW plating layer over the component surface by energizing the at least one consumable Ni electrode as an anode and the metallic component as a cathode to attract Ni ions and W ions to the component surface. An amount of anode corrosion accelerant in the plating bath is controlled to balance Ni dissolution at the anode to Ni deposition at cathode, as considered in conjunction with any additional Ni ion sources within the plating bath, to achieve a desired composition of the electrodeposited NiW layer.

Abstract: Methods for depositing wear resistant NiW plating systems on metallic components are provided. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of preparing a NiW plating bath containing a particle suspension. The NiW plating bath is prepared by introducing wear resistant particles into the NiW plating path and adding at least one charged surfactant. The first type of wear resistant particles and the first charged surfactant may be contacted when introduced into the NiW plating bath or prior to introduction into the NiW plating bath. The at least one charged surfactant binds with the wear resistant particles to form a particle-surfactant complex. The wear resistant NiW plating system is then electrodeposited onto a surface of a component at least partially submerged in the NiW plating bath. The resulting wear resistant NiW plating system comprised of a NiW matrix in which the wear resistant particles are embedded.

Abstract: Additive-based electroforming manufacturing methods for producing turbomachine components and other metallic articles are provided, as are metallic articles manufactured utilizing such manufacturing methods. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of additively manufacturing a sacrificial tooling structure having a component-defining surface region. A metallic body layer or shell is deposited over the component-defining surface region utilizing an electroforming process such that a geometry of the component-defining surface region is transferred to the body layer. The tooling structure is chemically dissolved, thermally decomposed, or otherwise removed, while the metallic body layer is left substantially intact. After tooling structure removal, the metallic body layer is further processed to complete fabrication of the metallic component.

Abstract: Ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solutions are provided. The ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solution comprises an ionic liquid, an aluminum salt, and an effective amount of propylene carbonate. Methods for producing an aluminum coating on a substrate are also provided. Processes for electroplating aluminum or an aluminum alloy from an ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solution are also provided.

Abstract: Ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solutions are provided. The ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solution comprises an ionic liquid, an aluminum salt, and an effective amount of propylene carbonate. Methods for producing an aluminum coating on a substrate are also provided. Processes for electroplating aluminum or an aluminum alloy from an ionic liquid aluminum electroplating solution are also provided.