Abstract: A method for galvanic application of a surface coating, in particular a chromium coating, to a body, for example a machine component. Before the galvanic application of the surface coating, a layer of a compound that can be oxidized by an electrolyte solution that is used, preferably a polyhydroxy compound with a viscosity of at least 1000 mPas at 25° C., is applied to the body. A method for galvanic application of a surface coating, in particular a chromium coating, to a body, for example a machine component, wherein the surface coating is carried out in a closed reactor in an at least two-stage, preferably three-stage process, is also disclosed. An electrolyte solution contained in the reactor at a temperature T1 for carrying out a subsequent process stage is substituted by an electrolyte solution at a temperature T2?T1. A device for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Articles comprising a substrate and a coating are described. In some examples, the coating is disposed on at least one region of the surface and comprises at least one hydrophobic layer. In some instances, the hydrophobic layer comprises a composite comprising a single metallic element or metallic compound and at least one type of surface-modified inorganic particles to provide a metal-based matrix. In certain examples, the at least one type of surface-modified inorganic particles within the metal-based matrix is embedded within the metal-based matrix and is separate from the single metallic element or metallic compound in the metal-based matrix. Processes for producing the coatings and articles are also described.

Abstract: A nano platelet gibbsite treated with compound of formula (ORa)3Si—Rb or of formula Rc—COOH wherein Ra equal to or different from each other is a C1-C10 alkyl radical; Rb is a C5-C30 hydrocarbon radical and Rc is a C5-C30 hydrocarbon radical is used as a catalyst support.

Abstract: A process for coating a metal article may include: preparing an electrolytic bath including a suspension of boron carbide particles in an aqueous solution including: at least one nickel (II) salt; and at least one phosphorous compound selected from: phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, or their salts; and immersing, in the electrolytic bath, a cathode and an anode, and carrying out electrodeposition by passing direct current in the electrolytic bath. The cathode may include the metal article to be coated. The boron carbide particles may have an average size greater than or equal to 0.01 micron (?m) and less than or equal to 2 ?m. The boron carbide particles may have been pretreated with at least one carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof. The at least one carboxylic acid or the derivative thereof may have a solubility in water at 20° C. greater than 0.10 grams/liter.

Abstract: There are provided a composite plated product, which has little uneven appearance and good wear resistance, and a method for producing the same without the need of any cyanide-containing silver-plating solutions and any silver-plating solutions containing silver nitrate as a silver salt. A sulfonic-acid-containing silver-plating solution, to which a carbon particle dispersing solution (preferably containing a silicate) is added, is used for electroplating a base material (preferably made of copper or a copper alloy) to form a composite plating film of a composite material, which contains the carbon particles in a silver layer, on the base material to produce a composite plated product.

Abstract: An abrasive coating for a substrate of a component in a gas path exposed to a maximum temperature of 1750 degree Fahrenheit, comprising a plurality of grit particles adapted to be placed on a top surface of the substrate; a matrix material bonded to the top surface; the matrix material partially surrounds the grit particles, wherein the grit particles extend above the matrix material relative to the top surface; a film of oxidant resistant coating applied over the plurality of grit particles and the matrix material and a thermal barrier coating material applied over said film of oxidant resistant coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an electrolytic bath for electroplating zinc-particles metal composite coatings of metals with antibacterial ability, which inhibits bacteria growth such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, at least by 87% over its surface. The method of formulating an electrolytic bath that allows the production of antibacterial coatings involves: a) adding metal particles with antibacterial ability suspended in a cationic surfactant to an electrolytic bath containing boric acid, chlorides, polyethylene glycol, benzylideneacetone, sodium benzoate, triethanolamine and dissolved Zn2+salts; b) electroplating the metal composite coating of zinc-antibacterial metal particles by applying direct current density. The occlusion of metal nanoparticles with antibacterial ability in the coating matrix provides a coating with antibacterial characteristics.

Abstract: An object is to provide a composite plating film excellent in the water-repellent property and oil-repellent property using a material that is less likely to accumulate in the environment, as substitute for a fluorine resin. A composite plating film is provided which includes an alloy matrix phase and a silicone dispersed in the alloy matrix phase. In the composite plating film, the silicone preferably has Hansen solubility parameters comprising a dispersion term ?D of 15 MPa1/2 or less, a polar term ?P of 3 MPa1/2 or less, and a hydrogen bonding term ?H of 3 MPa1/2 or less. The silicone preferably has an interaction radius of a Hansen solubility sphere of 5.0 MPa1/2 or less.

Abstract: Described herein are electrodeposited corrosion-resistant multilayer coating and claddings that comprises multiple nanoscale layers that periodically vary in electrodeposited species or electrodeposited microstructures. The coatings may comprise electrodeposited metals, ceramics, polymers or combinations thereof. Also described herein are methods for preparation of the coatings and claddings.

Abstract: A method of electrolytic additive manufacturing provides 3-D parts. The method can be used to form parts from particulate material in an electrolytic bath. Metal is electrolytically deposited, binding the particles. Layers of the particles are built up to form the parts. The same process can be used to form parts without the particulate material. Layers of metal are electrolytically deposited in the electrolyte bath to form the parts.

Abstract: Coating systems for components of a gas turbine engine, such as a compressor blade tip, are provided. The coating system can include a ceramic material disposed along the compressor blade tip and may be used with a bare compressor casing. The ceramic coating is harder than the bare compressor casing and can reduce the rub ratio thereby increasing the lifetime of the compressor blades. Methods are also provided for applying the coating system onto a compressor blade.

Abstract: An electric contact that includes a first contact and a second contact that are capable of forming electrical contact with each other, wherein: the first contact has a silver-tin alloy layer exposed at an outermost surface that comes into contact with the second contact, the second contact has a silver layer exposed at an outermost surface that comes into contact with the first contact, and a surface roughness of the silver-tin alloy layer of the first contact is larger than a surface roughness of the silver layer of the second contact.

Abstract: A method of providing a threaded fastener with a multi-layered coating comprises the step of using a vapor deposition process to apply a multi-layered coating to a threaded portion of the threaded fastener, each layer of the multi-layered coating being formed from a coating material selected from the group comprising titanium, chromium, nickel, platinum, tantalum, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of an electrode of a surge arrester, an electrode and a surge arrester are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes positioning an electrode body in an electrochemical cell with and an electrolyte solution for a nickel deposition. The electrolyte solution includes at least one or more of magnesium sulphate, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride and electrolytically coating the electrode body with a coating to form the electrode for the surge arrester. The coating has nickel and the electrolyte solution is configured such that a surface of the coating includes a reduced wettability.

Abstract: A lithium ion flow battery comprising cathode current collectors (21), an anode current collector (22), a cathode reaction chamber (24), an anode reaction chamber (25), a separator (23), a cathode suspension solution (26) and an anode suspension solution (27), wherein the cathode and anode current collectors are located at both sides of the separator respectively and are in close contact with the separator to form sandwich composite structure layers of the cathode current collector, the separator and the anode current collector; and in that several sandwich composite structure layers are arranged in sequence in an order that current collectors with the same polarity are oppositely arranged, and the electrode suspension solution continuously or intermittently flows in a battery reaction chamber between adjacent sandwich composite structure layers.

Abstract: Impellers made of composite materials with flow path cavities covered by an erosion resistant coating are manufactured by covering removable molds having shapes corresponding to a negative geometry of the flow path cavities, with the erosion resistant coating using plating or thermal spraying. After shaping and curing a composite material around the molds covered with the erosion resistant coating, the molds are removed, while the erosion resistant coating remains on the composite impeller.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer nanowire which contains nanoparticles so as to have new functionalities. A thin film is formed on a substrate and includes functional nanoparticles and polymers, and further includes a photosensitive pigment as required. The thin film is irradiated with a pulsed laser. This causes a polymer nanowire containing the functional nanoparticles to grow from a surface of the thin film.

Abstract: There is provided a silver-plated product wherein a silver plating film having a thickness of not greater than 10 micrometers is formed on a base material of copper or a copper alloy and wherein the surface of the silver plating film has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of not greater than 0.1 micrometers, and the silver plating film has a {111} orientation ratio of not less than 35%.

Abstract: Techniques for electrodepositing selenium (Se)-containing films are provided. In one aspect, a method of preparing a Se electroplating solution is provided. The method includes the following steps. The solution is formed from a mixture of selenium oxide; an acid selected from the group consisting of alkane sulfonic acid, alkene sulfonic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, heterocyclic sulfonic acid, aromatic sulfonic acid and perchloric acid; and a solvent. A pH of the solution is then adjusted to from about 2.0 to about 3.0. The pH of the solution can be adjusted to from about 2.0 to about 3.0 by adding a base (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to the solution. A Se electroplating solution, an electroplating method and a method for fabricating a photovoltaic device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-diamond dispersion solution and a method of preparing the same. The method of preparing a nano-diamond dispersion solution comprises the following steps: providing a nano-diamond aggregation; mixing the nano-diamond aggregation with a metal hydroxide solution and stirring the mixture such that the nano-diamond aggregation is separated, to obtain a mixture solution; stabilizing the mixture solution such that the mixture solution is separated into a supernatant and precipitates; and extracting the supernatant and precipitates.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions useful as pretreatments prior to painting and to reduce the formation of rust in the uncoated condition consist essentially of water, an organo-functional silane, a compound of a Group IV-B element, and optionally a polyvinyl alcohol, stabilizing agents, wetting agents, thickeners, and biocides, and have an alkaline pH>7. A process for treating a metal surface includes contacting the surface with such an aqueous composition. The compositions and processes were found to have further benefits in comparison to the zinc phosphate metal pretreatment thought to be the standard in the industry. Preferably, the pH of the compositions is alkaline, which has been found to improve the efficacy of a silane as a surface treatment to improve uniformity of paint adhesion. By operating in the alkaline pH range, it was found that flash rusting and/or blush rust were significantly reduced.

Abstract: A substance includes diamond particles having a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 ?m and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond particles. The organic compound may include a surfactant or a polymer. A method of forming a substance includes exposing diamond particles to an organic compound, and exposing the diamond particles in the presence of the organic compound to ultrasonic energy. The diamond particles may have a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 ?m. A composition includes a liquid, a plurality of diamond nanoparticles dispersed within the liquid, and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond nanoparticles. A method includes mixing a plurality of diamond particles with a solution comprising a liquid solvent and an organic compound, and exposing the mixture including the plurality of diamond nanoparticles and the solution to ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A substrate handling apparatus for handling a substrate is disclosed. The substrate handling apparatus includes a substrate feeding device to feed the substrate towards an exposure area, a substrate receiving device to receive the substrate from the exposure area, and a substrate stabilization device to maintain, at least in the exposure area, the substrate substantially flat at an exposure height and/or tilt, the substrate stabilization device configured for contactless stabilization of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A sliding part assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially separated sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks formed on a sealing face of either the stationary ring or the rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed-fluid-accommodating space. Pumping areas for generating a pumping action due to the stationary and rotating ring sliding in relative rotation are formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks. The pumping areas formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are provided with intake pumping areas operating in a direction so as to draw in the sealed fluid and outflow pumping areas operating in a direction so as to expel the sealed fluid. A seal dam area on the sealing face on which said sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are formed is formed from a high-lubricity sliding material, the seal dam area being on the opposite side of the sealing face relative to the sealed-fluid side.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bio-degradable implant based on magnesium having a reduced corrosion rate and to a method for the production of such an implant. It is a a method for treating a surface of a bio-degradable metallic implant comprising the following steps: providing a dispersed system comprising a colloid-dispersed apatite and adding an apatite powder to the dispersed system, subjecting an implant to the dispersed system such that a surface of the implant which is to be treated is immersed in the dispersed system wherein the implant comprises a magnesium based alloy, applying an AC voltage difference between the implant as a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in the dispersed system for generating a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the immersed surface of the implant so that the immersed surface is converted to an oxide film which is at least partially covered by apatites formed by the colloid-dispersed apatite and the apatite powder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for positioning nano-objects on a surface and an apparatus for implementing the method. The method includes: providing a first surface and a second surface in a position facing each other, where one or more of the surfaces exhibits one or more position structures having dimensions on the nanoscale; providing an ionic liquid suspension of the nano-objects between the two surfaces, where the suspension comprises two electrical double layers each formed at an interface with a respective one of the two surfaces, and the surfaces have electrical charges of the same sign; enabling the nano-objects in the suspension to position according to a potential energy resulting from the electrical charge of the two surfaces; and depositing one or more of the nano-objects on the first surface according to the positioning structures by shifting the minima of the potential energy towards the first surface.

Abstract: A thermal management circuit material comprises a thermally conductive metallic core substrate, metal oxide dielectric layers on both sides of the metallic core substrate, electrically conductive metal layers on the metal oxide metal oxide dielectric layers, and at least one through-hole via filled with an electrically conductive metal-containing core element connecting at least a portion of each of the electrically conductive metal layers, wherein the containing walls of the through-hole via are covered by a metal oxide dielectric layer connecting at least a portion of the metal oxide dielectric layers on opposite sides of the metallic core substrate. Also disclosed are methods of making such circuit materials, comprising forming metal oxide dielectric layers by oxidative conversion of a surface portion of the metallic core substrate. Articles having a heat-generating electronic device such as an HBLED mounted in the circuit material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodic films and methods for forming anodic films. The methods described can be used to form anodic films that have a white appearance. Methods involve positioning reflective particles on or within a substrate prior to or during an anodizing process. The reflective particles are positioned within the metal oxide of the resultant anodic film but substantially outside the pores of the anodic film. The reflective particles scatter incident light giving the resultant anodic film a white appearance.

Abstract: A method for the antimicrobial provision of implant surfaces with silver, in which the method comprises an anodizing of the implant surface with an electrolyte, in which the electrolyte has a silver-yielding substance. Alternatively, the method comprises a silver implantation or a silver PVD deposition.

Abstract: A component of a substrate processing apparatus that performs plasma processing on a substrate includes a base mainly formed of an aluminum alloy containing silicon. A film is formed on the surface of the base by an anodic oxidation process which includes connecting the component to an anode of a power supply and immersing the component in a solution mainly formed of an organic acid. The film is impregnated with ethyl silicate.

Abstract: Coating a metallic surface with at least one of a pretreatment composition prior to organic coating, with a passivation composition without intent for subsequent organic coating, with a pretreatment primer composition, with a primer composition, with a paint composition and with an electrocoating composition, wherein the coating composition includes particles on a base of at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH) phase characterized by the general formula [M2+(1±0.5)?x(M3+,M4+)x(OH)2±0.75]An?x/n.mH2O.

Abstract: Disclosed is process for producing a wear-resistant coating on a component. The process comprises providing an electrolyte which contains Co and/or Ni, dispersing first particles comprising hard material particles and/or slip material particles in the electrolyte, dispersing second particles comprising metal alloy particles in which the metal alloy comprises chromium and aluminum in the electrolyte, providing a component to be coated in a bath of the electrolyte which has first and second particles dispersed therein, and electrodepositing a matrix of Co and/or Ni with incorporated first and second particles on the component. A correspondingly produced wear-resistant coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A galvanic bath for the electrolytic deposition of a composite material based on gold, copper and cadmium, including gold, copper and cadmium as cyanide, has a pH higher than 7, and further includes carbon nanotubes, and does not contain any surfactant used to disperse the carbon nanotubes. A method for the galvanic deposition of a composite material on a substrate, includes the steps of preparing such a bath and ultrasound treatment of the bath, and does not include any step of thermal pre-treatment of the bath.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for electrolytically coating an article. The method includes providing an article to be coated and disposing the article in an electrolytic cell. The cell includes an anode, a cathode in operable communication with the article, and an electrolyte bath. During electrolysis, the electrolyte bath comprises cobalt ions, phosphorous acid, and tribological particles selected from the group consisting of refractory materials, solid lubricants and mixtures thereof dispersed therein. The method further includes applying steady direct electric current through the anode, the electrolyte bath and the cathode to coat the article with cobalt, phosphorous and the tribological particles. An improved composition of matter is also provided that may be used as a coating, or the composition may be electroformed on a mandrel to form an article made from the composition of matter.

Abstract: A method of forming a down-hole tool comprises contacting at least a portion of at least one down-hole structure comprising at least one ceramic-metal composite material with a molten electrolyte comprising sodium tetraborate. Electrical current is applied to at least a portion of the at least one down-hole structure to form at least one borided down-hole structure comprising at least one metal boride material. Other methods of forming a down-hole tool, and a down-hole tool are also described.

Abstract: A method for making a dry sensor element for an enzymatic determination of an analyte in a body fluid includes providing a substrate, producing a working electrode on the substrate, comprising depositing an active enzymatic electrode layer on a working electrode base structure provided on the substrate, the active enzymatic electrode layer containing an enzyme, producing a counter electrode on the substrate, and producing electric connectors on the substrate connected to the working electrode and the counter electrode, wherein the step of depositing the active enzymatic electrode layer on the working electrode base structure comprises depositing PEDOT:PSS by electropolymerization. A dry sensor element for an enzymatic determination of an analyte in a body fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of tin electroplating. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods for mitigating tin whisker formation on tin-plated films and tin-plated surfaces by doping the tin with germanium.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing metal nanoparticles is provided. The method includes submerging an electrically conductive substrate in a polysaccharide solution containing a predetermined concentration of a metal salt; applying an electric potential between the electrically conductive substrate and the polysaccharide solution for a predetermined period of time to form a polysaccharide layer containing metal nanoparticles on the electrically conductive substrate; re-dissolving the polysaccharide layer in a solvent to form a solution including the polysaccharide and the metal nanoparticles; and separating the metal nanoparticles from the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate includes disposing a deposition composition in a container. The deposition composition includes a plurality of nanosheets and a metal material. The method also includes disposing a substrate in the container, contacting the substrate with the deposition composition, applying a voltage to the substrate, electrodepositing, on the substrate, a coating that includes a metal from metal ions and the nanosheets in response to biasing the substrate at the first potential.

Abstract: A method is provided for metallization of substrates providing a high adhesion of the deposited metal to the substrate material and thereby forming a durable bond. The method applies novel adhesion promoting agents comprising nanometer-sized particles prior to metallization. The particles have at least one attachment group bearing a functional chemical group suitable for binding to the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a method and composition for applying a wear resistant composite coating onto a metal surface of an electrical component. The method comprises contacting the metal surface with an electrolytic plating composition comprising (a) a source of tin ions and (b) non-metallic particles, and applying an external source of electrons to the electrolytic plating composition to thereby electrolytically deposit the composite coating onto the metal surface, wherein the composite coating comprises tin metal and the non-metallic particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sliding bearing comprising providing a substrate as a cathode in an electrolyte within which a hard particulate is suspended, and depositing a composite layer of hard particulate embedded in a metallic matrix by applying a repeating cycle of bias pulses to the substrate wherein each cycle comprises a high cathodic bias portion and a further bias portion selected from the group consisting of a low cathodic bias portion, a zero cathodic bias portion and an anodic bias portion, and a sliding bearing manufactured by such a method.

Abstract: Glucose and ATP biosensors have important applications in diagnostics and research. Combining single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with Pt nanoparticles can significantly enhance the performance of electrochemical biosensors. This disclosure illustrates the use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to modify SWCNTs to increase SWCNT solubility in water. Multiple embodiments with this configuration allows for exploration of new schemes of combining ssDNASWCNT and Pt black in aqueous media systems. These embodiments resulted in a nanocomposite with enhanced biosensor performance. The ssDNA-SWCNT/Pt black nanocomposite constructed by a layered scheme proved most effective in terms of biosensor activity. The key feature of this structure and method of use is the exploitation of ssDNASWCNTs as molecular templates for Pt black electrodeposition. Glucose and ATP microbiosensors fabricated utilizing this structure and method of use exhibited high sensitivity, wide linear range and low limit of detection.

Abstract: The electrolysis solution for electrolytic ceramic coating includes water, a water-soluble zirconium compound, a complexing agent, carbonate ion, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal ion, ammonium ion and an organic alkali. Te zirconium compound is included at a concentration (X) in terms of zirconium of 0.0001 to 1 mol/L, the complexing agent is included at a concentration (Y) of 0.0001 to 0.3 mol/L, the carbonate ion is included at a concentration (Z) of 0.0002 to 4 mol/L, a ratio of the concentration (Y) of the complexing agent to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Y/X) is at least 0.01, a ratio of the concentration (Z) of the carbonate ion to the concentration (X) in terms of zirconium (Z/X) is at least 2.5, and the electrolysis solution has an electrical conductivity of 0.2 to 20 S/m.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming nanoparticle films using electrophoretic deposition. The methods comprise exposing a substrate to a solution, the solution comprising substantially dispersed nanoparticles, an organic solvent, and a polymer characterized by a backbone comprising Si—O groups. The methods further comprise applying an electric field to the solution, whereby a nanoparticle film is deposited on the substrate. Suitable polymers include polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes and polysilicates. Coated glass windows and methods of forming the coated glass windows using the solutions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Graphene has been used in nanocomposites as constituents/doping in plastics or epoxy providing dramatic enhancement of the mechanical properties but have not progressed past the laboratory level novelty. This invention can provide a graphene based composite structure with a density less that 1.9 g/cm3 for a fiber, yarn, rope or cable and a density less that 1.5 g/cm3 for a sheet both structure have tensile and shear strength greater than either Aluminum or Steel; thus providing a graphene material that is both much lighter and stronger.

Abstract: Formation of an authentication element by deposition of a metal layer with embedded particles on a metal substrate, wherein the embedded particles are configured to convert energy from one wavelength to another. The embedded particles may be upconverters, downconverters, or phosphorescent phosphors, which can be detected and measured with analytical equipment when deposited in the metal layer. A metal substrate may include coinage.

Abstract: Provided herein are substrates useful for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as well as methods of making substrates. The substrates comprise a support element; a nanoparticulate layer; a SERS-active layer in contact with said nanoparticulate layer; and optionally, an immobilizing layer disposed between said nanoparticulate layer and said support element; wherein if the optional immobilizing layer is not present, the nanoparticulate layer is thermally bonded to the support element; and if said optional immobilizing layer is present, said nanoparticulate layer thermally bonded to said immobilizing layer, and optionally, further thermally bonded to said support element. In addition, methods of making the substrates, along with methods of detecting and increasing a Raman signal using the substrates, are described herein.