Blog
The latest nanoparticle articles from Nikalyte Ltd.
The benefits of electron beam evaporation for thin films
The capabilities of thin films are what help them to be utilized in a variety of applications, including optics, energy, and electronics. All these applications are possible thanks to the thin film’s influence over the characteristics of a surface. Thin films are only thin material layers, with thicknesses between several nanometres – micrometres, but when
Magnetron sputtering vs RF sputtering: What’s the difference?
When thin films need to be added to a surface, sputtering techniques are there to help. They can produce a coating with a specific placement that’s only several atoms thick. We see the benefits of these properties in everyday items. The coatings from sputtering techniques provide them with extensive functionality, strength, and durability. With many
Thin-Film Transistors: PVD for Display Technology
This article explores the importance of PVD for display technology, and how the design of PVD systems are crucial for the development of new products and the production of affordable consumer electronics. Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) are integral components in modern electronic displays, enabling the precision control of pixels in technologies such as liquid crystal displays
How does magnetron sputtering deposition work?
Surface engineering is an age-old custom. Yet it was only in the 1970s that we started achieving uniform microscopic coatings on substrates with any degree of efficiency. This is linked to the genesis of magnetron sputtering. We understood the basic physics of sputtering as early as the mid-19th Century, but it took almost a hundred
How the PVD Coating Process Improves Product Durability
Surface wear and tear affects everyone. You might notice household paintwork cracking or peeling over time due to thermal cycling, and whenever you need to change your car’s brake pads, it’s likely due to friction. The same basic abrasive or corrosive mechanisms affect systems in all aspects of life; from the home to the factory.
The art and science of sputtering
In the realm of material science and thin-film deposition, sputtering stands out as a pivotal technique for creating high-quality coatings. Whether you’re developing cutting-edge electronic devices, advanced optics, or high-performance sensors, the choice of sputtering technology can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we will discuss sputtering and explore how Nikalyte’s NEXUS and
What is Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)?
At Nikalyte we are asked quite often, “What exactly is Physical Vapour Deposition?”. Our entire business is centred around this technology and so we thought it useful to explain it in simple detail. Physical Vapour (Vapor) Deposition or PVD for short, is a form of thin film coating. There are many other methods of thin
Can Ni-Based Catalysts Enable Reliable Ammonia Cracking?
The search for sustainable energy solutions is necessary to protect the planet from greenhouse gases and pollution. Hydrogen is one solution for consideration. It has the capability to create electricity, without forming any harmful by-products, and store energy. Estimates have been made that by 2030, the need for clean hydrogen will rise to about 30%.
Why Ni Catalysts are so Promising for Green Hydrogen
Adopting sustainable energy is crucial for achieving a better future—one that optimizes resource utilization and minimizes the negative impacts of fossil fuel consumption. Green hydrogen, a clean energy source that only emits water vapor as a byproduct, is a promising alternative produced through sustainable energy. The production process involves electrolysis, which separates hydrogen (H2) and
Molybdenum catalysts: A cost-effective alternative to platinum?
Numerous material characteristics can be used to form a catalyst, from nickel and gold to rhodium and copper. Each has properties that can affect the catalyst’s overall activity, stability, and selectivity. One catalyst material that draws attention is platinum. Utilized in catalytic converters and for the creation of hydrogen, platinum catalysts deliver excellent catalytic activity.
Improving Ruthenium-Based Catalyst Stability for Green Electrolysis
Green electrolysis has emerged as a pivotal technology in pursuing sustainable energy solutions. The catalysts that drive reactions are central to this process – particularly in water splitting. Ruthenium-based catalysts are among the many that show great promise, primarily due to their high activity. But, their poor stability limits the practical applicability of ruthenium-based catalysts.
Are cobalt catalysts an option for green hydrogen production?
Green hydrogen production via electrolysis has emerged as a key technology in the search for sustainable energy solutions. It involves splitting water into its constituents, hydrogen and oxygen. Traditional electrolyzers rely on precious metal catalysts like platinum and iridium. Although both are effective, they are also costly and scarce. The enormous potential of green hydrogen