Methods and systems for electrochemical additive manufacturing
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama
InventorQiang Huang
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Abstract
Methods and systems for producing a three-dimensional structure using electrochemical additive manufacturing are described herein. The methods can comprise injecting a growth control solution into an electrolyte comprising a metal salt to form a growth control region and applying an electric potential to a working electrode to thereby form a layer of metal at a location defined by the growth control region. The injecting and applying steps of the methods can be repeated for form the three-dimensional structure on a layer-by-layer basis.
Claims20
A method of producing a three-dimensional structure using electrochemical additive manufacturing, the method comprising:
- injecting a growth control solution into an electrolyte at a first location proximate a working electrode;
- wherein the electrolyte is in electrochemical contact with the working electrode and a counter electrode;
- and
- wherein the electrolyte comprises a first metal salt;
- thereby generating a growth control region at a location in the electrolyte proximate to the first location;
- applying an electric potential to the working electrode, thereby reducing at least a portion of the first metal salt in the electrolyte and depositing a layer of metal at a location defined by the growth control region;
- and
- repeating the injecting and applying steps to form the three-dimensional structure on a layer-by-layer basis on the working electrode.
A system for producing a three-dimensional structure using electrochemical additive manufacturing, the system comprising:
- an electrolyte, a working electrode, and a counter electrode;
- wherein the electrolyte is in electrochemical contact with the working electrode and the counter electrode;
- and
- wherein the electrolyte comprises a first metal salt;
- an injector configured to inject a growth control solution into the electrolyte at a first location proximate the working electrode, thereby generating a growth control region at a location in the electrolyte proximate to the first location;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to form three-dimensional structure on a layer-by-layer basis on the working electrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.