Cu ions release and the formation of CuO/Cu2O during PEO based on the work function

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2024-02, Vol.477, p.130344, Article 130344
• Main Authors: Zou, Haiyan, Mao, Yamei, Qian, Weifeng, He, Binbin, Chen, Yongnan, Xing, Yazhe, Zhao, Qinyang, Gao, Guangrui, Tang, Yufei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibacterial property; Cu ions release; Plasma electrolytic oxidation; Ti2Cu phases; Tribocorrosion resistance
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2023.130344

The Cu ions release was investigated by the work function by scanning kelvin probe (SKP), and the formation of CuO/Cu2O was also researched by recording plasma discharges during plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Ti-14Cu alloy with different morphologies Ti2Cu phase. It is found that L-Ti2Cu phases with lower work function enhances the escape of Cu valence electrons from the 4 s energy level more easily compared to the G-Ti2Cu and GL-Ti2Cu phases. Consequently, this leads to earlier Cu ions released from L-Ti2Cu phases as opposed to the G-Ti2Cu and GL-Ti2Cu phases. The earlier Cu+ released from L-Ti2Cu phases increases the formation of Cu2O and further oxidizes into CuO with increasing voltage, which lead to the enhanced the relative content of CuO. This enhancement contributes to improving antibacterial activity and tribocorrosion resistance due to stress response and lubrication effect by high relative content of CuO. This research provides a theoretical reference for the metal ions release of Ti-14Cu alloy in oxidation dissolution process of PEO and the formation of corresponding metal oxides. [Display omitted] •The lamellar Ti2Cu phase has a lower work function and is conducive to release Cu+ ions at the initial plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process.•The formation of Cu2O and CuO increases the relative content of CuO in PEO coatings.•The antibacterial property and tribocorrosion resistance of PEO coatings is elucidated