An active (consumable) anode includes, in one aspect, a generally annular body and a protrusion used for connecting the anode to the power supply, where the protrusion extends outward from the generally annular body of the anode. The compositions of the generally annular body and of the protrusion are the same, and, in some embodiments, the anode is a one-piece anode that does not include any welding seams. Such structure results in reduced voltage fluctuations during plating and in improved control over plating uniformity. In some embodiments, the anode is a copper anode, a cobalt anode, or a nickel anode machined from a single sheet of anode-grade metal. The provided anode can be used in an electroplating apparatus as a secondary, peripherally disposed anode, in conjunction with a more centrally located primary anode. The provided anode is configured to modulate electroplating at the edge of the substrate.

An active (consumable) anode includes, in one aspect, a generally annular body and a protrusion used for connecting the anode to the power supply, where the protrusion extends outward from the generally annular body of the anode. The compositions of the generally annular body and of the protrusion are the same, and, in some embodiments, the anode is a one-piece anode that does not include any welding seams. Such structure results in reduced voltage fluctuations during plating and in improved control over plating uniformity. In some embodiments, the anode is a copper anode, a cobalt anode, or a nickel anode machined from a single sheet of anode-grade metal. The provided anode can be used in an electroplating apparatus as a secondary, peripherally disposed anode, in conjunction with a more centrally located primary anode. The provided anode is configured to modulate electroplating at the edge of the substrate.

A light-weight composite material with enhanced structural characteristics includes, in one embodiment, a compositionally modulated nanolaminate coating electrically deposited into an open, accessible void structure of a porous substrate. As a result of including a nanolaminate within the void structure, the composite can include a greater amount of nanolaminate material per unit volume than can be achieved by depositing a nanolaminate material solely on a two-dimensional surface. In addition, the nanolaminate material as well as other material electrodeposited to form the composite is compositionally modulated so that discontinuities between layers are minimized and potentially eliminated. The light-weight but structurally enhanced composite material can be used in a number of different applications including, but not limited to, ballistic applications (e.g., armor panels or tank panels), automotive protection applications (e.g., car door panels, racing shells) and sporting equipment applications (e.g., golf club shafts and tennis racket frames).

A light-weight composite material with enhanced structural characteristics includes, in one embodiment, a compositionally modulated nanolaminate coating electrically deposited into an open, accessible void structure of a porous substrate. As a result of including a nanolaminate within the void structure, the composite can include a greater amount of nanolaminate material per unit volume than can be achieved by depositing a nanolaminate material solely on a two-dimensional surface. In addition, the nanolaminate material as well as other material electrodeposited to form the composite is compositionally modulated so that discontinuities between layers are minimized and potentially eliminated. The light-weight but structurally enhanced composite material can be used in a number of different applications including, but not limited to, ballistic applications (e.g., armor panels or tank panels), automotive protection applications (e.g., car door panels, racing shells) and sporting equipment applications (e.g., golf club shafts and tennis racket frames).

A film deposition device (1A) of a metal film (F) includes a positive electrode (11), a solid electrolyte membrane (13), and a power supply part (14) that applies a voltage between the positive electrode (11) and a base material (B) to be a negative electrode. The solid electrolyte membrane (13) allows a water content to be 15% by mass or more and is capable of containing a metal ion. The power supply part (14) applies a voltage between the positive electrode and the base material in a state where the solid electrolyte membrane is disposed on a surface of the positive electrode such that metal made of metal ions contained inside the solid electrolyte membrane (13) is precipitated on a surface of the base material (B).

A film deposition device (1A) of a metal film (F) includes a positive electrode (11), a solid electrolyte membrane (13), and a power supply part (14) that applies a voltage between the positive electrode (11) and a base material (B) to be a negative electrode. The solid electrolyte membrane (13) allows a water content to be 15% by mass or more and is capable of containing a metal ion. The power supply part (14) applies a voltage between the positive electrode and the base material in a state where the solid electrolyte membrane is disposed on a surface of the positive electrode such that metal made of metal ions contained inside the solid electrolyte membrane (13) is precipitated on a surface of the base material (B).

A method of electroplating a metal foam includes placing a metal foam to be plated into an electroplating chamber with a plating material source, circulating an electrolyte through the chamber to carry metal ions from the plating material source, the circulating being selected and controlled to produce an even coating of plating material on surfaces of the metal foam.

A method of electroplating a metal foam includes placing a metal foam to be plated into an electroplating chamber with a plating material source, circulating an electrolyte through the chamber to carry metal ions from the plating material source, the circulating being selected and controlled to produce an even coating of plating material on surfaces of the metal foam.

An electroplating system includes an enclosure with an interior, an anode lead extending through the enclosure and into the interior, and a porous body. The porous body is supported within the interior of the enclosure for coupling an electroplating solution within the interior with a workpiece. A conduit extends through the enclosure and into the interior of the enclosure to provide a flow of nitrogen enriched air to the interior of enclosure for drying and removing oxygen from the electroplating solution.

An electroplating system includes an enclosure with an interior, an anode lead extending through the enclosure and into the interior, and a porous body. The porous body is supported within the interior of the enclosure for coupling an electroplating solution within the interior with a workpiece. A conduit extends through the enclosure and into the interior of the enclosure to provide a flow of nitrogen enriched air to the interior of enclosure for drying and removing oxygen from the electroplating solution.