BIPOLAR ELECTROCHEMICAL PRINTING

摘要

A bipolar electrochemistry printer and method are disclosed wherein electrolytic deposition onto a conductive substrate is accomplished by inducing ionic current in an electrolytic cell disposed above the substrate to undergo charge transfer at the conductive substrate, such that a portion of the substrate becomes a bipolar electrode. The ohmic current in the substrate undergoes a second charge transfer back to ionic current and returning to the cathode of the electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment the printing is similarly accomplished by electrolytic etching.

主权项

1. A bipolar electrochemical printer head for printing or etching a conductive substrate comprising:
a tubular nozzle comprising an annular wall defining a channel, wherein the channel has an inlet configured to be connected to a source of electrolyte and an outlet configured to be supported in spaced relation over the conductive substrate; a housing attached to the nozzle having a lower end that surrounds and extends away from the nozzle; a first electrode comprising one of an anode and a cathode, and a second electrode comprising the other of the anode and the cathode, wherein the first electrode extends into the channel and the second electrode is supported on the housing and is spaced apart from the tubular nozzle; and a power supply electrically connecting the first electrode to the second electrode; wherein the second electrode is positioned to fluidly engage a meniscus of electrolyte that is expelled from the channel outlet onto the conductive substrate when the channel outlet is positioned within a predetermined distance above the conductive substrate such that the electrolyte closes a circuit between the first electrode, the second electrode, and the power supply.