An electrochemical route to pre-shaped ceramic bodies

Abstract

A SIMPLE technique for producing complex ceramic structures would be valuable for technological applications involving these materials. We have developed a method for fabricating 'preshaped' ceramic bodies using an electrochemical cell to deposit a ceramic precursor material onto the cathode. The deposit may be readily detached from the electrode, while retaining its shape, before the final calcination process. Alternatively, it may be preferable to retain the material on the cathode throughout the subsequent processing steps. Whereas previous attempts to generate ceramics electrochemically resulted in the formation of powders^1,2 or thin adherent films^3–6, our technique offers a high degree of morphological control, can produce porous or compact structures, and can be readily extended to multilayer and composite materials. Definition of more complex structures becomes possible through shaping and masking of the electrodes. The application of this inherently simple technique to functional ceramics (for example, piezoelectrics, semiconductors and superconductors) should prove a promising area for future investigation.