| Abstract Scope |
Size-dependent properties have brought nanoporous metals to scientific community attention due to their capacity to incorporate unique chemical, optical, and mechanical properties to larger scales. Envisioning additive manufacturing of high surface area and load-bearing, this study examines essential parameters of feedstock synthesis, scalability, flowability, and electrical conductivity. Here, nanoporous copper powders are safely fabricated via chemical dealloying in a 0.1 kg/hr scale, with excellent reproducibility, low oxygen content, moderate flowability, ligament sizes of 46 nm, and free of precipitates. Next, towards the fabrication of porous electrodes, an in-situ resistance measurement during heat in reducing atmosphere of compacted powders is performed, resulting in single digit resistance after cooling and oxygen introduction, attesting the oxide layer decomposition, nanoscale welding, and electrical conductivity through the part. Lastly, focused Ion Beam cross-sections also show preserved porosity and surface area of parts sintered at temperatures as low as 1/3 of Cu melting point. |