Precise point-like electro-deposition 3D printing head based on Tesla valve and printing method of precise point-like electro-deposition 3D printing head

Abstract

The invention discloses a precise point-like electrodeposition 3D printing head based on a Tesla valve and a printing method of the precise point-like electrodeposition 3D printing head. A Tesla valve structure is integrated in a printing head, accurate distribution and control of electrolyte are achieved by means of the one-way flow characteristic of the Tesla valve structure, and meanwhile high-precision point-like electrodeposition is achieved by combining dynamic adjustment of an electric field. The method can significantly improve the resolution and consistency of electro-deposition printing, and is suitable for the fields of micro-nano structure manufacturing, bioelectronic devices, sensors and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electrochemical 3D printing technology, and specifically relates to a Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head and a printing method thereof, which are used to manufacture complex structures and high-resolution devices at the micro-nano level. Background Art

[0002] Electrochemical 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing technology that uses the principle of electrochemical deposition to construct three-dimensional structures. It has broad application prospects in the fields of micro-nanostructure manufacturing, flexible electronic devices and biosensors. Compared with traditional 3D printing methods, electrochemical 3D printing has the advantages of high material utilization, controllable microstructure of the deposited layer, and mild process environment.

[0003] However, the current electrochemical 3D printing technology still has many problems. For example: (1) The flow of the electrolyte usually relies on the mechanical control of the pump or valve, which is easily disturbed by external vibration, unstable flow or change in pumping frequency, resulting in uneven thickness of the deposited layer or distortion of the microstructure. In terms of electrolyte flow control, the fluctuation of the electrolyte flow rate directly affects the uniformity and accuracy of the deposition. Especially in small or high-precision electrochemical 3D printing equipment, liquid reflux or turbulence is particularly significant. This liquid flow instability not only interferes with the electric field distribution, but also may cause deposit defects, limiting the resolution and deposition quality of the equipment. (2) Insufficient coordinated regulation of the electric field and electrolyte. The electric field is the key driving force of electrochemical deposition and determines the motion trajectory and deposition morphology of metal ions. However, the inhomogeneity of electrolyte flow will affect the distribution of the electric field, resulting in fluctuations in the thickness of the deposited layer or local defects. (3) There is a concentration gradient in the electrolyte. During the electrodeposition process, the concentration of metal ions in the electrolyte will gradually decrease as the deposition proceeds, especially near the deposition area. This concentration gradient will lead to uneven deposition rate and affect the quality of the deposited layer. (4) Deposition defects exist in microstructure deposition. Due to imprecise fluid control and electric field regulation, the deposits often have cracks, pores or uneven grain size, which affects the mechanical properties and conductive properties of the device. (5) High resolution is usually accompanied by a significant decrease in deposition rate, because point deposition requires more precise fluid and electric field regulation. Existing equipment has difficulty in finding an effective balance between resolution and speed.

[0004] The limitations of existing fluid control technology, namely the limitations of mechanical valve and pump control. The fluid control technology currently widely used in electrochemical 3D printing relies on mechanical valves or pumping devices. However, these mechanical components not only have a slow response speed, but are also prone to wear, affecting the stability and service life of the electrolyte supply system. In addition, the complexity of the mechanical device increases the maintenance cost and design difficulty of the system. Although microfluidic technology uses microfluidic chips to provide more precise fluid control, its design and manufacturing complexity is high. At the same time, the poor reliability of microfluidic chips during long-term operation also limits its application in industrial-grade 3D printing equipment.

[0005] The Tesla valve is a fluid control device without moving parts, which realizes the one-way fluid control function through asymmetric geometric design. Compared with traditional mechanical valves, the Tesla valve has the advantages of no wear, no leakage and high durability. In addition, the Tesla valve's precise control of tiny flow rates gives it a significant advantage in the field of microfluidics. Although the Tesla valve has been applied in the fields of biomedicine, microfluidic chips, etc., there is currently no research combining it with electrochemical 3D printing technology. Therefore, how to use the Tesla valve to achieve precise regulation of the flow of electrolyte and solve the fluid control problem of existing electrochemical 3D printing equipment is still an unexplored direction. The present invention breaks through the limitations of the existing technology by combining the Tesla valve with electrochemical 3D printing, and realizes a higher resolution, higher consistency and more reliable point deposition process. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the application of existing chemical nickel plating coatings, the present invention provides a precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head based on a Tesla valve and a printing method thereof.

[0007] Implementation of the present invention: A precise point-shaped electroplating 3D printing head based on Tesla valve, including a shell, a Tesla valve cavity, an electrolyte input end, an electrolyte output end, a nozzle and a fine electrode; the Tesla valve cavity is located between the electrolyte input end and the electrolyte output end in the shell; the nozzle is arranged at the electrolyte output end; the fine electrode is in the shape of a needle with a thick top and a thin bottom, the thin end passes through the electrolyte output end to the outside of the nozzle, and the thick end passes through the outside of the shell to connect to the positive pole of the power supply. In this device, the electrolyte enters the Tesla valve cavity through the electrolyte input end. Due to the special structure of the Tesla valve cavity, electrolyte backflow and uneven flow rate are avoided. The electrolyte flows out through the electrolyte output end. The fine electrode serves as the anode of electroplating, and forms an electrical circuit with the selected cathode to deposit the metal ions in the electrolyte on the cathode.

[0008] Preferably, the nozzle size is 0.1um-100um. By designing the nozzle diameter to be between 0.1um-100um and combining the flow control function of the Tesla valve, the concentrated distribution of the electrolyte at the nozzle is ensured. At the same time, the physical boundary of the nozzle outlet strictly limits the electrolyte to the target deposition area, effectively preventing overflow or diffusion, and achieving high-precision point deposition at the micron or even submicron level. By controlling the movement path of the nozzle, complex three-dimensional microstructure deposition can be achieved on the cathode surface.

[0009] Preferably, the Tesla valve cavity is an asymmetric geometric structure, including multiple sections of sawtooth curved channels. By designing the Tesla valve cavity into multiple sections of sawtooth curved channels, electrolyte backflow and uneven flow rate in the cavity can be avoided. When the fluid flows in the forward direction, it flows directly to the output end through the main channel; when trying to flow in the reverse direction, the sawtooth geometry generates eddy currents, significantly increasing the flow resistance, thereby preventing backflow.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a micro filter, which is arranged at the electrolyte input end and is used to filter solid impurities in the electrolyte.

[0011] The printing method of the Tesla valve-based precise dot-shaped electroplating print head comprises the following steps: (1) connecting the selected cathode to the negative electrode of the power supply, and connecting the thick end of the fine electrode to the positive electrode of the power supply to form an electrical circuit; (2) introducing the electrolyte into the electrolyte input terminal on the print head, and controlling the flow rate by an external pump to ensure that the electrolyte in the print head flows at a set flow rate; (3) controlling the power supply voltage at 3V-7V, the electrolyte flows out at the nozzle through the electrolyte output terminal, and the metal ions in the electrolyte are continuously deposited in dots on the cathode under the action of the fine electrode; (5) controlling the movement path of the print head to realize the point-by-point construction of the three-dimensional structure and complete the electroplating process.

[0012] Preferably, the electrolyte contains Cu 2+ 、Ag + 、Au 3+ One of the electrolyte solutions.

[0013] Beneficial effects of the present invention: (1) The present invention improves the performance of electrodeposition 3D printing in terms of fluid stability and deposition accuracy by combining the unidirectional fluid control characteristics of the Tesla valve cavity with local electric field regulation. (2) The innovative mechanism of action is that the Tesla valve is used to solve the problems of flow rate fluctuation and unstable deposition area in traditional systems, and the high-resolution output of point electrodeposition is achieved through nozzle and electric field design, providing a new technical approach for micro-nano manufacturing and the preparation of functional devices. (3) The design of the Tesla valve cavity ensures the stability and uniformity of the electrolyte flow rate, promotes the synergistic effect of the electric field and the fluid to optimize the uniformity of the deposited layer, and significantly reduces the defects caused by flow rate or concentration fluctuations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the precise dot-shaped electrodeposition print head based on the Tesla valve of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of electro-deposition of a precise dot electro-deposition print head based on a Tesla valve according to the present invention.

[0016] Among them, 101, shell; 102, Tesla valve cavity; 103, electrolyte input end; 104, electrolyte output end; 105, nozzle; 2, fine electrode; 3, micro filter; 4, power supply; 5, cathode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following is combined with Figure 1-2 The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail, but it should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments. Example

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, a precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head based on Tesla valve includes a shell 101, a Tesla valve cavity 102, an electrolyte input end 103, an electrolyte output end 104, a nozzle 105 and a fine electrode 2; the Tesla valve cavity 102 is located between the electrolyte input end 103 and the electrolyte output end 104 in the shell 101; the nozzle 105 is arranged at the electrolyte output end 104, and the diameter of the nozzle 105 is 10um; the fine electrode 2 is in the shape of a needle with a thick top and a thin bottom, the thin end passes through the electrolyte output end 104 to the outside of the nozzle 105, and the thick end passes through the outside of the shell 1 and is connected to the positive pole of the power supply 4.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing method of the above-mentioned Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head includes the following steps: (1) connecting the selected cathode 5 to the negative electrode of the power supply 4, and connecting the thick end of the fine electrode 2 to the positive electrode of the power supply 4 to form an electrical circuit; (2) introducing the electrolyte into the electrolyte input terminal 103 on the printing head, and controlling the flow rate by an external pump to ensure that the electrolyte in the printing head flows at a set flow rate of 0.1 mL / min; (3) controlling the voltage of the power supply 4 to 3 V, the electrolyte flows out at the nozzle 105 through the electrolyte output terminal 104, and the metal ions in the electrolyte are continuously deposited on the cathode 5 under the action of the fine electrode 2; (5) controlling the movement path of the printing head to realize the point-by-point construction of the three-dimensional structure and complete the electrodeposition process.

[0020] In this embodiment, the cathode 5 is a glass substrate, and the electrolyte components are 0.05 mol / L copper sulfate pentahydrate, 0.15 mol / L 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 0.15 mol / L sodium citrate, and 0.15 mol / L potassium carbonate. The pH is adjusted to 9 using a high concentration potassium carbonate solution. A conductive copper microcolumn structure with a diameter of 10 um is prepared by this method. Example

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, a precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head based on Tesla valve includes a shell 101, a Tesla valve cavity 102, an electrolyte input end 103, an electrolyte output end 104, a nozzle 105, a fine electrode 2 and a micro filter 3, wherein the micro filter 3 is arranged at the electrolyte input end 103; the Tesla valve cavity 102 is located between the electrolyte input end 103 and the electrolyte output end 104 in the shell 101, and the Tesla valve cavity 102 is an asymmetric geometric structure, including multiple sections of serrated curved channels; the nozzle 105 is arranged at the electrolyte output end 104, and the diameter of the nozzle 105 is 0.1um; the fine electrode 2 is in the shape of a needle with a thick upper part and a thin lower part, the thin end passes through the electrolyte output end 104 to the outside of the nozzle 105, and the thick end passes through the outside of the shell 1 and is connected to the positive pole of the power supply 4.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing method of the above-mentioned Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head includes the following steps: (1) connecting the selected cathode 5 to the negative electrode of the power supply 4, and connecting the thick end of the fine electrode 2 to the positive electrode of the power supply 4 to form an electrical circuit; (2) introducing the electrolyte into the electrolyte input terminal 103 on the printing head, and controlling the flow rate by an external pump to ensure that the electrolyte in the printing head flows at a set flow rate of 0.5 mL / min; (3) controlling the voltage of the power supply 4 to 7 V, the electrolyte flows out at the nozzle 105 through the electrolyte output terminal 104, and the metal ions in the electrolyte are continuously deposited on the cathode 5 under the action of the fine electrode 2; (5) controlling the movement path of the printing head to realize the point-by-point construction of the three-dimensional structure and complete the electrodeposition process.

[0023] In this method, the cathode 5 is a copper substrate, and the electrolyte components are 0.1 mol / L silver nitrate, 0.15 mol / L 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 0.15 mol / L sodium citrate, and 0.15 mol / L potassium carbonate. The pH is adjusted to 9 using a high concentration potassium carbonate solution. By this method, a silver wire with a diameter of 5 um is deposited on the cathode 5. Example

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, a precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head based on Tesla valve includes a shell 101, a Tesla valve cavity 102, an electrolyte input end 103, an electrolyte output end 104, a nozzle 105, a fine electrode 2 and a micro filter 3, wherein the micro filter 3 is arranged at the electrolyte input end 103; the Tesla valve cavity 102 is located between the electrolyte input end 103 and the electrolyte output end 104 in the shell 101, and the Tesla valve cavity 102 is an asymmetric geometric structure, including multiple sections of serrated curved channels; the nozzle 105 is arranged at the electrolyte output end 104, and the diameter of the nozzle 105 is 100um; the fine electrode 2 is in the shape of a needle with a thick upper part and a thin lower part, the thin end passes through the electrolyte output end 104 to the outside of the nozzle 105, and the thick end passes through the outside of the shell 1 and is connected to the positive pole of the power supply 4.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing method of the above-mentioned Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head includes the following steps: (1) connecting the selected cathode 5 to the negative electrode of the power supply 4, and connecting the thick end of the fine electrode 2 to the positive electrode of the power supply 4 to form an electrical circuit; (2) introducing the electrolyte into the electrolyte input terminal 103 on the printing head, and controlling the flow rate by an external pump to ensure that the electrolyte in the printing head flows at a set flow rate of 0.2 mL / min; (3) controlling the voltage of the power supply 4 to be 5 V, the electrolyte flows out at the nozzle 105 through the electrolyte output terminal 104, and the metal ions in the electrolyte are continuously deposited on the cathode 5 under the action of the fine electrode 2; (5) controlling the movement path of the printing head to realize the point-by-point construction of the three-dimensional structure and complete the electrodeposition process.

[0026] In this method, the cathode 5 is a copper substrate, and the electrolyte composition is a mixture of 18 g / L 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 2 g / L NaAuCl4·2H2O, 0.5 g / L CoSO4·7H2O, and 20 g / L C6H8O7·H2O. By this method, a gold wire with a diameter of 5 um is deposited on the cathode 5.

Claims

1. A precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head based on Tesla valve, characterized in that: It includes a shell, a Tesla valve cavity, an electrolyte input end, an electrolyte output end, a nozzle and a fine electrode; the Tesla valve cavity is located between the electrolyte input end and the electrolyte output end in the shell; the nozzle is arranged at the electrolyte output end; the fine electrode is in the shape of a needle with a thick top and a thin bottom, the thin end passes through the electrolyte output end to the outside of the nozzle, and the thick end passes through the outside of the shell, and is used to connect to the positive pole of the power supply.

2. A Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle size is 0.1um-100um.

3. According to the Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head according to claim 1, the Tesla valve cavity is an asymmetric geometric structure, including multiple sections of serrated curved channels.

4. The Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a micro filter, which is arranged at the electrolyte input end.

5. The printing method of the Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: (1) connecting the selected cathode to the negative electrode of the power supply, and connecting the thick end of the micro-electrode to the positive electrode of the power supply to form an electrical circuit; (2) introducing the electrolyte into the electrolyte input terminal on the print head, and controlling the flow rate by an external pump to ensure that the electrolyte in the print head flows at a set flow rate; (3) controlling the power supply voltage at 3V-7V, the electrolyte flows out at the nozzle through the electrolyte output terminal, and the metal ions in the electrolyte are continuously deposited in a dotted manner on the cathode under the action of the micro-electrode; (5) controlling the movement path of the print head to realize the point-by-point construction of the three-dimensional structure and complete the electrodeposition process.

6. The printing method of the Tesla valve-based precise point electrodeposition 3D printing head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrolyte contains Cu 2+ 、Ag + 、Au 3+ One of the electrolyte solutions.

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