Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.

Blake Darby

Ludovic Godet

Xianfeng Lu

Tristan Yonghui Ma

In one embodiment, a method of producing a porous semiconductor film on a workpiece includes generating semiconductor precursor ions that comprise one or more of: germanium precursor ions and silicon precursor ions in a plasma of a plasma chamber, in which the semiconductor precursor ions are operative to form a porous film on the workpiece. The method further includes directing the semiconductor precursor ions to the workpiece over a range of angles.

Engineering of porous coatings formed by ion-assisted direct deposition

A method of treating an electrode for a battery to enhance its performance is disclosed. By depositing a layer of porous carbon onto the electrode, its charging and discharging characteristics, as well as chemical stability may be improved. The method includes creating a plasma that includes carbon and attracting the plasma toward the electrode, such as by biasing a platen on which the electrode is disposed. In some embodiments, an etching process is also performed on the deposited porous carbon to increase its surface area. The electrode may also be exposed to a hydrophilic treatment to improve its interaction with the electrolyte. In addition, a battery which includes at least one electrode treated according to this process is disclosed.

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Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Blake Darby