Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. W. Lovesey
Summary: The theoretical study of Bragg diffraction by an enantiomorphic pair of structures is applied to patterns gathered on beta-Mn using resonance-enhanced X-ray diffraction. The cubic symmetry of beta-Mn removes some complications associated with correction for absorption and macroscopic birefringence. The intensity of a Bragg spot engaged by circular polarization in the primary beam of photons is proposed as a chiral signature of the illuminated material, where the dependence on the azimuthal angle does not mirror the rotational symmetry axes in the cubic crystal structure.
Article
Physics, Applied
Takuto Tsukahara, Satoshi An, Sho Otsuru, Yasuhisa Tezuka, Shunsuke Nozawa, Junichi Adachi, Kenta Akashi, Yuji Inagaki, Tatsuya Kawae, Hirofumi Ishii, Yen-Fa Liao, Tetsuya Kida, Satoshi Suehiro, Masashi Nantoh, Koji Ishibashi, Yoichi Ishiwata
Summary: In this study, we systematically investigated the unoccupied electronic states, crystal structure, and magnetism of V- and Mn-doped ZnO nanocrystals (NCs). The post-annealing treatment at 300°C converts V5+ ions into high-spin V3+ ions, inducing room-temperature ferromagnetism in the V-doped NCs but not in the Mn-doped NCs. Oxygen 1s x-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals differences in the hybridized states between the two dopants, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of ferromagnetism in this diluted magnetic semiconductor system.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Antika Pranudta, Santanu Patra, Wantana Klysubun, Penphitcha Amonpattaratkit, Trung Thanh Nguyen, Van Hong Nguyen, Medhat Mohamed El-Moselhy, Surapol Padungthon
Summary: A hybrid anion exchanger impregnated with Fe/Mn nanoparticles (HA502P-Fe/Mn) was synthesized and its efficacy in removing trace As(III) and As(V) was evaluated through isotherms, kinetics, and characterization techniques. The adsorption capacities of HA502P-Fe/Mn for As(III) and As(V) were found to be 21,590 and 18,930 µg/g, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory were used for characterizing the adsorption mechanisms. Fixed-bed column experiments showed that HA502P-Fe/Mn has a higher treatable bed volume compared to commercial adsorbents. Overall, HA502P-Fe/Mn is a promising adsorbent for As(III) removal due to its high adsorption capacity and regenerating ability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Bonanni, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) allows imaging of biological specimens and collection of localized spectroscopic information through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and/or X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES). Recent publications in synchrotrons have utilized soft X-ray spectro-microscopy in life science and environmental research to explore complex metabolic mechanisms by tracing chemical elements involved in metabolic pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luis Kitsu Iglesias, Emma N. Antonio, Tristan D. Martinez, Liang Zhang, Zengqing Zhuo, Steven J. Weigand, Jinghua Guo, Michael F. Toney
Summary: This study elucidates the mechanism of sodium storage in hard carbon anodes and provides insights into the preferred pore sizes, extent of pore filling, and the influence of defect concentration. It is observed that sodium in larger pores exhibits increased pseudo-metallic sodium character, and higher pyrolysis temperatures enhance the capacity of sodium stored in the pores. Additionally, sodium intercalation between graphene layers occurs simultaneously with pore filling in the plateau region. The findings highlight strategies to design superior hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matt A. Limmer, Franklin A. Linam, Abby E. Evans, Angelia L. Seyfferth
Summary: Indicators of reduction in soil (IRIS) devices are low-cost soil redox sensors that can be used as indicators of reducing conditions in soils. The Mn IRIS devices, coated with birnessite, can oxidize Fe(II), resulting in a color change that complicates the interpretation of coating removal. Field-deployed Mn IRIS films showed reductions in Mn oxidation state when Fe precipitation was evident, and the decrease was due to the adsorption of Mn(II) to oxidized Fe and the precipitation of rhodochrosite (MnCO3).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
B. Singh, P. Singh, M. Gupta
Summary: The effect of sintering temperature on the structure and valence states of Ru-Mn in Li2Mn0.9Ru0.1O3 was investigated. Results showed that at lower sintering temperature, mixed valence states Ru+4 and Ru+5 were present, while at higher temperature only the Ru+4 valence state was observed.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rohini Sanikop, Sanjeev Gautam, Keun Hwa Chae, C. Sudakar
Summary: The study revealed that Mn and Co doping have different effects on MoS2, with Co doping effectively enhancing ferromagnetic properties at low concentrations, while Mn doping showing limited effectiveness. Various defects were also identified in MoS2 nanosheets, including planar defects and sulfur vacancy point defects.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Angelo P. Rillera, Mayrene A. Uy, Keito Shinohara, Melvin John F. Empizo, Toshihiko Shimizu, Hideki Yoshida, Nobuhiko Sarukura, Hitoshi Abe
Summary: The structural properties of Fe in celadon glazes provide information about its production process and coloration mechanism. In this study, we used depth-resolved Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to explore the Fe properties of reduction-fired celadon glazes from a spatial perspective. Our results show a typical reduction-firing profile with surface oxidation occurring. We observed a transition region between two Fe valency proportions near the surface and the glaze interior. The analysis of fluorescence XAS spectra collected from glaze surfaces is limited by the possibility of surface oxidation in synthetic glazes or ceramic artifacts.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
M. Darby Dyar, Molly McCanta, Antonio Lanzirotti, Cody J. Steven, Cai Ytsma
Summary: Previous studies on quantifying Fe-redox ratios in glass using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) have mainly focused on the pre-edge region, neglecting other information in the spectra. This study collected experimental glasses with a wide range of compositions and oxygen fugacity values for comprehensive Fe XAS analysis. Multiple multivariate statistical models were evaluated for predicting log fO2 or %Fe3+ accurately, and a simple partial least squares (PLS) model based on the entire XAS region was found to provide a universal calibration for determination of these parameters.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Meng, Zhenyun Lan, Weihua Lin, Mingli Liang, Xianshao Zou, Qian Zhao, Huifang Geng, Ivano E. Castelli, Sophie E. Canton, Tonu Pullerits, Kaibo Zheng
Summary: By combining experimental and theoretical methods, we investigate the hot carrier relaxation dynamics in Mn-doped lead halide perovskite nanocrystals. We find that Mn2+ doping enhances the electron-LO phonon coupling and introduces new relaxation pathways, leading to accelerated cooling of high-temperature hot carriers when excited above the bandgap. This phenomenon is advantageous for the energy conversion process in hot carrier solar cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille Bihanic, Eddy Petit, Roseline Perrot, Lucie Cases, Armelle Garcia, Franck Pelissier, Cyril Poullain, Camille Rivard, Martine Hossaert-McKey, Doyle McKey, Claude Grison
Summary: The New Caledonian endemic Mn-hyperaccumulator Grevillea meisneri is a useful species for preparing ecocatalysts, containing Mn-Ca oxides that are hard to synthesize under laboratory conditions. The study found strong positive correlations between Mn and Ca concentrations in tissues of G. meisneri, which might facilitate the formation of mixed Ca-Mn oxides. The successful use of G. meisneri in site rehabilitation and ecocatalyst biomass production was demonstrated, with transplanted nursery-grown seedlings accumulating Mn and sequestering it in the same tissues as spontaneously growing plants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuqin Sun, Jing Sun, Athena A. Nghiem, Benjamin C. Bostick, Tyler Ellis, Long Han, Zengyi Li, Songlin Liu, Shuangbao Han, Miao Zhang, Yu Xia, Yan Zheng
Summary: The study used high-resolution spectroscopy techniques in combination with groundwater composition and metagenomics measurements to investigate the oxidation states of arsenic and iron in sediments from the Yinchuan Plain in northwest China. Results showed that at shallower depths, sediments contained high levels of As(V), As(III), and Fe(III) (hydr)oxides, while at deeper depths, sediments were enriched in As(V), As(III), and Fe(III) (hydr)oxides, despite high As(III) concentrations in groundwater. The study supports active arsenic and iron reduction processes based on the contrast between the dominant forms of arsenic in groundwater and sediment, as well as the decreasing concentrations of sediment As(V) and Fe(III) (hydr)oxides with depth.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. W. Lovesey
Summary: The ferrimagnet Mn3Si2Te6 has gained attention due to its recently discovered colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) with unique magnetic field properties. A neutron diffraction study has revealed an improved magnetic structure for the material, which is linked to understanding the CMR. Further theoretical investigation has uncovered previously unmentioned anapole, chiral, and orbital states of manganese ions. Additionally, it is suggested that the existence of these states in the low temperature form of Mn3Si2Te6 under a magnetic field can be tested using neutron and resonant x-ray diffraction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Divya Kumari, Digvijay Narayan Singh, Md. K. Shamim, Sourav Chowdhury, R. J. Choudhary, Seema Sharma
Summary: In this study, we investigated the influence of multivalence cations on the oxygen-deficient system. The presence of multivalence states leads to AFM/FM exchange interaction in the sample, resulting in glassy magnetic behavior.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Luca Camilli, Daniele Capista, Piergiorgio Eramo, Angelo Antonio D'Archivio, Maria Anna Maggi, Andrea Lazzarini, Marcello Crucianelli, Maurizio Passacantando
Summary: Clean water is crucial for ecosystems, human life, and socio-economic development. However, climate change, pollution, and population growth may lead to water scarcity. Therefore, it is important to develop new materials and efficient methods for treating waste and contaminated water. A recent study discovered that by treating carbon nanotube sponges at mild temperatures, the sponges can become hydrophilic and effectively remove toxic contaminants dissolved in water.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Filippo Giubileo, Enver Faella, Aniello Pelella, Arun Kumar, Daniele Capista, Maurizio Passacantando, Sang Sub Kim, Antonio Di Bartolomeo
Summary: The field emission properties of SnO2 nanofiber networks have been systematically investigated, demonstrating a field emission current at low electric fields, and a maximum field enhancement factor at a separation distance of 200 nm. The emission from a single nanofiber shows current saturation.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Kazim, D. Mastrippolito, P. Moras, M. Jugovac, T. Klimczuk, M. Ali, L. Ottaviano, R. Gunnella
Summary: We investigated the challenging CrCl3 surface using photon energy dependent photoemission (PE). By studying the core and valence electrons of cleaved single crystals in either ultra-high vacuum (UHV) or air, we confirmed the atomic composition with respect to the expected bulk atomic structure. The presence of a stable, but only partially ordered Cl-O-Cr surface was revealed by a common spectroscopic denominator. Through analysis of multiplet components, we quantified the electron charge transfer and the reduced crystal field due to the established polarization field. The methodology used in this study can have a significant impact on determining the structure of ordered sub-oxide phases in mono or bi-layer Cr trihalides.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Filippo Giubileo, Daniele Capista, Enver Faella, Aniello Pelella, Woo Young Kim, Paola Benassi, Maurizio Passacantando, Antonio Di Bartolomeo
Summary: This experimental study investigates the field emission properties of commercially available graphene flowers cloth. Material characterization confirms the formation of high-quality vertical few-layers graphene nanosheets. The results demonstrate a low turn-on field and a high field enhancement factor in a small cathode-anode separation distance range. The study also shows that the turn-on field increases with distance while the field enhancement factor decreases. Additionally, the time stability of the field emission current is reported.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Serena Pilato, Samanta Moffa, Gabriella Siani, Francesca Diomede, Oriana Trubiani, Jacopo Pizzicannella, Daniele Capista, Maurizio Passacantando, Paolo Samori, Antonella Fontana
Summary: The development of novel three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials with high biocompatibility, precise mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, and controlled pore size is highly sought after for cardiac tissue engineering applications. Hybrid, highly porous tridimensional scaffolds based on chemically functionalized graphene oxide (GO) can provide these unique characteristics and be manufactured using the layer-by-layer technique.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Paparoni, Emin Mijit, Hamideh Darjazi, Francesco Nobili, Andrea Zitolo, Andrea Di Cicco, Rahul Parmar, Roberto Gunnella, S. Javad Rezvani
Summary: The protective coating of alumina has been proven to improve the performance efficiency of LiMn2O4 cathodes in battery devices. The mechanism of the coating's effect on electrode performance improvement is still unclear. This study investigates the effects of alumina coating on the structural dynamics of active materials and the solid electrolyte interface. It is demonstrated that the coating successfully inhibits Mn3+ disproportionation and degradation of the active material.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. Giuffrida, L. Calcagno, A. A. Leonardi, M. Cantarella, M. Zimbone, G. Impellizzeri
Summary: In this study, TiO2 nanowires were synthesized on a Si substrate through thermal oxidation, and Fe doping was used to enhance the photocatalytic activity in the visible range. Pt nanoparticles deposition and thermal annealing in a reductive environment were employed to improve the photo-degradation rate under UV light for undoped nanowires. A three-fold activity enhancement was achieved and discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Maria Scalisi, Roberta Pecoraro, Antonio Salvaggio, Fabiano Capparucci, Cosimo Gianluca Fortuna, Massimo Zimbone, Giuliana Impellizzeri, Maria Violetta Brundo
Summary: This article evaluated the potential toxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) on embryonic development and the male reproductive system using zebrafish as a model organism. The results showed that TiO2-NPs did not interfere with embryonic development, but caused morphological changes in the male reproductive organs. Immunofluorescence investigation showed increased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which were confirmed by qRT-PCR results. The gene responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone also showed increased expression, suggesting an androgenic effect of TiO2-NPs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniele Capista, Luca Lozzi, Aniello Pelella, Antonio Di Bartolomeo, Filippo Giubileo, Maurizio Passacantando
Summary: Photodetectors based on vertical multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) film-Si heterojunctions are successfully achieved by growing MWCNTs on n-type Si substrates covered with Si3N4 layers. Spatially resolved photocurrent measurements demonstrate that higher photo detection is achieved in regions with thinner MWCNT film, resulting in nearly 100% external quantum efficiency. Therefore, a simple method utilizing scotch tape is proposed to tune the thickness and density of the as-grown MWCNT film, thereby enhancing the device photo-response.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Domenico Franco, Antonio Alessio Leonardi, Maria Giovanna Rizzo, Nicoletta Palermo, Alessia Irrera, Giovanna Calabrese, Sabrina Conoci
Summary: Prosthetic joint replacement is a commonly used surgical approach to repair bone defects, but it often leads to prosthetic joint infection due to biofilm formation. To address this issue, nanomaterials with antibacterial activity, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have been proposed for implantable device coatings. However, the cytotoxicity of AgNPs has limited their use, necessitating studies to determine the appropriate concentration, size, and shape to avoid cytotoxic effects. This study evaluated the biological response of human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) and P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria on silver dendrite substrates produced by silicon-based technology (Si_Ag). The results showed good cytocompatibility of hFOB cells cultured on Si_Ag and a significant decrease in pathogen viability, especially for P. aeruginosa, suggesting that fractal silver dendrite could be a suitable nanomaterial for coating implantable medical devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kimberly Intonti, Enver Faella, Loredana Viscardi, Arun Kumar, Ofelia Durante, Filippo Giubileo, Maurizio Passacantando, Hoi Tung Lam, Konstantinos Anastasiou, Monica F. Craciun, Saverio Russo, Antonio Di Bartolomeo
Summary: This study reports the optoelectronic characterization of few-layer ReSe2 field effect transistors at different pressures. The devices exhibit a dominant n-type behavior with low Schottky barrier and significant hysteresis. The conductance and mobility of the devices are affected by air pressure, increasing with lower pressure due to the desorption of electronegative air molecules. The photoresponse of the device changes from positive photoconductivity at higher pressure to negative photoconductivity at lower pressure, which can be explained by the desorption of molecules and the defect trapping of photogenerated carriers.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Sara Ignoto, Roberta Pecoraro, Elena Maria Scalisi, Martina Contino, Greta Ferruggia, Stefania Indelicato, Roberto Fiorenza, Stefano Andrea Balsamo, Giuliana Impellizzeri, Francesco Tiralongo, Antonio Salvaggio, Maria Violetta Brundo
Summary: The effects of TiO2 sol-gel and TiO2-rGO nanocompounds on the vitality and motility of Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa were evaluated. The results showed a decrease in both vitality and motility of the spermatozoa when exposed to different times and concentrations of these two nano-TiO2 compounds. The decrease in vitality and motility was inversely related to the exposure time and concentration of TiO2 sol-gel and TiO2-rGO nanocompounds.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qi He, P. Marsik, F. Le Mardele, B. Xu, M. Sharma, N. Pinto, A. Perali, C. Di Nicola, C. Pettinari, D. Baeriswyl, C. Bernhard
Summary: We present an infrared ellipsometry study on polycrystalline Kxp-terphenyl samples with nominal x = 3, which show indications of high-temperature superconductivity. The infrared spectra reveal intramolecular excitations of zr electrons and weaker intermolecular electronic excitations. The temperature dependence analysis uncovers a decrease in plasma frequency and scattering rate below 300 K, while below 90 K, an anomalous enhancement is observed. The blueshift and enhanced localization of the charge carriers suggest a filamentary superconducting state with a volume fraction below the percolation limit.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Serena Pilato, Samanta Moffa, Gabriella Siani, Francesca Diomede, Oriana Trubiani, Jacopo Pizzicannella, Daniele Capista, Maurizio Passacantando, Paolo Samori, Antonella Fontana
Summary: The development of 3D nanomaterials with high biocompatibility, precise mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, and controlled pore size is crucial for cardiac tissue engineering applications. Hybrid, highly porous tridimensional scaffolds based on chemically functionalized graphene oxide (GO) offer enhanced compositional and structural control. These scaffolds are biocompatible, promote cell adhesion and growth without interfering with cell morphology and cardiac markers, and can be used for repairing damaged heart tissues and cardiac modeling investigations.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Jose Lo Faro, Ileana Ielo, Dario Morganti, Antonio Alessio Leonardi, Sabrina Conoci, Barbara Fazio, Giovanna De Luca, Alessia Irrera
Summary: This paper reports on the decoration of ultrathin silicon nanowires with gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications. The results show that the decorated nanowires exhibit high enhancement effects after different surface functionalizations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
