Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maryama Hammi, Amine El Haimeur
Summary: Neat and loaded phosphate glasses containing Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn were synthesized using a low-cost sol gel method and placed on a silica glass substrate. The impact of loading elements on glass characteristics was studied by analyzing the structural and morphological characteristics of glass thin layers using XRD and SEM.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Serif Ruzgar, Yasemin Caglar, Ozgur Polat, Dinara Sobola, Mujdat Caglar
Summary: This study extensively investigated the impact of La doping on CuxO thin films using various tools, revealing that La doping can reduce surface roughness and widen the optical band gap. XPS and AFM played important roles in the research.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tithi Sen, Amrita Biswas, Tapan Kumar Rout, Rajalingam Thangavel, Udayabhanu Gopalakrishnan Nair
Summary: Heavily Zinc ion-doped nickel oxide thin films were prepared and studied for their structural, optical, and electrical properties. The increase in dopant concentration was found to affect the absorbance spectra and surface roughness of the films.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
O. F. Goktas, N. E. Koksal, O. Kaplan, A. Yildiz
Summary: The sol-gel method was used to fabricate Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on p-Si substrates with smooth surfaces and highly oriented crystal structures. The analysis revealed that the AZO/Si heterojunctions exhibited nonideal diode behavior, with the 80 nm thick AZO layer demonstrating good rectifying properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tithi Sen, Amrita Biswas, Rajalingam Thangavel, Udayabhanu Gopalakrishnan Nair, Tapan Kumar Rout
Summary: The study analyzed the impact of a lower concentration of Fe3+ ions on the properties of FexNi1-xO thin films and compared it with higher Fe3+ ion concentration. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction showed higher degradation of the crystal lattice even with a small amount of Fe3+ substitution. Optical properties were studied using UV-visible absorption spectra and Raman spectra, showing that both unsubstituted and Fe substituted NiO ITO thin films exhibited photoluminescence properties. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that lower molar concentration of Fe3+ ions resulted in better electrochemical performance. This finding was further supported by current-voltage and cyclic-voltammetry studies.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
S. Chahib, G. Leroy, B. Duponchel, C. Poupin, H. Ez-zahraouy, D. Fasquelle
Summary: This study compares the dielectric properties of BaSnO3 ceramics and thin films in terms of structure, morphology, frequency (20 Hz-1 MHz), and temperature (30℃-300℃). BaSnO3 solution was prepared using the sol-gel method, and thin films were deposited by spin-coating on substrates. Both ceramics and films showed a pure BaSnO3 phase with a cubic structure according to the X-ray diffraction spectra. The sintering temperature was adjusted to improve the crystalline quality of the ceramics. SEM photos confirmed the high quality of the film surface, with an average roughness of 1.8 nm measured by AFM. The dielectric constant (epsilon') at room temperature was found to be around 17 for ceramics and 13 for thin films at 1 MHz. The dielectric properties of BaSnO3 ceramics could be successfully replicated on thin films using a cost-effective deposition method.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lena Meyniel, Cedric Boissiere, Natacha Krins, Sophie Carenco
Summary: In this study, thin films of lanthanide oxysulfide were developed that are compatible with flexible substrates and retain the robustness advantages of inorganic compounds. The films, made using a low-temperature dip coating method, maintained the optical quality of the materials. The thickness of the films could be adjusted in a wide range, and thermal treatment was optimized to remove organic ligands while preserving the integrity of the nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huihuang Xu, Hua Hao, Yanjiang Xie, Xin Wang, Jianlu Geng, Minghe Cao, Zhonghua Yao, Hanxing Liu
Summary: Lead-free BaZr0.25Ti0.75O3 films grown via a sol-gel method on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates exhibit good microstructure and energy storage performance, with moderate polarization and high breakdown strength, as well as excellent temperature stability.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carlos E. Caballero-Guerecaa, M. R. Alfaro Cruza, E. Luevano-Hipolitoa, Leticia M. Torres-Martinez
Summary: Highly transparent ZnO films were successfully deposited on glass substrates using the sol-gel technique. The quality of the films was influenced by the concentration of zinc in the precursor solution and the annealing temperature. The films showed good crystallinity and preferential orientation, and exhibited high transmittance of over 90%.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Angel de Jesus Morales-Ramirez, Margarita Garcia-Hernandez, Maria Luz Carrera-Jota, Paulina Garnica-Chavez, Brenely Gonzalez-Penguelly, Aristeo Garrido-Hernandez
Summary: Lu2Si2O7:Eu3+ thin films were prepared using sol-gel methods and dip coating, and exhibited a monoclinic structure with preferential orientation along a specific direction after heat treatment. The films showed strong emission from Eu3+ ions, with the optical yield and decay time increasing with the SiO2 content.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng-You Li, Tsung-Hsien Hsu, Cheng-Liang Huang
Summary: Amorphous Ce2Ti2O7 (CTO) thin films were prepared on an ITO/glass substrate using the sol-gel method, and the effects of various factors on the resistance-switching characteristics of the device were studied. It was observed that diffusion of Al and self-formed AlOx at the Al/CTO interface enhance the performance of the device. By inserting an AlOx layer at the CTO/ITO interface, the RS properties of the device can be optimized, making it a promising candidate for RRAM applications.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaspal Singh, Shrawan Roy, Trang Thu Tran, Sophia Akhtar, Eunji Lee, Jeongyong Kim
Summary: The use of ultrathin nanohybrid films in photocatalytic applications is effective for decomposing pollutants. In this study, ultrathin films composed of Au nanoparticles and Fe2O3 oxy-hydroxides were prepared. These films exhibited outstanding photodecomposition ability and superior photocatalytic activity due to their broad absorption and efficient charge transfer.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
V. T. Lukong, K. O. Ukoba, T. C. Jen
Summary: This study synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles using the sol-gel method and investigated their properties and self-cleaning application. The results showed that the crystallinity of TiO2 nanoparticles improved with increased calcination temperature, and a phase transformation occurred. The particle size of TiO2 nanoparticles also changed with calcination temperature. The sample calcined at 600 degrees C exhibited the highest self-cleaning ability.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Danielle Cancino-Moreno, Arturo Lopez-Marure, Jorge Humberto Luna-Dominguez, Angel de Jesus Morales-Ramirez, Mayahuel Ortega-Aviles, Jose Alfredo Alvarez-Chavez, Margarita Garcia-Hernandez
Summary: Eu3+-(5% mol)-doped Lu2SiO5 optical quality films were prepared using the sol-gel method and dip-coating technique. The incorporation of Eu3+ ions did not affect the monoclinic crystalline phase of Lu2SiO5. Films without surfactant exhibited a uniform and low rugosity morphology, while films with surfactant showed porous hills and valleys with uneven roughness. The photoluminescence spectrum of Eu3+:Lu2SiO5 films exhibited 2 broad emission peaks. The presence of Glymo promoted the formation of residual Lu2Si2O7 compounds with higher lifetime values.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Boying Wang, Hao Wang, Jiantao Wang, Chaolong Li, Feng Wang, Chunli Diao, Haiwu Zheng
Summary: In this study, lead-free 0.8STO-0.2BFO thin films with coexisting amorphous and nanocrystalline structure were prepared by a sol-gel method. By adjusting the heat-treatment temperature to form polar-nano regions, the energy storage density of the films was increased. The optimized 0.8STO-0.2BFO film exhibited excellent energy storage properties with high discharge energy storage density, temperature and frequency stability, as well as fatigue endurance.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Elena Colusso, Luca Cicerchia, Michele Rigon, Vincent Gomes, Alessandro Martucci
Summary: In this study, silk fibroin and carbon quantum dots nanocomposites were prepared through a facile solution casting approach. The optical properties and chemical interactions were characterized, and it was found that 0.5%wt of carbon quantum dots showed the highest photoluminescence intensity and water stability.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alessio Giorgio Settimi, Luca Pezzato, Alessandro Longato, Katya Brunelli, Alessandro Martucci, Silvia Gross, Manuele Dabala
Summary: In this study, we investigated the incorporation of YAG-Ce particles into PEO coatings on aluminum alloy to give the surface photoluminescent properties. It was found that a higher content of YAG-Ce particles could be achieved with pulsed current mode, resulting in improved corrosion resistance and photoluminescent effect.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Roman Schaller, Christian Hils, Matthias Karg, Holger Schmalz
Summary: This article introduces a unique method of preparing surface-compartmentalized micelles with a semi-crystalline stereocomplex core and a patch-like microphase separated corona, which shows potential applications in efficient emulsion stabilization and polymer blend compatibilization.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Robin Kueng, Anne Germann, Marcel Kruesmann, Louisa P. Niggemann, Jan Meisner, Matthias Karg, Robert Goestl, Bernd M. Schmidt
Summary: We have developed metal-organic cage-crosslinked polymer hydrogels by using bipyridine-functionalized polyethylene glycol chains. These hydrogels can encapsulate guest molecules and can be disassembled by ultrasound to release the cargo. The performance of the hydrogels was characterized by various techniques, including NMR, rheology, and SAXS experiments. The study also reveals the mechanism of cage-opening and demonstrates the enhanced drug-loading capacity of the hydrogels compared to non-crosslinked assemblies.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jie Zhao, Anthony S. R. Chesman, Junlin Yan, Luke J. Sutherland, Jacek Jasieniak, Jianfeng Lu, Wenxin Mao, Udo Bach
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of the quality of wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite FA0.83Cs0.17Pb-(I0.8Br0.2)3 by incorporating lead chloride (PbCl2) into a lead acetate (PbAc2)-based precursor, resulting in enlarged grain sizes and improved crystallinity. The enhanced film quality leads to the suppression of nonradiative recombination and a reduction in defect density. Efficient WBG perovskite solar cells (1.66 eV) with an efficiency of 19.3% and a high Voc of 1.22 V were fabricated using a facile one-step spin-coating method without the need for an antisolvent. Notably, the unencapsulated devices retained 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency after storage in a dry box (10% humidity) for 800 h.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Wilms, Lesly V. Melendez, Rohan J. Hudson, Christopher R. Hall, Samantha Prabath Ratnayake, Trevor Smith, Enrico Della Gaspera, Gary Bryant, Timothy U. Connell, Daniel E. Gomez
Summary: We introduce a novel composite material composed of silver nanoparticles and three-dimensional molecular organic cages based on light-absorbing porphyrins. The porphyrin cages not only stabilize the particles but also enable diffusion and trapping of small molecules near the metallic surface. The combination of these two photoactive components leads to a Fano-resonant interaction, resulting in increased energy transfer and enhanced photocurrent for water-splitting applications. This composite structure demonstrates the potential of advanced photosensitizer systems with intrinsic porosity for photocatalytic and sensing applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Owen Kendall, Lesly Melendez, Jiawen Ren, Samantha Prabath Ratnayake, Billy J. Murdoch, Edwin L. H. Mayes, Joel van Embden, Daniel E. Gomez, Arrigo Calzolari, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: In this study, spinel copper gallate (CuGa2O4) nanocrystals with an average size of 3.7 nm were synthesized and characterized via a heat-up colloidal reaction. The CuGa2O4 nanocrystals have a band gap of -2.5 eV and exhibit p-type character, which is consistent with ab initio simulations. When deposited as thin films, these novel nanocrystals are shown to be photoactive, generating a clear and reproducible photocurrent under blue light irradiation. The ability to adjust the Cu/Ga ratio within the nanocrystals and its effect on their optical and electronic properties was also demonstrated. These findings position CuGa2O4 nanocrystals as a promising material for optoelectronic applications, including hole transport and light harvesting.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thomas Feeney, Gabriel Aygur, Tony Nguyen, Sidra Farooq, Joao Mendes, Hayden Tuohey, Daniel E. Gomez, Enrico Della Gaspera, Joel van Embden
Summary: Post transition metal chalcohalides are promising semiconductor materials for optoelectronic applications. Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is especially interesting due to its stability, low toxicity, and defect tolerance. In this study, pin-hole free and pure BiOI thin films were successfully fabricated using a solution processed method. All-inorganic solar cells based on these films were also fabricated for the first time, with device improvements rivaling vacuum deposited devices achieved through templating film growth. The BiOI thin films and devices presented here provide an excellent platform for the further development of solution processed bismuth chalcohalide optoelectronic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Basso, Elena Colusso, Chiara Carraro, Curran Kalha, Aysha A. Riaz, Giada Bombardelli, Enrico Napolitani, Yu Chen, Jacek Jasieniak, Laura E. Ratcliff, Pardeep K. Thakur, Tien-Lin Lee, Anna Regoutz, Alessandro Martucci
Summary: Pulsed excimer laser annealing is used to crystallize VO2 thin films at room temperature, achieving comparable thermochromic properties to furnace annealing with shorter annealing time and reduced energy consumption.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Janine Birnbach, Peter Schmiedel, Matthias Karg
Summary: As sustainability awareness grows, there is an increasing demand for green formulations from the public. Glycolipid and lipopeptide biosurfactants (BS) are considered renewable, biodegradable, and gentle alternatives to conventional fossil-based surfactants. Understanding the phase behavior and physico-chemical characteristics of systems with BS is crucial for developing green formulations. This article reviews the different types of phase behavior in systems containing BS, including rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, mannosylerythritol lipid, cellobiose lipid, and surfactin.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Elena Colusso, Maria Basso, Chiara Carraro, Caterina Cesaroni, Enrico Di Russo, Massimo Guglielmi, Enrico Napolitani, Alessandro Martucci
Summary: The crystallization of cerium oxide sol-gel-derived thin films and their structural and morphological properties were investigated using pulsed excimer laser annealing. The results showed that laser fluence and number of pulses influenced the crystallization and morphology of the irradiated films.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Martina Schmidt, Matthias Karg, Mukundan Thelakkat, Johannes C. Brendel
Summary: Polythiophene-based conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPE) have become a focus of research in sensor and interface materials in chemistry and biology. Limited knowledge exists on the structure of anionic polythiophenes. Through controlled polymerization and substitution, regioregular and narrowly distributed poly(6-(thiophen-3-yl)hexane-1-sulfonate)s (PTHS) were synthesized with tailored chain length. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis showed that all tested polymers exhibited a cylindrical conformation, with the length close to the contour length of the polymer chains. Furthermore, increasing the ionic strength of the solution led to a more coiled conformation of the polymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thom R. Harris-Lee, Enrico Della Gaspera, Frank Marken, Jie Zhang, Cameron L. Bentley, Andrew L. Johnson
Summary: Aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) was used to fabricate highly nanostructured mixed anatase-rutile phase TiO2 using new and bespoke precursors. The precursor syntheses involved two steps and the suitability for AACVD was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. The resulting TiO2 films showed exceptional OH- oxidation performance and promise for use in photoanodes for water splitting applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Hildebrandt, D. Pham Thuy, J. Kippenberger, T. L. Wigger, J. E. Houston, A. Scotti, M. Karg
Summary: This article mainly introduces the use of core-shell microgels as model colloids to study fluid-solid transitions induced by temperature changes. The structures of the liquid phase and the solid phase, as well as the osmotic deswelling phenomenon, are determined using methods such as absorbance spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
Article
Thermodynamics
Marco Tancon, Antonio Abbatecola, Matteo Mirafiori, Stefano Bortolin, Elena Colusso, Alessandro Martucci, Davide Del Col
Summary: This paper experimentally studies the dropwise condensation (DWC) of flowing steam on sol-gel silica-based coated aluminium substrates at various inclinations. The heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and droplet population measurements are conducted under different heat flux and vapor velocity conditions. It is observed that as the surface inclination decreases from vertical to horizontal, the average droplet size increases and there is a significant reduction in HTC, particularly at low vapor velocities. The HTC increases with steam velocity due to the vapor drag force, and at the highest mass velocity, the HTC becomes independent of surface inclination. A model for the droplet departing radius is modified to account for the effect of surface inclination, and it provides satisfactory predictions of HTC for different vapor velocities, heat flux, and surface inclinations. It is proposed to couple this new equation with existing models for heat transfer through a single droplet and drop-size distribution to predict the heat flux during DWC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2024)