Review
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Attila Karajz, Imre Miklos Szilagyi
Summary: This article reviews the possibilities of photocatalytically active ZnO nanomaterials synthesized using atomic layer deposition (ALD). ZnO, a widely researched photocatalytic material, is influenced by factors such as structure and morphology. The discussion includes the structural possibilities and the incorporation of other materials (such as elements, metals, or semiconductors) to form composite materials, such as ZnO/TiO2 heterostructures, polymer fibers, carbon nanomaterials (e.g. carbon nanotubes or graphene-oxide), and biomaterials.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorenzo Di Mario, David Garcia Romero, Han Wang, Eelco K. Tekelenburg, Sander Meems, Teodor Zaharia, Giuseppe Portale, Maria A. Loi
Summary: Transport layers play a crucial role in thin-film solar cells, impacting both efficiency and stability. In this study, highly efficient organic solar cells were achieved using ALD-deposited SnO2 as the electron transport layer. The ALD-SnO2-based devices outperformed those with solution-casted SnO2 nanoparticles and sol-gel ZnO, exhibiting higher efficiency and stability. This improvement is attributed to reduced charge carrier recombination at the ALD-SnO2/active layer interface.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Matthew Bates, Carson Malhado, Chenchen Yang, Christopher K. K. Herrera, Richard R. R. Lunt
Summary: Transparent and semitransparent photovoltaics, enabled by organic photovoltaics (OPVs), offer a promising way to integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure. The recent development of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) has accelerated the rise of OPVs and transparent photovoltaics (TPVs). In this study, a sequential layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition technique is used to create a selectively NIR absorbing nontraditional acceptor polymer paired with a NIR absorbing donor IEICO-4F. The optimized device demonstrates a PCE of 8.8%, AVT of 40.9%, and a light utilization efficiency of 3.6%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sonja Stefanovic, Negar Gheshlaghi, David Zanders, Ivan Kundrata, Baolin Zhao, Maissa K. S. Barr, Marcus Halik, Anjana Devi, Julien Bachmann
Summary: Area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD) is a bottom-up nanofabrication method that delivers single atoms from a molecular precursor. It offers advantages over lithography in terms of cost, resistance, and equipment prerequisites, but requires pre-patterned substrates and has limited selectivity and substrate choices. These challenges can be overcome with direct patterning using atomic-layer additive manufacturing (ALAM), which enables direct patterning instead of blanket coating. A functional thin-film transistor was created using ALAM-deposited ZnO and characterized.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ales Omerzu, Robert Peter, Daria Jardas, Iztok Turel, Kresimir Salamon, Matejka Podlogar, Damjan Vengust, Ivana Jelovica Badovinac, Ivna Kavre Piltaver, Mladen Petravic
Summary: The study demonstrated a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of thin ZnO films grown by PE-ALD method compared to those grown by the thermal ALD method. Various structural and optical experimental techniques were employed to analyze the physical origin of this difference.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rafal Pietruszka, Bartlomiej S. Witkowski, Monika Ozga, Katarzyna Gwozdz, Ewa Placzek-Popko, Marek Godlewski
Summary: Silicon solar cells are a major source of green energy, but the chemicals used in their production are harmful to the environment and human health. A study demonstrates the use of zinc oxide nanorods to create 3D textures on top electrodes, leading to increased efficiency of solar cells. The experiments show the potential to produce efficient solar cells on relatively thin silicon substrates.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tomi Koskinen, Ulrika Volin, Camilla Tossi, Ramesh Raju, Ilkka Tittonen
Summary: ALD transparent thermoelectric materials enable energy harvesting and sensors to be introduced onto various surfaces in an imperceptible manner. ZnO has shown promising results in terms of both thermoelectric and optical characteristics, and its thermoelectric performance can be further improved by extrinsic doping using ALD.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kyung-Mun Kang, Yue Wang, Minjae Kim, Chan Lee, Hyung-Ho Park
Summary: AFZO thin films were prepared through atomic layer deposition with improved electrical and optical properties compared to AZO films, attributed to increased carrier concentration and mobility via codoping with F and Al.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aitor Arandia, Jihong Yim, Hassaan Warraich, Emilia Leppakangas, Rene Bes, Aku Lempelto, Lars Gell, Hua Jiang, Kristoffer Meinander, Tiia Viinikainen, Simo Huotari, Karoliina Honkala, Riikka L. Puurunen
Summary: The order of addition of copper and zinc on zirconia has significant effects on the catalytic properties, and the catalyst with zinc deposit after copper impregnation shows superior performance in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yang Gu, Jia-Jia Tao, Tao Wang, Yu-Hang Liu, Bo-Fang Peng, Li-Yuan Zhu, Hong-Liang Lu
Summary: Zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) with varying Sn levels, showing nonlinear growth rate and atom composition changes relative to the Sn and Zn cycle ratio. A numerical simulation method was proposed to characterize the film growth behavior, and the structure, electrical, and optical properties of ZTO were examined.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sang Hyuk Gong, Hyo Jin Lim, Ji Hyeon Lee, Yiseul Yoo, Seungho Yu, Hee-Dae Lim, Hyun Wook Jung, Jesse S. Ko, In Soo Kim, Hyung-Seok Kim
Summary: In this study, a thin tin oxide layer was produced using atomic layer deposition to address the challenges of dendrite growth and hydrogen gas evolution in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The tin oxide layer effectively suppresses hydrogen gas evolution and enables uniform zinc plating/stripping, leading to improved performance of zinc-ion batteries.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sunil Babu Eadi, Han Yan, P. Senthil Kumar, Yuvakkumar Rathinam, Hi-Deok Lee
Summary: In this study, the performance of IGZO-decorated ZnO films for the detection of NO2 gas was investigated by changing the IGZO deposition time. The results showed that decorating ZnO with IGZO can significantly increase the sensor response.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaofeng Qian, Sen Xiong, Yuanyuan Rao, Ze-Xian Low, Zhaoxiang Zhong, Yong Wang
Summary: Addressing respiratory infectious diseases remains a top priority due to population growth, increasing international travel and commerce, and the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Facemasks are powerful tools to protect wearers from infections; however, intercepted microorganisms on the mask surface may lead to secondary infection. To solve this problem, atomic layer deposition is used to deposit robust ZnO layers on polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, enhancing the masks' filtration efficiency and granting them antibacterial and photocatalytic sterilization abilities.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Myeong Jun Jung, Myeongjun Ji, Jeong Hwan Han, Young-In Lee, Sung -Tag Oh, Min Hwan Lee, Byung Joon Choi
Summary: Interface engineering of thermoelectric powder materials using atomic layer deposition (ALD) has attracted research interest due to its potential to improve energy conversion efficiency. This study successfully coated selenium-doped bismuth telluride powders with uniform and conformal ZnO layers using two types of ALD reactors. The reactor type affected the crystalline structure, particle size distribution, and chemical bonding states of the ZnO. The pelletization process did not change the morphology of the powders, but differences in the chemical states of the ZnO layers were observed.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Robert Peter, Ales Omerzu, Ivna Kavre Piltaver, Renato Speranza, Kresimir Salamon, Matejka Podlogar, Karlo Velican, Marko Percic, Mladen Petravic
Summary: In this study, we investigated the photocatalytic activity of ZnO thin films doped with copper atoms during film growth using atomic layer deposition. The results showed that the doped ZnO films exhibited enhanced optical absorption in the visible region, leading to a significant improvement in photocatalytic efficiency under simulated sunlight irradiation.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Apostolis Verykios, Anastasia Soultati, Konstantina Tourlouki, Charalampos Katsogridakis, Dimitris Alexandropoulos, Veroniki P. Vidali, Stylianos Panagiotakis, Konstantina Yannakopoulou, Dimitra Dimotikali, Mihalis Fakis, Leonidas C. Palilis, Nikolaos Stathopoulos, George Pistolis, Panagiotis N. Skandamis, Panagiotis Argitis, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: This study reports the application of commercially available chromophores as electron injection layers in OLEDs. The use of these chromophores improves the performance of the OLEDs, and DANS chromophore exhibits the best performance. Experimental and simulated results show that the enhancement is attributed to increased electron injection and significant broadening of the emission zone profile.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Azhar Fakharuddin, Mahesh K. Gangishetty, Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi, Sang-Hyun Chin, Abd Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff, Daniel N. Congreve, Wolfgang Tress, Felix Deschler, Maria Vasilopoulou, Henk J. Bolink
Summary: Light-emitting diodes based on halide perovskites have achieved significant progress in recent years, with external quantum efficiencies surpassing 23%. However, their practical application is still limited due to factors such as low efficiency in blue-emitting devices, inability to access emission wavelengths above 800 nm, decreased external quantum efficiency at high current density, lack of understanding of the electric field's effect on mobile ions in perovskite materials, and short device lifetimes. This review explores the development of perovskite light-emitting diodes, examining the key challenges in creating efficient and stable devices.
NATURE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Soultati, Francesca Nunzi, Azhar Fakharuddin, Apostolis Verykios, Konstantina K. Armadorou, Marinos Tountas, Stylianos Panagiotakis, Ermioni Polydorou, Asterios Charisiadis, Vasilis Nikolaou, Michael Papadakis, Georgios Charalambidis, Emmanouil Nikoloudakis, Konstantina Yannakopoulou, Xichang Bao, Chunming Yang, Alan D. F. Dunbar, Emmanuel Kymakis, Leonidas C. Palilis, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Panagiotis Argitis, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Filippo De Angelis, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: This study introduces functionalized boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) molecules as ultrathin interlayers at the absorber/electron transport layer interface, leading to enhanced performance and stability of the solar cells. Amino-functionalized BODIPY, with a high molecular dipole moment, achieves the highest power conversion efficiency in both organic and perovskite solar cells, and shows enhanced stability under continuous illumination and heating.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Optics
Marinos Tountas, Anastasia Soultati, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Kalliopi Ladomenou, Georgios Landrou, Apostolis Verykios, Maria-Christina Skoulikidou, Stylianos Panagiotakis, Petros-Panagis Fillipatos, Konstantina Yannakopoulou, Alexander Chroneos, Leonidas C. Palilis, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Panagiotis Argitis, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: Researchers improve the performance of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) by modulating the surface properties and interface energetics of the electron transport layer and passivating defects in the perovskite matrix. These improvements result in PeLEDs with enhanced nanomorphology, radiative recombination, high radiance, external quantum efficiency, reduced efficiency roll-off, and prolonged lifetime.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-PHOTONICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dimitra Kourti, Anastasia Kanioura, Theodore Manouras, Maria Vamvakaki, Panagiotis Argitis, Margarita Chatzichristidi, Sotirios Kakabakos, Panagiota Petrou
Summary: This study synthesized a polymer with guided cell adhesion and growth functionality and successfully developed a method to create stripe patterns on silicon substrates using photolithography. Smooth muscle cells grown on these patterned substrates exhibited a contractile phenotype, indicating the influence of patterned substrates on cell phenotype.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ermioni Polydorou, Maria Verouti, Anastasia Soultati, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Apostolis Verykios, Petros-Panagis Filippatos, George Galanis, Konstantina Tourlouki, Nikos Kehayias, Ioannis Karatasios, Navaratnarajah Kuganathan, Alexander Chroneos, Vassilis Kilikoglou, Leonidas C. Palilis, Panagiotis Argitis, Dimitris Davazoglou, Azhar Fakharuddin, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: This study successfully deposited fluorine-doped tantalum pentoxide at room temperature using a low-cost method. The material exhibited excellent performance as a hole extraction and electron blocking layer in organic solar cells and improved efficiency and stability when deposited as nanoparticles on the electron transport layer.
ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Petros-Panagis Filippatos, Nikolaos Kelaidis, Maria Vasilopoulou, Dimitris Davazoglou, Alexander Chroneos
Summary: In this study, the effects of halogen doping on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of TiO2 were investigated using density functional theory simulations. The results showed that halogen dopants reduce the bandgap of TiO2 and can act as either acceptors or donors depending on their positions. These doping effects significantly alter the optical and electronic properties of TiO2, which is beneficial for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zoi Georgiopoulou, Apostolis Verykios, Kalliopi Ladomenou, Katerina Maskanaki, Georgios Chatzigiannakis, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Leonidas C. C. Palilis, Alexander Chroneos, Evangelos K. K. Evangelou, Spiros Gardelis, Abd. Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff, Athanassios G. G. Coutsolelos, Konstantinos Aidinis, Maria Vasilopoulou, Anastasia Soultati
Summary: In this study, carbon nanodots are shown to play a beneficial role as electron transport materials in OLEDs and OSCs. The properties of both pristine and nitrogen-functionalized carbon dots are systematically studied using various techniques to uncover their energetic alignment and interaction with the organic semiconductor's emissive layer. The results reveal significant improvements in the current and luminescent characteristics of the OLED devices, mainly due to a decrease in electron injection barrier. The power conversion efficiency of the OSCs using carbon dots as cathode interfacial layers also increases by nearly 10% compared to the reference device. The use of low-cost solution-processed materials in OLEDs and OSCs has the potential for widespread implementation in large-area applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fotini Vrettou, Panagiota Petrou, Sotirios Kakabakos, Panagiotis Argitis, Katarzyna Gajos, Andrzej Budkowski, Margarita Chatzichristidi
Summary: Copper-free click chemistry and photolithography were used for site-directed immobilization of biomolecules on modified surfaces. Different surface modification approaches were tested and the one with epoxy resin and rabbit gamma-globulins showed the highest fluorescence signal. The surfaces were analyzed using ToF-SIMS to confirm the success of click reaction. Photolithography was demonstrated to define areas for site-directed immobilization of biomolecules.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Petros-Panagis Filippatos, Anastasia Soultati, Nikolaos Kelaidis, Dimitris Davazoglou, Maria Vasilopoulou, Charalampos Drivas, Stella Kennou, Alexander Chroneos
Summary: Tin dioxide (SnO2) is extensively used for high-temperature sensing applications. This study investigates the impact of unintentional doping from precursors and intrinsic defects on the properties of SnO2 sensors. Experimental methods including sol-gel and spin-coating were used to synthesize low-cost SnO2 thin films, while theoretical simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) were conducted to examine the changes in electronic properties. The findings indicate that doping has a significant influence on gas sensor performance as well as the overall properties of SnO2.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Baodan Zhao, Maria Vasilopoulou, Azhar Fakharuddin, Feng Gao, Abd. Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Richard H. Friend, Dawei Di
Summary: Perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for display and lighting applications with external quantum efficiencies exceeding 20% for various colors. However, the majority of internally generated photons are trapped in the devices and lose energy through lossy channels, suggesting the need for effective light management strategies. By analyzing the intrinsic optical properties of perovskite materials and the extrinsic properties related to device structures, this Review highlights the possibility of substantially exceeding the conventional limits of planar organic LED devices and suggests new approaches for achieving ultrahigh efficiencies in perovskite LEDs.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Soultati, Maria Verouti, Ermioni Polydorou, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Zoi Georgiopoulou, Leonidas C. Palilis, Ioannis Karatasios, Vassilis Kilikoglou, Alexander Chroneos, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Panagiotis Argitis, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: Two gallium porphyrins were synthesized and used as an electron cascade in ternary organic bulk heterojunction films. The energy levels of the gallium porphyrins matched well with those of the polymer donor and fullerene acceptor, forming an efficient cascade system. The ternary organic solar cells using the gallium porphyrins showed enhanced efficiency, except at high concentrations where the nanomorphology of the films was affected. The best performing devices also exhibited improved photostability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Vasilopoulou, Wilson Jose da Silva, Anastasia Soultati, Hyeong Pil Kim, Byung Soon Kim, Youjin Reo, Anderson Emanuel Ximim Gavim, Julio Conforto, Fabio Kurt Schneider, Marciele Felippi, Leonidas C. Palilis, Dimitris Davazoglou, Panagiotis Argitis, Thomas Stergiopoulos, Azhar Fakharuddin, Jin Jang, Nicola Gasparini, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Yong-Young Noh, Abd. Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff
Summary: In this study, we report a method to replicate photonic nanostructures from the adaxial epidermis of flower petals onto light-polymerized coatings using low-cost nanoimprint lithography at ambient temperature. These multifunctional nanocoatings are applied to perovskite solar cells, providing enhanced light trapping, water repellence, and UV light and environmental moisture protection features.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmanouil Orfanos, Kalliopi Ladomenou, Panagiotis A. Angaridis, Theodoros Papadopoulos, Georgios Charalambidis, Maria Vasilopoulou, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos
Summary: A stable system containing a Pt metalated porphyrin as a molecular solid photocatalyst in acidic aqueous solution is able to efficiently produce hydrogen, under visible light irradiation.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria Vasilopoulou, Anastasia Soultati, Petros-Panagis Filippatos, Abd Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff, Mohhamad Khadja Nazeeruddin, Leonidas C. Palilis
Summary: This article provides an overview of recent advances in the understanding of interfaces in organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells, especially in terms of performance improvement strategies for mesoporous solar cells and the design of HTM-free architectures.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Franck Sabatier, Cedric Durand, Dominique Drouin, Michel Pioro-Ladriere, Fabien Ndagijimana, Philippe Galy
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of improving the quality factor and (or) inductance of an inductor integrated into CMOS technology by adding magnetic materials around it. The performance improvement is evaluated through 3D numerical simulations on an SOI substrate made in a 28 nm UTBB FDSOI technology. The choice of materials and their design topologies are the main parameters studied, leading to a solution selection based on the final application. The results show significant improvements in inductance and quality factor by using different design topologies and materials.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tobias Reiter, Luiz Felipe Aguinsky, Francio Rodrigues, Josef Weinbub, Andreas Hoessinger, Lado Filipovic
Summary: Atomic layer processing (ALP) is a modern fabrication technique that allows precise control of film thickness, composition, and conformality at a nanometer scale. This article presents a model for surface coverage during ALD in the presence of desorption, leading to incomplete conformality. The model combines diffusion and kinetics methods and has been incorporated into topography simulators for accurate representation of reactor conditions.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jingxuan Sun, Yi Han, Yannik Junk, Omar Concepcion, Jin-Hee Bae, Detlev Gruetzmacher, Dan Buca, Qing-Tai Zhao
Summary: This study systematically investigates the formation of NiGeSn and its contact resistivity with GeSn semiconductors. The optimal formation temperature of NiGeSn is found to be 325 degrees C, resulting in a lower contact resistivity on n-GeSn. The study also discusses the elemental diffusion mechanism during the NiGeSn formation. Additionally, GeSn exhibits low contact resistivity at 5 K, making it valuable for optimizing contact technologies for low-power and cryogenic applications.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Daniela Dragoman, Mircea Dragoman
Summary: Graphene's unique properties have led to the exploration of its analogies in various solid-state structures and systems, enabling the observation of novel phenomena and revealing differences in behavior between different systems. This review highlights the value of using analogies to develop new devices and expand our understanding of physics.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sumreti Gupta, Asifa Amin, Reinaldo A. Vega, Abhisek Dixit
Summary: The multifrequency capacitance-voltage characteristics of high-k HfO2-based 10-nm bulk n-channel FinFETs were studied in this work. The dispersion observed in the accumulation region with respect to temperature was found to be influenced by the substrate time constant. Multifrequency conductance measurements and the variation in the surface potential quotient of the accumulation region were used to investigate the effect of direct tunneling current. Modifications to the existing accumulation region compact model equations were proposed.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
N. Vasileiadis, A. Mavropoulis, I. Karafyllidis, G. Ch. Sirakoulis, P. Dimitrakis
Summary: In this work, we fabricate crossbar arrays of silicon nitride resistive memories on silicon-on-insulator substrate and utilize them to realize multi-ratioed logic circuits. The electrical characterization of the memristors shows their ability of multi-state operation with 12 distinct resistance levels. Based on a dedicated modeling and fitting procedure, a reconfigurable logic based on memristor rationed logic scheme is designed and a crossbar integration methodology is proposed. Furthermore, circuitry aspects are simulated with a calibrated model and power optimization prospects are discussed.
SOLID-STATE ELECTRONICS
(2024)
