Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Barbora Hanulikova, Tereza Capkova, Jan Antos, Michal Urbanek, Pavel Urbanek, Jakub Sevcik, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: The study investigated the temperature-dependent changes of polystyrene thin films using polarization-modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, revealing specific changes in individual spectral regions and their relation to the processing and thermal history of the thin film. The different behaviors of spectral regions were rationalized by considering the contribution of vibrational free volume to the total free volume of the system, influenced by the nature of functional groups.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Alexandra M. Deal
Summary: This paper presents IRRA spectra of soluble organic acids underneath monolayers of insoluble surfactants to demonstrate the surface specificity of IRRA spectra. The findings of this work are important for studying the structures and chemistry of soluble organic acids at aqueous surfaces.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryo Hosoda, Naoki Kamoshida, Nagahiro Hoshi, Yasuaki Einaga, Masashi Nakamura
Summary: The oxidation of dopamine on a boron-doped diamond electrode was investigated using in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. The study revealed that dopamine oxidation led to polymerization and the continuous deposition of polymerized dopamine on the electrode, resulting in irreversible behavior of the voltammogram.
Article
Optics
Felix Wiesner, Martin Wuensche, Julius Reinhard, Johann Jakob Abel, Jan Nathanael, Slawomir Skruszewicz, Christian Roedel, Sergiy Yulin, Annett Gawlik, Gabriele Schmidl, Uwe Huebner, Jonathan Plentz, Gerhard G. Paulus, Silvio Fuchs
Summary: The ability to image on the nanoscale is crucial for scientific and technological progress, requiring not just images but quantitative information. Extreme ultraviolet coherence tomography provides material-specific characterization of nanoscopic buried structures, with potential applications in semiconductor production and quality control of multilayer fabrication.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Georgy Ermolaev, Kirill Voronin, Denis G. Baranov, Vasyl Kravets, Gleb Tselikov, Yury Stebunov, Dmitry Yakubovsky, Sergey Novikov, Andrey Vyshnevyy, Arslan Mazitov, Ivan Kruglov, Sergey Zhukov, Roman Romanov, Andrey M. Markeev, Aleksey Arsenin, Kostya S. Novoselov, Alexander N. Grigorenko, Valentyn Volkov
Summary: The authors combine films of two-dimensional semiconductors with Fabry-Perot resonators to realize topological phase singularities, expanding the potential of 2D materials in optical applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Valentin Briega-Martos, William Cheuquepan, Juan M. Feliu
Summary: In this study, in situ external infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) was used to detect intermediate species in the ORR mechanism on a flat and well-defined Pt surface. The main ORR-generated intermediate, O-2(-), was identified near the Pt surface in experimental conditions with limited reactivity, allowing for its detection without the use of additional signal enhancement methods.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Shagolsem Romeo Meitei, Leimapokpam Sophia Devi, Naorem Khelchand Singh
Summary: In this study, thin-film of beta-Ga2O3 was fabricated on Si-substrate using e-beam evaporation technique. The average crystallite size was found to be around 39.8 nm. The beta-Ga2O3 thin-film exhibited a smooth surface without cracks or pits, with an average thickness of approximately 375 nm. The photodetector made from beta-Ga2O3 thin-film showed excellent performance, with minimum dark current, high L/D ratio, and short rise and fall times. The remarkable consistency and reproducibility of the beta-Ga2O3 thin-film photodetector suggest promising practical applications for UV PDs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sonu Kaliramna, Sardul Singh Dhayal, Narendra Kumar
Summary: The structural properties and optical properties of ZnO/PMMA thin film are studied in this research. The results show that the ZnO nanoparticles are uniformly deposited in the PMMA matrix, and the optical band gap of ZnO/PMMA thin film decreases. The ZnO doped PMMA thin film exhibits excellent photocatalytic and antibacterial activities.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Lijuan Huang, Rui Xiong, Jiaxing Xie, Qi Liu, Yu Zhang, Qing Yang, Chunlin Zhao, Xiao Wu, Tengfei Lin, Cong Lin, Min Gao, Baisheng Sa
Summary: In this study, flexible Er-doped Pb0.98La0.02Zr0.95-Ti0.05O3 (PLZT) antiferroelectric thin films were prepared using the sol-gel method, and a giant and reversible photoluminescence intensity modulation was achieved during the bending process. The relationship among curvature-dependent strains, crystal structure, and photoluminescence modulation was discussed through density functional theory calculations and Raman spectra measurements.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhan Hua Li, Jia Xing He, Xiao Hu Lv, Ling Fei Chi, Kingsley O. Egbo, Ming-De Li, Tooru Tanaka, Qi Xin Guo, Kin Man Yu, Chao Ping Liu
Summary: Copper iodide, as a promising high mobility p-type wide bandgap semiconductor, has attracted increasing attention. However, the defect physics/evolution and ultrafast carrier and exciton dynamics in copper iodide are still controversial and rarely investigated. In this study, the fundamental properties of copper iodide thin films are investigated using a combination of analytical techniques. The results provide insights into the photogenerated carrier density dependent ultrafast physical processes and the effects of defects on carrier recombination and two-photon induced ultrafast carrier dynamics. These findings are crucial for the optoelectronic applications of copper iodide.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. J. Barclay, A. R. W. McKellar, N. Moazzen-Ahmadi
Summary: Weakly bound CO2-Rg(2) trimers were studied using high-resolution infrared spectroscopy, and their vibrational shifts were compared to those of CO2-Rg dimers. The findings suggest that the trimer shifts are slightly more positive than expected.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nikola Biliskov, Igor Milanovic, Milos Milovic, Viktor Takats, Zoltan Erdelyi
Summary: In this work, an all-solid ball milling method is used to introduce defects and hybridize them through binding of ammonia borane to the defect sites of MX2. The treated MX2 material exhibits improved electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction, making it potentially applicable for energy conversion and storage.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Boutheina Ben Abdelaziz, Nazir Mustapha, Idriss M. Bedja, Osamah Aldaghri, Hajo Idriss, Moez Ibrahem, Khalid H. Ibnaouf
Summary: This study examines the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the spectrum features of MDMO-PPV. Different techniques were used to assess the characteristics of MDMO-PPV and doped ZnO NP samples. The addition of ZnO NPs resulted in significant changes in the UV-Vis and PL spectra, including shifts in absorption bands and improvements in spectral profiles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Akihiko Kudo, Yoshihisa Sakata, Junko N. Kondo, Michikazu Hara, Jun Kubota, Shigeru Ikeda, Tsuyoshi Takata, Ryu Abe, Atsushi Takagaki, Takashi Hisatomi
Summary: Professor Kazunari Domen has focused on the research of catalysis, including the development of various photocatalysts, such as layered oxide and oxynitride photocatalysts, as well as oxysulfide photocatalysts with visible-light response. He has also explored water splitting using mechanocatalysis with metal oxides suspended in distilled water. In addition, Professor Domen has advanced the understanding of catalytic mechanisms through spectroscopic techniques such as transmission infrared spectroscopy and interfacial sum-frequency spectroscopy. Furthermore, he has investigated the use of carbon-based and layered solid acid materials as efficient catalysts.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
C. Aparna, Pramoda Kumara Shetty, M. G. Mahesha
Summary: Structural optimization of Indium oxide (INO) thin films for gamma sensing applications was carried out by varying deposition parameters. The study revealed that the structural and morphological properties of the films can be controlled by adjusting substrate temperature and precursor solution concentration. The films exhibited good conductivity and high transmittance, making them suitable for dosimetry applications.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Monika Muchova, Lukas Munster, Alzbeta Vavrova, Zdenka Capakova, Ivo Kuritka, Jan Vicha
Summary: Little is known about the link between the macromolecular architecture of dialdehyde polysaccharides (DAPs), their crosslinking capabilities, and the properties of resulting hydrogels. In this study, DAPs based on cellulose, dextrin, dextran, and hyaluronate were compared as crosslinkers for poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA. The study investigated the effects of crosslinker structure, molecular weight, aldehyde group density per macromolecule, and the size of spontaneously formed crosslinker nano-assemblies on the swelling, network parameters, viscoelastic properties, porosity, and cytotoxicity of PVA/DAP hydrogels. The findings reveal that crosslinkers based on linear polysaccharides perform more reliably, while the presence of branching can have both beneficial and detrimental effects at lower crosslinker concentrations.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raghvendra Singh Yadav, Anju, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: In this article, recent advances on spinel ferrite and MXene-based innovative nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption are systematically reviewed. The development strategies of nanocomposites with various components are discussed, along with the challenges and future prospects of MXene and spinel ferrite-based nanocomposites. This article lays the foundation for designing an outstanding next-generation electromagnetic wave absorber.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN SOLID STATE AND MATERIALS SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alzbeta Vavrova, Tereza Capkova, Ivo Kuritka, Jan Vicha, Lukas Munster
Summary: The properties and applications of gold nanoparticles are influenced by the reducing and capping agents used in their synthesis. In this study, selectively dicarboxylated cellulose and hyaluronate were used as environmentally friendly reducing and capping agents for gold nanoparticle preparation. The research revealed the mechanism of reduction and the structure-function relationships between the composition of polysaccharides and the properties of gold nanoparticles. The results showed that different polysaccharide structures and properties can guide the growth of gold nanoparticles with desired properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jan Antos, Marek Kubalcik, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: This paper focuses on developing and analyzing a fully scalable control method for highly nonlinear systems with dynamically changing dynamics across the entire working area. The approach is demonstrated through the control of liquid levels in non-trivial shaped tanks. Non-dimensionalized quantities are utilized to develop general geometric model systems for liquid accumulation in the tanks. Radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) models are trained using simulation data from the model systems and implemented in controllers using model predictive control (MPC) method. These scalable models and controllers are applicable in both industrial and natural environments, with a tentative set of conditions and rules defined for practical implementation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONTROL AUTOMATION AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milan Masar, Hassan Ali, Ali Can Guler, Michal Urbanek, Pavel Urbanek, Barbora Hanulikova, Hana Pistekova, Adriana Annusova, Michal Machovsky, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: A set of ZnO nanocrystals assembly with tunable reduced bandgaps was prepared, and it was found that the bandgap-reduced ZnO exhibits weak photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation. In addition, ZnO nanocrystals with oxygen vacancies showed excellent antibacterial activities, self-cleaning ability, and wettability.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali Can Guler, Jan Antos, Milan Masar, Michal Urbanek, Michal Machovsky, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: This research focuses on band bending modification of metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures using low-cost and effective designs in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The introduction of gradient doping of Au nanoparticles (NPs) into ZnO nanorods (NRs) through thermal treatment enhanced the transport of photo-induced charge carriers and resulted in improved photocurrent density. The study also analyzed the plasmonic effects of Au NPs which contributed to the enhanced photoresponse of the Au-doped ZnO NRs. Overall, this research provides an economical and facile strategy for preparing noble NP-incorporated semiconductor NRs with potential applications in energy conversion and storage technologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michal Macko, Jan Antos, Frantisek Bozek, Jiri Konecny, Jiri Huzlik, Jitka Hegrova, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: This paper aims to enhance the EPA health risk assessment by incorporating two new variables that consider the size of nanoparticles: the toxicity multiplier and the size multiplier. A case study was performed to observe the impact of the new variables on the assessed cadmium concentration. The proposed method with adjustments resulted in a significantly higher risk value compared to the current state-of-the-art method, with nanoparticles contributing to 88% of the total risk value.
Article
Polymer Science
Thaiskang Jamatia, Jiri Matyas, Robert Olejnik, Romana Danova, Jaroslav Maloch, David Skoda, Petr Slobodian, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: A wearable and stretchable strain sensor with a gauge factor above 23 was fabricated using a simple and effective technique. The sensor was made from a conductive nanocomposite prepared from SEBS and CB, and showed good flexibility and conductivity. The sensor demonstrated a large piezoresistive effect that was linearly dependent on the applied strain.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
David John Dmonte, Aman Bhardwaj, Michael Wilhelm, Thomas Fischer, Ivo Kuritka, Sanjay Mathur
Summary: This study investigates the NO2 sensing properties of acceptor-doped ferrite perovskite nanostructures. Sr-doped BiFeO3 nanostructures were synthesized and characterized. Chemoresistive gas sensors fabricated with the synthesized materials showed a maximum sensitivity of 5.2 towards 2 ppm NO2 at 260 degrees C. The sensor based on Bi0.8Sr0.2FeO3-delta (BSFO) demonstrated a low limit of detection (LOD) as 200 ppb and promising repeatability and selectivity measurements.
Article
Energy & Fuels
R. Blessy Pricilla, Moorthy Maruthapandi, Arulappan Durairaj, Ivo Kuritka, John H. T. Luong, Aharon Gedanken
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) with an average diameter of 6.3 nm were synthesized from the seed extract of Syzygium cumini L. using hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared CDs showed excitation-dependent emission characteristics and displayed antimicrobial activities against four common pathogens. The release of various oxygen species was proposed as the mechanism for bacterial eradication. The CDs decorated on cotton fabric also exhibited good antibacterial activities.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
David Skoda, Jarmila Vilcakova, Raghvendra Singh Yadav, Barbora Hanulikova, Tereza Capkova, Marek Jurca, Michal Urbanek, Petr Machac, Lucie Simonikova, Jan Antos, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: Nickel nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (NiG) were prepared using a one-step microwave-assisted solvothermal method. NiG nanocomposites were further heated up to 800°C under an inert atmosphere to modify their structural and electromagnetic properties. These NiG nanocomposites were then used as nanofillers in a SEBS polymer matrix to create NiG-800(50)-SEBS and NiG-800(70)-SEBS nanocomposites. The addition of NiG-800 to SEBS resulted in an increase in Young's modulus and high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Can Guler, Jan Antos, Milan Masar, Michal Urbanek, Michal Machovsky, Ivo Kuritka
Summary: This study investigated the effects of geometric features, light absorption spectra, and electrochemical active surface area on photoelectrochemical properties. ZnO nanorods were grown on ITO substrates with controlled morphologies and used as a model. The size of the nanorods was adjusted by varying the concentration of a cation surfactant. The results showed that the geometric characteristics and electrochemically active surface area increased together, while the light scattering effect slightly increased due to the random spatial orientation of the nanorods. The large surface area and void space between nanorods improved the photon-to-current conversion efficiency. A maximum photocurrent density was achieved with smaller diameter and length ZnO nanorods, and the charge separation efficiency was improved with a shorter photogenerated hole diffusion distance.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Yasir, Hassan Ali, Milan Masar, Fahanwi Asabuwa Ngwabebhoh, Mukarram Zubair, Tomas Sopik, Michal Machovsky, Ivo Kuritka, Vladimir Sedlarik
Summary: Novel PU nanofibers incorporating TiO2/Nd nanoparticles were fabricated by electrospinning for photocatalytic degradation of estriol hormone. These nanofibers showed high porosity and uniform mesh-like structure, with better performance under UV light compared to visible light, fitting well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
