Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ioannis Kochylas, Spiros Gardelis, Vlassis Likodimos, Konstantinos P. Giannakopoulos, Polycarpos Falaras, Androula G. Nassiopoulou
Summary: In this study, highly sensitive substrates for Surface-Enhanced-Raman-Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy were developed by decorating silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with silver nanostructures using single-step Metal Assisted Chemical Etching (MACE). The substrates showed considerably lower limit of detection (LOD) and better uniformity in SERS activity when decorated with silver aggregates compared to dendritic structures. Enhancement factors ranging from 10^5 to 10^10 were calculated, demonstrating very high SERS sensitivities for analytical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dezhong Cao, Tongle Guan, Bo Wang, Yan Xu, Xiaohua Ma
Summary: The InGaN-based multiple quantum wells thin films were etched and transferred, showing enhanced and blue-shift photoluminescence emission compared to the original sample. The enhancement is attributed to improved crystalline quality and increased light extraction efficiency due to the structure of vertically aligned nanoporous InGaN/GaN. The blue-shift is caused by stress relaxation of MQWs and variable In content in InGaN layer.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Vivian Wang, Qing Lin, Ali Javey
Summary: In this paper, a device that can produce electrically driven light emission from a single quantum dot using a single carbon nanotube as the charge injection contact is presented. The device operates based on an unconventional mechanism of electroluminescence and has a metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor structure. It can be fabricated using conventional lithographic processes, offering a scalable approach towards the development of optoelectronic devices at the single dot level.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Kurt W. Kolasinski
Summary: The electroless etching of semiconductors has become an advanced microfabrication process with the addition of structured metal catalysts. This technique allows for the precise patterning of wafer substrates and the production of nanoparticles, leading to the creation of porous structures and nanostructured powders. Metal-assisted catalytic etching can be controlled to produce various pore structures in substrates and nanowires with different core compositions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aditya Singh, Monika Moun, Madan Sharma, Arabinda Barman, Ashok Kumar Kapoor, Rajendra Singh
Summary: A facile NaCl-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method was used to synthesize high-quality MoS2 on different substrates, with sapphire and SiO2/Si suitable for large flakes growth and mica suitable for continuous films. 1L-MoS2 on sapphire exhibited high crystalline quality, while on other substrates like quartz and bare Si, the quality was poorer. The study highlights the role of NaCl in promoting the formation of seeding promoter and facilitating layer transfer for large-scale synthesis of high-performance optoelectronic devices.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julian A. Michaels, Lukas Janavicius, Xihang Wu, Clarence Chan, Hsieh-Chih Huang, Shunya Namiki, Munho Kim, Dane Sievers, Xiuling Li
Summary: This paper presents a plasma-free, open-circuit, photo-induced metal-assisted chemical etch method for fabricating micro and nanoscale features on Silicon carbide without causing high energy ion-related surface damage. The comprehensive exploration of parameter space demonstrates the controllability and versatility of this technique in producing ordered arrays of micro and nanoscale SiC structures with porous or solid sidewalls, while elucidating the etching mechanism.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kirill A. Gonchar, Daniil Moiseev, Ivan Bozhev, Liubov A. Osminkina
Summary: Porous silicon nanowires (PSi NWs) were fabricated using a two step metal-assisted chemical etching method, and it was found that their structural and optical properties depend on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The thickness ratio of layers and size of nanocrystals can be tuned by choosing the required concentration of H2O2.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yeonhwa Kim, Rafael Jumar Chu, Geunhwan Ryu, Seungwan Woo, Quang Nhat Dang Lung, Dae-Hwan Ahn, Jae-Hoon Han, Won Jun Choi, Daehwan Jung
Summary: By reducing the thickness of the GaAs buffer and inserting an Al0.4Ga0.6As electron barrier layer, photoluminescence enhancement of QDs can be achieved, leading to the fabrication of efficient light-emitting diodes on a silicon substrate.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nora Slekiene, Valentinas Snitka
Summary: This study proposed and tested different methods for preparing Au/Si cantilevers for Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). The preparation methods included chemical deposition, thermal evaporation, and electrochemical etching. Four types of TERS probes were fabricated and tested, and then used for TERS measurements using graphene oxide as the analyte. The probes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This article presents a comparative analysis of the fabrication methods, quality of the probe tips, and enhancement factors for the four types of TERS cantilevers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Hajjaji, C. Amri, A. Rebhi, M. Gaidi, R. Ouertani, M. Amlouk, B. Bessais, M. A. El Khakani
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between the morphological structure and optoelectronic properties of Al2O3/silicon nanowires (SiNWs), revealing a non-linear dependence of the SiNWs' length on etching time and a stabilization of the reflectivity of the Al2O3/SiNWs nanostructures across different etching times. Additionally, a Raman redshift is observed with decreasing etching time, indicating spatial confinement in thinner SiNWs. The photoluminescence emission of the Al2O3/SiNWs nanocomposite shows two bands, red and blue, attributed to quantum confinement and defects related to SiOx formed on the sidewalls of SiNWs.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ravi P. Srivastava, Dahl-Young Khang
Summary: Metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) is a simple, low-cost, and scalable method for producing silicon structures of various dimensions. Careful optimization of parameters is crucial for successful fabrication of silicon structures. MaCE enables bulk-scale structuring of silicon with significant opportunities for applications in various fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Li Yang, Jiaqi Wang, Yiyi Zhang, Mei Chen, Xuejiao Wang, Chuang Wang, Qiushi Wang, Cailong Liu
Summary: Si(3)N(4) nanowires doped with rare earth ions were successfully synthesized using plasma assisted direct nitridation method. The prepared nanowires were characterized and their properties were investigated. This study provides an effective strategy for doping large-size functional atoms in Si(3)N(4) nanowires.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad S. Almomani, Naser M. Ahmed, Marzaini Rashid, M. K. M. Ali, H. Akhdar, O. Aldaghri, K. H. Ibnaouf
Summary: This study successfully fabricated high-brightness ZnO-incorporated Zinc@Silicon core-shell quantum dots with customized properties and enhanced their absorption and emission efficiency by controlling the NH4OH content, showing significant improvements in morphology and optical characteristics.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maricela Meneses-Meneses, Mario Moreno-Moreno, Alfredo Morales-Sanchez, Arturo Ponce-Pedraza, Javier Flores-Mendez, Julio Cesar Mendoza-Cervantes, Liliana Palacios-Huerta
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of fabricating PIN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) using a-Si1-xCx:H thin films and c-Si wafers, successfully demonstrating both positive and negative electroluminescence characteristics in the devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Rosa, Mikko J. Heikkila, Mika Sirkia, Saoussen Merdes
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of red Y2O3:Eu thin film phosphors and multilayer structure Y2O3:Eu-based electroluminescent devices by atomic layer deposition at 300 degrees C. The results show a polycrystalline structure of the films and emission above 570 nm, with red electroluminescent devices achieving luminance up to 40 cd/m(2) at a driving frequency of 1 kHz and an efficiency of 0.28 Lm/W. The research demonstrates the potential applications of these red electroluminescent devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Margherita Izzi, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: This study presents a straightforward method to synthesize copper sub-microparticles with a green core-shell structure using poly(n-vinyl)pyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizer. Copper sulfate pentahydrate and glucose were used as precursor and reducing agent, respectively, to prepare Cu@PVP colloids. The presence of PVP eliminated the need for an inert atmosphere during the synthesis, simplifying the process. The morphology and spectroscopic properties of the Cu@PVP colloids were characterized, confirming the formation of a PVP layer around the copper core. These colloids were further utilized in composite thin films for potential antimicrobial applications in combination with a recyclable polymer, polycarbonate (4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis(phenol)).
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Margherita Izzi, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: The present study proposes a one-step synthesis of Zn/Ca hybrid nano-oxides combining an electrochemical route to ZnO nanostructures with the wet chemical production of Ca(OH)(2) nanostructures. The nanocoating prepared with Zn-Ca0.1 exhibited a Zn2+ release increasing up to 1 mu mol cm(-2) in 24 h, while Zn-Ca0.4-based nanocoatings released a constant value of about 0.35 mu mol/cm(2). Both types of nanocoatings showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis after 48 h and hydrophilic behavior over 28 days.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Regina Maria Chiechio, Rosalia Battaglia, Angela Caponnetto, Ester Butera, Giorgia Franzo, Riccardo Reitano, Michele Purrello, Marco Ragusa, Davide Barbagallo, Cristina Barbagallo, Cinzia Di Pietro, Valerie Marchi, Maria Jose Lo Faro, Annalinda Contino, Giuseppe Maccarrone, Paolo Musumeci
Summary: Lanthanide-doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles with selective upconversion properties have significant value in nanomedicine for sensing and diagnostics. Different syntheses of Er:Y2O3 and Nd:Y2O3 nanoparticles were optimized to obtain small particles of regular shape and good crystallinity. The nanoparticles were well dispersed with dimensions of tens of nanometers, and exhibited good emission and upconversion. Pegylation functionalization allowed for biocompatibility, water solubility, and dispersion of the nanoparticles, enabling them to serve as photoactive materials for theragnostics and biosensing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giulio Tavani, Chiara Barri, Erfan Mafakheri, Giorgia Franzo, Michele Celebrano, Michele Castriotta, Matteo Di Giancamillo, Giorgio Ferrari, Francesco Picciariello, Giulio Foletto, Costantino Agnesi, Giuseppe Vallone, Paolo Villoresi, Vito Sorianello, Davide Rotta, Marco Finazzi, Monica Bollani, Enrico Prati
Summary: Recent advancements in QKD protocols have explored the use of erbium-doped LEDs as nonlaser sources for quantum key distribution. Silicon LEDs based on electroluminescence of Er:O complexes in Si have been fabricated on a 220 nm SOI wafer. The Er:O diodes showed emission rates of 5 x 10^6 photons/s at 1550 nm at room temperature, and their integration on the SOI platform allows for the development of silicon photon sources suitable for arbitrary-statistic-tolerant QKD protocols.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Syed Imdadul Hossain, Ekaterina A. Kukushkina, Margherita Izzi, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Nicoletta Ditaranto, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of Ag-, Cu-, and ZnO-modified MMT, including preparation methods, materials characterization, mechanisms of action, antimicrobial activity on different bacterial strains, real life applications, and environmental and toxicity issues.
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
Biology
Maria Giovanna Rizzo, Nicoletta Palermo, Paola Alibrandi, Emanuele Luigi Sciuto, Costantino Del Gaudio, Vincenzo Filardi, Barbara Fazio, Antonella Caccamo, Salvatore Oddo, Giovanna Calabrese, Sabrina Conoci
Summary: Large bone defect treatments have always been a challenge in clinical practice and there is a high demand for more effective regenerative approaches. The bone tissue engineering approach offers a new alternative to conventional bone grafts, addressing all clinical needs. Polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds, as one of the most promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering, have good biocompatibility, non-toxic biodegradability and bioresorbability. This study evaluated the physiological response of human foetal osteoblast cells within oxygen plasma treated 3D-printed PLA scaffolds and found that they could potentially be used as biomaterials for medical implantable devices in the orthopaedic field.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Margherita Izzi, Maria C. C. Sportelli, Luisa Torsi, Rosaria A. A. Picca, Nicola Cioffi
Summary: ZnO nanostructures (NSs) show significant antimicrobial activity and are highly biocompatible, chemically stable, and low in toxicity. This review focuses on the preparation and antimicrobial use of ZnO NSs. Different synthesis approaches including sol-gel, hydrothermal, biogenic, and electrochemical methods are discussed, along with their scalability, simplicity, and efficacy. The application of ZnO NSs in various fields and their antimicrobial mechanisms of action, cell resistance, and cytotoxicity are also highlighted. Additionally, the future prospects of ZnO NSs in this application field are addressed.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ameen Uddin Ammar, Feray Bakan-Misirlioglu, Mohamad Hasan Aleinawi, Giorgia Franzo, Guglielmo Guido Condorelli, Fatma Nur Tuzluca Yesilbag, Yasar Ozkan Yesilbag, Salvo Mirabella, Emre Erdem
Summary: In this study, high-performance supercapacitor devices were developed using manganese-doped zinc oxide nanowires and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles as a positive electrode, with MXene as a negative electrode. The performance of transition metal-based electrodes in combination with MXene was found to significantly enhance the supercapacitors' performance. The highest-performance supercapacitor achieved a specific capacitance of 151 F/g, an energy density of 84 Wh/kg, and a power density of 75 kW/kg. The presence of intrinsic and extrinsic defects in the Mn/Cu-doped ZnO was found to optimize the intrinsic properties and improve reaction kinetics, leading to enhanced electrochemical activity and superior supercapacitor device performance.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonietta Mancuso, Alessandro Gottuso, Francesco Parrino, Rosaria Anna Picca, Vincenzo Venditto, Olga Sacco, Vincenzo Vaiano
Summary: Cu, Fe, and V oxides supported on N-TiO2 were synthesized and their photocatalytic activities in phenol production were tested. Cu/N-TiO2 showed higher activity and yield compared to Fe/N-TiO2 and V/N-TiO2 due to its strong optical absorption and weak interaction with phenol molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Martina Banchelli, Sara Tombelli, Marella de Angelis, Cristiano D'Andrea, Cosimo Trono, Francesco Baldini, Ambra Giannetti, Paolo Matteini
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design and implementation of a SERS biosensor for detecting the specific miRNA biomarker miRNA-183 for COPD. By utilizing a labeled molecular beacon and a specially designed MB, the biosensor achieves high sensitivity and specificity in detecting target molecules at femtomolar concentrations, and the sensor's regenerability is also demonstrated.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)