Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juan Wang, Khanh Nhien Vu, Andrew D. D. Abell, Abel Santos, Cheryl Suwen Law
Summary: Synthetic iontronic systems mimic the functions of biological systems by harnessing ions as elementary carriers for information transduction, sensing, and energy generation. These systems control the concentration, flow, and distribution of ions along engineered nanochannels to achieve unique ion transport phenomena similar to solid-state electronics. Nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) is an ideal material for building iontronic devices due to its versatile structural and chemical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NAA as an iontronic platform material, including its intrinsic and extrinsic properties, and showcases proof-of-concept demonstrations of NAA-based iontronic systems for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Khoobaram S. Choudhari, Chang-Hwan Choi, Santhosh Chidangil, Sajan D. George
Summary: This article introduces the research progress on the fabrication of a thick oxide layer on an aluminum surface through anodization, with a focus on the widely used nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) with hexagonal honeycomb-like pores. The article also explores the conditions for controlling pore parameters and optical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luis Pla, Felix Sancenon, M. Carmen Martinez-Bisbal, Celia Banuls, Nuria Estan, Marina Botello-Marabotto, Elena Aznar, Guillermo Saez, Sara Santiago-Felipe, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: The study introduces an aptasensor with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting the cancer biomarker 8-oxo-dG, capable of accurate detection in urine and serum without pre-concentration treatment.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elisabet Xifre-Perez, Josep Ferre-Borrull, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: This paper provides an overview of recent advances in nanoporous anodic alumina sensing platforms, which are based on the interaction between oligonucleotides and antibodies with bioelements that can cause or identify diseases. Nanoporous alumina is a cost-effective material with high sensitivity due to its large surface-to-volume ratio, making it a common platform material for next-generation bioanalytical systems.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pilar Formentin, Laura K. Acosta, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: Hydrophobic/oleophilic nanoporous anodic alumina substrates were fabricated using a two-step anodization method and chemically modified with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS). The surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and the influence of surface topography and pore size on contact angle measurements with different solvents was studied. The results showed that the water repellence capacity of the nanoporous structure depended on the pore diameter, but there was a critical value beyond which the water contact angle decreased. Chemical modification eliminated this effect and the porous topography did not enhance oleophilicity. Non-porous surfaces exhibited lower contact angles compared to the structured surfaces when tested with different solvents. These findings can be used to design desired wettability properties, as modified nanoporous anodic alumina exhibited hydrophobicity and permeability for solvents with low surface tension.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevin Y. Wu, Danielle Brister, Paul Belanger, Simon D. Tran
Summary: Nanoporous materials have great potential in ophthalmology for improving drug delivery systems and ocular devices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chloe Forenzo, Jessica Larsen
Summary: Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies have gained significant attention due to their advantages over traditional genetic modification methods. Coacervate-based delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies for enhancing mRNA delivery, as they protect mRNA from degradation and improve cellular uptake. However, the specific use of coacervates as mRNA delivery vehicles remains underexplored, and further research is needed to optimize their encapsulation, release, stability, and translation.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Siew Yee Lim, Cheryl Suwen Law, Khoa Nhu Tran, Huong Nguyen Que Tran, Andrew D. Abell, Abel Santos
Summary: Nanoporous anodic alumina bilayered Fabry-Perot interferometers (NAA-BFPIs) are capable of detecting organic substances in liquid and gas form based on refractive index changes. The top and bottom anodic oxide films of NAA-BFPIs, with large and small nanopores respectively, produce a complex interference pattern that can be analyzed using fast Fourier transform. The sensitivity of NAA-BFPIs towards liquid ethanol is highest in the top layer, while the bottom layer with smaller nanopores exhibits greater sensitivity towards ethanol gas molecules. These findings have implications for the advancement of photonic technologies and applications.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huong Nguyen Que Tran, Nhi Dang Ai Le, Quan Ngoc Le, Cheryl Suwen Law, Siew Yee Lim, Andrew D. Abell, Abel Santos
Summary: In this study, model light-confining Tamm plasmon cavities based on gold-coated nanoporous anodic alumina photonic crystals were engineered with spectrally tunable resonance bands. The structures showed high-quality photonic stopbands and strong light-confining properties attributed to Tamm plasmon resonances. The optical sensitivity of these structures was found to rely linearly on the spectral position of the Tamm resonance band. These findings provide opportunities for developing optical technologies and applications requiring high-quality surface plasmon resonance bands.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Satyathiran Gunenthiran, Juan Wang, Huong Nguyen Que Tran, Khoa Nhu Tran, Siew Yee Lim, Cheryl Suwen Law, Andrew D. Abell, Zeyad T. Alwahabi, Abel Santos
Summary: This study successfully develops an integrable laser platform by precisely designing the structure and functionalized surface of nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA), providing a new choice and application for photonic technologies. The geometric features and structural engineering of NAA have a significant impact on the random lasing characteristics, enabling the tuning and optimization of laser outputs to achieve strong laser emissions.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iris Garrido-Cano, Luis Pla, Sara Santiago-Felipe, Soraya Simon, Belen Ortega, Begona Bermejo, Ana Lluch, Juan Miguel Cejalvo, Pilar Eroles, Ramon Martinez-Manez
Summary: The NAA-based biosensor successfully detected plasma miR-99a-5p with high sensitivity and selectivity, distinguishing healthy controls from breast cancer patients with high efficiency, showing promising application prospects.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Juan Wang, Cheryl Suwen Law, Satyathiran Gunenthiran, Siew Yee Lim, Khanh Nhien Vu, Van Truc Ngo, Kornelius Nielsch, Andrew D. Abell, Abel Santos
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of vacancies across the hemispherical barrier oxide layer of nanoporous anodic alumina and demonstrates the potential for engineering ion transport behavior through tuning of anodization conditions. The findings provide insights into the development of nanofluidic devices with tailored ionic rectification properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Laura K. Acosta, Cheryl Suwen Law, Siew Yee Lim, Andrew D. Abell, Lluis F. Marsal, Abel Santos
Summary: The study on the optical sensitivity of nanoporous anodic alumina optical microcavities revealed that hydrophilic samples exhibit higher sensitivity in both organic and aqueous analytical solutions. In contrast, hydrophobic samples are more sensitive to changes in refractive index in an aqueous medium.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lina Liu, Siew Yee Lim, Cheryl Suwen Law, Laura K. Acosta, Bo Jin, Andrew D. Abell, Lluis F. Marsal, Gang Ni, Abel Santos
Summary: A new class of nanoporous anodic alumina photonic crystals (NAA-PCs) are optically engineered by four distinct forms of Gaussian-like pulse anodization (GLPA), allowing for precise tuning of their photonic stopbands (PSBs) across the UV-visible spectrum. Sensitivity of these PC structures to changes in their effective medium is determined by quantifying spectral shifts in their characteristic PSB upon infiltration with solutions of varying refractive index. These advancements provide opportunities for future developments of high-quality NAA-PCs with broad applicability in various photonic technologies.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pankaj Kapruwan, Laura K. Acosta, Josep Ferre-Borrull, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: A methodology utilizing NAA-GIFs optical properties to evaluate and measure the release dynamics of a model drug filling the pores has been developed. This method serves as a tool for studying drug delivery from porous nanostructures.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Enas Moustafa, Alfonsina Abat Amelenan Torimtubun, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: This study investigates the morphological control of binary and ternary blends in organic photovoltaics through the addition of 1-chloronaphthalene and thermal annealing treatments. The results show that the performance of binary and ternary OPVs is affected differently by these treatments. The highest efficiencies are achieved in both binary and ternary OPVs due to the dual effect of 2% CN solvent additive and TA treatments.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alfonsina Abat Amelenan Torimtubun, Maria Mendez, Enas Moustafa, Josep Pallares, Emilio Palomares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: A ternary strategy using nonfullerene acceptor ITIC-M and fullerene acceptor PC70BM as third components with the binary blend of PM6:Y7 has been demonstrated to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells. The higher LUMO of the guest acceptors can enhance the open-circuit voltage and reduce energy loss and charge recombination. The good miscibility between the components facilitates efficient exciton dissociation and electron transport, leading to improved short-circuit current density and fill factor.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alejandro Rojas Gomez, Laura K. Acosta, Josep Ferre-Borrull, Abel Santos, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: Gold-coated gradient-index filters based on nano-porous anodic alumina were studied to investigate the properties and applications of Tamm plasmons. The quality factor of Tamm resonance can be improved by tuning the features of the dielectric mirror and the thickness of the porous gold coating layer. The Tamm resonances in Au-coated NAA-GIFs are weak due to the narrow bands of the photonic crystal structures, but become better resolved and more intense after broadening of the photonic stopband. The hybrid Tamm porous system provides a nanoporous structure that can be readily tailored for various photonic technologies.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agustin O. Alvarez, Ferdinand Ledee, Marise Garcia-Batlle, Pilar Lopez-Varo, Eric Gros-Daillon, Javier Mayen Guillen, Jean-Marie Verilhac, Thibault Lemercier, Julien Zaccaro, Lluis F. Marsal, Germa Garcia-Belmonte, Osbel Almora
Summary: Research on metal halide perovskites as absorbers for X-ray detection is important due to their optimal optoelectronic properties. However, the contact degradation and long-term instability of the current limit device performance, which is related to the dual electronic-ionic conductivity of perovskites. The study characterizes the long-term dark current and photocurrent of methylammonium-lead bromide (MAPbBr(3)) samples under X-ray incidence, revealing the influence of large ionic-related built-in fields on charge kinetics and suggesting a method to estimate ionic mobility and concentration.
ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge Labella, Jose Garcia-Calvo, Magaly Ramirez-Como, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. F. Marsal, Tomas Torres
Summary: Imide-based Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) have been synthesized and their photovoltaic performance as non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells has been studied. The introduction of PMI units results in a red-shifted absorption, combining the absorption properties of SubPc and PMIs fragments.
JOURNAL OF PORPHYRINS AND PHTHALOCYANINES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pilar Formentin, Laura K. Acosta, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: Hydrophobic/oleophilic nanoporous anodic alumina substrates were fabricated using a two-step anodization method and chemically modified with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS). The surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and the influence of surface topography and pore size on contact angle measurements with different solvents was studied. The results showed that the water repellence capacity of the nanoporous structure depended on the pore diameter, but there was a critical value beyond which the water contact angle decreased. Chemical modification eliminated this effect and the porous topography did not enhance oleophilicity. Non-porous surfaces exhibited lower contact angles compared to the structured surfaces when tested with different solvents. These findings can be used to design desired wettability properties, as modified nanoporous anodic alumina exhibited hydrophobicity and permeability for solvents with low surface tension.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Agustin O. Alvarez, Antonio J. Riquelme, Rosinda Fuentes-Pineda, Elena Mas-Marza, Lluis F. Marsal, Osbel Almora, Juan A. Anta, Francisco Fabregat-Santiago
Summary: Light intensity modulated photocurrent and photovoltage spectroscopies, IMPS and IMVS respectively, are characterization techniques for studying charge carrier transport and recombination properties of photosensitive samples. An analysis is presented on the unusual low-frequency response of IMPS and IMVS which appears for some light sources at high illumination intensities. A protocol for detecting the modulation of electroluminescence is proposed, combining the simultaneous use of the IMPS of a reference photodiode and the impedance spectroscopy of the light source. Discerning whether these low-frequency signal 'tails' are due to the measurement setup or the sample is of major importance to avoid misinterpretations in any study, especially for perovskite solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gohar Ijaz Dar, Elisabet Xifre-Perez, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: A robust and competitive technology for synthesizing arranged high-density gold nanoparticles on highly uniform Al nanoconcavities substrates is introduced. The formation of nanoparticles is achieved through sputtering and thermal annealing treatment on Al templates, which are obtained by removing nanoporous anodic alumina structure selectively with controlled anodization conditions and phosphoric acid as electrolyte. The resulting substrates exhibit high performance for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and can be used as self-sustaining nanosensors, with a low detection limit of 10-7 M for 4-mercaptopyridine and a calculated EF factor of 1.1 x 107.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Matthieu Renaud, Philippe Bousquet, Gerard Macias, Gael Y. Rochefort, Jean-Olivier Durand, Lluis F. Marsal, Frederic Cuisinier, Frederique Cunin, Pierre-Yves Collart-Dutilleul
Summary: Currently, bone regeneration techniques using biomaterials have limited efficiency. Tissue engineering combining biomaterials and stem cells is an important avenue of development to improve bone regeneration. In this study, the use of porous silicon (pSi) particles carrying dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) was found to promote greater bone formation in vivo.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Panthihage Ruvini L. Dabare, Akash Bachhuka, Jing Yang Quek, Lluis F. F. Marsal, John Hayball, Krasimir Vasilev
Summary: It has been shown that macrophage polarization can be regulated by modifying the surface features of biomaterials, and this effect can be maintained over a prolonged period. In this study, differentiated THP-1 cells were used to control macrophage polarization on nano-rough surfaces for 7 days. The results demonstrate that regardless of surface roughness, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines decreases while the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increases, and the predominant cell type on the modified surfaces exhibits an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Magaly Ramirez-Como, Enas Moustafa, Mohamed Samir, Alfonsina Abat Amelenan Torimtubun, Jose G. Sanchez, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: Organic solar cells (OSCs) have high efficiency but low long-term stability. This study investigated the degradation of non-fullerene solar cells (NFA-OSCs) based on PM6:Y7. The degradation analysis revealed that the drop in open circuit voltage (V-OC) is the main cause. Encapsulated devices and devices exposed to N-2 atmosphere had longer T-80 lifetimes compared to non-encapsulated devices.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Magaly Ramirez-Como, Enas Moustafa, Alfonsina Abat Amelenan Torimtubun, Jose G. Sanchez, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: This study reports a degradation study of high-efficiency organic solar cells. The results show that the power conversion efficiency of the PM6:Y7-based device decreases over the storage time.
2022 IEEE LATIN AMERICAN ELECTRON DEVICES CONFERENCE (LAEDC)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Enas Moustafa, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: In this study, the performance of organic solar cells was improved by adjusting the thermal annealing duration and additives. The results showed that both factors played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of the devices.
2022 IEEE LATIN AMERICAN ELECTRON DEVICES CONFERENCE (LAEDC)
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Magaly Ramirez-Como, Victor S. Balderrama, Jose G. Sanchez, Angel Sacramento, Magali Estrada, Josep Pallares, Lluis F. Marsal
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of using PFN as ETL in SM-iOSCs, finding that the PFN layer results in a lower fill factor value. With p-DTS(FBTTh2)(2) and PC70BM as donor and acceptor, the photovoltaic devices exhibited good conversion efficiency. Impedance measurements and various analyses on the active layer were conducted to understand the dynamics of charge transport on device performance.
IEEE JOURNAL OF THE ELECTRON DEVICES SOCIETY
(2022)
