Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad S. Islam, Wenkai Chang, Zhao Sha, Jiawei Wang, Shuying Wu, L. R. Francis Rose, Anthony J. Kinloch, Chun H. Wang
Summary: In this study, a new method of mitigating cryogenic microcracking in CFRPs is reported using ZrW2O8 nanoparticles, which have a negative thermal expansion, to reduce thermal residual stresses and enhance the fracture energy of the epoxy matrix. The addition of 1 wt% polydopamine-functionalized ZrW2O8 nanoparticles increases the fracture energy of the matrix material by 140%, reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion by 20%, and enhances the interlaminar fracture energy of the resulting CFRP by about 100% at -196°C. The modified matrix successfully prevents microcracking at -196°C in a blocked cross-ply CFRP laminate with a [04/908/04] fibre architecture.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Congmei Lin, Liangfei Bai, Liyuan Wei, Ruqin Liu, Shiliang Huang, Cui Zhang, Xiaoqing Tu, Zhijian Yang, Feiyan Gong, Chengcheng Zeng, Ling Ding, Liping Pan, Yushi Wen
Summary: This study introduced zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) with negative thermal expansion (NTE) into polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) to modify their thermal expansion. The addition of 10 wt% ZrW2O8 effectively reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion and strain of the PBXs, and improved their thermal shock resistance, which is beneficial for the safety and reliability of weapon systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhiping Zhang, Haodong Tian, Chenjun Zhang, Yuxue Zhou, Wei Wang, Hongfei Liu
Summary: Orthorhombic Sc2W3O12 with an erythrocyte structure was successfully prepared by PVP-assisted hydrothermal method. The effects of PVP additive on the phase composition, morphology, and NTE behavior of Sc2W3O12 were studied.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Stefan Pfeiffer, Kevin Florio, Malgorzata Makowska, Christos G. Aneziris, Helena Van Swygenhoven, Konrad Wegener, Thomas Graule
Summary: Laser powder bed fusion is widely used in industry and research for metal and polymer applications, but its application to oxide ceramics faces challenges. This study presents a solution to improve powder absorptance and reduce cracking during laser processing of oxide ceramic parts by in-situ formation of specific thermal expansion phases.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sheng Xu, Nana Jing, Huming Hao, Mengyao Wang, Zhiqiang Wang, Liangxuan Yang, Guan Wang, Jianyue Chen, Guixin Wang
Summary: By modifying NCM622 with negative-thermal-expansion material ZrW2O8, this study achieved superior cycle performance and rate capability, showcasing a potential alternative for improving the stability of energy materials through heat and deformation management.
Article
Optics
Sajan Thomas, Bibily Baby, Jifi Jose, Ann Lizbathu, P. R. Biju, Cyriac Joseph
Summary: Rare-earth based phosphors are important for enhancing the quality of phosphor-converted LEDs. This study investigates the luminescence properties of ZrW2O8 doped with Tb3+ and finds that the material has high thermal stability and can be used as a green component for producing cold white LEDs.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Irina Glukhova, Elena Asabina, Vladimir Pet'kov, Andrey Kovalsky, Konstantin Pokholok
Summary: A series of compounds with Sc-2(WO4)(3)-related structure were prepared using Pechini technique, characterized, and their crystal structure and thermal expansion coefficients were studied.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Kei-Ichiro Murai, Norimasa Inoue, Tomoki Sawada, Yasushi Fujiwara, Toshihiro Moriga
Summary: In this study, Zr2-xTixWP2O12 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ceramics with high relative density were successfully obtained by adding 0-0.9 wt% MgO as a sintering aid. The influence of MgO amount and relative density on the coefficient of thermal expansion for Zr2-xTixWP2O12 was investigated. The results showed that doping of MgO does not affect the coefficient of thermal expansion, but it improves the sintering properties.
MODERN PHYSICS LETTERS B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. E. Karaeva, D. O. Savinykh, A. I. Orlova, S. A. Khainakov, A. V. Nokhrin, M. S. Boldin, S. Garcia-Granda, A. A. Murashov, V. N. Chuvil'deev, P. A. Yunin, A. A. Nazarov, N. Y. Tabachkova
Summary: Submicron-grade powders of Na1-xZr2(PO4)(3-x)(XO4)(x) compounds and Ca1-xZr2(PO4)(3-x)(XO4)(x) compounds with different W or Mo contents were synthesized and characterized. The crystal lattice parameters and coherent scattering region sizes of the compounds were found to be influenced by the W or Mo content. The thermal expansion behavior of the compounds and the sintered ceramics were investigated, and the effects of W and Mo contents on the density and grain size were studied. The mechanical properties of the sintered ceramics, including hardness and fracture toughness, were evaluated.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Hongfei Liu, Feiyu Huang, Wei Wang, Xiangdong Meng, Zhiping Zhang
Summary: Orthorhombic Sc2(MoO4)3 nanofibers were prepared by ethylene glycol assisted electrospinning. The effects of annealing temperature, precursor concentration, spinning distance, and solvent on the preparation were investigated. The crystallinity and diameter of the nanofibers were found to be influenced by the annealing temperature, precursor concentration, and spinning distance. The nanofiber structure was destroyed at higher annealing temperatures above 700 degrees C. The Sc2(MoO4)3 nanofibers exhibited anisotropic negative thermal expansion.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zhiping Zhang, Nan Zhang, Hongfei Liu
Summary: Orthorhombic Sc2Mo3O12 samples were synthesized via ethylene glycol (EG)-assisted hydrothermal reaction. The effects of hydrothermal temperature, hydrothermal time, and EG additive content on the preparation and negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior of Sc2Mo3O12 samples were characterized. The results showed that flower-like Sc2Mo3O12 with uniform particle size can be obtained by using 60 ml EG at 120 degrees C for 2 h. Hydrothermal conditions and EG additive had significant influences on the growth and morphology of Sc2Mo3O12.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
D. Fernandez-Gonzalez, M. Suarez, J. Pinuela-Noval, L. A. Diaz, C. Gomez-Rodriguez, L. V. Garcia Quinonez, A. Borrell, A. Fernandez
Summary: Alumina/molybdenum nanocomposites were prepared by colloidal synthesis and were characterized by microstructure, hardness, toughness, and three-point bending test. The presence of molybdenum nanoparticles resulted in a fine-grained structure and improved mechanical properties compared to monolithic alumina.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Niu Zhang, Jinghua Li, Xiaoshuai Kong, Mengting She, Peng Guo, Jingjing Sun, Peiling Yuan, Shuaipu Zang, Mingju Chao, Erjun Liang
Summary: Nb14W3O44, prepared using a solid-state method, exhibits a tetragonal structure and intriguing linear negative thermal expansion (NTE) properties. The NTE phenomenon is attributed to the vibrations of the bridge-site atoms, while lattice distortion and pores could also affect the thermal expansion performance in the bulk materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cora Moreira Da Silva, Hakim Amara, Federic Fossard, Armelle Girard, Annick Loiseau, Vincent Huc
Summary: This study proposes a unique approach based on the colloidal route to synthesize nanoscale solid solutions. Particles are prepared by temperature-assisted co-reduction of metal precursors, and the homogeneous distribution of all elements is achieved in the presence of surfactants.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Somnath Mandal, James G. Hemrick, Manoj K. Mahapatra
Summary: Considering the toxicity of Cr6+ in chrome-based refractories, the development of chrome-free Mg2TiO4 phase is being explored for its improved hot strength and resistance to thermal shock and slag corrosion. The use of industrial anatase instead of rutile as a precursor resulted in lower expansion and earlier reaction. Sintering at 1,600 degrees C produced an aggregate with 0% porosity and higher bulk density when anatase was used. The replacement of rutile by anatase also eliminated the undesirable MgTiO3 phase.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheeana Gangadoo, Chenglong Xu, Daniel Cozzolino, Kay Latham, Enrico Della Gaspera, James Chapman, Vi Khanh Truong
Summary: The study demonstrates the efficient antimicrobial activity of 5 nm zinc oxide quantum dots against resistant bacteria and pathogenic yeast cells under both non-photocatalytic and photocatalytic conditions. The antimicrobial response is achieved through adhesion and clustering around microbial cell surfaces, leading to cell membrane damage, which is further escalated with the introduction of ultraviolet-A light.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jaewon Kim, Owen Kendall, Jiawen Ren, Billy J. Murdoch, Christopher F. McConville, Joel van Embden, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: This study successfully fabricated CuCrO2 p-type transparent electrodes with outstanding optical and electrical properties and tuned their properties through careful screening of deposition conditions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Samantha Prabath Ratnayake, Jiawen Ren, Billy J. Murdoch, Joel van Embden, Daniel E. Gomez, Chris F. McConville, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of two-dimensional SnO2 nanosheet arrays and their application as electrodes for solar water oxidation. The nanosheets, when deposited on transparent electrodes, serve as substrates for the deposition of photoactive semiconductors, resulting in improved photoelectrochemical performance. The SnO2 nanosheets alone exhibit negligible PEC activity, suggesting that their enhanced performance is mainly due to their morphology and electronic effects. These findings provide a foundation for further research on efficient photoanode architectures for water splitting.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pierce Wainer, Joel van Embden, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) are a promising material for thin film devices. This study presents a novel method to improve the interface and electrical conductivity between NCs by depositing doped ZnO NCs and then removing bulky native ligands. The pores between the NCs are filled using a modified chemical bath deposition method. The resulting films show enhanced electrical properties.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joel van Embden, Silvia Gross, Kevin R. Kittilstved, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: This review focuses on the colloidal synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals and provides a critical analysis of the synthetic methods currently available. The study highlights the importance of controlling the size, shape, chemical composition, and surface states of ZnO in order to achieve desired functional properties. The review also discusses the applications of ZnO nanocrystals and presents challenges and future directions for the field.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyang Guo, Chung Kim Nguyen, Aishani Mazumder, Yichao Wang, Nitu Syed, Enrico Della Gaspera, Torben Daeneke, Sumeet Walia, Samuel J. Ippolito, Ylias Sabri, Yongxiang Li, Ali Zavabeti
Summary: Various non-stratified two-dimensional (2D) materials can be obtained from liquid metal surfaces that are not naturally accessible. These materials have high-quality oxide layers that can be transferred onto desired substrates. The liquid metal-derived 2D oxides have versatile applications, but their gas-sensing properties remain underexplored.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William Shepherd, Lesly Melendez, Owen Kendall, Yang Liu, Billy J. Murdoch, Joel van Embden, Daniel E. Gomez, Enrico Della Gaspera
Summary: This study investigates the optical and crystallographic effects of simultaneous doping at both cationic sites in barium stannate crystal. Using a wet chemical method, BaSnO3 nanoparticles were synthesized and doped with lanthanum and/or antimony. Doping was validated and analyzed using EDX, XPS, and absorption spectroscopy. The effects of doping on crystal size, strain, and plasmonic properties were evaluated through XRD and TEM. The findings show that doping at both sites reduces lattice strain, decreases defects, and increases particle size.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
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, Multidisciplinary
Joao Otavio Mendes, Andrea Merenda, Karen Wilson, Adam Fraser Lee, Enrico Della Gaspera, Joel van Embden
Summary: The growth of (001) oriented antimony chalcogenide thin films can be controlled by tuning the substrate nanostructure, which is crucial for enhancing the performance of these films.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joao Otavio Mendes, Gabriel Aygur, Jesus Ibarra Michel, James Bullock, Daniel Gomez, Enrico Della Gaspera, Joel van Embden
Summary: In this study, highly (001) oriented Sb2Se3 nanorod layers were obtained via a novel template growth method and transferred to functional substrates. Photodetector devices with excellent electrical contact were fabricated using a low-temperature processable SnO2 nanoparticle transport layer and encapsulation/etching techniques. A proof-of-concept self-powered flexible heart rate monitor was also fabricated based on this platform. The achievement of transferable Sb2Se3 nanorod layers has significant implications for the development of new device architectures and potential applications in various fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sidra Farooq, Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Sumeet Walia, Gabriel Aygur, Enrico Della Gaspera, Joel Van Embden
Summary: A simple solution-based process is developed to generate pinhole-free BiI3 thin films with large crystal grains. By doping 2-methoxyethanol with small amounts of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, the crystallization kinetics can be carefully regulated to achieve high-quality thin films. The optimized BiI3 films show fast response times, high responsivities, and excellent sensitivity, making them suitable for optoelectronic devices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Niken Priscilla, Dan Smith, Enrico Della Gaspera, Jingchao Song, Lukas Wesemann, Timothy James, Ann Roberts
Summary: Plasmonic and other nanoparticles are of great interest in structural coloration, with the optical Janus effect allowing for a broad color palette selection. This device, with directional optical effects and iridescence properties, has the potential for applications in architecture, decorative features production, and development of overt and covert security features. The scalable manufacturing perspective of this device makes it a promising innovation in the field.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2022)