Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alejandro Barrios, Cody Kunka, John Nogan, Khalid Hattar, Brad L. Boyce
Summary: This work presents a new methodology for high-throughput fatigue testing of thin films at the microscale, utilizing a microelectromechanical systems-based Si carrier to simultaneously and independently test an array of samples. The microscale fatigue behavior of nanocrystalline Al is efficiently characterized through automated fatigue testing with in situ scanning electron microscopy, reducing the total testing time significantly and revealing the stochastic nature of the microscale fatigue response. The manuscript also discusses the potential adaptations of this methodology for different samples, materials, geometries, and loading modes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nisar Ali, Musarrat Jabeen, Amir Khesro, R. Ahmed, H. Alrobei, Abul Kalam, Abdullah G. Al-Sehemi
Summary: Tin antimony sulfide (SnSb2S4) is a low-cost and environmentally friendly photovoltaic material, but its high resistivity and low carrier density have limited its applications. Thin films of tin antimony sulfide were combinatorially deposited using thermal evaporation techniques and annealed in argon gas, showing high absorbance and p-type semiconductivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eva Alvarez de Eulate, Alexandru Gheorghiu, Cherine Amoura, Amelia Whiteley, Craig Priest, Melanie N. MacGregor
Summary: In this study, thin films deposited from the plasma phase of oxazoline precursors were investigated as an alternative approach for electrode functionalization, showing the advantage of being substrate independent and allowing spontaneous binding of biomolecules in physiological buffer. These films were further utilized to develop an immunosensor with a low detection limit for free epithelial cell adhesion molecule.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shumin Yang, Ao Wang, Xin Li, Guochao Shi, Yunkai Qi, Jianjun Gu
Summary: TiO2 films with structural colors were successfully prepared using one-step electrochemical oxidation. The structural color of the films could be regulated by adjusting the oxidation voltage and oxidation time. The films have potential applications in industrial fields such as photocatalysis and photovoltaic cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander Axelevitch
Summary: Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO), are widely used in micro- and optoelectronics, with dynamic hot-probe measurement system being one method to extract the main parameters of the films. This method, demonstrated on commercial ITO films and ZnO:Al layers, can also be applied to other wide-bandgap semiconductors.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
L. T. Quispe, L. B. Avila, A. A. Linhares, E. O. Lopez, Alexandre Mello, I. S. Brandt, A. A. Pasa
Summary: In this study, p-type NiO films with different resistivity values were successfully obtained by electrodeposition of Ni(OH)(2) layers and subsequent heat treatment at different temperatures. Characterizations revealed a phase change from hexagonal beta-Ni(OH)(2) to cubic NiO with improved crystallinity at higher heating temperatures. Additionally, the electrical resistivity of the films increased with higher heat treatment temperatures.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Netrapal Singh, Hafsa Siddiqui, Manoj Goswami, Satendra Kumar, Mohammad Ashiq, Natarajan Sathish, Mysore Sridhar Santosh, Surender Kumar
Summary: Nanoscale-thick silver thin films (Ag-NTF) are fabricated on indium tin oxide-coated glasses through an electrochemical 3D printing process. The Ag-NTF electrode exhibits uniform and nanometer-thick film structure, with a mean crystallite size of 17 nm. The electrode shows excellent electrochemical activity, with a sensitivity of 25 +/- 1 mu A mM-1 cm-2 and a lower detection limit of 1.0 mu M for hydrogen peroxide sensing. The electrode also demonstrated good selectivity towards H2O2 and applicability in real-life samples.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Benjamin Millan-Ramos, Daniela Morquecho-Marin, Phaedra Silva-Bermudez, David Ramirez-Ortega, Osmary Depablos-Rivera, Julieta Garcia-Lopez, Mariana Fernandez-Lizarraga, Jose Victoria-Hernandez, Dietmar Letzig, Argelia Almaguer-Flores, Sandra E. Rodil
Summary: In this study, ZrO2 thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on a Mg-Zn-Ca alloy to reduce its degradation rate and improve biocompatibility, cell adhesion, and proliferation. The 380 nm ZrO2 coating showed promising results in reducing degradation and H-2 evolution of the alloy in the initial 3 days after immersion, while allowing long-term degradation of the bare alloy. The ZrO2 coating also prevented the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. aureus.
JOURNAL OF MAGNESIUM AND ALLOYS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Frank Angeles, Samreen Khan, Victor H. H. Ortiz, Mingfei Xu, Shisong Luo, Dinusha Herath Mudiyanselage, Houqiang Fu, Yuji Zhao, Richard B. B. Wilson
Summary: The thermal conductivity of wide bandgap semiconductor thin films has a significant impact on the performance of various devices. However, accurately measuring the thermal conductivity of sub-micrometer thin films with high values is difficult. This study proposes a combination of magneto-optic thermometry and TiN interfacial layers to enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of pump/probe thermal transport measurements.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mangesh A. Desai, Amol S. Vedpathak, Abhishek R. Bhapkar, Ganesh D. Saratale, Shrikrishna D. Sartale
Summary: The study demonstrates a novel method for the growth of highly adherent and compact Mn3O4 thin films using the SILAR method, which can be successfully converted into MnO2 after chemical treatment. Both electrochemical and chemical conversion processes show significantly improved supercapacitive performance, making them useful for recycling battery waste for supercapacitor applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruicong Wang, Kun Lan, Runfeng Lin, Xinxin Jing, Chin-Te Hung, Xingmiao Zhang, Liangliang Liu, Yi Yang, Gang Chen, Xiaoguo Liu, Chunhai Fan, Ahmed Mohamed El-Toni, Aslam Khan, Yun Tang, Dongyuan Zhao
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel strategy for the fabrication of highly ordered mesoporous carbon thin films with vertically aligned and permeable mesopore channels through oriented monomicelle assembly. The precise controllability of the mesoporous carbon films' structure is achieved by utilizing the swelling and fusion effect of hydrophobic benzene homologues. The resulting mesoporous carbon films exhibit highly tunable thicknesses, mesopore sizes, and switchable growth substrates, showing ultralow detection limits and great sensitivity in electrochemical sensors.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sushant B. Patil, Shivaji B. Sadale
Summary: This study investigates the physicochemical, electrochemical, and electrochromic properties of WO3 thin films in electrochromic supercapacitors. The results show that WO3 thin films exhibit excellent charge storage kinetics and capacitance performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stephan Tremmel, Xiongxin Luo, Benedict Rothammer, Armin Seynstahl, Bo Wang, Andreas Rosenkranz, Max Marian, Laipan Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the performance of protective thin films on the wear-prone PTFE surface of TENGs, including doped and undoped DLC films, MoS2 coatings, and MXene films. MXenes showed superior performance in contact separation mode, while undoped a-C: H coatings performed well in sliding mode. Long-term tests showed minimal wear on the films, with output reduction primarily due to graphitization and material transfer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jarkko Etula, Niklas Wester, Touko Liljestrom, Sami Sainio, Tommi Palomaki, Kai Arstila, Timo Sajavaara, Jari Koskinen, Miguel A. Caro, Tomi Laurila
Summary: The experimental investigation enhanced by computational analyses reveals the significant impact of nitrogen doping on the structure and electrochemical performance of carbon films, including disruption of the C-C structure, increased surface roughness, and enhanced conductivity. These changes are associated with the increase in hydrogen and oxygen content in the films due to nitrogen doping.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baran Sarac, Tolga Karazehir, Eray Yuce, Marlene Muehlbacher, A. Sezai Sarac, Juergen Eckert
Summary: Improving the efficiency of hydrogen storage and release using metallic glass nanofilms offers green solutions for nanoscale energy applications. Specific sizes and configurations of the hydrogen storage components demonstrate high electrochemical performance, with high specific pseudocapacitance and conductive behavior.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Ian A. Brummel, Kevin Wynne, William A. Lanford, Jon F. Ihlefeld
Summary: A combustion synthesis methodology was used to prepare perovskite Li3xLa1/3-xTaO3 lithium-ion conductors. Different lithium vapor overpressure conditions were achieved by sintering under different burial powder and cover crucible combinations. The ion conductivity was found to be influenced by the lithium content and secondary phase content in the samples.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Correction
Physics, Applied
Jon F. F. Ihlefeld, Samantha T. T. Jaszewski, Shelby S. S. Fields
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Alejandro Salanova, Ian A. A. Brummel, Andrey A. A. Yakovenko, Elizabeth J. J. Opila, Jon F. F. Ihlefeld
Summary: Temperature limitations in nickel-base superalloys have led to the emergence of SiC-based ceramic matrix composites as a viable replacement for gas turbine components. Rare-earth disilicate coatings have been identified as environmental barriers that can minimize hot component degradation. This study synthesized rare-earth disilicate powders and explored their phase stability and thermal expansion properties, suggesting that microstructure design and crystallographic texture are important for ensuring the thermo-mechanical robustness of the coatings.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shelby S. S. Fields, Samantha T. T. Jaszewski, Megan K. K. Lenox, Jon F. F. Ihlefeld
Summary: This study introduces a method of electrode replacement to achieve electrode-independent ferroelectric and field-induced ferroelectric properties in HfxZr1-xO2 (HZO) thin films after post-metallization anneal processing. The results showed that electrode replacement can generate internal biases of different magnitudes, which affect the remanent polarization values, facilitating the implementation of these ferroelectric materials into the next generation device structures.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Md Shafkat Bin Hoque, Ian A. Brummel, Eric R. Hoglund, C. Jaymes Dionne, Kiumars Aryana, John A. Tomko, John T. Gaskins, Daniel Hirt, Sean W. Smith, Thomas Beechem, James M. Howe, Ashutosh Giri, Jon F. Ihlefeld, Patrick E. Hopkins
Summary: In this study, the effects of composition and interface density on the sound speed and thermal conductivity of amorphous aluminum nitride and aluminum oxide multilayers were investigated experimentally and numerically. It was found that the oxygen content determines the longitudinal sound speed of the multilayers, while the thermal conductivity is influenced by both interface density and oxygen content. The interfaces decrease the thermal conductivity, while the oxygen content increases it, resulting in a nearly constant thermal conductivity as a function of interface density. This study provides crucial insights into the interplay of composition and interfaces on the thermal properties of multilayers.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Antik Mallick, Megan K. Lenox, Thomas E. Beechem, Jon F. Ihlefeld, Nikhil Shukla
Summary: In this study, the mechanisms behind the limited endurance and sub-optimal stress response of (Hf,Zr)O-2 are investigated using electrical measurements and photoluminescence spectroscopy in W/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/W capacitors. The behavior is attributed to defect levels at 0.6 eV from the conduction band edge, which can be correlated to the presence of oxygen vacancies using photoluminescence spectroscopy. This work helps to identify oxygen vacancies as the key factor responsible for the degraded endurance and stress response in (Hf,Zr)O-2 and motivates further exploration of methods to reduce oxygen vacancy concentrations without destabilizing the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Adam M. Maraschky, Stephen J. Percival, Rose Y. Lee, Melissa L. L. Meyerson, Amanda S. Peretti, Erik D. Spoerke, Leo J. Small
Summary: Iodide redox reactions in molten NaI/AlCl3 generate surface-blocking films, limiting the cycling rates and energy densities of molten sodium batteries. The source of the reaction rate limitations is revealed through an experimental investigation at 110 degrees C. The film formation is influenced by electrode material, Lewis acidity, and molar ratio of I-/I-3(-) in the molten salt electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Peter M. Litwin, Samantha T. Jaszewski, Wendy L. Sarney, Asher C. Leff, Sergiy Krylyuk, Albert V. Davydov, Jon F. Ihlefeld, Stephen J. McDonnell
Summary: We synthesized self-intercalated Nb1+xSe2 thin films by molecular beam epitaxy. The amount of intercalation in the thin films is inversely proportional to the Se to Nb beam equivalence pressure ratio (BEPR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction confirmed the growth of Nb1+xSe2 phase at BEPRs of 5:1 and greater. Electrical resistivity measurements showed an inverse relationship between BEPR and resistivity in the Nb1+xSe2 thin films. Another Nb-Se compound with a stoichiometry of similar to 1:1 was synthesized using a Se to Nb BEPR of 2:1, but it did not exhibit a layered structure.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Victor Regis, Matej Sadl, Geoff Brennecka, Andraz Bradesko, Urban Tomc, Hana Ursic
Summary: With the development of the microelectronic industry, multifunctional materials are in high demand, and Al2O3 is widely used due to its mechanical and thermal stabilities as well as chemical inertness. However, its modest permittivity requires large effective areas or extremely thin layers for large capacitance. In this study, composites of Al2O3/Al with different volume ratios were prepared using the aerosol deposition method, achieving a significant enhancement in dielectric permittivity. Our results demonstrate novel possibilities for the applications of Al2O3-based materials in the microelectronic industry.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Leo J. J. Small, Simon M. M. Vornholt, Stephen J. J. Percival, Melissa L. L. Meyerson, Mara E. E. Schindelholz, Karena W. W. Chapman, Tina M. M. Nenoff
Summary: Competitive gases have a significant impact on the electrical response of Ni-MOF-74 sensors, with the presence of NO2 causing a significant decrease in resistance. H2O and SO2 also lower the resistance, while CO2 has a smaller effect. These findings contribute to the improvement of gas detection properties in MOF materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Jon F. Ihlefeld, Travis Peters, Samantha T. Jaszewski, Takanori Mimura, Benjamin L. Aronson, Susan Trolier-McKinstry
Summary: The influence of biaxial stress on the maximum and remanent polarizations of 10 nm thick hafnium zirconium oxide thin films has been studied. It was found that reducing the intrinsic strain through the application of a compressive uniaxial stress resulted in a decrease in the remanent and maximum polarizations. The observed variation in polarization with strain is consistent with strain impacting ferroelastic switching.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Liron Shvilberg, Takanori Mimura, Haotian Xue, Jonathan J. Wierer Jr, Elizabeth A. Paisley, Helge Heinrich, Jon F. Ihlefeld
Summary: A robust dielectric insulating layer for wide bandgap semiconductor devices is a challenge, and magnesium oxide shows promise as a suitable material for integration with gallium nitride (GaN). However, large area growth and smooth growth surfaces remain obstacles. This study presents the results of epitaxial growth of magnesium oxide on n-type GaN, showing low leakage currents and low interface state densities, indicating that the interfacial phase is not detrimental to the interfacial electronic properties of MOSCap devices.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kyle P. Kelley, Anna N. Morozovska, Eugene A. Eliseev, Yongtao Liu, Shelby S. Fields, Samantha T. Jaszewski, Takanori Mimura, Sebastian Calderon, Elizabeth C. Dickey, Jon F. Ihlefeld, Sergei V. Kalinin
Summary: Ferroelectricity in binary oxides such as hafnia and zirconia has attracted attention due to unconventional physical mechanisms and potential integration into semiconductor workflows. Recent research suggests that factors such as electrochemical boundary conditions and strain heavily influence the ferroelectric properties. The interplay between ferroelectric and structural instabilities, coupled with non-local screening, explains the emergence of these properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Megan K. Lenox, Samantha T. Jaszewski, Shelby S. Fields, Nikhil Shukla, Jon F. Ihlefeld
Summary: This study investigates the endurance of ferroelectric HfO2 through manipulating the time under field using bipolar pulses of varying pulse duration or duty cycle. The results show that increasing pulse duration leads to an increase in remanent polarization and leakage current. However, using very short pulse duration can significantly improve device endurance.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keisuke Yazawa, John Hayden, Jon-Paul Maria, Wanlin Zhu, Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Andriy Zakutayev, Geoff L. Brennecka
Summary: This article describes and explains the anomalous polarization reversal behavior of wurtzite-structured nitride thin film ferroelectrics Al0.7Sc0.3N and Al0.94B0.06N under high electric fields and proposes a general model that can be applied to other nucleation and growth transitions. The work provides a more comprehensive description of nucleation and growth kinetics applicable to any system and specifically addresses the abrupt polarization reversal behavior in new wurtzite-structured ferroelectrics through two related but distinct scenarios.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
