Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhaoli Wu, Kuanjun Fang, Weichao Chen, Yaru Zhao, Yi Xu, Chunming Zhang
Summary: The study successfully prepared a durable superhydrophobic photocatalytic cotton fabric modified by TiO2-BC/PDMS, with a surface contact angle of 155 degrees. Experimental results indicate that increased fiber roughness and the water-repellent properties of PDMS both play crucial roles in providing a superhydrophobic surface.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Dionysia Kefallinou, Maria Grigoriou, Vassilios Constantoudis, Ioannis Raptis, Evangelia Xenogiannopoulou, Athanasios Dimoulas, Dimitrios T. Boumpas, Angeliki Tserepi
Summary: Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) - based microfluidic devices, with advantages of versatility, rapid prototyping, optical transparency and ease of fabrication, have been widely used in biomedical research. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of PDMS affects cell adhesion and proliferation. Current studies propose air plasma treatment as a single-step activation procedure for PDMS, followed by collagen layering, to achieve stable and long-term cell culture in PDMS-based microfluidic devices.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rituraj Dubey, Anees A. Ansari, Laxman Singh
Summary: A fluorescent derivative of ethinyl estradiol (EE2) was synthesized using bioorthogonal click chemistry and used as a probe for affinity assays of estrogen receptor (ER) on PDMS-based microarrays. The indirect method, which involved applying optimized bioorthogonal click chemistry reaction conditions, was found to be more specific than the direct method for affinity assays. Real samples of MCF-7 and MBD-MB-231 cell lines yielded excellent results using the optimized methods.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Kang-Yi Lin, Christian Preischl, Christian Felix Hermanns, Daniel Rhinow, Hans-Michael Solowan, Michael Budach, Hubertus Marbach, Klaus Edinger, G. S. Oehrlein
Summary: Electron-stimulated etching (EBIE) is a promising approach for material removal as it utilizes an electron-neutral synergistic effect and reduces plasma-induced damage. However, one challenge for EBIE is the limited selection of chemical precursor molecules for functionalized materials suitable for etching. In this study, a new experimental approach combining a remote plasma source and an electron flood gun was used to functionalize substrate surfaces and evaluate the etching rates and selectivity of Si-based materials.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fei Shen, Fan Zhang, Yuting Yin, Sile Chen, Jie Gao, Jun Li, Xiaogang Han
Summary: By fluorinating the carbon paper, a composite lithium metal anode with high areal capacity and long lifespan is obtained, leading to stable cycling in lithium metal batteries.
Article
Polymer Science
Nick Huettner, Anja S. Goldmann, Richard Hoogenboom, Tim R. Dargaville
Summary: This study investigates the impact of reaction parameters on the macrocyclization efficiency of PAOx and POzi using copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). It was found that POzi shows higher conversion to monocyclic species compared to PAOx, possibly due to increased chain flexibility of POzi. Additionally, a significantly higher number of cyclic POzi could be synthesized per unit volume of solvent compared to previous protocols for related PAOx.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Indrajit V. Bagal, Nilesh R. Chodankar, Aadil Waseem, Muhammad Ali Johar, Swati J. Patil, Ameer Abdullah, Mostafa Afifi Hassan, Young-Kyu Han, Sang-Wan Ryu
Summary: A novel asymmetric pseudocapacitor (APC) with high energy and power density was developed for electrochemical energy storage systems, utilizing a core-shell structure of silicon nanowires and two-dimensional manganese dioxide nanoflakes. The optimized electrode material exhibited excellent specific capacitance, coulombic efficiency, cycling durability, and energy/power density, making it a promising candidate for next-generation high-performance pseudocapacitors. This study demonstrated the potential for significantly improved performance compared to traditional capacitors, highlighting the importance of innovative electrode design for enhancing energy storage capabilities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Miyu Umeda, Tomonari Wakabayashi, Tadashi Kamiyama, Hal Suzuki
Summary: Heat capacity measurements were conducted to investigate the melting and crystallization properties of stretched PDMS rubbers. The results showed that stretching led to an increase in fusion temperature, broadening of the fusion peak, and an increase in enthalpy of fusion. These changes were attributed to alterations in internal energy and a decrease in conformational entropy in the rubbery state.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fenghua Shen, Wanning Liu, Liyuan Zhang, Xiangfan Li, Kaisong Xiang, Hui Liu
Summary: This study achieved the decomposition of CF4 at the flue gas temperature range for the first time by using nonthermal plasma coupled with an aluminum/carbon catalyst, with a decomposition efficiency of 78% for CF4. Excited CF4 particles generated by the plasma react with Al2O3/carbon. The fluorine from CF4 reacts with Al to form AlF3, while the carbon element reacts with oxygen in Al2O3 to generate CO and/or CO2. The strong acid sites on the catalyst surface are the main factor promoting CF4 decomposition. This decomposition method provides a new approach for decomposing perfluorocarbons at low temperatures.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Ying Ma, Liang Chen, Zhihua Dong, Yifang Hong, Yang Xiao, Yijie Xin, Bin Zhang, Hua Qin, Ting Zhang, Xiaodong Zhang, Guohao Yu, Zhiqun Cheng, Lingfeng Mao, Yong Cai
Summary: This letter discusses the current drops in an AlGaN/GaN heterojunction with CF4 plasma treatment in a polar gas ambient. The current dropped by significant percentages in various gas environments compared to normal ungated HEMT. An explanation based on ambient doping was proposed, and the importance of lower initial current for increasing sensitivity was emphasized.
Article
Physics, Applied
Jie Liu, Lijun Wang, Runming Zhang, Zhuoxi Lian, Zhiwei Wang
Summary: The presence of O-2 impurity in an He/CF4 atmospheric pressure plasma jet affects the ionization rates and the distribution of reactive species. The addition of O-2 accelerates the ionization rates and increases the concentration of F-containing reactive species, but inhibits the rise of some species. The radial velocity decreases and the distribution of reactive species fluxes is reduced due to the high O-2 concentration on the dielectric surface.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ying Tian, Shaofeng Xu, Hao Zhang, Wei Wang, Dan Yu, Jianjun Shi, Ying Guo
Summary: This study successfully imparts superhydrophobic properties to fabrics by creating controlled and ordered wrinkled structures, inspired by caterpillars. The formation of these structures improves the mechanical stability of the fabrics.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Gkreti-Maria Manesi, Ioannis Moutsios, Dimitrios Moschovas, Georgios Papadopoulos, Christos Ntaras, Martin Rosenthal, Loic Vidal, Georgiy G. Ageev, Dimitri A. Ivanov, Apostolos Avgeropoulos
Summary: This study proposes the use of anionic polymerization to synthesize living poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS-Li+ and poly(2-vinylpyridine) or P2VP-Li+ homopolymers, and the subsequent covalent joining of the two blocks using chlorosilane chemistry to form PDMS-b-P2VP copolymers. The synthesis of well-defined materials with different molecular weights and volume fraction ratios was achieved, and the thermal transitions and morphological characteristics of the copolymers were studied. Additionally, a post-polymerization chemical modification reaction to achieve quaternization of the nitrogen atom in some of the P2VP monomeric units was reported.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Florian Krueger, Hyunjae Lee, Sang Ki Nam, Mark J. Kushner
Summary: The quality of high aspect ratio features etched into dielectrics for microelectronics fabrication using halogen containing low temperature plasmas strongly depends on the energy and angular distribution of the incident ions and potentially electrons. Computational investigation of plasma etching using tailored voltage waveforms showed that some control of ion and electron distributions is possible by adjusting the phase of higher harmonics, but they are inherently linked and cannot be easily separately controlled. The consequences of voltage waveform tailoring on etched features are dominated by the change in the ion distributions. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolu Zhang, Qianqian Zhang, Hui Su, Yafei Xu, Ling Li
Summary: A superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponge was fabricated by decorating a melamine sponge with UIO-66(F-4) nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets, and then modifying it with polydimethylsiloxane. The modified sponge showed remarkable superhydrophobicity, high separation efficiency for oil-water mixtures, stable oil absorption capacity, and good flame retardancy. It also exhibited excellent chemical stability, extreme environmental stability, and mechanical durability, making it a promising candidate for oily wastewater treatment.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
S. Campagna Zignani, M. Lo Faro, A. Carbone, C. Italiano, S. Trocino, G. Monforte, A. S. Arico
Summary: A water electrolysis cell based on anion exchange membrane and critical raw materials-free electrocatalysts was developed, and suitable anode and cathode catalysts were investigated. The effect of recirculation of a diluted KOH solution was studied. The study found that high performance and suitable stability could be achieved under specific conditions.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Clara Guido, Clara Baldari, Gabriele Maiorano, Angela Mastronuzzi, Andrea Carai, Concetta Quintarelli, Biagio De Angelis, Barbara Cortese, Giuseppe Gigli, Ilaria Elena Palama
Summary: Pediatric brain tumors require urgent novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Nanoparticles, with their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, are being increasingly investigated as precision nanomedicine tools for the diagnosis and therapy of pediatric brain cancers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stefania Siracusano, Fabiola Panto, Stefano Tonella, Claudio Oldani, Antonino S. Arico
Summary: In this study, a reinforced Aquivion (R) membrane-based membrane-electrode assembly demonstrated superior performance and durability in polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis compared to a conventional extruded membrane-based assembly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sebastian Vecino-Mantilla, Sabrina C. Zignani, Rose-Noelle Vannier, Antonino S. Arico, Massimiliano Lo Faro
Summary: The study suggests using a protective layer coated on the anode of a commercial SOFC to overcome the negative effect of biogas. Nickel manganite, a material tailored specifically for this approach showing mixed ionic and electronic conductivity, demonstrated significant stability in the presence of dry biogas.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cinthia Alegre, David Sebastian, Maria Jesus Lazaro, Mariarita Girolamo, Antonino Salvatore Arico, Vincenzo Baglio
Summary: In this study, carbon xerogels doped with nitrogen or sulfur were investigated as counter electrodes for DSSCs. The introduction of heteroatoms such as nitrogen or sulfur led to improved efficiency compared to undoped material due to a decrease in charge transfer resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sabrina Campagna Zignani, Massimiliano Lo Faro, Alessandra Palella, Lorenzo Spadaro, Stefano Trocino, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Antonino Salvatore Arico
Summary: This paper investigated the transformation of CO2 into low-carbon alcohols using a coelectrolysis cell. The results showed that the CuO-Ag/KB cathode exhibited high selectivity for ethanol and methanol under specific conditions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Afroditi Nanou, Ivan Lorenzo-Moldero, Kyriakos D. Gazouleas, Barbara Cortese, Lorenzo Moroni
Summary: Cancer biology research is shifting towards innovative in vitro 3D culture models to better mimic in vivo cancer biology. This study evaluated a 3D engineered system using porous scaffolds with two different porosities and compared it to conventional 2D cell culture. The results showed that static seeding was the optimal method and cells cultured in 3D scaffolds exhibited a more dormant phenotype.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriele Maiorano, Clara Guido, Annamaria Russo, Andrea Giglio, Loris Rizzello, Mariangela Testini, Barbara Cortese, Stefania D'Amone, Giuseppe Gigli, Ilaria Elena Palama
Summary: This study explores the use of non-viral hybrid polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes for gene delivery, which not only have good transfection efficacy but also exhibit non-inflammatory properties. The nanocomplexes, produced through layer-by-layer self-assembling, showed excellent performance in vitro.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaetana Costanza, Pierpaolo Paba, Marco Ciotti, Domenico Ombres, Stefano Di Carlo, Fabbio Marcuccilli, Ada Bertoli, Loide Di Traglia, Marcello Mozzani, Lucia Piredda, Vita Petrone, Marialaura Fanelli, Carla Paganelli, Barbara Cortese, Emanuela Balestrieri, Sergio Bernardini, Massimo Andreoni, Claudia Matteucci, Antonella Minutolo, Sandro Grelli
Summary: This study provides a dynamic picture of the epidemiological curve of common respiratory viruses during the two-year pandemic, showing that SARS-CoV-2 has a preferential tropism for the respiratory tract without co-existing with other viruses. This may be attributed to the use of masks, social isolation, and the presence of specific respiratory receptors.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Massimiliano Lo Faro, Sabrina Campagna Zignani, Sebastian Vecino-Mantilla, Antonino S. Arico'
Summary: This paper proposes the use of a coating layer on a commercial SOFC to enhance its fuel adaptability. Three different ceramics were evaluated as protective layers for the cells fed with dry biogas or bioethanol. The results showed that the additional layer increased the cell resistance, negatively affecting its performance, but improved the effectiveness of using simulated biogas and ethanol.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Binita Nath, Lorenzo Caprini, Claudio Maggi, Alessandra Zizzari, Valentina Arima, Ilenia Viola, Roberto Di Leonardo, Andrea Puglisi
Summary: This article proposes a passive technique for increasing the concentration of motile sperms without external forces or flows. Through microfluidic experiments and simulations, the effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated, along with the identification of key components for optimal trap design.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maddalena Grieco, Ornella Ursini, Ilaria Elena Palama, Giuseppe Gigli, Lorenzo Moroni, Barbara Cortese
Summary: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has gained significant interest in the biomedical engineering field due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and chemical versatility. Recent studies have shown the innovative use of three-dimensional HA systems in various applications such as disease research, tissue and organ replacement, wound healing, and stem cell encapsulation. This overview compares the advantages, limitations, and complementarity of HA systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of their use. Special attention is given to the application of HA in cancer, central nervous system diseases, and tissue regeneration, highlighting the most innovative experimental strategies.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giosue Giacoppo, Stefano Trocino, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Vincenzo Baglio, Maria I. Diez-Garcia, Antonino Salvatore Arico, Orazio Barbera
Summary: The only strategy for reducing fossil fuel-based energy sources is to increase the use of sustainable ones. Among renewable energy sources, solar energy can significantly contribute to a sustainable energy future, and hydrogen is an effective carrier and means of energy storage due to its ability to be produced from primary energy sources and transformed, without greenhouse gas emissions, into mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy, emitting only water as a by-product.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stefania Siracusano, Fausta Giacobello, Antonino S. Arico
Summary: Minimizing the use of high-cost metal electrocatalysts is crucial for cost-effective green hydrogen production by proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. This study developed a non-platinum group metal anode catalyst based on silver and titanium suboxide for the oxygen evolution reaction. The catalyst showed promising performance and excellent stability, making it a cost-effective alternative to noble metal catalysts.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ilenia Viola, Fabio Matteocci, Luisa De Marco, Leonardo Lo Presti, Silvia Rizzato, Simona Sennato, Alessandra Zizzari, Valentina Arima, Antonio De Santis, Chiara Rovelli, Silvio Morganti, Matthias Auf Der Maur, Marianna Testa
Summary: Organometal halide perovskites (OMHP) are promising materials for fast, sensitive, and large area photodetectors. In this study, a controlled growth of OMHP single crystals in the form of microwires directly on conductive patterned substrates was achieved using a microfluidics-assisted technique. The resulting vertical devices with a pixelated sensor layer exhibit gain, a responsivity up to 200 AW(-1), and a fast rise time down to 35 µs. This is the first demonstration of an OMHP vertical device on a patterned substrate using microfluidics-assisted techniques.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)