Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maximiliano Jesus Jara Fornerod, Alberto Alvarez-Fernandez, Eric R. Williams, Maximilian W. A. Skoda, Beatriz Prieto-Simon, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Morgan Stefik, Marc-Olivier Coppens, Stefan Guldin
Summary: Mesoporous thin films are widely used for their high surface area and efficient mass and charge transport properties. A two-step calcination process can reduce film contraction and enhance structural control, resulting in mesoporous films with higher porosity and larger pores. These films exhibit favorable characteristics for mass transport of large molecules.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
V Ganesh, Yugandhar Bitla, L. Haritha, Mohd Shkir, S. AlFaify
Summary: Cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films doped with different concentrations of yttrium (Y) were prepared using the spin coating technique. The study investigated the impact of Y doping on the structural, morphological, linear, and nonlinear optical properties of the CdO thin films. Results showed an increase in grain size with higher Y doping, and a significant suppression of both linear and nonlinear optical properties.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Chao Yin, Tiandong Zhang, Bowen Zhang, Changhai Zhang, Qingguo Chi
Summary: In this study, antiferroelectric PbZrO3 films with excellent energy storage properties were prepared and systematically studied on different substrates using the sol-gel process. The results showed that the prepared M-LNO-PZO thin film exhibited high energy storage density and charge-discharge efficiency, as well as good stability under a wide range of working temperatures.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elizaveta Anastasova, Anastasia A. Belyaeva, Sergey A. Tsymbal, Denis A. Vinnik, Vladimir V. Vinogradov
Summary: This study develops a stable magnetite hydrosol and successfully synthesizes materials with different structures by controlling the concentrations and drying conditions. The effects are theoretically explained and the synthesized materials show excellent biocompatibility and hemostatic potential.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
L. Duda, M. Czajkowski, P. Karasinski, C. Tyszkiewicz, M. Zieba, M. Guzik, A. Bachmatiuk
Summary: The fabrication process and characterization methods of waveguiding films for miniaturized photonic components were studied, and the influence of several key parameters on the film properties was investigated. The application of hybrid films for nanoimprint technique was reported for the first time.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Octavio Graniel, Josep Puigmarti-Luis, David Munoz-Rojas
Summary: LALD has emerged as a simpler and more versatile approach to overcome some limitations of ALD. It is seen as a complementary technology to ALD but still faces challenges in terms of automation and compatibility with different types of substrates.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ksh Priyalakshmi Devi, Pranab Goswami, Harsh Chaturvedi
Summary: Although TiO2 is a popular semiconductor photocatalyst, its efficiency for solar energy conversion is limited due to its large bandgap. This paper introduces a cost-effective Sol-Gel technique using spin coating technology to fabricate nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films. The authors managed to achieve a dopant-free pure anatase nanocrystalline TiO2 thin film with a low band gap. Thorough investigations on the film's structure, optical characteristics, and surface morphology were conducted and presented.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
O. F. Goktas, N. E. Koksal, O. Kaplan, A. Yildiz
Summary: The sol-gel method was used to fabricate Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on p-Si substrates with smooth surfaces and highly oriented crystal structures. The analysis revealed that the AZO/Si heterojunctions exhibited nonideal diode behavior, with the 80 nm thick AZO layer demonstrating good rectifying properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Muhammad A. Butt, Cuma Tyszkiewicz, Pawel Karasinski, Magdalena Zieba, Andrzej Kazmierczak, Maria Zdonczyk, Lukasz Duda, Malgorzata Guzik, Jacek Olszewski, Tadeusz Martynkien, Alicja Bachmatiuk, Ryszard Piramidowicz
Summary: This paper provides an overview of different techniques and recent advances in implementing optical waveguide thin films. It emphasizes the need for cost-effective methods for mass production of these films. The development of a silica-titania waveguide technology via the sol-gel dip-coating method is discussed, as well as the exploration of using nanoimprint lithography for patterning these films.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Ryosuke Hamano, Hiromitsu Kozuka
Summary: We fabricated polycrystalline titania thin films on polycarbonate substrates using a sol-gel transfer technique. The films were converted from titania gel films deposited on a Si(100) substrate to polycrystalline titania thin films through firing at various temperatures. The films showed different crystalline phases and improved mechanical flexibility with increasing porosity.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yu-Xuan Li, Ping Li, Yu-Zhe Wu, Zhen-Liang Xu, Ming-Ling Huang
Summary: A novel TiO2 thin film was prepared on ceramic hollow fibers using sol-gel method with PVP and PVA as additives. The effects of different PVP and PVA contents on the properties of TiO2 sol and the performance of ultrafiltration membranes were thoroughly investigated. The membrane with 1.0 wt% PVP and 0.8 wt% PVA showed superior separation performance and antifouling properties.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariuca Gartner, Hermine Stroescu, Daiana Mitrea, Madalina Nicolescu
Summary: This review highlights the importance of Zn for the synthesis of multifunctional materials with interesting properties. Various strategies such as appropriate synthesis routes, doping and co-doping of ZnO films, and the addition of polymers are discussed. ZnO can be used in thin films, mixed layers, and composite films, and it can be doped with metals or non-metals. ZnO has multiple applications in sensing technology, piezoelectric devices, transparent conductive oxides, solar cells, and photoluminescence.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lena Meyniel, Cedric Boissiere, Natacha Krins, Sophie Carenco
Summary: In this study, thin films of lanthanide oxysulfide were developed that are compatible with flexible substrates and retain the robustness advantages of inorganic compounds. The films, made using a low-temperature dip coating method, maintained the optical quality of the materials. The thickness of the films could be adjusted in a wide range, and thermal treatment was optimized to remove organic ligands while preserving the integrity of the nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huihuang Xu, Hua Hao, Yanjiang Xie, Xin Wang, Jianlu Geng, Minghe Cao, Zhonghua Yao, Hanxing Liu
Summary: Lead-free BaZr0.25Ti0.75O3 films grown via a sol-gel method on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates exhibit good microstructure and energy storage performance, with moderate polarization and high breakdown strength, as well as excellent temperature stability.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shumaila Islam, Muhammad Safwan Aziz, Hazri Bakhtiar, Adil Alshoaibi, Sulaiman Wadi Harun, Saira Riaz, Shahzad Naseem
Summary: Mesoporous hematite nanoparticles encapsulated SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized and heat-treated, resulting in improved magnetic properties and higher specific surface area for enhanced sensitivity of the sensor. The fiber optic chemical sensor showed a linear response towards hydrocarbons with good stability and accuracy.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Neng Hu, Lei Shi, Shangchao Ji, Weijia Wang, Lin Lei, Huiqing Fan, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Qi Zhong
Summary: An adhesive and visualized hydrogel-based detector is designed to monitor the solar radiation dose required for plant growth by the discoloration of methylene blue (MB) under sunshine. The hybrid hydrogels prepared from photoinitiated polymerization on the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) surface and polypropylene (PP) fabrics as a substrate enable better photodegradation capability and improved mechanical properties of the hydrogel-based detector. By pasting the detector on the leaf of a plant, the radiation dose can be accurately traced from the change in color to ensure sufficient radiation for plant growth and avoid burn to the leaves under sunlight.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Julija Reitenbach, Christina Geiger, Peixi Wang, Apostolos Vagias, Robert Cubitt, Dirk Schanzenbach, Andre Laschewsky, Christine M. Papadakis, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The swelling behavior of PNIPMAM thin films containing magnesium salts in water vapor is investigated for their potential applications as nanodevices. In situ time-of-flight neutron reflectometry is used to probe the extent and kinetics of the swelling ratio and water content. In situ Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and two-dimensional FTIR correlation analysis are utilized to study the solvation events and enhance the sensitivity of PNIPMAM thin films. The addition of Mg(ClO4)2 or Mg(NO3)2 results in higher water uptake and thickness gain in the swollen state, with Mg(NO3)2 showing the highest relative water uptake.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
F. Voegl, L. Balacescu, O. Holderer, S. Pasini, S. Staringer, G. Brandl, V. Ossovyi, H. Feilbach, P. Mueller-Buschbaum, A. M. Stadler, J. Fitter, T. E. Schrader
Summary: A new sample environment called Bio-Oven has been developed for the Neutron Spin Echo (NSE) Spectrometer J-NSE Phoenix, allowing active temperature control and the capability to perform Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements along with neutron measurements. The Bio-Oven utilizes optical fibers to decouple the free space optics from the laser sources and detectors, enabling simultaneous collection of light from three scattering angles. Test experiments with silica nanoparticles and apomyoglobin protein sample demonstrated the effectiveness of in situ DLS in monitoring the aggregation state during neutron measurements.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pan Ding, Hongyu An, Philipp Zellner, Tianfu Guan, Jianyong Gao, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Bert M. Weckhuysen, Ward van der Stam, Ian D. Sharp
Summary: This study investigates the impact of catalyst ink formulation on CO2 electrolysis and finds that Nafion is essential for achieving stable product distributions. The content of Nafion and the solvent composition regulate the internal structure of Nafion coatings and the catalyst morphology, thus significantly impacting CO2 electrolysis performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucas Stieglitz, Christina Geiger, Paula F. F. Grossmann, Moritz Kraenzlein, Katia Rodewald, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Bernhard Rieger
Summary: This work presents the fiber spinning of tailored isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by melt spinning and melt drawing, obtaining fibers with an adjustable diameter of 40-400 µm. The crystallinity of the fibers is increased through thermal annealing and analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Comparing the mechanical performance, ultra-high molecular weight iPP (UHMW-iPP) fibers exhibit superior tensile strength (up to 400 MPa) compared to commercially available fibers (approximately 50 MPa). However, UHMW-iPP has a limited timeframe for extrusion, after which extrusion rupture occurs likely due to increased melt viscosity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anna Lena Oechsle, Tobias Schoener, Lewin Deville, Tianxiao Xiao, Ting Tian, Apostolos Vagias, Sigrid Bernstorff, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The influence of humidity on the resistance properties of post-treated PEDOT:PSS films was investigated. It was found that elevated humidity increased the resistance of reference samples without post-treatment, while the post-treated samples showed a reverse behavior. Morphological changes in the film, such as increased PEDOT domain distances, were observed with in situ GISAXS measurements. This led to a deterioration in interdomain hole transport and a rise in resistance. Additionally, EIS measurements revealed additional contributions of ionic charge carriers in the post-treated PEDOT:PSS films.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Panpan Zhang, Xuan Zhang, Lucas P. P. Kreuzer, Dominik M. M. Schwaiger, Min Lu, Robert Cubitt, Qi Zhong, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The kinetics of UV radiation-induced collapse and recovery in thermally cycled and rehydrated double-responsive copolymer films were studied using in situ neutron reflectivity. The thermal treatment of the film above its transition temperature followed by rapid cooling induced rehydration of the collapsed film. The rehydration process consisted of D2O absorption, chain rearrangement, and film reswelling. UV irradiation-induced collapse and recovery processes were slower in films with thermal stimulus history, suggesting the importance of considering the thermal history in the design of sensors and detectors based on double-responsive copolymer films.
Article
Polymer Science
Chia-Hsin Ko, Cristiane Henschel, Geethu P. Meledam, Martin A. Schroer, Renjun Guo, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Andre Laschewsky, Christine M. Papadakis
Summary: This study reveals that the micellar structures of PMMA-b-PNIPAM diblock copolymers in aqueous solution can be controlled by varying the content of methanol. The methanol content strongly influences the size, aggregation number, shell thickness, and interactions of the micelles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Frank Hartmann, Martin Bitsch, Bart-Jan Niebuur, Marcus Koch, Tobias Kraus, Christian Dietz, Robert W. Stark, Christopher R. Everett, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Oliver Janka, Markus Gallei
Summary: This study synthesized a high-molecular-weight polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer as a soft matrix to fabricate nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles. The influence of different ratios of PMMA-coated FePt nanoparticles on the self-assembled morphology was investigated. Statistical analysis revealed that the particles mainly self-assembled inside the PMMA phase at low particle concentrations, while higher particle ratios had a negative effect on the morphology. The magnetic addressability of the nanoparticles inside the nanocomposite films was confirmed using bimodal magnetic force microscopy.
Article
Polymer Science
Thomas Mayer-Gall, Leonie Kamps, Thomas Straube, Jochen S. Gutmann, Torsten Textor
Summary: Thin, flat textile roofing requires metallic surfaces or transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) to reflect solar heat radiation. However, traditional vacuum processes for applying TCOs are not suitable for textile applications. A wet chemical approach is used to produce transparent heat-reflecting coatings on textile membranes, achieving high transmission in the visible spectrum and reducing near-infrared transmission while reflecting a significant portion of the radiation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruijie Ma, Xinyu Jiang, Jiehao Fu, Tao Zhu, Cenqi Yan, Kexin Wu, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Gang Li
Summary: The morphological features and film formation processes of high-performance donor-acceptor binary photovoltaic blends using three representative solvents are investigated. It is found that the solvent used has a significant effect on the efficiency of the PM6:L8-BO system, while the PM6:eC9 system is less influenced by the solvent. The in situ and ex situ studies reveal the reasons behind the observed differences and provide insights into the optimization of organic solar cells.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ming Yang, Peng Chen, Jiapei Li, Ruoxuan Qi, Yudai Huang, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Ya-Jun Cheng, Kunkun Guo, Yonggao Xia
Summary: Silicon oxide (SiOx) is a promising anode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its abundant reserves, facile synthesis, and high theoretical capacity. However, its practical use is limited by poor cycling stability caused by volume change during lithiation/delithiation. The use of a waterborne poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) binder enriched with an organic solvent (DMF) improves the performance of SiOx-based anodes in terms of capacity retention and rate capacity, enabling its practical application in both half-cell and full-cell configurations.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mirjam Hofmaier, Julian E. Heger, Sarah Lentz, Simona Schwarz, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Thomas Scheibel, Andreas Fery, Martin Mueller
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the variation in the number of repeating sequence motives on protein folding within eADF4(Cx) films. The results provided new insights into the structure formation and film properties of intrinsically disordered protein systems.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Suo Tu, Ting Tian, Apostolos Vagias, Linus F. Huber, Liangzhen Liu, Suzhe Liang, Roland A. Fischer, Sigrid Bernstorff, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: This study achieves highly tailorable conduction of PEDOT:PSS by regulating the electronic and ionic contribution using additive engineering. By investigating the charge transport mechanisms and their correlations with morphological alterations, the conductivity evolution of the materials under different humidity conditions is revealed.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Anna Lena Oechsle, Tobias Schoener, Christina Geiger, Suo Tu, Peixi Wang, Robert Cubitt, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The conductivity properties of the conductive polymer blend PEDOT:PSS are investigated under the influences of ionic liquid treatment and ambient humidity. The results show that the ionic conductivity of the IL-treated PEDOT:PSS films is enhanced by the intake of water molecules, while the electronic conductivity of all PEDOT:PSS films decreases with increasing humidity.
