Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Mahmoud El-Araby, Moatasem Mostafa Khalefa, Ayan Mukherjee, M. A. Mohaseb, Ahmed A. Aboud
Summary: In this research, cobalt oxide thin films with pure and nickel doping were deposited using spray pyrolysis. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, EDX, XPS, SEM, and optical spectroscopy, were used to analyze the films. The results confirmed the successful doping of nickel and the formation of Co3O4 as the stable phase. The Ni-doped films showed decreased band gap values and exhibited excellent electrochemical properties for potential application in supercapacitor devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seila Martin-Garcia, Fernando Rubio-Marcos, Vanesa Calvino-Casilda
Summary: The preparation of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial for the development of environmentally friendly catalytic processes. In this study, a fast and green method was used to disperse cobalt oxide nanoparticles on micro-sized supports of zinc oxide and activated carbon. The reaction between these materials at room temperature resulted in the formation of different interfaces, leading to unique catalytic properties. The results demonstrate that controlling the interfaces is a feasible way to achieve control in catalytic reactions. This is particularly important for the formation of important intermediates and final products in organic synthesis.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Can Cui, Xiaoguo Gong, Lijia Chen, Weiwei Xu, Lijie Chen
Summary: The interaction between dislocations and precipitates is crucial in the strengthening mechanisms of Ni-based superalloys, while voids as unavoidable defects can significantly affect the mechanical performances of materials. The strength improvement mainly comes from the formation of misfit networks, stair-rod dislocations, and Frank dislocations, revealing atomic-scale details of experimentally observed dislocation-precipitate interaction mechanisms. Additionally, the computational results suggest that voids can weaken the resistance of precipitates to dislocation slip, thus reducing the mechanical strength.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
A. Selimov, K. Chu, D. L. McDowella
Summary: Interdiffusion during the manufacturing of metallic nanolaminates leads to diffuse interface structures which affect the interface shear strength. This study examines the shear responses of Cu/Ni nanolaminate interfaces with varying levels of interdiffusion, and finds that diffuse interfaces have improved interface shear strength relative to atomically sharp interfaces. However, shear strength does not increase monotonically with solute concentration, indicating the presence of heterogeneous interface resistance to sliding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLASTICITY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Ma, Han Chen, Ming -Xing Zhang, Ahmed Addad, Yi Kong, Matthieu B. Lezaack, WeiMing Gan, Zhe Chen, Gang Ji
Summary: Strength-ductility trade-off is a common challenge in engineering materials, including metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this study, a precipitation-assisted interface tailoring (PAIT) mechanism is proposed to improve the coherency of the interface between reinforcement particles and matrix. By introducing an interphase (IP) and using a specific manufacturing process, a TiB2/Al-Zn-Mg-Cu composite with higher strength and ductility is achieved. The PAIT mechanism effectively promotes dislocation multiplication and subsequent annihilation, leading to an increased work hardening rate and higher ductility.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Almudena Aguinaco, Beatriz Amaya, Milagrosa Ramirez-del-Solar
Summary: Fe3+-TiO2 thin films were successfully prepared using a sandwich approach, and their structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic properties were studied. The incorporation of Fe3+ altered the material properties to enhance photocatalytic activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Li Jiang, Lin Shen, Ren-Duo Liu, Chao -Wen Li, Jian-Ping Liang, De -Jun Wang, Zhi-Jun Li
Summary: The crystallography and morphology evolution of MC carbides in Ni-12Mo-7Cr-2 Nb based superalloy were systematically investigated. The study found that after thermal exposure, the MC carbides appeared in the forms of stacking fault precipitates and flake-shaped ones. It was also observed that Mo doping in NbC decreased the chemical interface energy and favored the nucleation process.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nabeen K. Shrestha, Supriya A. Patil, Akbar I. Inamdar, Sunjung Park, Seungun Yeon, Giho Shin, Sangeun Cho, Hyungsang Kim, Hyunsik Im
Summary: This work presents a simple and scalable synthetic strategy to deposit reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets integrated with Ni-Fe-based hydroxide nanocatalysts on nickel foam (NF) for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The synergistic interactions among the hydroxides, rGO, and NF result in improved catalytic sites and charge transport. The rGO-incorporated electrode also demonstrates excellent urea decomposition (UOR) current density.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Boseon Yun, Tan Tan Bui, Paul Lee, Hayeong Jeong, Seung Beom Shin, Sung Kyu Park, Soo Young Kim, Myung-Gil Kim
Summary: LiCoO2 is a successful cathode material for batteries, with two crystallographic structures depending on temperature. High-temperature hexagonal LiCoO2 shows better performance but requires high processing temperatures, while this study demonstrates that UV treatment can help produce layered LiCoO2 at lower temperatures.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. K. Han, A. A. Baker, J. R. I. Lee, S. K. McCall
Summary: Exchange coupling in a model core-shell system is demonstrated as a step towards 3D exchange spring magnets. High-quality core-shell nanoparticles of Ni@CoFe2O4 were fabricated using a simple two-step method. The microstructural quality was validated using TEM, confirming a well-defined interface between the core and the shell. Results showed a strongly temperature-dependent two-phase magnetic hysteresis loop, indicating a coupling of approximately 50% between the core and the shell. Element-specific XMCD hysteresis confirmed the presence of exchange coupling, suppressing the superparamagnetism of the Ni core at room temperature, and achieving a coercivity of >6 kOe at 80 K. These findings provide a pathway for the development of heterostructured metal-oxide exchange-coupled nanoparticles with improved maximum energy product.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
T. Bhowmick, S. Nag, S. B. Majumder
Summary: A highly sensitive and selective carbon monoxide sensor has been developed using a LaFe0.8Co0.2O3 perovskite thin-film sensing element. Proper utilization of perovskite surface's catalytic properties and microstructural control in a thin film sensor enabled selective CO sensing. High selectivity to CO was achieved due to low metal-oxygen binding energy, favorable electronic configuration of transition metal cations, and perovskite surface composition.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
C. Zhang, C. Wang, S. L. Zhang, Y. L. Ding, Q. L. Ge, J. Su
Summary: The aging process significantly affects the mechanical properties of maraging stainless steel due to the interaction between intermetallic compounds and dislocations. The precipitates formed at different aging temperatures have distinct effects on the strength and toughness of the material. The growth and coarsening of Ni-3(Ti, Al) precipitates, as well as the increase in reverted austenite, play critical roles in determining the mechanical properties of the material over a wide temperature range.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mahya Salmanion, Mohammad Mahdi Najafpour
Summary: Ni-Fe layered double hydroxides were successfully synthesized for oxygen-evolution reaction using a dendrimer precursor, showing efficient catalytic performance with low overpotential and Tafel slope compared to traditional catalysts like Au and Pt.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed Sh. Abdel-wahab, Hadeer K. El Emam, Waleed M. A. El Rouby
Summary: In this study, Cu-doped NiO thin films of different thicknesses were successfully prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) using the co-sputtering deposition technique. The prepared films showed ideal crystallinity and purity, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed an increase in film thickness with increasing deposition time. The Cu-doped NiO thin films exhibited high electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation, with the highest activity observed in 1 M methanol. The film thickness had a clear impact on the catalytic activity, and Cu-doped NiO films showed good adhesion and electrical contact with the FTO substrate, eliminating the need for binders or conducting agents.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Andrea Vergara, Takashiro Tsukamoto, Weileun Fang, Shuji Tanaka
Summary: This paper presents a thin film PZT MEMS actuator feedback control system with integrated buried piezoresistors for precise amplitude control. The proposed system achieves high positioning accuracy and stability, with a 90% reduction in bias stability and white noise.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
M. Amati, V. Bonanni, L. Braglia, F. Genuzio, L. Gregoratti, M. Kiskinova, A. Kolmakov, A. Locatelli, E. Magnano, A. A. Matruglio, T. O. Mentes, S. Nappini, P. Torelli, P. Zeller
Summary: The implementation of in-situ and operando experimental set-ups at several beamlines in Elettra synchrotron facility has achieved significant progress in bridging the pressure gap in characterization techniques based on monitoring of photoelectron emission. These set-ups have successfully addressed unresolved issues of events occurring at solid-gas, solid-liquid, and solid-solid interfaces of functional materials.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Julia E. Medvedeva, Bishal Bhattarai, Ivan A. Zhuravlev, Federico Motti, Piero Torelli, Anita Guarino, Andreas Klein, Emiliano Di Gennaro, Fabio Miletto Granozio
Summary: Understanding the short-range structure of amorphous materials is crucial for predicting their macroscopic properties. This study investigates the contradictory experimental findings regarding the oxygen environment of titanium in amorphous strontium titanate and reveals that the discrepancy is caused by differences in the material's density. The study also analyzes the density-dependent structural characteristics and electronic properties of amorphous strontium titanate, providing insights into the structure-property relationship.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
V. Polewczyk, S. K. Chaluvadi, D. Dagur, F. Mazzola, S. Punathum Chalil, A. Y. Petrov, J. Fujii, G. Panaccione, G. Rossi, P. Orgiani, G. Vinai, P. Torelli
Summary: V2O3 exhibits a complex relationship between the metal-insulator transition and the structural rhombohedral-monoclinic one, as well as its dependency on sample thickness. Investigation of thin and ultra-thin film growth is crucial in understanding the chemical, electronic, and structural phases, as well as the role of the substrate interface. Our study examines the thickness-dependent properties of V2O3 films grown on c-plane Al2O3 substrates, revealing the evolution of surface morphology and its implications on overall properties.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Silvia Mauri, Gianluca D'Olimpio, Corneliu Ghica, Luca Braglia, Chia-Nung Kuo, Marian Cosmin Istrate, Chin Shan Lue, Luca Ottaviano, Tomasz Klimczuk, Danil W. Boukhvalov, Antonio Politano, Piero Torelli
Summary: This study investigates the surface reactivity of a Ni3Sn4 catalyst operating at 250 degrees C for hydrogen production from methanol decomposition. It is found that the catalytic reaction is driven by surface tin-oxide phases, which enhance catalyst durability and H2 selectivity. These findings provide new perspectives for the development of scalable and low-cost catalysts.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Deepak Dagur, Vincent Polewczyk, Aleksandr Yu Petrov, Pietro Carrara, Marta Brioschi, Sara Fiori, Riccardo Cucini, Giorgio Rossi, Giancarlo Panaccione, Piero Torelli, Giovanni Vinai
Summary: This study demonstrates the possibility of modifying the ferromagnetic response of a multiferroic heterostructure through fully optical means, showing how light illumination induces a photovoltaic current and reduces the coercive field of the interfacial magnetostrictive layer.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davide Salusso, Silvia Mauri, Gabriele Deplano, Piero Torelli, Silvia Bordiga, Sergio Rojas-Buzo
Summary: The development of Ce-based materials relies on catalyst surface defects caused by calcination for increased structural stability, and the study of cerium's redox properties under reaction conditions is of growing importance. This study presents a simple and cost-effective method for synthesizing homogeneous and stable CeO2 and CeZrOx nanocrystals through the synthesis and subsequent calcination of Ce-UiO-66 and CeZr-UiO-66. The Ce3+/Ce4+ redox properties were investigated using H-2-TPR experiments, in situ FT-IR, and Ce M-5-edge AP-NEXAFS spectroscopy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. Barreau, D. Chen, J. Zhang, V Papaefthimiou, C. Petit, D. Salusso, E. Borfecchia, S. Turczyniak-Surdacka, K. Sobczak, S. Mauri, L. Braglia, P. Torelli, S. Zafeiratos
Summary: This work presents a novel method for preparing pure and Ni-doped CeO2 nanoparticles, and investigates their reduction process and the chemical environment of Ni. The results demonstrate that the surface chemistry of Ni-doped CeO2 is distinct from conventional oxides, which could potentially result in different performance in catalytic applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Martando Rath, Moussa Mezhoud, Oualyd El Khaloufi, Oleg Lebedev, Julien Cardin, Christophe Labbe, Fabrice Gourbilleau, Vincent Polewczyk, Giovanni Vinai, Piero Torelli, Arnaud Fouchet, Adrian David, Wilfrid Prellier, Ulrike Luders
Summary: This study investigates the chemical stability of SrVO3 (SVO), a potential replacement for conventional ITO in the new generation of TCO materials. By subjecting the SVO thin films to heat treatments in the range of 150-250 degrees Celsius, the researchers are able to accelerate the natural aging process and observe changes in the structural, electrical, and optical properties. The results indicate surface oxidation at low annealing temperatures and the destruction of the perovskite phase at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. The goal of this study is to understand the thermal degradation and long-term stability issues of vanadate-based TCOs and identify technologically viable solutions for their application.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Francesco Tavani, Matteo Busato, Daniele Veclani, Luca Braglia, Silvia Mauri, Piero Torelli, Paola D'Angelo
Summary: In this work, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) combined with multivariate curve resolution, molecular dynamics, and XAS theoretical methods is used to investigate the interaction between water vapor and the MgCl2 surface. The study confirms previous theoretical predictions and reveals that water preferentially adsorbs on five-coordinated Mg2+ sites in an octahedral configuration. It also demonstrates that MgCl2 can retain a significant amount of adsorbed water even at high temperatures. This research provides valuable experimental insights into the surface affinity of MgCl2 for atmospheric water and offers a sensitive technique for studying interfacial chemical processes on low-Z metal based surfaces.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vincent Polewczyk, Moussa Mezhoud, Martando Rath, Oualyd El-Khaloufi, Ferdinando Bassato, Arnaud Fouchet, Wilfrid Prellier, Mathieu Fregnaux, Damien Aureau, Luca Braglia, Giovanni Vinai, Piero Torelli, Ulrike Luders
Summary: The properties of SrVO3 transparent conductor oxide thin film, which is both optically transparent in the visible range and highly conductive, are investigated. The formation of a thin Sr-rich V5+ layer on the surface of the film with aging is observed and it can be removed by solvating in water atmosphere. These findings contribute to the understanding of aging effects in perovskite oxides and provide insights for the development of functionalized films.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mathias Barreau, Davide Salusso, Juan Li, Jinming Zhang, Elisa Borfecchia, Kamil Sobczak, Luca Braglia, Jean-Jacques Gallet, Piero Torelli, Hua Guo, Sen Lin, Spyridon Zafeiratos
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Fiori, Deepak Dagur, Michele Capra, Andrea Picone, Alberto Brambilla, Piero Torelli, Giancarlo Panaccione, Giovanni Vinai
Summary: In the past decade, reducing the dimensionality of materials to few atomic layers has allowed the exploration of new physical properties and functionalities absent in two dimensions. Interfaces and interlayers have been found to play a crucial role in this regime. This study investigates the influence of interfaces and interlayers on the electronic properties and structural quality of ultrathin Cr2O3 films on Pt(1 1 1) in the presence of a multidomain graphene intralayer. The results show that the ultrathin Cr2O3 films are slightly affected by the interfacial epitaxial quality from an electronic point of view, making them potential candidates for graphene-integrated heterostructures.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Danil W. Boukhvalov, Gianluca D'Olimpio, Federico Mazzola, Chia-Nung Kuo, Sougata Mardanya, Jun Fujii, Grazia Giuseppina Politano, Chin Shan Lue, Amit Agarwal, Ivana Vobornik, Piero Torelli, Antonio Politano
Summary: In recent years, the correlation between topological electronic states in quantum materials and their catalytic activity has attracted attention. However, the physicochemical mechanisms governing catalysis with quantum materials are not fully understood. This study investigates the reactivity and stability of AuSn4, a topological nodal-line semimetal, and reveals that surface oxidation enhances its catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The peculiar atomic structure of oxidized AuSn4 enables the migration of hydrogen atoms through a Sn-O layer with minimal energy barrier, making it a promising catalyst.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jelena Zarupski, Alessandro Piovano, Maximilian J. Werny, Andrea Martini, Luca Braglia, Piero Torelli, Coen Hendriksen, Nicolaas H. Friederichs, Florian Meirer, Bert M. Weckhuysen, Elena Groppo
Summary: This study investigates the electronic properties and accessibility of Ti active sites in a silica-supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst for polyethylene production. The presence of various titanium phases and the formation of Ti(III) sites and TiCl3 clusters are revealed. The accessibility of these sites is affected by the concentration of the alkyl aluminum activator. The results provide important insights into the behavior of the catalyst and its potential impact on polyethylene production. Rating: 7/10.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danil W. W. Boukhvalov, Gianluca D'Olimpio, Junzhe Liu, Corneliu Ghica, Marian Cosmin Istrate, Chia-Nung Kuo, Grazia Giuseppina Politano, Chin Shan Lue, Piero Torelli, Lixue Zhang, Antonio Politano
Summary: Methanol oxidation shows potential for clean energy transition, especially in DMFCs. However, developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts for MOR remains challenging. We report the remarkable electrocatalytic activity and stability of Ni3Sn4 in acidic media, comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts. Our catalyst design using Ni and Sn elements is 1800 times more cost-effective than Pt/C, as confirmed by DFT modeling. Additionally, the synthesized Ni3Sn4 electrocatalyst demonstrates excellent durability even after prolonged exposure to harsh acidic conditions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)