Article
Crystallography
Bhera Ram Tak, Ming-Min Yang, Marin Alexe, Rajendra Singh
Summary: This study investigated deep-level defects in beta-Ga2O3 films and identified several deep-level traps with activation energies ranging from 0.16 to 1.03 eV. The trap with an activation energy of 1.03 eV was found to be the most dominant and possibly responsible for the persistent photocurrent in PLD-grown beta-Ga2O3 thin films. These findings could lead to the development of high-performance DUV photodetectors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Yang, Xiao-Ying Zhang, Chen Wang, Fang-Bin Ren, Run-Feng Zhu, Chia-Hsun Hsu, Wan-Yu Wu, Dong-Sing Wuu, Peng Gao, Yu-Jiao Ruan, Shui-Yang Lien, Wen-Zhang Zhu
Summary: Amorphous gallium oxide thin films were grown using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. The films exhibited decreasing band gap energy and increased density as the temperature increased. The higher substrate temperature also resulted in increased surface roughness. Films grown at temperatures below 200 degrees C were amorphous, while the film grown at 250 degrees C showed slight crystallinity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chen Wang, Shi-Wei Li, Yu-Chao Zhang, Wei-Hang Fan, Hai-Jun Lin, Dong-Sing Wuu, Shui-Yang Lien, Wen-Zhang Zhu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of annealing temperature on the texture, optical characters, chemical valence state, and surface topography of amorphous gallium oxide films. The optimal annealing temperature was found to be 700 degrees C, resulting in good crystal quality and flat-continuous surface. However, temperature above 800 degrees C led to the appearance of cracks, possibly due to Al diffusion and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rovena Veronica Pascu, George Epurescu, Iulian Boerasu, Ana -Maria Banici Niculescu, Dumitru Manica, Alexandra Maria Isabel Trefilov, Bogdan Alexandru Sava
Summary: Samarium doped ceria thin films were successfully deposited on Si (100) substrates at 500 and 600 degrees C using Pulsed Laser Deposition. X-ray Diffraction confirmed the presence of Samarium Doped Cerium Oxide crystalline compound in the films. Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed high quality films with low roughness, especially for the sample deposited at 600 degrees C. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy showed an increased proportion of Ce3+ in the deposited films compared to the target. Spectroscopic Ellipsometry analysis calculated a refractive index under 2.2 in the visible and near-infrared domain. Nanoindentation tribometric measurements indicated a decrease in elasticity modulus and hardness with increasing substrate temperature. These films show potential as electrolyte materials for new generation electrochemical devices.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Falko Jahn, Steffen Weissmantel
Summary: Boron carbide is a super-hard material suitable for wear resistant coatings. Its hardness is significantly influenced by substrate temperature, with little effect from laser fluence.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiangnan Gong, Menglei Feng, Hong Wu, Hongpeng Zhou, Chunhung Suen, Hanjun Zou, Lijie Guo, Kai Zhou, Shijian Chen, Jiyan Dai, Guoyu Wang, Xiaoyuan Zhou
Summary: This work focuses on improving the quality of highly (100)-oriented SnSe thin films for thermoelectric applications. By controlling key parameters during pulsed-laser deposition and performing vacuum thermal annealing, the film quality was enhanced. The best crystal quality and uniform orientation were achieved on SiO2/Si substrate at 673 K followed by thermal annealing at 673 K for 30 min, showcasing promising Seebeck coefficient and power factor values.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Mahendra Singh Rathore, Arun Vinod, Rambabu Angalakurthi, A. P. Pathak, Santhosh Kumar Thatikonda, Srinivasa Rao Nelamarri
Summary: The role of oxygen pressure on the structural, optical, and photoluminescence properties of GeO2 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition was investigated. Optimal oxygen pressure of 200mTorr was found for high-quality crystalline GeO2 thin film growth, showing potential for optical applications. The study demonstrated changes in optical transmittance, optical bandgap, and photoluminescence intensity with varying oxygen pressure levels.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
B. C. Tladi, H. C. Swart, D. E. Motaung, R. E. Kroon
Summary: Highly c-axis orientated ZnO:Zn thin films were successfully prepared by pulsed laser deposition and coated with graphene oxide (GO). Coating with GO enhanced the luminescence intensity of ZnO:Zn films, while annealing further improved their optical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ameni Rebhi, Anouar Hajjaji, Joel Leblanc-Lavoie, Salma Aouida, Mounir Gaidi, Brahim Bessais, My Ali El Khakani
Summary: This study investigates the changes in the properties of PbS films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) as the background pressure of helium (P-He) varies. Increasing He pressure leads to changes in morphology, crystallite size, lattice parameter, Raman peak, and optical bandgap of the films. The electrical resistivity also increases with P-He, with a maximum value reached at P-He = 300 mTorr.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Teddy Tite, Cosmin Ungureanu, Mihaela Buga, Ionel Stavarache, Elena Matei, Constantin Catalin Negrila, Lucian Trupina, Adnana Spinu-Zaulet, Aurelian Catalin Galca
Summary: This research presents a synthesis method for a thin-film cathode that can enhance the electrochemical performance of batteries. V2O3 thin films were successfully synthesized on graphene/aluminum foil and tested as cathodes. The experimental results demonstrate that the V2O3 thin films exhibit superior electrochemical properties, especially with the addition of tin (5 mol%) which improves the initial capacity and cycling performance of the batteries.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tianzhen Guo, Dan Wang, Yajun Yang, Xiaoyong Xiong, Kelin Li, Guanggen Zeng, Bing Li, Mohsen Ghali
Summary: CuSbSe2 has shown promising photovoltaic properties for thin film solar cells due to its environmentally friendly constituent elements. High-quality CuSbSe2 thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition and in-situ annealing. The results indicated a reduction in Sb2Se3 and Cu3SbSe3 content in the films after annealing, with an estimated atomic ratio of Cu:Sb:Se close to the stoichiometry ratio of CuSbSe2. The optical band gap of the annealed film met the requirements for solar cell absorber layers.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Tao Zhang, Yifan Li, Qian Cheng, Zhiguo Hu, Jinbang Ma, Yixin Yao, Yan Zuo, Qian Feng, Yachao Zhang, Hong Zhou, Jing Ning, Chunfu Zhang, Jincheng Zhang, Yue Hao
Summary: In this study, β-Ga2O3 films were successfully deposited on sapphire substrates using pulsed MOCVD, and the effects of different O-2 pulse times on the growth and properties were investigated. The results showed that the film deposited with a 0.2-minute O-2 pulse had the best crystalline quality and stable photoelectric performance.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
A. Mandal, S. K. Adhi, B. P. Joshi, S. D. Shinde, A. G. Banpurkar, A. V. Limaye, K. P. Adhi, T. Sant, S. M. Jejurikar
Summary: Highly c-axis oriented, single-phase praseodymium doped ZnO thin films were deposited on cAl(2)O(3) substrate under different oxygen pressure conditions. Photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron emission studies revealed the emission of Pr3+ ions and observed different transitions of Pr3+ ions.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Babiker M. Jaffar, H. C. Swart, H. A. A. Seed Ahmed, A. Yousif, R. E. Kroon, O. M. Ntwaeaborwa
Summary: Bi3+ doped LaGaO3 powders and thin films were prepared by citric acid sol-gel combustion method and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The highest photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) emissions were observed from La1-x GaO3:Bi3+ powders annealed at the appropriate temperature.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
J. Pundareekam Goud, Ajeet Kumar, Mahmoud S. Alkathy, Kongbrailatpam Sandeep, Akhil T. S. Raman, Bibhudatta Sahoo, Jungho Ryu, K. C. James Raju
Summary: Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) thin films with different thicknesses were fabricated on fused silica quartz substrate using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The thickness of thin films was changed by varying the number of pulses from 2500 to 20,000. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum were used for phase confirmation, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to observe microstructure of BST thin films. The highest microwave tunability of 55.5% was achieved for the BST thin film with a thickness of 300 nm. It was found that too small film thicknesses and too thick films were not suitable for high dielectric tunability due to constraints by the amorphous substrate and approaching bulk grain size, respectively.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yingze Zhu, Xuesong Wang, Jianwei Qiao, Maxim S. Molokeev, Hendrik C. Swart, Lixin Ning, Zhiguo Xia
Summary: To promote the development of NIR light sources, the researchers discovered a novel Eu2+-activated broadband NIR-emitting phosphor and investigated its design principles and mechanism using density functional theory calculations. The results showed that with an increase in the Ba/Sr atomic ratio, the emission band of Eu2+ red-shifted and the FWHM enlarged. The application of NIR phosphor-converted LEDs was demonstrated, indicating their potential in night-vision technology.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Babiker M. Jaffar, H. C. Swart, H. A. A. Seed Ahmed, A. Yousif, R. E. Kroon
Summary: Lanthanum oxyfluoride (LaOF) doped with bismuth (Bi) was synthesized through solid-state reaction method by using ammonium fluoride, lanthanum oxide and bismuth oxide as precursors. The luminescence of LaOF:Bi phosphors was assessed as a function of stoichiometry, with the F:O ratio decreasing at higher synthesis temperatures. The phosphor powders prepared at temperatures ranging from 700°C to 1000°C exhibited a single broad white luminescence emission band centered at 518 nm when excited at 263 nm, with the intensity increasing with increasing synthesis temperature and optimal Bi doping concentration being La1-xOF:Bix = 0.005.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
K. Shingange, G. H. Mhlongo, H. C. Swart
Summary: In this study, a nanofiber network of La1_ xCexCoO3 was prepared and the X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the appearance of CeO2 with increasing Ce-substitution. The gas sensing measurements showed that the combination of nanofiber morphology and the catalytic effect of Ce resulted in enhanced ethanol sensing performance, especially for the La0.8Ce0.2CoO3 sample. The particle-interconnected nanofiber morphology allowed for greater resistance changes and the Ce-substitution increased the surface oxygen defects, promoting a more advanced gas and surface interaction. This research demonstrates the potential ethanol sensing capabilities induced by Ce-partial substitution on the La-site.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Murendeni I. Nemufulwi, Hendrik C. Swart, Katekani Shingange
Summary: Heterojunction interfaces between metal-oxides can significantly improve gas sensing through charge distribution caused by lattice mismatch. This study focuses on the positive synergistic effects of ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure, which exhibited the best sensing performance among pure ZnO and ZnFe2O4. The enhanced sensing properties were attributed to the higher concentration of oxygen vacancies at the ZnO/ZnFe2O4 interface and enhanced catalytic activity.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mubarak Y. A. Yagoub, Hendrik C. C. Swart, Elizabeth Coetsee
Summary: A series of CaF2 nanomaterials doped with Y3+ ions under EDTA were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The results showed the formation of a mixture of cubic CaF2 and [CaY]F-2 phases with increasing Y3+ ion concentration. The particle size and morphology depended on the Y3+ concentration, and EDTA produced a spherical morphology. XPS-HAXPES analysis demonstrated the presence of surface impurities and differences in chemical composition between the surface and subsurface regions.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY B
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lekgolo M. Maebana, Zamaswazi P. Tshabalala, Hendrik C. Swart, Nompumelelo Leshabane, Lucas J. B. Erasmus, David E. Motaung
Summary: In this study, n-type ZnO and p-type CuO nanostructures were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The ZnO-NaOH-based sensor showed temperature dual-mode selectivity towards benzene and xylene vapours with high sensitivity and low detection limit.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. A. M. Saeed, E. Coetsee, H. C. Swart
Summary: The tunability of holmium (Ho3+) emission was achieved by co-doping bismuth (Bi3+) with an yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) host for optoelectronic applications. The samples were synthesized using the pyrolysis technique followed by annealing in ambient air at 900 degrees C. The co-doped samples exhibited emission components of Bi3+, Bi2+, and Ho3+, with the cathodoluminescence (CL) emission tunable from green to yellow and to orange.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. J. Shivaramu, B. N. Lakshminarasappa, E. Coetsee, R. E. Kroon, H. C. Swart
Summary: Solution combustion synthesis was used to create undoped and trivalent neodymium doped Y2O3 for potential gamma ray dosimetry and near-infrared laser material applications. X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the materials had a cubic Y2O3 single phase structure up to a dopant level of 2 mol%. Higher dopant concentrations resulted in the existence of a Nd2O3 solid solution. The nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming excellent stoichiometric control. The gamma-ray irradiated phosphors exhibited a thermoluminescence peak at about 394K that increased in intensity up to 7 kGy and then decreased. The Nd3+ doped Y2O3 sample exposed to 60Co gamma-rays showed peaks at 395, 445, 496, and 596K, attributed to the F, F+, and V-centers.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Boitumelo C. Tladi, Hendrik C. Swart, Robin E. Kroon
Summary: In this study, the luminescence intensity of La2O2S:Eu3+ thin films coated with graphene oxide and annealed in different atmospheres is investigated. The results show that the luminescence intensity is weaker in the coated samples and those annealed in inert atmosphere compared to the uncoated sample, while the coated sample annealed in reducing atmosphere exhibits comparable intensity to the uncoated sample. Surface analysis reveals that the coated sample has almost no sulfur on the surface, which is attributed to the production of H2S gas during annealing in reducing atmosphere. Additionally, the carbon content on the surface of the coated sample decreases and forms CHLaO3, unlike the uncoated sample. Although chemically stable La2O2S:Eu3+ thin films were not obtained by coating with graphene oxide, both the uncoated and graphene oxide coated samples annealed in reducing atmosphere show increased cathodoluminescence intensity, indicating potential cathodoluminescence applications.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY B
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Krishnan Rajagopalan, Eduard Madirov, Dmitry Busko, Ian A. Howard, Bryce S. Richards, Hendrik C. Swart, Andrey Turshatov
Summary: To achieve more complete recycling of plastic waste, the development of new technologies beyond the state-of-the-art is necessary. Tracer-based sorting, which utilizes the luminescence of special tracers, can enable the identification and separation of different types of plastics based on their reflectance and luminescence spectra.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Sumedha Tamboli, Govind B. Nair, Zhiguo Xia, S. J. Dhoble, H. C. Swart
Summary: In this study, luminescence thermometers based on Pr3+ emissions in the red and NIR regions were used to develop highly sensitive optical thermometer probes. LaOF:Pr3+ nanorods were synthesized and exhibited excellent photoluminescence emission. The nanorods showed temperature-dependent photoluminescence, which was exploited for thermal sensing applications. The results demonstrate the promising potential of these nanorods for nanothermometry applications due to their high thermal sensitivity and stability.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Vhahangwele Makumbane, Mubarak Y. A. Yagoub, Zhiguo Xia, Robin E. Kroon, Hendrik C. Swart
Summary: The up-conversion (UC) and temperature sensing properties of Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were investigated. The Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were synthesized using a solution combustion method and their cubic crystal structure was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphologies of the UC phosphors. Under 980 nm excitation, the UC emissions of Ho3+ were observed, which occurred through UC energy transfer (ET) processes. The sensing behavior of the phosphor was studied through the green to red fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) and the maximum absolute sensitivity and relative sensitivity values were obtained. The results indicate that the prepared Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphor is suitable for optical sensing at high temperatures.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Osama K. M. Bashiar, R. E. Kroon, H. C. Swart, R. A. Harris
Summary: ZnO thin films with near-infrared emission were successfully fabricated using pulsed laser deposition under vacuum conditions, without the need for additional gases or implantation methods. The NIR emission was hypothesized to be caused by defects in the ZnO film due to high energy particle impacts on the sample surface.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thabang J. Theka, Boiketlo R. J. Thamaga, Zamaswazi P. Tshabalala, Rapelang G. Motsoeneng, Hendrik C. Swart, David E. Motaung
Summary: In this study, low-concentration benzene detection was achieved by loading Fe3+ on the surface of Co3O4/TiO2, and low detection limits were provided. The heterostructure-based sensor exhibited good stability and high response to benzene.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sumedha Tamboli, Govind B. Nair, Ashwini K. Sharma, S. J. Dhoble, H. C. Swart
Summary: Luminescence thermometry is a unique tool for remote temperature sensing, which exploits the variations in the luminescence properties of the probe. Thermometry based on fluorescence intensity ratios (FIR) is widely used due to its self-referenced measure. A study discovered LaOF:Yb3+,Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles that exhibit blue and near-infrared upconversion photoluminescence under 980 nm laser excitation, making them suitable for temperature sensing.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2024)