Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Sun, Ki Hei Wong, Kin Wing Kwok
Summary: This study demonstrates precise control of optical band gap in flexible lead-free ferroelectric films through mechanical strain, showing potential for high-performance optical devices and providing a new perspective for the design and fabrication of novel ferroelectric optical devices.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammad Humaun Kabir, Humayra Ibrahim, Sikder Ashikuzzaman Ayon, Md. Muktadir Billah, Sharif Neaz
Summary: In this study, undoped and Fe-doped CuO thin films were prepared using the sol-gel spin coating technique. It was found that Fe doping improved the particle size and distribution, and tuned the bandgap of the films. In addition, the films showed good optical properties and antifungal activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenxiang Lu, Lu Ma, Shengchen Ke, Rouxi Zhang, Weijian Zhu, Linling Qin, Shaolong Wu
Summary: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors have great potential for heavy metal ion detection due to their low background noise, high sensitivity, and ease of integration. However, the detection limit for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) monitoring is relatively high and requires an external bias. In this study, a CuO film is synthesized as the photoactive material for a PEC sensing photocathode to improve the detection of Cr(VI).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xu Han, Rui Deng, Botao Sun, Dayong Jiang, Man Zhao, Bin Yao, Yongfeng Li
Summary: We investigated the optical, electrical properties, and electronic band structures of band gap tunable TixSn1-xO2 alloy with dipole-forbidden transition. Experimental and first-principles calculation results showed that alloying Ti into SnO2 narrows the optical band gap of TixSn1-xO2, increases the electrical resistivity, and leads to strong deep-level emission associated with oxygen vacancy defects in photoluminescence spectra. The engineering of band gap in TixSn1-xO2 can control both the band gap and defects, tuning the electrical and optical properties significantly.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Maria Isabel Pintor-Monroy, Martin Gregorio Reyes-Banda, Carlos Avila-Avendano, Manuel A. Quevedo-Lopez
Summary: In this study, a simple and cost-effective method for fabricating thin film transistors (TFTs) based on undoped amorphous Ga2O3 thin films deposited at room temperature by magnetron sputtering is discussed. The control of Ga2O3 thin film resistivity over a wide range is demonstrated by controlling the deposition power and pressure. These TFTs exhibit promising characteristics and have been evaluated as phototransistors under DUV radiation, showing high rejection ratio, responsivity, gain, detectivity, and photosensitivity.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
H. Absike, Z. Essalhi, H. Labrim, B. Hartiti, N. Baaalla, M. Tahiri, B. Jaber, H. Ez-zahraouy
Summary: In this study, the influence of control conditions on the physical properties of Copper Oxide thin-film was successfully investigated using sol-gel procedure and spin coating technique. The research utilized the Taguchi model to identify key factors in the deposition process of CuO thin film and analyzed the chemical composition and optical properties of the films. The optimized CuO thin films showed enhanced optical properties, demonstrating their potential as solar cell absorbers in PV devices.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
T. Daniel, V Balasubramanian, Joy Jeba J. Vijila, S. T. Nishanthi, K. Amudhavalli, G. Sivakumar, Senthil Siva T. Subramanian, K. Mohanraj
Summary: The study investigates the performance of Cu3xBi2-xS3 thin films in photoelectrochemical cell and solar cell applications with different 'x' values, showing varying optical absorption and electrical properties. The experiments reveal that Cu3BiS3 exhibits 'p' type conductivity, while the Cu3xBi2-xS3 films demonstrate excellent performance in PEC and solar cell applications.
Article
Optics
Debarghya Sarkar, Paul H. Dannenberg, Nicola Martino, Kwon-Hyeon Kim, Yue Wu, Seok-Hyun Yun
Summary: Researchers developed a photoelectrochemical etching-based technique to precisely tune the wavelength of micro- and nanodisk lasers, and successfully applied it for cellular tagging.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Y. Vijayakumar, P. Nagaraju, T. Sreekanth, Uppula Rushidhar, P. S. Reddy
Summary: V2O5 has been synthesized using chemical spray pyrolysis technique, with studies conducted on its structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties. It was found that an increase in precursor volume affects the crystallinity and optical band gap of the thin films. Gas sensing investigations revealed the selectivity of the film towards various volatile organic vapours.
SUPERLATTICES AND MICROSTRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Yogesh Sharma, Binod Paudel, Jegon Lee, Woo Seok Choi, Zhenzhong Yang, Han Wang, Yingge Du, Kyeong Tae Kang, Ghanshyam Pilania, Aiping Chen
Summary: This study investigates the effect of epitaxial strain on the magnetic and optical properties of perovskite LaCrO3 (LCO) single crystal thin films. By growing epitaxial LCO thin films with different strain states, a direct correlation between lattice-strain and functional properties is demonstrated. The results show that lattice anisotropy and strain-induced tetragonality in the film lattice play critical roles in controlling the magnetic behavior and optical transitions of LCO films.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shyam Sharma, Zachary Ward, Kevin Bhimani, Kang Li, Aniruddha Lakhnot, Rishabh Jain, Su-Fei Shi, Humberto Terrones, Nikhil Koratkar
Summary: In this study, the bandgap of BaZrS3 thin films was successfully reduced from 1.75 to 1.4 eV through in situ alloying of titanium during chemical vapor deposition growth. Theoretical study and experimental observations showed good agreement, demonstrating the feasibility of bandgap tuning for BaZrS3 films.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
G. Martinez-Saucedo, M. Ugalde-Reygadas, J. J. Alcantar Pena, G. Lastra-Medina, J. Marquez-Marin, G. Torres-Delgado, R. Castanedo-Perez, I. R. Chavez-Urbiola
Summary: The glucose sensitivity of a non-enzymatic sensor is affected by the thickness of the thin-film, which depends on the conductivity and roughness of the film. Copper oxide films grown by spray pyrolysis were used to study the effect of thin-film thickness. It was found that increasing the film thickness up to 434 nm improved the signal stability and sensitivity, but beyond that thickness, the sensitivity started to decrease gradually.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiongliang Wei, Syed Ahmed Al Muyeed, Haotian Xue, Jonathan J. J. Wierer
Summary: Traditional methods for synthesizing InGaN quantum dots often result in low density and non-uniform size distribution. Photoelectrochemical etching with coherent light has been developed to overcome these challenges. The anisotropic etching of InGaN thin films using PEC etching is demonstrated, with the heights of the quantum dots being more uniform at a lower applied potential.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Tapash Chandra Paul, Majibul Haque Babu, Jiban Podder, Bidhan Chandra Dev, Sapan Kumar Sen, Suravi Islam
Summary: This article explores the influence of Fe3+ ions on the surface morphological, structural, optical, and electrical properties of TiO2 thin films. It is found that an increase in Fe content leads to a red shift in absorption spectra, a decrease in band gap, and changes in optical parameters and electrical properties. This study provides valuable insights for standardizing Fe-doped TiO2 thin films for optoelectronic device applications.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
D. Naveena, R. Dhanabal, A. Chandra Bose
Summary: This study analyzes the properties of undoped and La doped CuO thin films and finds that 6 wt% of La doped CuO thin films exhibit high optical absorption and low resistivity, making them suitable as absorber material for solid state solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maghmood Palmer, Milua Masikini, Li-Wen Jiang, Jian-Jun Wang, Franscious Cummings, Jessica Chamier, Omowumi Inyang, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: Plasma-assisted nitrogen doping was used to improve the electrochemical performance of a CuO-NiO mixed oxide used as a glucose sensor. Characterization techniques were employed to analyze the material's morphology and properties, revealing that the developed sensor exhibited fast response time, high sensitivity, and excellent glucose selectivity.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Review
Electrochemistry
Christopher Edozie Sunday, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: The significance of developing molecular diagnostics for detecting low concentrations of protein biomarkers in early-stage breast cancer cannot be overstated, with the aim to fabricate minimally- or non-invasive, portable, rapid, and cost-effective testing technologies. The combination of electrochemical methods with aptamers has shown significant impact in specifically binding various targets in complex biological fluids.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ariel Ndala, Bamato Itota, Jessica Chamier, Sekhar Ray, Christopher Sunday, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: The study presents a soft chemical route for simultaneous nitrogen doping and functionalization of Co3O4 thin film, which shows great potential for electrochemical nitrite detection under neutral pH with fast response time and low detection limit.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tita Labi, Francois Van Schalkwyk, Shuang Ma Andersen, Per Morgen, Sekhar Chandra Ray, Jessica Chamier
Summary: Adding an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst to the anode of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) can mitigate the potential reversal impacts caused by fuel starvation. The performance of intermittently starved MEAs can be recovered up to over 95%, with a significant 4% performance loss after the first event. The increased ohmic resistance is mainly attributed to membrane deformation, contraction, and ionomer reconfiguration, impacting proton conductive pathways.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zikhona Nondudule, Jessica Chamier, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: This study successfully reduced the platinum (Pt) loading in fuel cell catalyst layer by designing ionomer gradient membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), maintaining commercial equivalent performance while increasing durability and cost-effectiveness. The optimal performance was achieved with a Pt loading ratio of 1:6 between the inner and outer layers in the two-layer stratification design, showing the highest electrochemical surface area and performance at 0.65 V.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siphesihle Siphamandla Magubane, Christopher Joseph Arendse, Siphelo Ngqoloda, Franscious Cummings, Christopher Mtshali, Amogelang Sylvester Bolokang
Summary: The study synthesized methylammonium lead-tin triiodide perovskite films using a two-step CVD method, successfully controlling the tin concentration. RBS, XRD, and UV-Vis analysis revealed that increasing tin concentration in the films decreased unit volume and influenced optical properties, while improving grain size and surface coverage.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bamato Jonathan Itota, Mahabubur Chowdhury, Olivia Barron, Jessica Chamier
Summary: This study investigates the impact of thermal treatment on the support/ionomer structures in catalyst slurries and their effect on membrane electrode performance and durability. The results show that thermal treatment improves water movement and proton transfer in the catalyst layer, enhancing the performance of the membrane electrode assembly. However, it also accelerates electrochemical carbon degradation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Masenya, S. Halindintwali, M. Madhuku, C. Mtshali, F. Cummings, A. Shnier, D. Billing, D. Wamwangi
Summary: Solid state dewetting of Pd metal on SiC interface at 800 degrees C led to diffusion into the intercalated layer and crystallization effect in SiC layer. Large dewetted Pd nanostructures protruding into the substrate indicated the dewetting effect of the underlying SiC layer.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shireen Mentor, Franscious Cummings, David Fisher
Summary: This study compares two methods of coating biological samples for microscopic observation and analysis of brain endothelial cell ultrastructures, and finds that Au:Pd sputter-coated samples generate descriptive images with nanoscale details that provide useful information for studying cellular membrane nanostructures.
Proceedings Paper
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adijat O. Inyang, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: In this study, a CuO thin film was prepared using a solution deposition process for non-enzymatic electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. The electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation and demonstrated good photocatalytic and self-cleaning abilities, making it a promising material for non-enzymatic glucose sensors.
MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi-Wen Chen, Ze-Qing Guo, Jian-Ping Zhou
Summary: Multifunctional continuous solid solutions NFMTO-x were successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method by controlling the ratio of Mg and Fe. The NFMTO-x materials exhibited enhanced visible light response, effective adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, CO2 methanation capability, and easy recyclability due to their magnetic properties. This research provides a significant multifunctional material for water purification.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
George E. Stan, Maziar Montazerian, Adam Shearer, Bryan W. Stuart, Francesco Baino, John C. Mauro, Jose M. F. Ferreira
Summary: Bioactive glasses have the ability to form strong bonds with tissues and release therapeutic ions. However, their biomechanical compatibility limits their use in load-bearing applications. The use of magnetron sputtering technology to fabricate BG coatings shows promise in improving their efficacy and potential for application.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaoxuan Wang, Zhicheng Yan, Zhigang Qi, Yu Feng, Qi Chen, Ziqi Song, Meng Huang, Peng Jia, Ki Buem Kim, Weimin Wang
Summary: The corrosion behavior of Fe-60 and Fe-83 ribbons in 0.6 M NaCl was studied. Fe-60 exhibited a local corrosion mode and formed a stable passivation film with higher corrosion resistance, while Fe-83 showed a combination of local and global corrosion modes and had lower corrosion resistance. Controlling the precipitation of nanocrystalline phases and increasing the POx content in the passivation film significantly improved the corrosion resistance of Fe-based glassy alloys.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao-Kai Peng, Sheng-Yen Zheng, Wei-Ning Kao, Ting-Chieh Lai, Kai-Sheun Lee, Yung- Hsien Wu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of high energy/fluence proton radiation on the performance of HfZrOx-based FeFETs memory with different Zr content. The results show that the characteristics of FeFETs are influenced by proton radiation, and the extent of the influence depends on the Zr content. FeFETs with 50% Zr content exhibit minimal changes in memory window and demonstrate good endurance and retention performance.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zongyi Yue, Guangyi Wang, Zengguang Huang, Sihua Zhong
Summary: In this study, AZO and ITO films were successfully tuned as excellent passivation layers for c-Si surfaces, achieving effective minority carrier lifetime and outstanding optical properties through the optimization of annealing temperature and interfacial silicon oxide.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Hruska, Jan Kejzlar, Jaroslav Otta, Premysl Fitl, Michal Novotny, Jakub Cizek, Oksana Melikhova, Matej Micusik, Peter Machata, Martin Vrnata
Summary: This paper presents a detailed study on the hydrogen sensing capabilities of highly nanoporous black gold films. The films exhibit fast response and recovery times at low temperatures. Different levels of nanoporosity were prepared and tested to investigate the sensing properties, and it was found that nanoporous black gold is suitable for hydrogen sensing. The sensitivity of the film depends on its nanoporosity.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yupu Wang, Gaofeng Teng, Chun To Yiu, Junyi Zhu
Summary: In the study of BM-SCO and HSCO thin films, it was found that H vacancies tend to prefer sites near the external surface or oxygen vacancy channels (OVCs), while H interstitials prefer sites of oxygen on a layer that contains six-fold coordinated Co. These findings not only enrich the understanding of complex surface phenomena of defect formation but also provide an explanation for the reversibility during phase transformation.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiafeng Lu, Linping Teng, Qinxiao Zhai, Chunhua Wang, Matthieu Lancry, Ye Dai, Xianglong Zeng
Summary: In this study, we achieved full control of fiber nanograting orientation by manipulating laser polarization, and tailored space variant fiber nanogratings, which expanded the diversity in fiber nanograting engineering.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yibo Liu, Yujie Tao, Yue Liu, Qi Sun, Qinrong Lin, Kexin Kang, Qinghua Zhang, Qingjie Sun
Summary: This study investigates the wettability of the Ti-Cu-Fe multi-metal system, specifically the wetting behaviors of CuSi3 droplets on TC4 and 304SS plates. The results show that the CO2 + Ar gas atmosphere significantly affects interfacial mass transfer, thus influencing the wettability of the systems.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jimei Liu, Fei Wang, Rong Guo, Yuqi Liu, Mengyu Zhang, Jaka Sunarso, Dong Liu
Summary: This study developed Co/MXene composites with anti-corrosion properties by varying the cobalt content. These composites exhibited remarkable electromagnetic absorption performance and high resistance to corrosion under various corrosive conditions. The study also revealed the mechanism of electron transfer from cobalt to MXene and the electromagnetic dissipation behavior originated from polarization loss alone.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Moujie Huang, Yongsong Ma, Jingbo Yang, Lingyun Xu, Hangqi Yang, Miao Wang, Xin Ma, Xin Xia, Junhao Yang, Deli Wang, Chuang Peng
Summary: Strong metal-support interactions (SMSIs) are important for enhancing catalytic activities and stability in thermal catalysis. This study demonstrates a method to create SMSIs in electrocatalysis using carbon nanotubes and Ru nanoparticles, resulting in excellent catalytic activity and stability.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ravi Trivedi, Brinti Mondal, Nandini Garg, Brahmananda Chakraborty
Summary: This study explores the potential of biphenylene as a nanocarrier for the delivery of the anticancer drug cisplatin. It is found that biphenylene offers physical stability, rapid release rate, solubility, and bio-compatibilities compared to other nanocarriers. The adsorption of cisplatin on the surface of biphenylene involves charge transfer from cisplatin to biphenylene. The drug is shown to be released at body temperature in an acidic environment. Biphenylene also exhibits excellent cytotoxicity activity and cellular uptake of the drug. Overall, biphenylene shows promise as a potential nanocarrier for cisplatin delivery.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyun Jeong, Hyeong Chan Suh, Ga Hyun Cho, Rafael Salas-Montiel, Hayoung Ko, Ki Kang Kim, Mun Seok Jeong
Summary: In this study, a potential platform to enhance Raman scattering and increase the number of observable Raman modes in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) was proposed. The platform consisted of large-scale arrays of gold micropillars (MPs), which were able to enhance the Raman intensity of TMDs and make difficult-to-detect Raman modes observable. The platform showed great industrial advantages and wide applicability due to its low cost, simple process, large controllable area, and short process time.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yasir Abbas, Shafqat Ali, Sajjad Ali, Waqar Azeem, Zareen Zuhra, Haoliang Wang, Mohamed Bououdina, Zhenzhong Sun
Summary: In this study, FeOx@SPNO-C core-shell nanospheres as a catalyst for degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) were successfully synthesized. The synergistic interaction between FeOx and SPNO-C, high carbon charge density, and the presence of C = O groups and N/Fe-Nx sites were found to be key factors for the enhanced degradation of SMX.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiaoting Yang, Yuxiao Gong, Yan Qian, Zhou-Qing Xiao, Serge Cosnier, Xue-Ji Zhang, Robert S. Marks, Dan Shan
Summary: This study proposes a hierarchical confinement strategy to design Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) with satisfactory electrocatalytic ability and stability. The catalytic synthesis of PB NPs is achieved through a hydrothermal process, and the as-prepared PB@NH2MIL exhibits efficient electronic transmission and enhanced electrocatalytic properties.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
