Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kisung Chae, Andrew C. Kummel, Kyeongjae Cho
Summary: First-principles calculations demonstrate that the energy barrier for polarization switching can be reduced through doping of hafnium-zirconium oxide (HZO). The tetragonal phase serves as a transitional state for polarization switching of the polar orthorhombic phase. The high symmetry of the tetragonal phase allows for more favorable local oxygen bonding configurations, leading to lower energy barriers for switching compared to the orthorhombic phase.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Camila Stockey Erhardt, Waleska Guaglianoni, Ana Paula Garcia, Tania Maria Basegio, Carlos Perez Bergmann
Summary: Ultra-rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with gallium was performed. The synthesis time and Ga doping facilitated the production of ZnO nanoparticles with nanorods morphology and improved properties. The successful insertion of Ga into the ZnO lattice was confirmed, and the presence of defects as a result of doping was observed. The band gap range found in the doped ZnO nanoparticles increased their potential for optical applications.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhuopeng Wu, Weiyuan Duan, Andreas Lambertz, Depeng Qiu, Manuel Pomaska, Zhirong Yao, Uwe Rau, Liping Zhang, Zhengxin Liu, Kaining Ding
Summary: This study demonstrates the implementation of trimethyl boron doped p-type a-Si:H film as a hole transport layer contacting with indium-free aluminum doped zinc oxide in silicon heterojunction solar cells. The research shows that moderate doping concentration can help achieve low defect density and high doping level in the film, resulting in improved cell performance with low contact resistivity.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Chouprik, Roman Kirtaev, Evgeny Korostylev, Vitalii Mikheev, Maxim Spiridonov, Dmitrii Negrov
Summary: Ferroelectric hafnium oxide thin films, which are the most promising materials in microelectronics' non-volatile memory, exhibit unconventional ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity. This study introduces a new method to investigate the relationship between ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films. The results show that the doping concentration can determine the longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient, with a maximum value of -0.3 pm/V.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Quan Truong Hoang, Vasanthan Ravichandran, Thuy Giang Nguyen Cao, Ji Hee Kang, Young Tag Ko, Tae Il Lee, Min Suk Shim
Summary: This study developed piezoelectric, Au-decorated, poly(ethylene glycol)-coated zinc oxide nanorods for efficient cancer treatment via US-triggered piezocatalytic generation of ROS. The PL-loaded Au@P-ZnO NRs showed effective and cancer-specific cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells under US irradiation, confirming effective chemo-piezocatalytic combination cancer therapy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Anas A. Ahmed, Talal F. Qahtan, M. R. Hashim, Ahlaam T. Nomaan, Naif H. Al-Hardan, Marzaini Rashid
Summary: A hybrid self-powered sensor that converts incident light energy and light-induced temperature fluctuation into electrical signals is reported. This device exhibits high photo-to-dark current ratio and conspicuous light-induced pyroelectric voltage signals. The application of the photovoltaic-pyroelectric coupling effect allows the device to track high-frequency optical pulses.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chongsei Yoon, Buil Jeon, Giwan Yoon
Summary: This paper presents a highly durable and energy-efficient sandwich-type zinc oxide piezoelectric energy harvesting nanogenerator, fabricated in a cost-effective way. The device showed high output voltage and current, generating up to about 30 V peak-to-peak output voltage, which is higher than similar nanogenerators reported earlier. Variations in output voltage due to ZnO thicknesses, bending strain rates, and device sizes were investigated.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Review
Physics, Applied
Subhajit Pal, N. Sarath, K. Shanmuga Priya, P. Murugavel
Summary: Ferroelectric materials have photovoltaic properties and multifunctional application potential. The photovoltaic phenomenon in ferroelectric materials has recently attracted attention due to its anomalous characteristics and high efficiency in the nanoscale region. However, the low photocurrent response is a major barrier in developing ferroelectric photovoltaic solar cells.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
T. Mikolajick, S. Slesazeck, H. Mulaosmanovic, M. H. Park, S. Fichtner, P. D. Lomenzo, M. Hoffmann, U. Schroeder
Summary: Ferroelectrics are materials with a variety of functionalities, which need to be integrated into semiconductor processes for integrated systems. Recent discoveries in hafnium oxide and aluminum scandium nitride have expanded the potential for ferroelectric functions in integrated electronics in the future.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Tan Mao, Mengchen Liu, Liyuan Lin, Youliang Cheng, Changqing Fang
Summary: This paper summarizes the recent research on zinc oxide photocatalysts at home and abroad, introduces the methods of doping and compounding with other substances, and discusses the prospects of further improving catalytic efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Guo, Kun Song, Zipeng Yan, Peng Sun, Xiaojian Tan, Gang Wu, Qiang Zhang, Guo-Qiang Liu, Bo Yu, Jun Jiang
Summary: The study shows that the tiny Pb-doped Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 significantly enhances the thermoelectric performance, reduces lattice thermal conductivity, and achieves excellent ZT values at high temperatures. The constructed thermoelectric module can achieve high energy conversion efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tzu-Chuan Yang, Yi-Pei Jiang, Ting-Han Lin, Shih-Hsuan Chen, Ching-Mei Ho, Ming-Chung Wu, Jer-Chyi Wang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of n-butylamine-modified graphite nanoflakes on the properties of P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers, showing enhanced ferroelectric and piezoelectric behaviors. The modification of graphite nanoflakes reduced dielectric loss and improved the performance of piezoelectric nanogenerators. These modified copolymers hold promise for future applications in organic sensors and self-powered consumer electronics.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
D. Akcan
Summary: ZnO and ZnCoO nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal route using different Cobalt precursors and concentrations, with cobalt acetate tetrahydrate identified as the most suitable precursor. The effects of cobalt doping on the structure and properties of the nanoparticles were investigated, showing that cobalt doping significantly reduces the concentration of point defects in the nanoparticles.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jeongeun Kim, Yuseok Kim, Yerin Kim, Cheoljae Lee, Ju-Hyuck Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the application of Li-doped ZnO nanosheets in direct current high-performance piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs). Doping with lithium reduces the number of free electrons in ZnO, minimizing the screening effect and improving the piezoelectric output performance. The Li-doped ZnO nanosheet-based PENGs exhibit a 16-fold enhancement in output power compared to undoped ZnO nanosheet-based PENGs, with an output power of 6.552 mW cm(-2).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Wang, Xiao-Xian Chen, Le Ye, Ya-Ping Gong, Yu Shang, Wei-Xiong Zhang
Summary: A metal-free molecule-based ferroelectric material with excellent properties, including low hygroscopicity, wide band gap, soft mechanical properties, and exploitable piezoelectricity, was discovered. It showed great potential for applications in sensing and piezoelectric generation, and also inspired the design of next-generation multi-functional materials.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alice Massimiani, Filippo Panini, Simone Luigi Marasso, Nicolo Vasile, Marzia Quaglio, Christian Coti, Donatella Barbieri, Francesca Verga, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Dario Viberti
Summary: Understanding multiphase flow in porous media is important in various fields, but detailed visualization is challenging due to opacity and complexity. Microfluidic devices provide a solution by enabling direct visualization and control of fluid dynamics. In this study, two different micromodels were designed, fabricated, and tested for visualizing gas-brine flow in underground storage systems. Preliminary experiments were conducted to validate the design and fabrication procedures and to explore the impact of design on fluid dynamics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Petretta, Simona Villata, Marika Pia Scozzaro, Livia Roseti, Marta Favero, Lucia Napione, Francesca Frascella, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Brunella Grigolo, Eleonora Olivotto
Summary: This study aimed to develop a bioartificial synovial tissue using 3D bioprinting technology for drug screening or personalized medicine applications. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) and K4IM cells were used to fabricate cell-laden scaffolds with desired morphology and internal architecture. The scaffolds showed high cell viability and negligible cytotoxicity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Nicolo Cacocciola, Simone Luigi Marasso, Giancarlo Canavese, Matteo Cocuzza, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Frascella
Summary: Mechanical forces play a role in shaping and altering cells and tissue microenvironments. In this study, a versatile pneumatic system based on Arduino was developed to provide mechanical hydrostatic stimulation to a cell culture. The system is capable of modifying the hydrostatic pressure inside a culture chamber, allowing researchers to investigate the effects of dynamic compression on cell differentiation, stiffness, and cytoskeleton rearrangements. A human respiration-like compression pattern was used to mimic the mechanical stress conditions in the human lung alveoli.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alice Massimiani, Filippo Panini, Simone Luigi Marasso, Matteo Cocuzza, Marzia Quaglio, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Verga, Dario Viberti
Summary: Underground porous media are complex multiphase systems influenced by physical phenomena occurring at the pore(micro)-scale, and understanding pore-scale fluid flow, transport properties, and chemical reactions is crucial. Microfluidics, with its synthetic tools known as micromodels or microfluidic devices, offers direct visualization of fluid dynamics and has become a valuable tool for investigating multiphase flow in underground porous media. This article provides a review of the design, materials, and fabrication techniques of 2D micromodels, as well as their applications and limitations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessia Fortunati, Francesca Risplendi, Michele Re Fiorentin, Giancarlo Cicero, Emmanuele Parisi, Micaela Castellino, Elena Simone, Boyan Iliev, Thomas J. S. Schubert, Nunzio Russo, Simelys Hernandez
Summary: The development of efficient CO2 capture and utilization technologies driven by renewable energy sources is essential to reduce the impact of climate change. In this study, seven imidazolium-based ionic liquids were tested as catholytes for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO. Different selectivities for CO2 reduction or H2 evolution were observed among the different ionic liquids.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eleonora Cara, Philipp Hoenicke, Yves Kayser, Joerg K. N. Lindner, Micaela Castellino, Irdi Murataj, Samuele Porro, Angelo Angelini, Natascia De Leo, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Burkhard Beckhoff, Luca Boarino, Federico Ferrarese Lupi
Summary: This study characterized the sequential infiltration synthesis process and validated the results using nondestructive methods such as X-ray fluorescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Giulia Cuatto, Maddalena Zoli, Mario Gallone, Hilmar Guzman, Micaela Castellino, Simelys Hernandez
Summary: A facile, reproducible, and scalable wet precipitation method was optimized to synthesize Cu2O nanocubes with tuneable morphology and photocatalytic properties. The size of Cu2O crystallites was controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the reducing agent, resulting in enhanced photo-electrocatalytic activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Gianola, Nadia Garino, Mattia Bartoli, Adriano Sacco, Candido F. Pirri, Juqin Zeng
Summary: In this study, a green approach for synthesizing catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was reported. Conductive cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were obtained through pyrolysis and subsequently activated with sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) dopants and decorated with tin oxide (SnO2) nanocrystals using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process. The resulting N/S-doped CNC/SnO2 nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic performance towards the ORR in alkaline environment, which demonstrates its potential in alkaline fuel cell and metal-air battery applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan De Carlo, Luisa Baudino, Petr Klapetek, Mara Serrapede, Fabio Michieletti, Natascia De Leo, Fabrizio Pirri, Luca Boarino, Andrea Lamberti, Gianluca Milano
Summary: This study reports on the electrical and thermal properties of copper oxide nanowires synthesized through thermal growth on copper foil. The nanowires exhibited high conductivity and thermal conductivity, making them suitable for the rational design of optoelectronic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Massaglia, Tommaso Serra, Fabrizio Candido Pirri, Marzia Quaglio
Summary: This study investigates a new nanostructured gas diffusion layer (nano-GDL) to improve the performance of air cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cells (a-SCMFCs). The new nano-GDLs are fabricated using electrospinning to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction and show higher current density and energy recovery factor compared to standard GDL.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessio Mezza, Mattia Bartoli, Angelica Chiodoni, Juqin Zeng, Candido F. Pirri, Adriano Sacco
Summary: Gas-fed reactors for CO2 reduction are effective in mitigating CO2 accumulation, but the separation process of CO2 from flue gases is energy-demanding. Bicarbonate zero-gap flow reactors can integrate carbon capture and valorization, converting the bicarbonate solution into valuable chemicals to avoid expensive separation. This study investigates the influence of electrode structure on bicarbonate reactor performance, discovering a low-loaded silver-based electrode with enhanced selectivity and activity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yevgeniya Y. Kedruk, Alessandra Contestabile, Juqin Zeng, Marco Fontana, Marco Laurenti, Lesya V. Gritsenko, Giancarlo Cicero, Candido F. Pirri, Khabibulla A. Abdullin
Summary: This study investigates a unique method that utilizes ZnO nanostructures to address both wastewater treatment and CO2 reduction, turning them into useful feedstocks. The results show that the ZnO lamella morphology achieves the best performance, likely due to its higher aspect ratio.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Andrea Carpignano, Raffaella Gerboni, Alessio Mezza, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Adriano Sacco, Daniele Sassone, Alessandro Suriano, Anna Chiara Uggenti, Francesca Verga, Dario Viberti
Summary: New possibilities for repurposing old platforms have been explored, particularly for transitioning them from recreational tourism to fish farming. This study examines the potential conversion options in the context of the current energy transition and the offshore Italian scenario. The findings show that offshore platforms can be converted into valuable infrastructure, contributing to the energy transition targets, as long as system specificity is considered, including the relevant depleted reservoirs.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Christoforos Benetatos, Felice Catania, Giorgio Giglio, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Alice Raeli, Luciano Scaltrito, Cristina Serazio, Francesca Verga
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of underground fluid storage for balancing energy production and consumption, ensuring energy supply security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through CO2 geological sequestration. The authors developed a technology and methodology to monitor seabed movements and validate predictions of offshore underground fluid storage impacts. They integrated a measurement system into an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle to periodically monitor seabed bathymetry and compared these measurements with numerical simulations to confirm safety conditions. The Virtual Element Method was applied to simulate the response of the storage system to fluid storage.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Spisni, Giulia Massaglia, Valentina Bertana, Nicolo Vasile, Fabrizio C. Pirri, Stefano Bianco, Marzia Quaglio
Summary: This study proposes a redesign of asymmetric single-chamber microbial fuel cells (a-SCMFCs) with the goal of optimizing energy production. The introduction of a novel intermediate microfluidic septum (IMS) inside the electrolyte chamber is shown to enhance energy recovery and maximum output potential. The presence of IMS also improves the long-term stability and initial inoculation phase of electrical performance.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
