Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. R. Checca, F. F. Borghi, A. M. Rossi, A. Mello, A. L. Rossi
Summary: This study investigated the nanostructure of calcium phosphate films formed by pulsed laser deposition under high-pressure gas environment, using infrared and green laser sources. Five different calcium phosphate structures were identified, highlighting the complexity of the deposition and growth mechanism in this process.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Goby A. Govindassamy, Jake J. Prentice, James G. Lunney, Robert W. Eason, Jacob Mackenzie
Summary: This study investigates the influence of laser pulse repetition rate and substrate temperature on the properties of crystalline Sc2O3 films grown via pulsed laser deposition. The results reveal that a lower repetition rate favors highly textured/island growth and affects the lattice constant of the films. This work provides further evidence that energetic pulsed laser deposition dynamics leads to higher quality thin-film growth, contradicting the notion that lower pulse repetition rates result in higher quality films.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zikrulloh Khuzhakulov, Salizhan Kylychbekov, Yaran Allamyradov, Inomjon Majidov, Mikhail Khenner, Jasminka Terzic, Danielle Gurgew, Ali Oguz Er
Summary: This study investigated the deposition of Zirconium (Zr) thin films on silicon substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The experiments were performed with two different laser wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm), varying substrate temperatures (25 degrees C, 300 degrees C, and 500 degrees C), and laser fluences (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 J/cm2). Results showed that smoother films were obtained with the 1064 nm laser wavelength, and surface roughness increased with higher laser fluences. The optimal crystalline films were obtained at a substrate temperature of 300 degrees C. XRD, SEM, and AFM analysis provided patterns and peaks related to the laser parameters. Computational simulations based on a continuum model of thin film growth agreed with experimental observations. This study emphasizes the crucial factors affecting Zr thin film deposition and provides insights for optimizing PLD parameters to achieve high-quality films.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Prashant Bisht, Arvind Kumar, Abhishek Ghosh, Per Erik Vullum, Martin Fleissner Sunding, Branson D. Belle, Bodh Raj Mehta
Summary: In this study, WS2 thin films with controllable growth orientation were synthesized using pulsed laser deposition. The effect of growth parameters on the formation and properties of the films was investigated. The study found significant differences in the growth mechanisms, gas sensing parameters, and underlying mechanisms between vertically and horizontally grown films.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ju-Guang Hu, Tong Wu, Muhammad Ishaq, Umar Farooq, Shuo Chen, Zhuang-Hao Zheng, Zheng-Hua Su, Xiao-Dong Lin, Ping Fan, Hong-Li Ma, Xiang-Hua Zhang, Guang-Xing Liang
Summary: The CZTS thin-film solar cell achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 6.62% through pulsed laser deposition and sulfurization process, attributed to its optimized structure and composition. This research provides a facile and robust preparation method for CZTS films with enhanced photovoltaic properties and increased efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seyedeh Soraya Mousavi, Batool Sajad, Mehrnaz Simdar
Summary: Graphene-based composite thin films were deposited on glass substrates using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) at room temperature. The annealing temperature was found to have a significant effect on the chemical properties and photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite films. The stoichiometry and optical characteristics of the films could be accurately adjusted through optimized annealing temperature. Confocal Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a composite film with features of both ZnO and GQDs at 300°C. The optimized nanocomposite film showed a high photocatalytic ability with an 84% degradation rate for dye.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
J. Wang, D. G. Wang, X. T. Li, J. Q. Zhai, G. X. Lu, C. Z. Chen
Summary: In this study, beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/ZrO2 composite films were prepared using pulsed laser deposition technology, and the effects of different laser fluences on the properties of the films were investigated. The results showed that increasing the laser fluence resulted in an increase in the number of particles and droplets on the film surface, as well as an improvement in crystallinity. Properly increasing the laser fluence can lead to the formation of composite films with high crystallinity, good mechanical properties, and biocompatibility.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nick A. Shepelin, Zahra P. Tehrani, Natacha Ohannessian, Christof W. Schneider, Daniele Pergolesi, Thomas Lippert
Summary: Nanoscale thin films have a wide range of applications in various fields, and their functional tunability based on chemical composition has driven human progress. Pulsed laser deposition is an important method for fabricating thin films, using laser energy to form a plasma and deposit material onto a substrate. This technique allows for the production of crystalline films with a wide range of atmospheric conditions and chemical complexity. However, achieving high quality films with desired composition requires rigorous optimization of growth parameters. This tutorial review provides an overview of pulsed laser deposition, discusses the effects of growth parameters on film properties, and explores in situ monitoring techniques.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Jiqiang Jia, Chen Liu, Mengjiao Guo, Li Lei
Summary: This study reports the epitaxial growth process of negative-type high-temperature superconducting thin film Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 (NCCO) by pulsed laser deposition. The results show that a good superconducting phase can be prepared from NCCO films only when the heat treatment temperature is higher than 650°C. The optimal oxygen pressure and deoxidization temperature for phase formation and the superconductivity of NCCO films are also determined.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yunyan Liu, Ning Jiang, Yao Liu, Dawei Cui, Chang-Feng Yu, Huiqiang Liu, Zhao Li
Summary: Pulsed laser deposition was utilized to prepare tungsten trioxide films on ITO substrates with varying laser power densities. The films exhibited strong absorbance in the near-infrared region and excellent electrochromic properties, with changes in oxygen vacancies and structure observed at different laser power densities.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stefan Andrei Irimiciuc, Sergii Chertopalov, Maksym Buryi, Zdenek Remes, Martin Vondracek, Ladislav Fekete, Michal Novotny, Jan Lancok
Summary: CuI thin films were deposited with controlled morphology, structure, and defect nature in different Ar atmospheres. Band gap tailoring was achieved by controlling the plasma ion kinetic energy. Variation in Ar pressure allowed control over the nature of vacancies. Addition of Ar resulted in preferential scattering and energy losses of Cu ions in the plasma.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Beilei Yuan, Haoming Wei, Jingwei Li, Yu Zhou, Fan Xu, Jinkai Li, Bingqiang Cao
Summary: In this study, high-quality CsPbBr3 films were epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), showing precise composition, designed crystalline orientation, and controlled thickness. The CsPbBr3 films exhibited low defects in the bandgap and displayed typical thermally activated carrier behavior, confirming their quasi-intrinsic semiconductor nature. Overall, the results suggest that CsPbBr3 films with high crystal quality and low defect density can be grown epitaxially for potential applications in superlattices and quantum wells.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. Khan, L. Braic, Y. AlSalik, H. Idriss
Summary: Monolithic integration of metal oxide thin films with conventional semiconductors such as silicon and germanium allows for new functionalities in semiconductor devices. Using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), epitaxial strontium titanate (STO) films were grown on Ge (001) single crystal, achieving a sharp interface without interfacial amorphous oxide layer by optimizing surface preparation and deposition conditions. Factors such as Ge(001) surface substrate cleaning, growth temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and laser energy density are discussed for their effects on STO film growth, with the presence of O-2 leading to growth on (100) and (110) planes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryota Takahashi, Takahisa Yamamoto, Mikk Lippmaa
Summary: The study investigated the moderation of kinetic energy in PLD growth of SrTiO3 thin films using helium buffer gas. By reducing the kinetic energy of the plume, crystal defects were minimized, leading to improved film quality. Helium pressure was found to be crucial in tuning the functional properties of oxide films.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Stefan Neuhaus, Hagen Bartzsch, Steffen Cornelius, Katrin Pingen, Alexander Hinz, Peter Frach
Summary: This study investigates the reactive sputtering process for depositing epitaxially grown AlN films on Si(111) substrates, with XRD and rocking curves used to determine crystalline orientation. Effects of substrate temperature, target-substrate distance, and target voltage on RC-FWHM were studied, showing best oriented films achieved FWHM of 0.93.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Jing, Eric M. Fell, Min Wu, Shijian Jin, Yunlong Ji, Daniel A. Pollack, Zhijiang Tang, Dian Ding, Meisam Bahari, Marc-Antoni Goulet, Tatsuhiro Tsukamoto, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: Researchers have found that the redox potentials of anthraquinone are influenced by three main factors: (1) electron-withdrawing end groups affecting AQs with two unsaturated hydrocarbons on the chains through pi-conjugation; (2) WSGs increasing the redox potentials of AQs with chains consisting of two (un)saturated straight hydrocarbons in the order PO32- < CO2- < SO3-; (3) AQs with (un)saturated chains at high pH possessing low redox potentials, high solubilities, and high stability.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shijian Jin, Min Wu, Yan Jing, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: This work presents a safe and scalable electrochemical method for CO2 separation with low energy cost. By utilizing proton-coupled electron transfer of DSPZ molecules, CO2 absorption and release can be achieved effectively. The results show promising potential for practical application in the future.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Jing, Evan Wenbo Zhao, Marc-Antoni Goulet, Meisam Bahari, Eric M. Fell, Shijian Jin, Ali Davoodi, Erlendur Jonsson, Min Wu, Clare P. Grey, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: Aqueous organic redox flow batteries can achieve low-cost, long-lifetime energy storage by regenerating the original molecule, 2,6-dihydroxy-anthraquinone, without the need for further structural modifications.
Article
Electrochemistry
Kiana Amini, Eric M. Fell, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: We present a simple and inexpensive manual DC-offset method to extend the accepted voltage range of a battery cycler to negative voltages without interfering with the operation of the electrochemical cell under test or exceeding the voltage specifications of the instrument. The proposed setup is validated through short-term and long-term redox flow battery cycling, allowing the reversal of polarity required for various electrochemical cell operations.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinxu Gao, Kiana Amini, Thomas Y. George, Yan Jing, Tatsuhiro Tsukamoto, Dawei Xi, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: An iron complex with high redox potential and low capacity fade rate has been reported, demonstrating excellent cycling performance. The investigation provides unprecedented insights into the degradation mechanisms of the iron complex and guides further improvements for energy storage and conversion applications.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Michael J. Aziz, Dennice F. Gayme, Kathryn Johnson, Janelle Knox-Hayes, Perry Li, Eric Loth, Lucy Y. Pao, Donald R. Sadoway, Jessica Smith, Sonya Smith
Summary: The global growth of wind energy markets offers opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but wind variability and community concerns need to be carefully addressed. A co-design approach that considers social, technical, economic, and political factors can help tackle the challenges associated with wind energy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kiana Amini, Emily F. Kerr, Thomas Y. George, Abdulrahman M. Alfaraidi, Yan Jing, Tatsuhiro Tsukamoto, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: In this study, a stable and energy-dense anthraquinone compound with 2-2-propionate ether anthraquinone structure was synthesized and evaluated for use in an aqueous redox flow battery. The compound showed high stability and minimal degradation when subjected to different conditions and rejuvenation strategies. Degradation mechanisms, including side chain loss and anthrone formation, were identified. This study introduces a promising negolyte candidate for grid-scale aqueous organic redox flow batteries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emily F. Kerr, Zhijiang Tang, Thomas Y. George, Shijian Jin, Eric M. Fell, Kiana Amini, Yan Jing, Min Wu, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: A new compound, 2,6-D2PEAQ, was synthesized and evaluated for its use in aqueous redox flow batteries. It demonstrated remarkable solubility and stability, with a high theoretical volumetric capacity for the negative electrolyte. Furthermore, it exhibited a lower fade rate compared to other water-soluble organic molecules and a greater volumetric capacity.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Brian H. Robb, Thomas Y. George, Casey M. Davis, Zhijiang Tang, Cy H. Fujimoto, Michael J. Aziz, Michael P. Marshak
Summary: Redox flow batteries (RFBs) with highly selective and conductive membranes can achieve long lifetimes and high performance. The use of a sulfonated Diels-Alder poly(phenylene) membrane in RFBs shows low and stable potassium area specific resistance, high efficiency cycling, and undetectable ferricyanide crossover. This membrane also exhibits favorable conductivity for different monovalent cations, which can improve the performance of other RFBs.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Thomas Y. George, Emily F. Kerr, Naphtal O. Haya, Abdulrahman M. Alfaraidi, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: Organic reactants have great potential for long-lifetime redox flow batteries, and synthetic chemistry provides a wide range of choices for new molecules. It is important to minimize the crossover of these molecules through ion exchange membranes, but the relationship between crossover rate and the structure of the crossing species is not well understood. This study systematically evaluates the effects of size and charge on the permeability of small molecules through the Nafion NR212 cation exchange membrane, revealing that increasing the charge number results in significant permeability reduction, while size-based effects have a smaller impact on permeability.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Eric M. Fell, Diana De Porcellinis, Yan Jing, Valeria Gutierrez-Venegas, Thomas Y. George, Roy G. Gordon, Sergio Granados-Focil, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: We evaluated the suitability of potassium ferri-/ferrocyanide as an electroactive species for aqueous organic redox flow batteries. Our findings indicate that there is no structural decomposition of ferri-/ferrocyanide at pH values as high as 14 in the dark or in indoor light, contrasting with previous reports. Instead, a chemical reduction of ferricyanide to ferrocyanide via chemical oxygen evolution reaction leads to an apparent capacity fade. This parasitic process can be exacerbated by carbon electrodes, and the apparent capacity fade rates can be engineered through the initial system setup.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kiana Amini, Amit N. N. Shocron, Matthew E. E. Suss, Michael J. J. Aziz
Summary: Redox flow batteries have the potential to provide inexpensive and widely deployable energy storage for intermittent renewable electricity. However, their commercialization is limited by high capital costs. This study summarizes the reported areal power densities for lab-scale RFBs, evaluates power optimization pathways, and identifies opportunities for developing higher power density systems.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdulrahman M. Alfaraidi, Bryan Kudisch, Nina Ni, Jayden Thomas, Thomas Y. George, Khashayar Rajabimoghadam, Haihui Joy Jiang, Daniel G. Nocera, Michael J. Aziz, Richard Y. Liu
Summary: Separating and capturing CO2 from sources or the atmosphere is crucial for climate change mitigation. However, the current strategies have high energy costs. This study demonstrates a photochemically driven system that can capture and release CO2 using sunlight. The findings provide thermodynamic and kinetic principles for the development of solar-powered negative emission technologies.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinxu Gao, Kyumin Lee, Kiana Amini, Roy G. Gordon, Theodore A. Betley, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: In this study, a novel iron-based posolyte redox species, FeTPEN, with high redox potential and remarkable aqueous solubility, paired with a specific compound, demonstrated excellent performance in the redox flow battery. The post analysis of the electrolyte provides insights for future stabilization strategies.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Min Wu, Meisam Bahari, Yan Jing, Kiana Amini, Eric M. Fell, Thomas Y. George, Roy G. Gordon, Michael J. Aziz
Summary: This study reports a highly stable and potentially inexpensive negolyte species, 2,6-N-TSAQ, for aqueous organic redox flow batteries. The authors demonstrate that pairing 2,6-N-TSAQ with potassium ferrocyanide can achieve the highest open-circuit voltage and low capacity fade rate. However, when cycled at neutral pH, 2,6-N-TSAQ exhibits a significantly higher capacity fade rate. This work highlights the importance of understanding decomposition mechanisms for the development of viable flow battery electrolytes.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2022)