Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chanthawut Jetjamnong, Sutharat Chotikaprakhan, Rattanachai Kowong, Chanunthorn Chananonnawathorn, Atipong Bootchanont, Tossaporn Lertvanithphol, Saksorn Limwichean, Puchong Kijamnajsuk, Annop Klamchuen, Gang Meng, Anucha Watcharapasorn, Hideki Nakajima, Mati Horprathum
Summary: In this study, NiWO nanorod films were prepared using reactive magnetron co-sputtering with oblique angle deposition. The influence of Ni target sputtering power on the microstructural, morphology, and chemical composition of the films was investigated. Results showed that the sputtering power affected the diameter, length, and tilt angle of the nanorods, while surface roughness increased with increasing Ni sputtering power.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Alvarez, Guillermo Regodon, Hiedra Acosta-Rivera, Victor Rico, German Alcala, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Alberto Palmero
Summary: This paper studied the morphology and void connectivity of thin films grown by magnetron sputtering deposition at oblique geometries. A well-tested thin film growth model was used, along with experimental data, to assess the features of these layers. The film morphology and pore topology varied significantly with the growth conditions, which were linked to the different collisional transport of sputtered species in the plasma gas. Four different film morphologies were identified, and their porous network characteristics were described, explaining their potential applications in electrochromic sensors or infiltration with nanoparticles.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Leo Alvarez-Fraga, Raul Gago, Jose de Jesus Araiza, Jon Azpeitia, Ignacio Jimenez, Olga Sanchez
Summary: Un-doped and silver-doped zinc oxide films were prepared using oblique incidence sputtering deposition with different process parameters. The crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface morphology were found to affect the optical properties and wettability of the films. The wettability of the uZO films varied from hydrophilic to hydrophobic based on the orientation, inclination, and morphology of the columnar structure. The hydrophobic behavior of the SZO films increased with higher silver content, with the most hydrophobic surface observed when the Ag content was above 7 at.%.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bertrand Lacroix, Fabien Paumier, Antonio J. Santos, Florian Maudet, Thierry Girardeau, Cyril Dupeyrat, Rafael Garcia, Francisco M. Morales
Summary: In this study, nanostructured ITO thin films were prepared using ion beam sputtering and oblique angle deposition techniques, and the effects of different experimental conditions on the surface texture of the films were investigated. The results demonstrate that the texture engineering of the films can be achieved by controlling the atomic mobility and deposition angle under specific experimental conditions.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhang, Honglie Shen, Jiawei Ge, Binbin Xu, Pingyuan Yan, Jingzhe Zhang
Summary: In this study, high-quality AlyNi1-yOx hole transport layers were prepared by magnetron sputtering at room temperature, and the efficiency of the solar cells was improved by enhancing the hole concentration and optimizing charge transfer and extraction. This work provides a prospective reference for the high-throughput production of perovskite solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Haonan Li, Yuechan Li, Xiuxiu Li, An Xie, Dongya Sun, Yi Wang
Summary: This paper investigated the microstructure and electrochromic properties of nickel oxide films deposited on ITO-coated glass substrates at different sputtering pressures, finding that the films showed the best surface morphology and outstanding electrochromic performances at 2.4 Pa.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Simon Hurand, Alan Corvisier, Bertrand Lacroix, Antonio Jesus Santos, Florian Maudet, Cyril Dupeyrat, Rafael Garcia Roja, Francisco Miguel Morales, Thierry Girardeau, Fabien Paumier
Summary: This paper investigates the anisotropic optical properties of nanometer-scale structured thin films by combining Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The study finds that, in the visible-near infrared range, the films exhibit a ripple-like structure with higher optical index perpendicular to the slanting plane. In the infrared range, the films deposited with xenon show strong optical anisotropy due to the anisotropic free-carrier scattering within the nanoscopic sub-columnar structure.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Deepika Jhajhria, Pranjala Tiwari, Ramesh Chandra
Summary: This study presents the use of oblique angle deposition to fabricate highly porous and nanostructured titanium nitride films for microsupercapacitors. The intercolumnar porosity of the films can be controlled by adjusting the oblique angle, and films with high porosity exhibit increased specific surface area and improved electrolyte permeation. Furthermore, the researchers demonstrate the successful fabrication of a planar interdigitated microsupercapacitor using the optimized titanium nitride film, which shows excellent performance in charging/discharging cycles and energy/power density.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
S. Munoz-Pina, A. M. Alcaide, B. Limones-Ahijon, M. Oliva-Ramirez, V. Rico, G. Alcala, M. U. Gonzalez, J. M. Garcia-Martin, R. Alvarez, D. Wang, P. Schaaf, A. R. Gonzalez-Elipe, A. Palmero
Summary: By utilizing oblique angle geometry on well-designed patterned substrates, singular structures can be induced to grow at the nanoscale, enabling thin film nanostructuring. Selective growth based on height occurs in the initial stages of film deposition, until a critical thickness is reached where the film morphology becomes independent of substrate features. A general formula relating spatial features of the pattern, coarsening exponent, and Oblivion Thickness has been deduced.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meryem Sena Akkus
Summary: In this study, nickel, nickel-chromium alloy, and nickel-vanadium alloy were coated to form a thin film on the slides prepared by magnetron sputtering process as catalysts for the hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride. The effects of solution temperature, catalyst amount, initial pH, and catalyst performance on hydrogen generation rate were investigated using response surface methodology. The maximum hydrogen generation rates for Ni, NiCr, and NiV catalysts were determined under optimized conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rattanachai Kowong, Somyod Denchitcharoen, Tossaporn Lertvanithphol, Narit Triamnak, Chanunthorn Chananonnawathorn, Kata Jaruwongrungsee, Annop Klamchuen, Pennapa Muthitamongkol, Wuttichai Phae-ngam, Hideki Nakajima, Prayoon Songsiriritthigul, Mati Horprathum
Summary: In this study, Zr-W-Ti nanostructured metallic glasses thin films were systematically investigated on silicon wafer substrates using multitarget co-sputtering with oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique. The substrate angles were varied to observe the evolution of NMGs from dense to nanocolumnar and nanorod films. The relationship between substrate angles and the tilt angle of Zr-W-Ti NMGs was discussed, and the chemical compositions were revealed through XPS analysis. Results showed that the prepared films exhibited an amorphous structure, suggesting potential applications in gas storage and sensor devices.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cristina C. Gheorghiu, Aurelia Ionescu, Maria-Iulia Zai, Decebal Iancu, Ion Burducea, Gihan Velisa, Bogdan S. Vasile, Adelina C. Ianculescu, Mariana Bobeica, Daniel Popa, Victor Leca
Summary: In this study, (110) preferred orientation nanocrystalline Fe thin films were grown on (100)-oriented Si substrates using oblique angle RF magnetron sputtering. The evolution of key parameters of the films, such as nanostructure, morphology, topography, and elemental composition, was discussed thoroughly. The results show that the growth process and morphology of the Fe thin film are strongly influenced by deposition pressure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Fan, Xuguo Huai, Jie Wang, Li-Chao Jing, Tao Wang, Juncheng Liu, Hong-Zhang Geng
Summary: A novel and facile method for reducing graphene oxide (GO) film using electron transfer and nascent hydrogen between aluminum (Al) film and hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution was reported. The reduction process only takes 5 minutes, significantly shorter than other chemical methods, and produces graphene film with improved properties.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
A. V. Svalov, I. A. Makarochkin, A. A. Pasynkova, A. A. Feshchenko, E. V. Kudyukov, V. N. Lepalovskii, G. V. Kurlyandskaya
Summary: The peculiarities of induced magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal processes of single-layer and multilayer Fe20Ni80 films prepared by oblique angle deposition have been studied. In-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropy was found in all single-layer films, while multilayer films showed a special angle between the magnetic anisotropy axes of individual layers. The magnetization reversal processes considered the role of both coherent magnetic moment rotation and the nucleation of reverse magnetization domains and domain wall motion.
PHYSICS OF METALS AND METALLOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafal Chodun, Bartosz Wicher, Katarzyna Nowakowska-Langier, Roman Minikayev, Marlena Dypa-Uminska, Krzysztof Zdunek
Summary: This study presents the experimental results of high-temperature sputtering nickel targets using the GIMS technique, demonstrating that the low sputtering temperature range may be more interesting from a practical perspective.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Inigo Fernandez, Soledad Carinelli, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Mora, Reynaldo Villalonga, Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo
Summary: In this study, nickel oxide nanoparticles-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared and applied for H2O2 sensing. The modified nanocomposite showed high sensitivity, excellent anti-interference properties, reproducibility, and stability. It was successfully used for the detection of H2O2 concentration in commercial antiseptic solutions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo, Maria Lopez-Perez, Maria Esther Martin-Gonzalez, Francisco Hernandez-Suarez, M. Candelaria Martin-Luis
Summary: In this study, we investigated the dynamics of radon concentration in the touristic section of La Cueva del Viento volcano lava tube. The results showed that seasonal and daily variations of indoor radon concentrations were influenced by pluviometry and external air temperature. A suitable model for short-term forecasting was developed using time series and frequency analysis methods. The annual effective doses received by touristic guides and visitors were found to be approximately 2 mSv/yr and 4 μSv/hr, respectively. Based on the results, it was concluded that La Cueva del Viento is safe for tourists and guides, but a regular monitoring program should be implemented.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luca Tramarin, Rafael Casquel, Jorge Gil-Rostra, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Martinez, Raquel Herrero-Labrador, Ana Maria M. Murillo, Maria Fe Laguna, Maria-Jose Banuls, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Miguel Holgado
Summary: In this study, a dual optical and electrochemical sensor based on resonant nanopillars coated with ITO thin film was developed. The ITO layer acted as an electrode without compromising the optical sensing capability. The experimental results were supported by theoretical simulations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaime del Moral, Laura Montes, Victor Joaquin Rico-Gavira, Carmen Lopez-Santos, Stefan Jacob, Manuel Oliva-Ramirez, Jorge Gil-Rostra, Armaghan Fakhfouri, Shilpi Pandey, Miguel Gonzalez del Val, Julio Mora, Paloma Garcia-Gallego, Pablo Francisco Ibanez-Ibanez, Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Valverde, Andreas Winkler, Ana Borras, Agustin Rodriguez Gonzalez-Elipe
Summary: The use of acoustic waves for de-icing and anti-icing purposes shows promising potential, as it provides a synergistic effect when combined with surface modifications. Experiments conducted in laboratory and icing wind tunnel settings demonstrate the real-time monitoring capabilities of acoustic wave devices in icing processes.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
M. El Fazdoune, K. Bahend, S. Ben Jadi, M. Oubella, F. J. Garcia-Garcia, E. A. Bazzaoui, A. Asserghine, M. Bazzaoui
Summary: The electrochemical deposition of methylene blue (MB) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) from an aqueous solution of sodium saccharin was successfully achieved by various techniques. The resulting PMB films on FTO were characterized to be compact, homogeneous, and adherent by SEM. Optical analysis indicated that the PMB films had an absorption in the visible range, showcasing their potential for photovoltaic applications.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jorge Gil-Rostra, Javier Castillo-Seoane, Qian Guo, Ana Belen Jorge Sobrido, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Ana Borras
Summary: This work proposes a new architecture of photoelectrodes consisting of supported multishell nanotubes fabricated by a soft-template approach. The obtained NT electrodes have a large electrochemically active surface and outperform the efficiency of equivalent planar-layered electrodes by more than one order of magnitude. The characteristics of the WO3/BiVO4 Schottky barrier heterojunction control the NT electrode efficiency, which depends on the BiVO4 outer layer thickness and the incorporation of the CoPi electrocatalyst, as demonstrated by thorough electrochemical analysis.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gerardo Asensio, Ana M. Hernandez-Arriaga, Marcela Martin-del-Campo, M. Auxiliadora Prieto, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Luis Rojo, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa
Summary: The accumulation of bacteria over implant surfaces is the main cause of failure, and the development of antimicrobial surfaces is crucial. Additionally, the durability and mechanical performance of implants are determined by their osseointegration capacity and infection prevention. Therefore, bioactive surfaces are being researched to improve implant osseointegration and infection prophylaxis.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Inigo Fernandez, Soledad Carinelli, Jose Luis Gonzalez-Mora, Reynaldo Villalonga, Maria Lecuona, Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo
Summary: This paper describes the synthesis and biofunctionalization of magnetic nanoparticles for the immunochemical determination of Escherichia coli. The homemade MNPs showed good analytical properties and were successfully used in electrochemical detection. The method achieved a quantitative determination of E. coli with a wide linear working range and a low detection limit.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
A. M. Alcaide, G. Regodon, F. J. Ferrer, V Rico, R. Alvarez, T. C. Rojas, A. R. Gonzalez-Elipe, A. Palmero
Summary: The formation of monoclinic VO2 crystal domains at low temperatures in nanocolumnar vanadium/oxygen thin films deposited via magnetron sputtering is analyzed. The synthesis involved depositing amorphous nanocolumnar VO1.9 thin films at room temperature and annealing them at temperatures between 250 - 330 ? in an oxygen atmosphere. The nanocolumnar structures exhibited a thermochromic transition at 47 ? (for annealing at 270 ?) and 58 ? (for annealing at 280 and 290 ?), resulting in a significant drop in optical transmittance in the infrared region.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paula Navascues, Juan Garrido-Garcia, Jose Cotrino, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Ana Gomez-Ramirez
Summary: This study investigates the synthesis of ammonia using plasma-catalysis and examines the role of various catalyst materials. The results show that while ruthenium particles have some catalytic activity under certain conditions, they do not significantly improve the yield and energy efficiency of ammonia synthesis. The ferroelectric material and the alumina coating play important roles in regulating discharge and cooling the plasma, respectively.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Alvarez, Guillermo Regodon, Hiedra Acosta-Rivera, Victor Rico, German Alcala, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Alberto Palmero
Summary: This paper studied the morphology and void connectivity of thin films grown by magnetron sputtering deposition at oblique geometries. A well-tested thin film growth model was used, along with experimental data, to assess the features of these layers. The film morphology and pore topology varied significantly with the growth conditions, which were linked to the different collisional transport of sputtered species in the plasma gas. Four different film morphologies were identified, and their porous network characteristics were described, explaining their potential applications in electrochromic sensors or infiltration with nanoparticles.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Stefan Jacob, Shilpi Pandey, Jaime Del Moral, Atefeh Karimzadeh, Jorge Gil-Rostra, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Ana Borras, Andreas Winkler
Summary: This study successfully demonstrates the de-icing functionality of large areas covered with thick layers of glaze ice using nanoscale activation by surface acoustic waves. The method shows potential for practical applications in various industries.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Soledad Carinelli, Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo, Julio Ernesto De la Rosa Melian, Francisco Garcia-Garcia
Summary: The present work introduces the preparation of novel copper oxide thin film-modified indium tin oxide electrodes by magnetron sputtering, and their application for glucose sensing. The electrodes showed remarkable electrocatalytic properties for glucose detection with high sensitivity and low limit of detection. They also exhibited negligible response against common electroactive species and other sugars.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Rico, G. F. Regodon, A. Garcia-Valenzuela, A. M. Alcaide, M. Oliva-Ramirez, T. C. Rojas, R. Alvarez, F. J. Palomares, A. Palmero, A. R. Gonzalez-Elipe
Summary: In this study, a novel methodology of plasma-assisted thin film structuration was proposed by combining piezoelectric AWs and plasmas during the growth of a thin film. SiO2 and SiOx (x<2) thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering at oblique angles (MS-OAD) on an electro-acoustically excited LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate under resonant conditions. The resulting films exhibited 2D patterned microstructure with submillimeter size intermingled zones, which replicated the distribution of polarization potential on the AW activated substrate immersed in the plasma. The main mechanism responsible for the appearance of domains with different morphology and chemical composition was found to be the focused impingement of Ar+ plasma ions on certain regions of the substrate. The discussed the general character of this patterning process, the underlying physics, and its possibilities to tailor the composition and microstructure of dielectric thin film materials.
