National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) is a promising material for thin-film solar cells due to its suitable band gap, high absorption coefficient, and composition of earth-abundant and nontoxic elements. In this study, we prepared CZTSe thin films from Cu/SnSe2 and ZnSe stacks using a two-step annealing process. Initially, Cu-Sn-Se (CTSe) films were synthesized by sequential deposition and annealing of Cu and SnSe2 precursors in either a selenium (Se) or tin-selenium (Sn+Se) atmosphere. After the deposition of a ZnSe layer on top of CTSe films, the stack underwent a second annealing process, again in either a Se or Sn+Se atmosphere, resulting in four distinct annealing combinations: Se -> Se, Sn+Se -> Se, Se -> Sn+Se, and Sn+Se -> Sn+Se. The first annealing step enabled the formation of CTSe, while the second annealing step, performed after ZnSe deposition, led to the formation of the CZTSe phase. Comprehensive characterization including grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrical measurements was conducted. GIXRD and Raman analysis revealed kesterite CZTSe phase peaks, with some samples showing a split in the main peak at similar to 27 degrees (2 theta), indicating the presence of Cu x Se and ZnSe secondary phases. SEM analysis showed the impact of Sn and Se annealing on grain size, with larger grains observed in films annealed in Sn+Se atmospheres, particularly in the second heat treatment process. EDS results displayed consistent elemental composition across samples, with varying Cu/(Zn+Sn), Zn/Sn and Se/metal ratios influencing the band gap values from 1.09 to 1.63 eV. Hall measurements indicated p-type conductivity with carrier concentrations between 1016 and 1023 cm-3. These results highlight the effectiveness of our two-step annealing process, particularly the Sn+Se atmosphere, in optimizing CZTSe thin films for potential use in high-efficiency thin-film solar cells.

Potassium ions are important for developing electrode materials because they have similar properties to lithium and sodium ions. Mixed chromium phosphates (KMIICr(PO4)2) II Cr (PO 4 ) 2 ) with substituted M II sites using divalent elements (M = Ni, Co, Cu) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. The samples were analyzed using various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The proposed phosphates had a monoclinic phase structure with a P21/n 1 /n space group, and they contained large tunnels occupied by K+ + cations. The dielectric properties showed that the Ni-based phosphates had slower dielectric relaxation, while the Co and Cu-based phosphates had quicker polarization and depolarization processes. Additionally, the resistance of the grains decreased from Ni to Co to Cu-based phosphates, indicating easier charge movement in each material, consistent with the increase in conductive losses and a.c. conductivity when changing the M II ions.

Expression of concern for 'Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with versatile surface functions based on dopamine anchors' by Mykola Mazur et al., Nanoscale, 2013, 5, 2692-2702, https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NR33506B.

The spin frustration and other magnetic properties of the "cartwheel" heptanuclear cluster [FeIII 7O3(O2C t Bu)9(Me-dea)3(H2O)3] (Me-deaH2 = N-methyldiethanolamine) have been previously investigated; we present here a Mossbauer spectroscopic study and sub-Kelvin magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements which enable a complete magnetic picture of this frustrated cluster. 57Fe Mossbauer spectra above 150 K showed three doublets in a 1:3:3 ratio, which could be assigned by their respective quadrupole splittings to the central Fe(1) and the peripheral Fe(2) and Fe(3). The field dependence of the corresponding magnetic sextets at 3 K showed that the spins on the central Fe(1) and the three peripheral Fe(2) sites with O5N coordination are oriented mutually coparallel, while these are antiparallel to the spins on the peripheral Fe(3) sites with O6 coordination, resulting in an overall S = 5/2 ground state. This provides experimental confirmation of the previously proposed spin ground state structure. Upon cooling to sub-Kelvin temperatures, a crossover to spin blocking with T B approximate to 0.21 K could be observed. This single-molecule magnet behavior had been expected but had not been observable with a conventional SQUID. The anisotropy barrier, of 3-fold symmetry, can be described in terms of the parameter D/k B = -0.47 K and a fourth-order perturbation; the latter enables thermally activated quantum tunneling through the excited sublevel m z = +/- 3/2, with an activation barrier of U/k B = 1.9 K.

Kynurenic acid (KA) is an active metabolite of tryptophan with notable biological effects, such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It often undergoes changes of the concentration in biological fluids in chronic diseases. Thus, detecting KA is of great importance for diagnosing inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions, monitoring disease progression, and assessing responses to pharmacological treatment. This study aimed to design a tailored, flexible platform for sensitive and direct electrochemical detection of KA in biological fluids. Carbon-based electrodes were custom-printed in the lab using specialized inks and flexible substrates. The working electrodes were further functionalized with graphene oxide and subsequently electrochemically reduced to increase the sensitivity toward the analyte. An optimized differential pulse voltammetry protocol was developed for KA detection. The elaborated platform was firstly characterized and then evaluated regarding the analytical performances. It showed a good limit of detection (3 nM and demonstrated the capability to detect KA across a broad concentration range (0.01-500 mu M). Finally, the elaborated flexible platform, was succesfully applied for KA determination in serum and saliva samples, in comparison with an optimized HPLC-UV method. The developed platform is the first example of in-lab printed flexible platform reported in literature so far for KA detection. It is also the first study reported in the literature of detection of KA in raw saliva collected from 10 subjects. The sensitivity towards the target analyte, coupled with the adaptability and portability, showcases the potential of this platform for thus illustrating great potential for further development of wearable sensors and biomedical applications.

Cu-doped hydroxyapatite (CuHAp) thin films were obtained using spin coating method. To make these thin films, CuHAp suspensions obtained by sol-gel method were used. The coatings obtained were thermally treated at 500 degrees C. After the thermal treatment, the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the stability of the suspensions before being used to obtain the thin films was certified by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential methods and ultrasound measurements. In the XRD patterns, the peaks associated with hexagonal hydroxyapatite were identified in accordance with JCPDS no. 09-0432. EDS and XPS results confirmed the presence of Cu ions in the samples. Data about the morphological features and chemical composition of CuHAp thin films were obtained by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. Our results suggest that the CuHAp thin films surface is continuous and homogenous. The presence of the functional groups in the CuHAp thin films was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy studies. Information about the surface topography of the CuHAp thin films has been obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM images determined that the surface topography of the CuHAp thin layer is homogenous and continuous without presenting any unevenness or fissures. The cytotoxicity of CuHAp thin films was assessed using human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) cells. The results of the cell viability assays demonstrated that the thin films presented good biocompatible properties towards the HGF-1 cells. Additionally, the adherence and development of HGF-1 cells on the surface of CuHAp thin films were determined using AFM. The AFM surface topographies highlighted that the CuHAp thin film's surface favored the attachment and proliferation of HGF-1 cells on their surface.

In the current study, a porous composite material, hydroxyapatite/chitosan/microcrystalline-cellulose (CaHAp-CS-MCC), was successfully prepared and used for the adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) from water. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), specific surface area (SSA), and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the prepared adsorbents. CaHAp-CS-MCC exhibited a decrease in crystallinity and reduction in crystallite size. CaHAp-CS-MCC surface exhibited cracks and pores. AFM displayed changes in surface micro-texture of CaHAp, formation of new surface structures, and variations in particle size and distribution. Upon grafting CaHAp with CS and MCC, its specific surface area decreased from 139.224 to 11.775 m2/g. BET suggested that filling CaHAp pores by CS and MCC contributed to the reduction in surface area. The pore volume values decreased from 2.56 x 10-1 (CaHAp) to 3.91 x 10-2 cm3/g (CaHAp-CS-MCC). Adsorption equilibrium was reached at about 40 min. The adsorption capacities values of CaHAp-CS-MCC and CaHAp were equal to 248 mg/g and 92 mg/g, respectively. The pseudo-second order and the Langmuir equations fitted well the adsorption phenomenon. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed an exothermic and non-spontaneous system.

Bimetallic (Ta/Ti, V, Co, Nb) mesoporous MCM-41 nanoparticles were obtained by direct synthesis and hydrothermal treatment. The obtained mesoporous materials were characterized by XRD, XRF, N2 adsorption/desorption, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy. A more significant effect was observed on the mesoporous structure, typically for MCM-41, and on optic properties if the second metal (Ti, Co) did not belong to the same Vb group with Ta as V and Nb. The XPS showed for the TaTi-MCM-41 sample that framework titanium is the major component. The new nanoparticles obtained were used as catalysts for oxidation with hydrogen peroxide of olefinic compounds (1,4 cyclohexadiene, cyclohexene, styrene) and photodegradation of organic pollutants (phenol, methyl orange) from water. The results showed improvementsin activity and selectivity in oxidation reactions by the addition of the second metal to the Ta-MCM-41 catalyst. The slow addition of H2O2 was also beneficial for the selectivity of epoxide products and the stability of the catalysts. The band gap energy values decreased in the presence of the second metal, and the band edge diagram evidenced positive potential for all the conduction bands of the bimetallic samples. The highestlevels of photocatalytic degradation were obtained for the samples with TaTi and TaV.