National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

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702 articles found

1. Cu2SnSe3 phase formation from different metallic and binary chalcogenides stacks using magnetron sputtering

Authors: Zaki, MY; Sava, F; Simandan, ID; Buruiana, AT; Mihai, C; Velea, A; Galca, AC

Published: JAN 2023, MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING, 153, 107195, DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2022.107195

Cu2SnSe3 (CTSe) is a polyvalent material that can be used as an absorber layer for thin film solar cells or as a starting layer for the synthesis of CZTSe or CZTSSe compounds. Obtaining CTSe single phase films with opti-mized properties for thin film solar cells is a difficult task. A systematic study using both metallic and binary chalcogenides precursors for the formation of the CTSe phase was not performed. The films consisting of four different stacks (Sn\Cu, SnSe2\Cu, Sn\Cu2Se, and SnSe2\Cu2Se) were prepared by magnetron sputtering on soda lime glass (SLG) and molybdenum (Mo) coated SLG substrates, followed by annealing at 550 degrees C under Sn + Se atmosphere. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results indicated the formation of a single CTSe phase in most of the stacks deposited on both substrates. Scanning electron microscopy images showed compact surfaces with large grains in the films deposited on Mo substrate, while the films on SLG have more voids on their sur-faces. The elemental analysis measured by energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed stoichiometric films on Mo, and copper and tin rich compositions on SLG substrates. The band gap values inferred by conventional spec-troscopy are between 0.81 and 1.95 eV. It was found that the SnSe2\Cu and Sn\Cu2Se stacks are preferred for the formation of a single CTSe phase, with dense surface morphology, a stoichiometric composition, and an optimal absorber layer band gap. This study opens the way to comprehend the formation reactions during the seleni-zation of metallic and binary chalcogenides precursors towards the optimization of kesterite absorber for photovoltaic device fabrication.

2. Up-Conversion Luminescence and Magnetic Properties of Multifunctional Er3+/Yb3+-Doped SiO2-GdF3/LiGdF4 Glass Ceramics

Authors: Secu, C; Bartha, C; Radu, C; Secu, M

Published: JAN 2023, MAGNETOCHEMISTRY, 9, 11, DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry9010011

Glassy nanocomposites containing Yb3+/Er3+-doped GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystals have been prepared by controlled crystallization of the xerogel and the structural, up-conversion luminescence, and magnetic properties were analyzed and discussed. Structural and morphological analysis showed uniform distribution of both GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystals (tens of nm size), embedded in silica glass matrix as the result of thermal decomposition of the trifluoracetates, revealed as a strong exothermic peak at about 300 degrees C; the Li-ions co-doping showed a strong influence on the GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystalline fraction. The energy dispersive spectrometry mapping showed Gd, F and Yb, Er within the nanocrystals but not in the silica glass matrix. X-ray diffraction pattern analysis indicated the crystalline lattice distortion consistent with the Yb/Er incorporation in both fluoride nanocrystals. The "green" ((H-2(11/2), S-4(3/2)) -> I-4(15/2)) and "red" (F-4(9/2)-> I-4(15/2)) up-conversion luminescences at 525, 545, and 660 nm observed under 980 nm laser light pumping were assigned to the Er3+ ions deexcitation through a two-photon process. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposite are strongly temperature dependent. The magnetization hysteresis loops show a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures (5K) related to the rare-earth ions contribution and the saturation magnetization of 39 emu/g. At 300 K a paramagnetic behavior was observed that was ascribed to the non-interacting localized nature of the magnetic moment of the rare-earth ions. Hence, such novel, multifunctional magnetic and optical materials can allow the intertwining between magnetism and photonics and might offer new opportunities for new magneto-optical device development.

3. Functionalization of Graphene Derivatives with Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Uric Acid Detection

Authors: Vaduva, M; Baibarac, M; Cramariuc, O

Published: JAN 2023, MOLECULES, 28, 135, DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010135

In this article, we review recent progress concerning the development of sensorial platforms based on graphene derivatives and conducting polymers (CPs), alternatively deposited or co-deposited on the working electrode (usually a glassy carbon electrode; GCE) using a simple potentiostatic method (often cyclic voltammetry; CV), possibly followed by the deposition of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) on the electrode surface (ES). These materials have been successfully used to detect an extended range of biomolecules of clinical interest, such as uric acid (UA), dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), adenine, guanine, and others. The most common method is electrochemical synthesis. In the composites, which are often combined with metallic NPs, the interaction between the graphene derivatives-including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO), or graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-and the CPs is usually governed by non-covalent functionalization through pi-pi interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals (VW) forces. The functionalization of GO, RGO, or GQDs with CPs has been shown to speed up electron transfer during the oxidation process, thus improving the electrochemical response of the resulting sensor. The oxidation mechanism behind the electrochemical response of the sensor seems to involve a partial charge transfer (CT) from the analytes to graphene derivatives, due to the overlapping of pi orbitals.

4. Effects of Solvent Additive and Micro-Patterned Substrate on the Properties of Thin Films Based on P3HT:PC70BM Blends Deposited by MAPLE

Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Petre, G; Stanculescu, A; Stavarache, I; Popescu-Pelin, G; Stochioiu, A; Socol, G; Iftimie, S; Thanner, C; Rasoga, O

Published: JAN 2023, MATERIALS, 16, 144, DOI: 10.3390/ma16010144

Lately, there is a growing interest in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells due to the organic materials' properties and compatibility with various types of substrates. However, their efficiencies are low relative to the silicon ones; therefore, other ways (i.e., electrode micron/nanostructuring, synthesis of new organic materials, use of additives) to improve their performances are still being sought. In this context, we studied the behavior of the common organic bulk heterojunction (P3HT:PC70BM) deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) with/without 0.3% of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) additive on flat and micro-patterned ITO substrates. The obtained results showed that in the MAPLE process, a small quantity of additive can modify the morphology of the organic films and decrease their roughness. Besides the use of the additive, the micro-patterning of the electrode leads to a greater increase in the absorption of the studied photovoltaic structures. The inferred values of the filling factors for the measured cells in ambient conditions range from 19% for the photovoltaic structures with no additive and without substrate patterning to 27% for the counterpart structures with patterning and a small quantity of additive.

5. Structural and transport properties of Cu2CoSnS4 films prepared by spray pyrolysis

Authors: El Khouja, O; Assahsahi, I; Nouneh, K; Touhami, ME; Secu, M; Talbi, A; Khaaissa, Y; Matei, E; Stancu, V; Galatanu, A; Galca, AC

Published: NOV 1 2022, CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, 48, DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.07.185

In the present work, stannite Cu2CoSnS4 (CCTS) films were elaborated using spray pyrolysis method on soda-lime glass, at different deposition temperatures (T-d = 250, 300, and 350 degrees C), followed by different chosen sulfurization temperatures (T-s = 450, 500, and 550 degrees C). X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the nearly single-phase formation of CCTS films at 300 degrees C deposition temperature. After sulfurization in argon flow, the XRD lines become narrower, the average crystallite size expanding above 70 nm. The Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the stannite structure formation, as well as the presence CoS2 secondary phases, which reduces at higher sulfurization temperature (550 degrees C). The energy dispersive spectroscopy results indicated atomic ratios of Cu/Co/Sn/S close to the ideal stoichiometric ratio 2:1:1:4. The room temperature photoluminescence emission is recorded with maximum in the 1.35-1.40 eV range. Thermoelectric properties are measured up to 130 degrees C, the films show poor power factor as a result of small positive Seebeck coefficients 10-45 Of K -1 and low electrical conductivity despite of having relatively high carrier concentration (similar to 10(20) cm(-3)).

6. Layered SnSe nanoflakes with anharmonic phonon properties and memristive characteristics

Authors: Buruiana, AT; Bocirnea, AE; Kuncser, AC; Tite, T; Matei, E; Mihai, C; Zawadzka, N; Olkowska-Pucko, K; Kipczak, L; Babinski, A; Molas, MR; Velea, A; Galca, AC

Published: OCT 15 2022, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 599, 153983, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.153983

Understanding the phonon anharmonicity and temperature-dependent behavior of phonons that affect the thermal transport properties in 2D materials is crucial for developing efficient thermoelectric and memristor devices. SnSe has attracted significant interest because of its potential applications for developing such novel devices. Here, orthorhombic SnSe nanoflakes with a thickness of less than 100 nm and oriented along the [100] crystal axis were obtained using physical vapor transport at atmospheric pressure. Polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy of SnSe nanoflakes was performed at a temperature of 5 K. Temperature-dependent frequencies and linewidths of Raman modes in tin selenide were fitted according to the anharmonic phonon coupling theory. The results indicate that both two and three order processes are responsible for the phonon decay in tin selenide. The memristive property was confirmed by electrical measurements of SnSe devices. SnSe memristors have an operating current of 10-4 A, similar to other transition-metal dichalcogenide memristors, but are more energy efficient than memristors based on defect migration, with a threshold voltage of 3 V.

7. New superdielectric materials: (1-x) SrFe12O19 - x BNT-BT nanocomposites

Authors: Greculeasa, SG; Comanescu, C; Iacob, N; Kuncser, A; Smaranda, I; Amarande, L; Cioangher, M; Burdusel, M; Teodorescu, V

Published: OCT 1 2022, PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER, 642, 414139, DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2022.414139

Novel (1-x) SrFe12O19 - x BNT-BT0.08 (x = 0; 0.5; 0.8; 1) nanocomposites were explored in this study. The samples were produced by sol-gel method and compacted by conventional sintering. The composition, morphology, local structure, dielectric and magnetic properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Impedance Analysis, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry. The desired composition and the presence of the magnetoplumbite SrFe12O19 and perovskite BNT-BT structures were verified by X-ray diffraction. Irregular morphology and large size distributions are evidenced in the electron microscopy micrographs. The reported room temperature dielectric constants in this study are the highest values obtained in multiferroic composites at room temperature: giant dielectric constants (similar to 1.3 x 10(6)) were obtained, relative to 0.13 x 10(4) in BNT-BT. The hyperfine parameters allowed the identification of the Wyckoff positions of the Fe ions corresponding closely to the theoretical case. The hard magnetic character of the SrFe12O19 phase is evidenced from the magnetic measurements. For the first time in multifermic composites, superdielectric characteristics are evidenced at room temperature.

8. Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of WO3-decorated native titania films by mild laser treatment

Authors: Spataru, T; Mihai, MA; Preda, L; Marcu, M; Radu, MM; Becherescu, ND; Velea, A; Zaki, MY; Udrea, R; Satulu, V; Spataru, N

Published: SEP 15 2022, APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE, 596, 153682, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.153682

The effectiveness of the electrochemical WO3-modification as a method for improving the photoactivity of native air-formed TiO2 layers was assessed. The way in which a mild laser treatment influences the photo-electrochemical performances of the thus obtained WO3/TiO2 systems was also investigated. At laser-treated electrodes (L-WO3/TiO2), the melting-solidification process induced by the treatment led to a smaller size of the deposited WO3 particles and to their better dispersion on the surface. The treatment also enhanced the surface oxygen deficiency and ensured better relative absorptivity of the oxygenated species on the surface. These features, together with the intrinsic narrower bandgap of the WO3/TiO2 composites, the higher donor density and the lower flat band potential of L-WO3/TiO2 enabled faster kinetic of the oxygen photoanodic evolution. Importantly, the same process exhibited a cathodic shift of its onset potential. The laser treatment also strongly enhanced the photoelectrocatalytic performances for UV-assisted methanol anodic oxidation.

9. Pseudo-dielectric function spectra of the near surface layer of GaAs implanted with various fluence of Xe+ ions

Authors: Tuan, PL; Kulik, M; Phuc, TV; Madadzada, AI; Zelenyak, TY; Turek, M; Zuk, J; Mita, C; Stanculescu, A; Doroshkevich, AS; Jasinska, B; Khiem, LH; Anh, NN; My, NTB

Published: AUG 31 2022, THIN SOLID FILMS, 756, 139376, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2022.139376

Monocrystalline (100) semi-insulating gallium arsenide (GaAs) samples were irradiated with a 250-keV Xe+ ion beam at room temperature. To investigate the effect of ion irradiation on GaAs samples, the ion fluence was varied from 1 x 1012 to 3 x 1016 ions/cm2. The spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) method and the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) with nuclear reaction (NR) method were used to determine the properties of the virgin and implanted samples. The SE approach reveals that the pseudo-dielectric function of implanted GaAs samples varies with ion fluence. The RBS approach, which exposes the depth-profile of As, Ga, and Xe in the implanted samples, allows us to correlate changes in the pseudo-dielectric function with structural modifications caused by the ion irradiation. The NR approach points out the existence of an oxygen-enriched layer on the surface of implanted GaAs samples. Lastly, the optical study involving the Cauchy and Urbach dispersion model measures the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k of the native oxide layer on the surface of GaAs samples.

10. Molecular dynamics of alkyl benzoate liquid crystals in the bulk state and in the surface layer of their composites with oxide nanopowders

Authors: Frunza, L; Zgura, I; Ganea, CP; Schonhals, A

Published: AUG 1 2022, JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS, 359, 119374, DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119374

This paper presents the results concerning monotropic nematic liquid crystals 4-pentylphenyl 40-alkyl benzoate (5PnB) (n = 3 or 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain). Their mesophase properties were supported by images of the polarized optical microscopy. Molecular dynamics in the bulk samples or in the composites prepared with aerosil A380 was investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in a large temperature range, appropriately chosen. Thermo gravimetric and infrared investigations were additionally performed. The data were compared with those of structurally related nematics like cyanophenyl pentyl benzoates, which have a cyan group instead of the pentyl chain. The dielectric spectra of the bulk 3P5B and 5P5B demonstrate a dielectric behavior with several relaxation processes as expected for nematic liquid crystals. The temperature dependence of the relaxation rates (and of the dielectric strength) seems to have two distinguished regimes. Thus, in the isotropic state, at higher temperatures the data obey the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law, whereas an Arrhenius law is fitted at lower temperature, in a close similarity to the behavior of a constrained dynamic glass transition. Samples with a high density of silica (larger than 7 g aerosil/1 g of 5PnB) were prepared to observe a thin layer adsorbed on the particle surface; it was estimated that almost each guest 5PnB molecule interacts with the aerosil surface. For the composites only one main relaxation process is observed at frequencies much lower than those for the corresponding bulk, which was assigned to the dynamics of the molecules in the surface layer. Infrared spectroscopy shows that these molecules interact with the surface by the ester carbonyl group leading to the monolayer self-assembly at liquid-solid interface. We note once more the importance of the functional unit(s) for the interaction with the hydroxyl groups on the aerosil surface. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.