National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

To advance gas sensor technologies, it is essential to identify materials that exhibit both high selectivity and sensitivity. Here, we unravel the gas-sensing capabilities of indium sulfide (InS) nanosheets, particularly in relation to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) detection. Utilizing a synergistic approach that combines in situ and operando experimental methodologies with density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that these nanosheets offer outstanding sensitivity toward NO2, characterized by a remarkably low detection threshold of 180 ppb at an operational temperature of 350 degrees C. This remarkable sensitivity is ascribed to the electronic charge redistribution around the Fermi level, facilitated by an oxygen-deficient In2O3-x surface layer that forms naturally when the InS surface is exposed to ambient conditions. A pivotal aspect of our investigation was the exploration of the influence of sulfur abstraction on these surface modifications. We demonstrate that sulfur abstraction plays a critical role in the formation and operational efficacy of the In2O3-x layer, thereby acting as a key element in the sensor mechanism. This unique surface chemistry not only amplifies the sensitivity to NO2 but also confers unparalleled selectivity over other gases and volatile organic compounds. Notably, this level of performance exceeds that of other 2D semiconductors and metal oxides, thus establishing InS nanosheets as an ideal platform for high-performance gas sensors suitable for demanding environments. Moreover, unlike many state-of-the-art sensor materials, InS-based sensors can withstand a wider variety of environmental conditions due to their superior water adsorption resistance.

Pseudohexagonal Nb2O5 microcolumns spanning a size range of 50 to 610 nm were synthesized utilizing a cost-effective hydrothermal process (maintained at 180 degrees C for 30 min), followed by a subsequent calcination step at 500 degrees C for 3 h. Raman spectroscopy analysis unveiled three distinct reflection peaks at 220.04 cm(-1), 602.01 cm(-1), and 735.3 cm(-1), indicative of the pseudohexagonal crystal lattice of Nb2O5. The HRTEM characterization confirmed the inter-lattice distance of 1.8 & Aring; for the 110 plain and 3.17 & Aring; for the 100 plain. The conductometry sensors were fabricated by drop-casting a dispersion of Nb2O5 microcolumns, in ethanol, on Pt electrodes. The fabricated sensors exhibited excellent selectivity in detecting C2H5OH (Delta G/G = 2.51 for 10 ppm C2H5OH) when compared to a variety of tested gases, including CO, CO2, NO2, H-2, H2S, and C3H6O. The optimal operating temperature for this selective detection was determined to be 500 degrees C in a dry air environment. Moreover, the sensors demonstrated exceptional repeatability over the course of three testing cycles and displayed strong humidity resistance, even when exposed to 90% relative humidity. This excellent humidity resistance gas sensing property can be attributed to their nanoporous nature and elevated operating temperature.

Selective growth of 2D MoS2 layers on patterned substrates is highly desired for easy fabrication of devices. Selectively grown 2D MoS2 on Mo patterned substrates for the formation of intimate metallic contact was obtained by a Mo-CVD method in which MoO2 from an oxidized Mo pattern and S powder are the growth precursors. Mo films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on SiO2(300 nm)/c-Si substrates and patterned by photolithography techniques for obtaining Mo strips and finger contact structures, with the gap between the strips and finger varied from 5 to 20 mu m. The filling of the gap by selectively grown atomically thin MoS2 plates of 1-2 monolayers (MLs) was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy imaging. Field effect devices for the characterization of the photosensitivity of selectively grown MoS2 have been fabricated from finger contact structures. The dark current is drastically reduced from 10(-9) to 10(-13)-10(-14) A by varying the gate voltage from +7 to -7 V, showing the n-type semiconductor behavior of the selectively grown 2D MoS2. High photosensitivity of 10(5) (%) was obtained for 4.5 x 10(-4) mW/cm(2) at 650 nm wavelength illumination. The spectral responsivity reaches values of 15-25 A/W at 600 nm wavelength and shows an energy onset of 1.72-1.77 eV corresponding to about 2 ML MoS2. The carrier-trapping effect responsible for the slow part of the device response can be caused by structural defects and also by adsorbed molecules like in gas sensors.

In a milestone paper [F. D. M. Haldane, Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 2015 (1988)], Haldane elaborated a model of graphene within the time -reversal symmetry breaking is achieved by next -nearest -neighbors imaginary counterrotating hopping, hence conferring topological properties. In recent years, the time -reversal symmetry turned out to be broken also by light irradiation in so-called Floquet topological insulators (FTIs). On the other hand, Kane and Mele introduced a spin -orbit coupling (SOC) model [C. L. Kane et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 226801 (2005)] inspired by the Haldane's mechanism. In this paper, we present the topological properties of a FTI possessing SOC, using graphene as the playground. It was found that the interplay between sublattice subspace and the spin one triggers interesting topological phase transitions. Basically, in a FTI with SOC, two topological phases may be excited: charge quantum Hall effect (CQHE) and, respectively, spin quantum Hall effect (SQHE) phases. Also, it was demonstrated that the CQHE and SQHE coexistence is forbidden by the topology of the system. As well, it was identified a special driving regime of spin filter (SF), in which only one spin state is topological and, consequently, will be filtered in quantum transport.

SiGeSn nanocrystals (NCs) in oxides are of considerable interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in NCs. We present a detailed study regarding the silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) NCs embedded in a nanocrystalline hafnium oxide (HfO2) matrix fabricated by using magnetron co-sputtering deposition at room temperature and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The NCs were formed at temperatures in the range of 500-800 degrees C. RTA was performed to obtain SiGeSn NCs with surfaces passivated by the embedding HfO2 matrix. The formation of NCs and beta-Sn segregation were discussed in relation to the deposition and processing conditions by employing HRTEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies. The spectral photosensitivity exhibited up to 2000 nm in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) depending on the Sn composition was obtained. Comparing to similar results on GeSn NCs in SiO2 matrix, the addition of Si offers a better thermal stability of SiGeSn NCs, while the use of HfO2 matrix results in better passivation of NCs increasing the SWIR photosensitivity at room temperature. These results suggest that SiGeSn NCs embedded in an HfO2 matrix are a promising material for SWIR optoelectronic devices.

Ti-aluminosilicate gels were used as supports for the immobilization of Fe, Co, and Ni oxides (5%) by impregnation and synthesis of efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of beta-lactam antibiotics from water. Titanium oxide (1 and 2%) was incorporated into the zeolite network by modifying the gel during the zeolitization process. The formation of the zeolite Y structure and its microporous structure were evidenced by X-ray diffraction and N-2 physisorption. The structure, composition, reduction, and optical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, H-2-TPR, XPS, Raman, photoluminescence, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated a zeolite Y structure for all photocatalysts with tetracoordinated Ti4+ sites. The second transitional metals supported by the post-synthesis method were obtained in various forms, such as oxides and/or in the metallic state. A red shift of the absorption edge was observed in the UV-Vis spectra of photocatalysts upon the addition of Fe, Co, or Ni species. The photocatalytic performances were evaluated for the degradation of cefuroxime in water under visible light irradiation. The best results were obtained for iron-immobilized photocatalysts. Scavenger experiments explained the photocatalytic results and their mechanisms. A different contribution of the active species to the photocatalytic reactions was evidenced.

For the development of memory devices for the continuous advancement of IT engineering, a good understanding of the charging-discharging mechanisms in nanocrystalline floating gate memories is crucial to overcoming the current limitations. The charging-discharging mechanism in Al2O3/Ge/Al2O3 trilayer memory structures obtained by magnetron sputtering deposition is investigated as a function of the postdeposition annealing temperature, up to 900 degrees C. The change by annealing of C-V hysteresis curves from a clockwise type at low temperatures to counterclockwise one in a sample annealed within the intermediary temperature range of 550 to 650 degrees C, and then, a return to a clockwise type for annealing within the higher temperature range of 800-900 degrees C was observed. Up to 700 degrees C, memory performances are constantly improved reaching for 600 degrees C annealed samples, a memory window of 5.6 V for voltage sweep in the range -1 to +15 V, and good retention characteristics for 650 degrees C annealed structures, in which the charge loss is only similar to 2% after 10(8) s. When the annealing temperature was increased above 700 degrees C, a rapid decrease in the memory performance takes place. The annealing-induced changes are explained based on the Ge fast diffusion and nanocrystallization process, in correlation with morphological and structural high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results.

For the development of memory devices for the continuous advancement of IT engineering, a good understanding of the charging-discharging mechanisms in nanocrystalline floating gate memories is crucial to overcoming the current limitations. The charging-discharging mechanism in Al2O3/Ge/Al2O3 trilayer memory structures obtained by magnetron sputtering deposition is investigated as a function of the postdeposition annealing temperature, up to 900 degrees C. The change by annealing of C-V hysteresis curves from a clockwise type at low temperatures to counterclockwise one in a sample annealed within the intermediary temperature range of 550 to 650 degrees C, and then, a return to a clockwise type for annealing within the higher temperature range of 800-900 degrees C was observed. Up to 700 degrees C, memory performances are constantly improved reaching for 600 degrees C annealed samples, a memory window of 5.6 V for voltage sweep in the range -1 to +15 V, and good retention characteristics for 650 degrees C annealed structures, in which the charge loss is only similar to 2% after 10(8) s. When the annealing temperature was increased above 700 degrees C, a rapid decrease in the memory performance takes place. The annealing-induced changes are explained based on the Ge fast diffusion and nanocrystallization process, in correlation with morphological and structural high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results.

. The study on efflorescence in salts collected from Curtea de Arges cathedral's exterior wall during restorations aimed to characterize compounds and lithic material using SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman, FTIR. Radiocarbon measurements using AMS method and FTIR results demonstrate decarbonation/recarbonation at the compound-lithic interface but further research is required.

This is the first report on an efficient, "environmentally friendly" chemical reduction method for the synthesis of aminated hyaluronic acid-based silver nanoparticles on the modified surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles aimed for biological applications. Silver nanoparticles exhibit well-known physical-chemical and optical prop-erties appropriate for different biological applications. Modifying the nanoparticles leads to a change in their expected bioactivity. This represents an important topic for the current research. We have developed a novel aminated hyaluronic acid (HA-EDA)-based protocol to obtain silver nanoparticles, in which HA-EDA was used for the first time as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The effect of the size of silver nanoparticles on the titanium dioxide surface and the chemical composition of the obtained materials were investigated by TEM, XRD, XPS, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, NMR and H2-TPR analyses. The antioxidant, in vitro biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity of the fabricated composites have been evaluated. The results prove that the prepared materials exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, thus providing protection against infection and supporting tissue regeneration, these two key effects being of paramount importance for promoting wound healing.