National Institute Of Materials Physics - Romania

Optical Processes in Nanostructured Materials Laboratory

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articles found
21. Physical properties of Cu and Dy co-doped ZnO thin films prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering for hybrid organic/inorganic electronic devices
Authors: Locovei, C; Coman, D; Radu, A; Ion, L; Antohe, VA; Vasile, N; Dumitru, A; Iftimie, S; Antohe, S

Published: SEP 1 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2019.06.027

Abstract: Copper (Cu) and dysprosium (Dy) co-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RF-magnetron sputtering) using a homemade target having the atomic percentage of Cu and Dy of 1%, onto optical glass substrates and quartz substrates. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of fabricated ZnO:(Cu, Dy) structures were analyzed and discussed. It was found that all samples have hexagonal Wurtzite structure. Optical transmission measurements indicate values larger than 75% in the 400-2500 nm ranges. The current-voltage characteristics of hybrid heterojunctions based on ZnO:(Cu, Dy) and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2.5-diyl) (P3HT) or copper (II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin films were acquired in the dark, in ambient atmosphere, and they exhibit the typical diode behavior, almost free of electrical hysteresis.
22. Effect of high gamma radiations on physical properties of In2S3 thin films grown by chemical bath deposition for buffer layer applications
Authors: Souli, M; Bensalem, Y; Secu, M; Bartha, C; Enculescu, M; Mejri, A; Kamoun-Turki, N; Badica, P

Published: JUN 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.rinp.2019.02.051

Abstract: Polycrystalline In2S3 thin films have been grown on SnO2/glass substrates by chemical bath deposition technique and irradiated at different high gamma doses 3, 7, 15 and 40 kGy. X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Spectrophotometer, Photoluminescence and Thermoluminescence were used to investigate physical properties of In2S3 thin films induced by gamma irradiation. After being irradiated, structural properties of In2S3 thin films have shown that preferred orientation has been moved from (4 0 0) plan at 2 theta(1)=33.42 degrees to a new created orientation at 2 theta(2)=38.06 degrees for 40 kGy gamma dose. EDS analysis has shown that atomic percentage (S/In) has been strongly varied for 40 kGy which indicate significant changes in stoichiometry. Thermoluminescence of irradiated In2S3 thin films has revealed a good sensitivity toward absorbed gamma dose. After irradiation, optical transmittance of In2S3 thin films has been increased from 50% to a maximum value of 70% in the visible range for 15 kGy dose. Band gap energy E-g has been slightly decreased. Other optical parameters such absorption and extinction coefficients, refractive index and permittivity have been determined. These experimental results show that gamma radiations can be used for tuning physical properties of In2S3 thin films for photovoltaic applications.
23. Structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films grown by rapid atmospheric mist chemical vapor technique
Authors: Derbali, S; Nouneh, K; Galca, AC; Touhami, ME; Secu, M; Matei, E; Leonat, LN; Pintilie, L; El Harfaoui, N; Fahoume, M

Published: JUL 2019, DOI: 10.1007/s11082-019-1937-2

Abstract: In this work, the effect of deposition time on the structural and optical properties of ZnO films deposited by Ultrasonic Spray Mist-CVD was studied aiming the application in perovskite solar cells, as holes blocking layer. Crystallinity, surface morphology and optical properties of the ZnO films were investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), conventional and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies, respectively. The XRD measurement proves the existence of the hexagonal wurtzite phase and a high degree of crystallinity with [001] preferential orientation. The SEM study shows that the films possess a compact structure. Smooth and homogenous surface was confirmed also by AFM. The obtained results indicate that ZnO films deposited by a simple, safe and cost-effective method present a great potential for application in perovskite solar cells.
24. Physical properties investigation of samarium doped calcium sulfate thin films under high gamma irradiations for space photovoltaic and dosimetric applications
Authors: Souli, M; Reghima, M; Secu, M; Bartha, C; Enculescu, M; Mejri, A; Kamoun-Turki, N; Badica, P

Published: FEB 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.spmi.2018.12.021

Abstract: This research work is dedicated to study structural, morphological, optical and photoluminescence properties of samarium doped calcium sulfate (CaSO4) thin films after exposure to high gamma radiations. Polycrystalline doped CaSO4 thin films have been grown on glass substrates by spray pyrolysis technique and irradiated at different high gamma doses 3, 7, 15 and 40 kGy. Physical characterization of irradiated thin films has been made by X-ray diffraction, Spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectrometer and Thermoluminescence. The most remarkable result, as shown by structural analysis, is the increase of grain size from 52 to a maximum value of 93 nm for 15 kGy gamma dose which indicates a clear enhancement in crystal structure by gamma irradiation. Moreover, the preferred orientation has been immediately changed from (102) plan to (100) just after the first 3 kGy gamma dose. SEM micrographs of irradiated thin layers show deep modifications in surface morphology. Optical transmission spectra have shown a sharp and intense peak at 350 nm wavelength. Band gap energy has been slightly decreased from 3.9 eV before irradiation to 3.6 eV for 40 kGy. A new and strong energy level noted E r , has been emerged and created due to high gamma irradiations in addition to the principal one relative to band gap energy. Other parameters like absorption and extinction coefficients and refractive index have been determined. Thermoluminescence data show a high sensibility to gamma radiations doses which offer opportunities for dosimetry applications. These experimental results suggest the use of irradiated samarium doped calcium sulfate as optical window for space photovoltaic devices where gamma rays are abundant. These results are also helpful for researchers using CaSO4 thin films near nuclear apparatus (nuclear reactors and particle accelerators) or those interested in studying interaction between radiations and condensed matter.
25. Pd-Cu catalysts supported on anion exchange resin for the simultaneous catalytic reduction of nitrate ions and reductive dehalogenation of organochlorinated pollutants from water
Authors: Bradu, C; Capat, C; Papa, F; Frunza, L; Olaru, EA; Crini, G; Morin-Crini, N; Euvrard, E; Balint, I; Zgura, I; Munteanu, C

Published: JAN 25 2019, DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2018.11.002

Abstract: The present work proposes the simultaneous removal of these classes of pollutants by a catalytic hydrotreatment processes. For this purpose, bimetallic Pd-Cu catalysts (with mass ratio Pd:Cu of 4:1) supported on macroporous strong base anion resin were prepared by different methods. The catalysts were characterized (by XRD, SEMEDX, XPS, AAS and H-2 chemisorption) and tested in a continuous flow system. The selected catalyst preparation protocol consists in a two-step method, which implies the deposition of palladium by ion exchange and the subsequent deposition of copper by controlled reaction on the surface of the pre-reduced palladium. The effectiveness of the catalyst in the simultaneous reduction of nitrate and hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol was demonstrated. By adjusting the initial pH and the flow rate of the aqueous solution, nearly complete hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol can occur together with selective nitrate reduction at a conversion of 95% and a selectivity to N-2 of 92% (this value contains the contribution of all gaseous products, including the eventually formed NOx). The bimetallic catalyst was found to remains relatively stable after 100 h of test time.
26. Structural characterisation and thermal stability of SnSe\GaSb stacked films
Authors: Sava, F; Borca, CN; Galca, AC; Socol, G; Grolimund, D; Mihai, C; Velea, A

Published: JAN 2 2019, DOI: 10.1080/14786435.2018.1529442

Abstract: We have investigated the effect of thermal annealing on the structure of single and stacked phase change memory films based on SnSe and GaSb. Samples were prepared by pulsed laser deposition and investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Electrical resistance versus temperature investigations showed crystallisation temperatures of 292 degrees C and 198 degrees C for SnSe and GaSb single films, respectively. Above the transition temperature, GaSb crystallises into a face-centered cubic structure, whereas SnSe has an orthorhombic arrangement. Annealing at three temperatures (160 degrees C, 250 degrees C and 350 degrees C) of the SnSe\GaSb stacked films promotes bond breaking, atom diffusion between the two layers and formation of new phases. At 160 degrees C, GaSb films crystallise partially and no effect is observed on the crystallinity of SnSe films. After 250 degrees C, rhombohedral SnSb emerges in addition to GaSb complete crystallisation. A major, completely new, body-centered orthorhombic unindexed quaternary Ga-Sn-Sb-Se phase formation was observed in the samples annealed at 350 degrees C. The GaSb crystallites are fully dissolved and we have observed the formation of a minor hexagonal SnSe2 phase. The analysis of EXAFS data, measured at Se and Ga K-edges, revealed changes in the local atomic environment as a function of the annealing temperature. A tetrahedral configuration is obtained for the Ga atoms in both as-deposited and annealed samples, whereas Se is mostly bivalent in the amorphous samples and has an octahedral arrangement in crystalline SnSe. Our results show that inter-layer diffusion should always be considered and evaluated when designing memory cells composed of stacked phase change chalcogenide films.
27. Performant silver-based biohybrids generated from orange and grapefruit wastes
Authors: Barbinta-Patrascu, ME; Ungureanu, C; Suica-Bunghez, IR; Iordache, AM; Petrovic, SM; Ispas, A; Zgura, I

Published: SEP-OCT 2018, DOI:

Abstract: Clean technologies using the principles of green chemistry have attracted the attention of scientists in the last decade. Our work was focused on building advanced silver-based materials using an eco-friendly and convenient method. Two types of silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extracts of orange (Citrus sinensis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) peels. Hybrid entities consisting of these bionanosilver particles and biomimetic membranes were "green" prepared and studied by spectral methods (UV-Vis absorption and emission, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy). The morphology of silver-containing materials was analyzed by AFM images and their physical stability was checked by zeta potential measurements. Also, their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were evaluated.
28. Effect of mixing complexing agents on the properties of electrodeposited CZTS thin films
Authors: Zaki, MY; Nouneh, K; Touhami, ME; Belakhmima, RA; Galca, AC; Pintilie, L; Enculescu, M; Baibarac, M; Taibi, M

Published: SEP 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2018.06.030

Abstract: This work involves the synthesis and characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers. The films were prepared on ITO/glass substrate by ecofriendly and simple single-step electrodeposition method followed by sulfurization and annealing at 500 degrees C under Argon flow. By using two different complexing agents, the electrodeposition process can give better results. Therefore, the effect of combining the trisodium citrate - TC to multiple cornplexing agents (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide - CTAB, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid - EDTA, Boric Acid - BA, Glutamic Acid - GA and Tartaric Acid - TA) is investigated. The characterization of the absorber films was done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Diffuse Reflectivity. The combination of TC and CTAB is suggested to be the best pair of complexing agents within the combinations used in this work.
29. Organic heterostructures obtained on ZnO/Ag/ZnO electrode
Authors: Socol, M; Preda, N; Breazu, C; Florica, C; Costas, A; Istrate, CM; Stanculescu, A; Girtan, M; Gherendi, F

Published: AUG 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2018.05.039

Abstract: This work is focused on the use of multilayer transparent conductive electrode (TCE) based on ZnO/Ag/ZnO in the fabrication of the organic heterostructures. The ZnO/Ag/ZnO obtained combining sputtering/thermal evaporation/sputtering techniques is featured by a good optical transmittance, a low electrical resistivity and a reduced roughness. All these characteristics recommend it as a viable alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for different applications. The organic materials, N,N' - diphenyl N,N' - bis (1 - aphthyl) 1,1' - biphenyl 4,4' - diamine (alpha-NPD), 5,12-Dihydro-5-12-dimethylquino [2,3-b]acridine-7,14dione (DMQA) and 4,7 diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) were deposited by vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) method, the properties of the obtained layers being investigated by FTIR, UV-VIS and PL) spectroscopy. The I-V characteristic (recorded in dark) of the organic heterostructure fabricated on the ZnO/Ag/ZriO electrode shows diode behavior, revealing its potential applications in the organic light emitting devices (OLED).
30. Piezoelectric ferromagnetic BNT-BT0.08/CoFe2O4 coaxial core-shell composite nanotubes for nanoelectronic devices
Authors: Cernea, M; Vasile, BS; Surdu, VA; Trusca, R; Sima, M; Craciun, F; Galassi, C

Published: JUL 5 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.04.146

Abstract: In this paper we report on a novel 1-D piezoelectric/ferroelectric nanostructure. Composites of piezoelectric (0.92Na(0.5)Bi(0.5)TiO(3)-0.08BaTiO(3) abbreviated as BNT-BT0.08) and ferromagnetic (CoFe2O4) nanotubes were assembled and studied in order to envisage new multifunctional applications. Using a polycarbonate membrane template and sols precursors of BNT-BT(0.08 )and CoFe2O4, heterostructured BNT-BT0.08/CoFe2O4 core-shell composite nanotubes were created. Selective methods such as SEM, TEM, AFM, PFM and MFM were used for the characterization of the as-prepared hybrid piezoelectric/ferromagnetic coaxial nanotubes structure. This composite shows two crystalline phases: rhombohedral BNT-BT0.08 and cubicCoFe(2)O(4). The piezoelectric and ferromagnetic properties have been characterized. Piezo force microscopy (PFM) images evidenced ferroelectric domains with opposite polarity due to lead free piezoelectric BNT-BT0.08 outer tube. Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images evidenced magnetic domains attributed to the CoFe2O4 inner tube. Magnetic hysteresis curves demonstrate a weak ferromagnetic behavior, accompanied by a linear variation of the magnetization at higher magnetic fields, especially at room temperature. From dielectric measurements, high tunability values reaching about 70% at 0.5 kHz and E = 80 kV/cm have been obtained. An effective dielectric constant epsilon(r) = 32 has been measured. The results obtained from this work provide a base for the design of tubular multi-layered materials with novel functionalities and applications in various multifunctional electronic devices such as actuators, transducers, and energy storage microsystems. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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