Publications

MgB2 is a perspective superconductor for many power applications. How this potential refers also to microwave or radiofrequency applications is still to be determined. Although its ultimate surface resistance in zero field is not competitive with conventional metallic superconductors, its strong pinning properties can favor RF applications in a dc magnetic field. Nonetheless, the RF response in the vortex state has been relatively less studied, as well as the effect of artificial pinning centers on the microwave surface resistance in the mixed state. In this paper we study the surface resistance of spark-plasma-sintered MgB2, with and without Te and cubic-BN (cBN) addition, in a dc magnetic field up to 1.2 T. We summarize previous results on pure MgB2, and we present new data on Te-and cBN-added MgB2. We use a two-tone dielectric-loaded resonator to measure the field-dependent surface resistance at 16.5 and 26.7 GHz in the temperature range from 10 K to T. By exploiting the simultaneous measurements at two frequencies, we extract the flux-flow resistivity, the pinning constant kp and the depinning frequency fp. The two-band nature of MgB2 affects the field dependence of the flux-flow resistivity. The microscopic superconducting state is not affected by the addition of artificial pinning centers, indicating that Te and cBN do not affect interband or intraband scattering. Pinning shows a measurable trend towards an increase in the Te-and cBN-added samples at higher temperatures and fields. We finally compare the results to those obtained in bulk Nb3Sn, also in view of possible in-field RF applications such as microwave cavity-based haloscopes.

Commercial melamine sponges were modified with a functional covalent organic framework (COF), and they were evaluated as adsorbents of divalent copper cations from aqueous solutions. A phosphazene unit successfully covered the surface of the melamine sponge, and the organic framework was subsequently formed through the nucleophilic substitution with 4,4 ' bipyridine. The covalent organic framework functionalized on the melamine sponge can detect and effectively adsorb copper compounds in aqueous solutions. Its selectivity toward the adsorption of copper was demonstrated through the presence of different metal salts. Four competitive metal cations, i.e., copper, nickel, iron, and calcium, were selected to confirm the preferential binding of copper on the COF-functionalized sponge. The outcome was determined through the studies of X-Ray Fluorescence elemental analysis, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance experiments. XRF reported a copper sorption capacity of 293 mu g cm-2, which is nearly nine times higher than the performance of the pristine sponge. Q-band EPR measurements demonstrated the presence of different coordination sites with different substituents for copper on the modified sponges, when the adsorption took place in an aqueous solution containing exclusively copper cations, while only one coordination, the favorable trigonal bipyramidal geometry, was obtained in the presence of additional metals.

Rhodium-doped SrTiO3 perovskite as a monophasic titanate-based catalyst (SrTi1-xRhxO3) showed photocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) from water under solar light irradiation with an instant induction period, although Rh4+ in SrTiO3 introduces deep trap states thereby diminishing the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite its potential, the exact crystal structure of Rh:SrTiO3 has not been yet completely investigated. Overcoming these challenges, here, we synthesized a monophasic SrTi0.95Rh0.05O3 (RSTO) perovskite oxide with a precisely determined crystal structure and highlighted an unconsidered pivotal role of the Rh iso-aliovalency reversibility that enables excellent photocatalytic water oxidation. With structural, morphological, optical, and electronic insights from XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, and advanced XAS measurements in both total electron yield (TEY) and fluorescence yield (TFY), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process is attributed to the redox dynamics of Rh4+ Rh3+ synergistic interplay.

A spin-coating technique was used to produce new thin films of fluoride-doped hydroxyapatite (HApF) and fluoride-doped hydroxyapatite in a dextran matrix (HApF-Dx) with the potential to be used as nanocoatings for various biomedical implants. The stability of the suspensions used in obtaining the thin films was confirmed by ultrasonic measurements with double-distilled water as a reference. The HApF and HApF-Dx thin films obtained by spin-coating showed diffraction patterns corresponding to hexagonal hydroxyapatite. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirmed the partial substitution of hydroxyl groups (-OH) by fluoride ions. The FTIR studies were conducted in order to highlight the presence of the functional group specific for the HAp in the samples and the influence of the dextran addition on the vibrational characteristics. The surface morphologies of the HApF and HApF-Dx thin films were explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and metallographic microscopy (MM). The surfaces of the HApF and HApF-Dx thin films were found to be smooth, homogenous, and nanostructured. The biocompatibility assays on HGF-1 cells confirmed that both coatings exhibited good cell viability for all the tested time intervals (24 and 48 h). The findings highlighted the potential of HApF and HApF-Dx coatings for biomedical applications. Additional information about the HGF-1 adherence and development on the surface of the HApF and HApF-Dx coatings was obtained using metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy techniques. This research demonstrates that the spin-coating method can be successfully used to fabricate HApF and HApF-Dx nanocoatings for potential biomedical applications.

In this study, we detailed the fabrication and characterization of photovoltaic structures based on PTB7:ICBA (1:1, wt.%) bulk-heterojunction on optical glass substrates by spin-coating. Some samples were deposited on a flat substrate, and others were placed on a patterned substrate obtained by nano-imprinting lithography; the induced effects were analyzed. We demonstrated that using a patterned substrate enhanced the maximum output power, primarily because the short-circuit current density increased. This can be considered a direct consequence of reduced optical reflection and improved optical absorption. The topological parameters evaluated by atomic force microscopy, namely, the root mean square, Skewness, and Kurtosis, had small values of around 2 nm and 1 nm, respectively. This proves that the mixture of a conductive polymer and a fullerene derivative creates a thin film network with a high flatness degree. The samples discussed in this paper were fabricated and characterized in air; we can admit that the results are encouraging, but further optimization is needed.

The Ni49+xMn32-2xGa19+x (x = 0; 2) Heusler ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were prepared using spark plasma sintering using raw flake-type powders obtained by soft grinding melt-spun ribbons. Samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and bending tests. Although the properties of ribbons and corresponding powders show similar properties' tendencies, they are opposite in the bulk sintered alloys when compared with precursor powders. Namely, Ni49Mn32Ga19 bulk shows a higher enthalpy (5.8 J g-1), an increased martensitic transformation (MT) temperature (by 9 K), and a reduced hysteresis span (5 K). Conversely, for the Ni51Mn28Ga21 sintered sample, a lower enthalpy (2 J g-1), a significant decrease (by 40 K) in the MT starting temperature, and a broadening of the hysteresis range (26 K) were observed. This difference is analyzed versus specific features of the microstructure. Moreover, the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor of the MT, extracted through kinetic analysis within two non-isothermal models, Kissinger and Friedman, complement and sustain these findings. Fractography details of the sintered samples are discussed in relation to the stress-strain curves from the bending tests. The Ni49Mn32Ga19 bulk sample exhibits a higher bending strength (260 MPa) and a lower strain (0.55%) than the Ni51Mn28Ga21 sample (177 MPa and 0.61%). The observed dependence of functional characteristics on preparation enables the possibility of property control required for various applications and suggests that the proposed route is promising in this regard for further investigations.

Amyloid beta (A(3) peptide aggregates are well-established biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, though the complete etiology of this disorder remains elusive. Developing biointerfaces to elucidate the physiological roles of these peptides is essential. This study investigates the aggregation, fibrillation, and interaction of A(3 peptides with conductive, biocompatible nanostructured materials designed for applications involving neuronal cells. Various conductive, rigid, and flexible surfaces, both functionalized and non-functionalized with A(340 fibrils, were fabricated. These included glass substrates and poly(methyl methacrylate) electrospun fiber networks coated with gold via magnetron sputtering. The substrates were also functionalized through physical adsorption with poly-L-lysine and collagen, known to support cell proliferation, as well as with the inverse-A(340 peptide and an Amyloid Protein Non-A(3 Component, and the results were compared. The scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, contact angle and electrical measurements, while their biological interactions were assessed using MTS assays, fluorescence imaging, and scanning electron microscopy. Fibroblast L929 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines were used as models, with results indicating an elevated cell viability, comparable to the control. The developed nanostructured surfaces are highly promising for integration into advanced neuromorphic engineering devices, as they have proven capable of maintaining their structural integrity when exposed to proteases.

A multiphase high-entropy diboride (Ti0.25Ta0.25Hf0.25Zr0.25)B2 is obtained by spark plasma sintering from a mixture of single-metal diborides. The as-prepared material at the microscale can be defined as a composite where grains of a Ta-rich/Ti-poor complex diboride phase are the reinforcement and grains of Ta-poor/Ti-rich complex diboride are the matrix. However, at the nanoscale, the grains are heterogeneous, composed of regions with a multitude of complex diboride compositions. The interface between nanoregions is compositionally graded and has an irregular shape. The four-metal diboride shows a deformation-resistant mechanism under bending load. A strengthening process is active, increasing the room temperature bending strength (326 MPa) by approximate to 50% at 1800 degrees C (488 MPa). A ductile behavior with a deformation strain of approximate to 7.5% is observed at 2000 degrees C while bending strength (407 MPa) is approximate to 25% above the value at room temperature. At 2000 degrees C, observation of dislocations propagating from one compositional nanoregion to another and with a different density suggests dislocation contribution, first of all, to plasticity. The peculiar heterogeneity of this material at nano- and microscales is considered the reason for the remarkable mechanical response to bending load at different temperatures.

The present study investigates the influence of strontium (Sr) content on the intrinsic properties of barium strontium titanate (Ba1-xSrxTiO3, BST) which was successfully prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction with different concentrations of strontium (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 1). The resulting samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, the dielectric properties being also investigated. Structural and vibrational analyses reveal a structural phase transition from tetragonal to cubic at x = 0.4, with a linear decline of the tetragonality ratio as well as a shrinkage in the unit cell volume that occur with increasing Sr content. The morphological study shows that the grain size decreases as the Sr content increases in the tetragonal phase. Yet, upon the phase transition from tetragonal to cubic, the grain size initially increases, followed by a subsequent decrease with further Sr addition. It has been found that the band gap shows a decrease as Sr content increases. The temperature dependence of the dielectric parameters reveals that the Curie temperature as well as the dielectric constant and the loss tangent are strongly affected by the addition of Sr. The activation energy derived from the dielectric response, was found to be in the range 0.685-1.065eV, suggesting the dominance of doubly ionized oxygen vacancy for conduction and relaxation mechanism. Ab initio calculations were done employing the Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) method. The bandgap energy (Eg) and the structural parameters were calculated using various types of exchange-correlation functionals (PWGGA, PBE, B3LYP and PBE0). A good agreement with the experimental results is achieved using the PBE0 functional. This study contributes to a better understanding of the structure-property relationship in BaSrTiO3 and provides valuable insights for optimizing its performance in various technological applications.

The present research explores for the first time the intricate relationship between sulfurization temperature at unusual high temperatures (up to 700 degrees C) and the structural/optoelectronic properties of Cu-2(Zn,Cd)SnS4 (CZCTS) thin films, synthesized via a two-step sequential process involving the precursor film deposition using aprotic molecular ink followed by thermal treatment in sulfur atmosphere. X-ray diffraction patterns confirms the tetragonal structure. Scanning Electron Micrographs revealed significant grain growth, with grain sizes increasing from similar to 0.3 mu m at 620 degrees C to similar to 1.5 mu m at 680 degrees C, effectively reducing grain boundary recombination. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrated a Cu-poor and Zn-rich composition, with a consistent Cd incorporation of similar to 3.7 at%. Raman spectroscopy showcases the homogeneity and purity of the CZCTS crystalline structure. Precise control of the sulfurization temperature plays a crucial role in determining the photovoltaic characteristics of CZCTS-based solar cells. By increasing the grain size and preventing the thermal decomposition of the CZTS phase, the photovoltaic performance peaked at a sulfurization temperature of 680 degrees C, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.4%, with an open-circuit voltage of 0.701 V, a short-circuit current density of 24.3 mA/cm(2) and a fill factor of 60.8%. External quantum efficiency reached a maximum of 83.3% at 580 nm. The bandgap of the CZCTS absorber was determined to be 1.48 eV, optimal for photovoltaic applications. However, further increasing the sulfurization temperature to 700 degrees C resulted in a lower PCE of 8.5%, attributed to interface degradation and secondary phase formation. Temperature-dependent current-voltage measurements revealed a reduction in recombination losses, with an activation energy of 1.24 eV at the CZCTS/CdS interface, indicating effective defect passivation by Cd incorporation. The optimized films, sulfurized at 680 degrees C, displayed an absorber thickness of similar to 1.2 mu m after sulfurization, providing efficient light absorption and charge transport. The findings not only emphasize the critical role of sulfurization temperature in engineering CZCTS film and subsequently their functionality but also provide valuable insights for fine tuning their performance in the field of photovoltaic applications.