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Schifano E, Cavoto G, Pandolfi F, Pettinari G, Apponi A, Ruocco A, Uccelletti D, Rago I. Plasma-Etched Vertically Aligned CNTs with Enhanced Antibacterial Power. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1081. [PMID: 36985974 PMCID: PMC10054568 DOI: 10.3390/nano13061081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria represents a growing threat to public health, and it calls for the development of alternative antibacterial approaches not based on antibiotics. Here, we propose vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs), with a properly designed nanomorphology, as effective platforms to kill bacteria. We show, via a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the ability to tailor the topography of VA-CNTs, in a controlled and time-efficient manner, by means of plasma etching processes. Three different varieties of VA-CNTs were investigated, in terms of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: one as-grown variety and two varieties receiving different etching treatments. The highest reduction in cell viability (100% and 97% for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively) was observed for the VA-CNTs modified using Ar and O2 as an etching gas, thus identifying the best configuration for a VA-CNT-based surface to inactivate both planktonic and biofilm infections. Additionally, we demonstrate that the powerful antibacterial activity of VA-CNTs is determined by a synergistic effect of both mechanical injuries and ROS production. The possibility of achieving a bacterial inactivation close to 100%, by modulating the physico-chemical features of VA-CNTs, opens up new opportunities for the design of self-cleaning surfaces, preventing the formation of microbial colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Schifano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologia “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cavoto
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
- INFN Sezione di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Pettinari
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, CNR-IFN, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Apponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Degli Studi Roma Tre and INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 84, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Degli Studi Roma Tre and INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 84, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Uccelletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologia “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- SNN Lab, Sapienza Nanotechnology & Nano-Science Laboratory, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rago
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
- INFN Sezione di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Musse D, Lee D. Parametric study of pulsed nanosecond laser interaction with carbon-nanotube composite bipolar plate for PEMFCs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2048. [PMID: 36739359 PMCID: PMC9899249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A laser processing technique is proposed for the processing of a 2.5 mm thick carbon nanotube (CNT) composite bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study aims to understand laser interaction with the CNT composite plate experimentally using a pulsed nanosecond laser. Penetration depth, top width, spatter width, and overall physical morphologies are studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and 3D Scanning Confocal Microscope were used for observation and measurements. Based on that, a parametric investigation is conducted and reported systematically. Most importantly, the pulse repetition rate presents a unique nature of interaction that resulted in a critical repetition rate distinguishing three operational regimes. The physical and chemical properties of the regimes are further analyzed by Vickers microhardness testing and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses performed on the surface and cross-section of each specimen. The results reveal that the pulse repetition rate introduces changes in mechanical properties and chemical compositions in the vicinity of the processed region. In conclusion, lower pulse repetition should be favored for less impact on mechanical properties, chemical composition, and morphological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Musse
- grid.411118.c0000 0004 0647 1065Department of Future Convergence Engineering, Cheonan College of Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan, 31080 South Korea
| | - Dongkyoung Lee
- grid.411118.c0000 0004 0647 1065Department of Future Convergence Engineering, Cheonan College of Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan, 31080 South Korea ,grid.411118.c0000 0004 0647 1065Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Cheonan College of Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan, 31080 South Korea ,grid.411118.c0000 0004 0647 1065Center for Advanced Powder Materials and Parts of Powder (CAMP2), Cheonan College of Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan, 31080 South Korea
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Oxygenated Hydrocarbons from Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Once fundamental difficulties such as active sites and selectivity are fully resolved, metal-free catalysts such as 3D graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNT) are very cost-effective substitutes for the expensive noble metals used for catalyzing CO2. A viable method for converting environmental wastes into useful energy storage or industrial wealth, and one which also addresses the environmental and energy problems brought on by emissions of CO2, is CO2 hydrogenation into hydrocarbon compounds. The creation of catalytic compounds and knowledge about the reaction mechanisms have received considerable attention. Numerous variables affect the catalytic process, including metal–support interaction, metal particle sizes, and promoters. CO2 hydrogenation into different hydrocarbon compounds like lower olefins, alcoholic composites, long-chain hydrocarbon composites, and fuels, in addition to other categories, have been explained in previous studies. With respect to catalyst design, photocatalytic activity, and the reaction mechanism, recent advances in obtaining oxygenated hydrocarbons from CO2 processing have been made both through experiments and through density functional theory (DFT) simulations. This review highlights the progress made in the use of three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials and their compounds and methods for their synthesis in the process of hydrogenation of CO2. Recent advances in catalytic performance and the conversion mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation into hydrocarbons that have been made using both experiments and DFT simulations are also discussed. The development of 3D nanomaterials and metal catalysts supported on 3D nanomaterials is important for CO2 conversion because of their stability and the ability to continuously support the catalytic processes, in addition to the ability to reduce CO2 directly and hydrogenate it into oxygenated hydrocarbons.
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Cieslik M, Sawczak M, Jendrzejewski R, Celej J, Nogala W, Ryl J. Locally sculptured modification of the electrochemical response of conductive poly(lactic acid) 3D prints by femtosecond laser processing. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Effect of Femtosecond Laser Polarization on the Damage Threshold of Ta2O5/SiO2 Film. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The study used linearly and circularly polarized femtosecond pulsed lasers to irradiate a Ta2O5/SiO2 film. Firstly, the damage thresholds of the film for linearly and circularly polarized femtosecond pulsed lasers were measured in 1-on-1 mode. The results showed that the damage threshold (1.70 J/cm2) under a circularly polarized laser was higher than that (1.68 J/cm2) under a linearly polarized laser. For femtosecond lasers, the multi-photon ionization cross-section under circular polarization was lower than that under linear polarization. The lower ionization rate under circular polarization led to a higher damage threshold compared to the case under linear polarization. Secondly, the damage morphology of the film irradiated by linearly and circularly polarized femtosecond lasers was observed by microscope. The damage caused by linearly polarized laser was more evident than that caused by the circularly polarized laser. Finally, the damage thresholds induced by linearly and circularly polarized femtosecond pulsed lasers were measured in S-on-1 (S = 2, 5, and 10) mode. For the same S value (2, 5, or 10), the damage threshold under the circularly polarized laser was higher than that under the linearly polarized laser. The damage thresholds under two polarized laser pulses decreased with an increase in the number of laser shots, indicating that repeated laser pulses had a cumulative effect on the damage of the film.
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Laser Patterning of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Arrays: Morphology, Surface Structure, and Interaction with Terahertz Radiation. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14123275. [PMID: 34198489 PMCID: PMC8231912 DOI: 10.3390/ma14123275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The patterning of arrays of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) allows creating metastructures for terahertz (THz) applications. Here, the strips and columns from MWCNTs vertically grown on silicon substrates are prepared using CO2 laser treatment. The tops of the patterned arrays are flat when the laser power is between 15 and 22 W, and craters appear there with increasing power. Laser treatment does not destroy the alignment of MWCNTs while removing their poorly ordered external layers. The products of oxidative destruction of these layers deposit on the surfaces of newly produced arrays. The oxygen groups resulting from the CO2 laser treatment improve the wettability of nanotube arrays with an epoxy resin. We show that the patterned MWCNT arrays absorb the THz radiation more strongly than the as-synthesized arrays. Moreover, the pattern influences the frequency behavior of the absorbance.
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Cesano F, Uddin MJ, Damin A, Scarano D. Multifunctional Conductive Paths Obtained by Laser Processing of Non-Conductive Carbon Nanotube/Polypropylene Composites. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:604. [PMID: 33670969 PMCID: PMC7997224 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional materials are promising candidates for application in structural health monitoring/self-healing composites, wearable systems (smart textiles), robotics, and next-generation electronics. Any improvement in these topics would be of great relevance to industry, environment, and global needs for energy sustainability. Taking into consideration all these aspects, low-cost fabrication of electrical functionalities on the outer surface of carbon-nanotube/polypropylene composites is presented in this paper. Electrical-responsive regions and conductive tracks, made of an accumulation layer of carbon nanotubes without the use of metals, have been obtained by the laser irradiation process, leading to confined polymer melting/vaporization with consequent local increase of the nanotube concentration over the electrical percolation threshold. Interestingly, by combining different investigation methods, including thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies (SEM, AFM), and Raman spectroscopy, the electrical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene (MWCNT/PP) composites have been elucidated to unfold their potentials under static and dynamic conditions. More interestingly, prototypes made of simple components and electronic circuits (resistor, touch-sensitive devices), where conventional components have been substituted by the carbon nanotube networks, are shown. The results contribute to enabling the direct integration of carbon conductive paths in conventional electronics and next-generation platforms for low-power electronics, sensors, and devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cesano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria, 7, 10125 Torino, Italy; (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Mohammed Jasim Uddin
- Photonics and Energy Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Alessandro Damin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria, 7, 10125 Torino, Italy; (A.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Domenica Scarano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria, 7, 10125 Torino, Italy; (A.D.); (D.S.)
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Nikazar S, Barani M, Rahdar A, Zoghi M, Kyzas GZ. Photo‐ and Magnetothermally Responsive Nanomaterials for Therapy, Controlled Drug Delivery and Imaging Applications. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202002978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sohrab Nikazar
- Chemical Engineering Faculty Engineering College, University of Tehran Tehran P.O. Box:14155-6455 Iran
| | - Mahmood Barani
- Department of Chemistry Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman Kerman Iran
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of science University of Zabol 538-98615 Zabol Iran
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Chemical Engineering Faculty Engineering College, University of Tehran Tehran P.O. Box:14155-6455 Iran
| | - George Z. Kyzas
- Department of Chemistry International Hellenic University Kavala 65404 Greece
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Aliev AE, Baughman RH. Shaping nanomaterials by short electrical pulses. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 31:365302. [PMID: 32438359 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab957b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We report a new dry-state technique for non-contact patterning of nanostructured conducting materials, and demonstrate its use for carbon nanotube forests and freestanding sheets of carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene sponge, and MXene. This method uses self-generated electron-emission pulses (∼20 ns) in air. On a substrate-tip separation scale of 10 to 20 nm, the few molecules of gas at atmospheric pressure enables electron-emission-based interaction between a sharp tungsten tip and elements of nanostructured materials. Using the advantages of field enhancement at sharp ends of nanostructured materials, the discharge voltage is reduced to 25-30 V, depending upon the materials density. This method causes largely non-oxidative sequential decomposition of nanostructure elements neighboring the tungsten tip. The main decomposition mechanism is thermal dissociation facilitated by Joule heating and electrostatic removal of debris. The non-contact-based patterning of nanomaterials can be as fast as 10 cm s-1. The resulting precisely patterned structures (<200 nm) are largely free of foreign contaminants, thermal impact and sub-surface structural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali E Aliev
- A. G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States of America
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Paint Removal with Pulsed Laser: Theory Simulation and Mechanism Analysis. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9245500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper studies paint removal using laser technology. A finite element model was created using COMSOL Multiphysics software, and the temperature field generated during the cleaning process was analyzed and verified. Laser paint removal behavior was investigated using a fiber laser, and its mechanism studied by combining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In-depth analysis of this relatively new technology could provide the theoretical basis for industrial application. The results of this study show that, when compared to the original paint layer, the infrared absorption spectrum of the cleaned surface had two additional two peaks—1333.36 cm−1 and 678.82 cm−1. In addition, there was a decrease in C element content on the treated surface and an increase in O content. In addition, new organic and complex compounds were formed on the cleaned surface as a result of bond cleavage and rearrangement. Furthermore, paint particles of varying sizes and shapes were produced by the impact of plasma shock. Under high-energy laser irradiation, the paint layer underwent combustion, resulting in spherical nanoparticles of uniform shape.
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