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Petcu G, Anghel EM, Atkinson I, Culita DC, Apostol NG, Kuncser A, Papa F, Baran A, Blin JL, Parvulescu V. Composite Photocatalysts with Fe, Co, and Ni Oxides on Supports with Tetracoordinated Ti Embedded into Aluminosilicate Gel during Zeolite Y Synthesis. Gels 2024; 10:129. [PMID: 38391459 PMCID: PMC10888282 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
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 β-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 N2 physisorption. The structure, composition, reduction, and optical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, H2-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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Petcu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Maria Anghel
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Atkinson
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela C Culita
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta G Apostol
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Florica Papa
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Baran
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jean-Luc Blin
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Viorica Parvulescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu" of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
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Stoian M, Kuncser A, Neatu F, Florea M, Popa M, Voicu SN, Chifiriuc MC, Hanganu A, Anghel ME, Tudose M. Green synthesis of aminated hyaluronic acid-based silver nanoparticles on modified titanium dioxide surface: Influence of size and chemical composition on their biological properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127445. [PMID: 37839599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
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 properties 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Stoian
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street No. 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Florentina Neatu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street No. 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Mihaela Florea
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street No. 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, Research Centre of Applied Organic Chemistry, 90-92 Panduri Street, RO-050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marcela Popa
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest R-050095, Romania
| | - Sorina N Voicu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest R-050095, Romania
| | - Mariana C Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenței 91-95, Bucharest R-050095, Romania; Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - AnaMaria Hanganu
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, Research Centre of Applied Organic Chemistry, 90-92 Panduri Street, RO-050663 Bucharest, Romania; "C. D. Nenitzescu" Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, 202B Spl. Independentei, 060023 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Elena Anghel
- "Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Madalina Tudose
- "Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania.
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Mihai MA, Spataru T, Somacescu S, Moga OG, Preda L, Florea M, Kuncser A, Spataru N. Nitrite anodic oxidation at Ni(II)/Ni(III)-decorated mesoporous SnO 2 and its analytical applications. Analyst 2023; 148:6028-6035. [PMID: 37888977 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01249b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hydrothermally formed mesoporous SnO2 was used as a support for nickel chemical deposition and, after subsequent thermal treatment, a high specific surface area (36 m2 g-1) Ni/SnO2 material was obtained. XPS analysis has shown that in the Sn 3d region the spectrum is similar to that of pristine SnO2, whereas Ni species are present on the surface as NiO, Ni2O3 and Ni(OH)2. Mixing Ni/SnO2 with a small amount of Black Pearls (BP) leads to a significant enhancement of the resulting Ni/SnO2-BP composite activity for nitrite anodic oxidation, presumably due to the higher surface area (115 m2 g-1), to better electrical conductivity and to a certain contribution of the BP to an increase in surface density of the active sites. Ni/SnO2-BP also outperforms pristine BP (in terms of Tafel slopes and electron-transfer rates), most likely due to the fact that the Ni(II)/Ni(III) couple can act as an electrocatalyst for nitrite oxidation. A voltammetric method is proposed for the determination of nitrite, over a concentration range of three orders of magnitude (0.05 to 20 mM), with good reproducibility, high stability and excellent sensitivity. The high upper limit of the dynamic range of the analytically useful response might provide a basis for the reliable quantification of nitrite in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Alexandru Mihai
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Tanta Spataru
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Simona Somacescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Olivia Georgeta Moga
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Loredana Preda
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mihaela Florea
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicolae Spataru
- Institute of Physical Chemistry "Ilie Murgulescu", 202 Spl. Independenţei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
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Purcăreanu B, Ene MD, Moroșan A, Mihaiescu DE, Florea MA, Ghica A, Nita RA, Drumea V, Grigoroscuta MA, Kuncser A, Badica P, Olariu L. Mesoporous Composite Bioactive Compound Delivery System for Wound-Healing Processes. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2258. [PMID: 37765227 PMCID: PMC10534662 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the treatment of wounds is still a challenge for healthcare professionals due to high complication incidences and social impacts, and the development of biocompatible and efficient medicines remains a goal. In this regard, mesoporous materials loaded with bioactive compounds from natural extracts have a high potential for wound treatment due to their nontoxicity, high loading capacity and slow drug release. MCM-41-type mesoporous material was synthesized by using sodium trisilicate as a silica source at room temperature and normal pressure. The synthesized mesoporous silica was characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), N2 absorption-desorption (BET), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), revealing a high surface area (BET, 1244 m2/g); pore diameter of approx. 2 nm; and a homogenous, ordered and hexagonal geometry (TEM images). Qualitative monitoring of the desorption degree of the Salvia officinalis (SO) extract, rich in ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, and Calendula officinalis (CO) extract, rich in polyphenols and flavones, was performed via the continuous recording of the UV-VIS spectra at predetermined intervals. The active ingredients in the new composite MCM-41/sage and marigold (MCM-41/SO&CO) were quantified by using HPLC-DAD and LC-MS-MS techniques. The evaluation of the biological composites' activity on the wound site was performed on two cell lines, HS27 and HaCaT, naturally involved in tissue-regeneration processes. The experimental results revealed the ability to stimulate collagen biosynthesis, the enzymatic activity of the main metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) involved in tissue remodeling processes and the migration rate in the wound site, thus providing insights into the re-epithelializing properties of mesoporous composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Purcăreanu
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Manuela Diana Ene
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
| | - Alina Moroșan
- Department of Organic Chemistry “Costin Neniţescu”, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry “Costin Neniţescu”, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihai Alexandru Florea
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
| | - Adelina Ghica
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
| | - Roxana Andreea Nita
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
| | - Veronica Drumea
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
| | - Mihai Alexandru Grigoroscuta
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.A.G.); (A.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.A.G.); (A.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Petre Badica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405 A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.A.G.); (A.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Laura Olariu
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania or (B.P.); (M.A.F.); (A.G.); (R.A.N.); (V.D.); (L.O.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 030167, Bucharest, Romania
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Silva C, Salmanzade K, Borbáth I, Dódony E, Olasz D, Sáfrán G, Kuncser A, Pászti-Gere E, Tompos A, Pászti Z. Reductive Treatment of Pt Supported on Ti 0.8Sn 0.2O 2-C Composite: A Route for Modulating the Sn-Pt Interactions. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:2245. [PMID: 37570561 PMCID: PMC10473237 DOI: 10.3390/nano13152245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The composites of transition metal-doped titania and carbon have emerged as promising supports for Pt electrocatalysts in PEM fuel cells. In these multifunctional supports, the oxide component stabilizes the Pt particles, while the dopant provides a co-catalytic function. Among other elements, Sn is a valuable additive. Stong metal-support interaction (SMSI), i.e., the migration of a partially reduced oxide species from the support to the surface of Pt during reductive treatment is a general feature of TiO2-supported Pt catalysts. In order to explore the influence of SMSI on the stability and performance of Pt/Ti0.8Sn0.2O2-C catalysts, the structural and catalytic properties of the as prepared samples measured using XRD, TEM, XPS and electrochemical investigations were compared to those obtained from catalysts reduced in hydrogen at elevated temperatures. According to the observations, the uniform oxide coverage of the carbon backbone facilitated the formation of Pt-oxide-C triple junctions at a high density. The electrocatalytic behavior of the as prepared catalysts was determined by the atomic closeness of Sn to Pt, while even a low temperature reductive treatment resulted in Sn-Pt alloying. The segregation of tin oxide on the surface of the alloy particles, a characteristic material transport process in Sn-Pt alloys after oxygen exposure, contributed to a better stability of the reduced catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Silva
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (C.S.); (K.S.); (I.B.); (A.T.)
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Khirdakhanim Salmanzade
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (C.S.); (K.S.); (I.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Irina Borbáth
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (C.S.); (K.S.); (I.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Erzsébet Dódony
- Institute for Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary; (E.D.); (D.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Dániel Olasz
- Institute for Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary; (E.D.); (D.O.); (G.S.)
| | - György Sáfrán
- Institute for Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary; (E.D.); (D.O.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Erzsébet Pászti-Gere
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - András Tompos
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (C.S.); (K.S.); (I.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Zoltán Pászti
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (C.S.); (K.S.); (I.B.); (A.T.)
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Costas A, Preda N, Zgura I, Kuncser A, Apostol N, Curutiu C, Enculescu I. Silver nanoparticles decorated ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays with low water adhesion and high antibacterial activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10698. [PMID: 37400545 PMCID: PMC10318101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37953-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanostructured surfaces based on silver nanoparticles decorated ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays, which can assure protection against various environmental factors such as water and bacteria were developed by combining dry preparation techniques namely thermal oxidation in air, radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and thermal vacuum evaporation. Thus, high-aspect-ratio ZnO nanowire arrays were grown directly on zinc foils by thermal oxidation in air. Further ZnO nanowires were coated with a CuO layer by RF magnetron sputtering, the obtained ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowires being decorated with Ag nanoparticles by thermal vacuum evaporation. The prepared samples were comprehensively assessed from morphological, compositional, structural, optical, surface chemistry, wetting and antibacterial activity point of view. The wettability studies show that native Zn foil and ZnO nanowire arrays grown on it are featured by a high water droplet adhesion while ZnO-CuO core-shell nanowire arrays (before and after decoration with Ag nanoparticles) reveal a low water droplet adhesion. The antibacterial tests carried on Escherichia coli (a Gram-negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (a Gram-positive bacterium) emphasize that the nanostructured surfaces based on nanowire arrays present excellent antibacterial activity against both type of bacteria. This study proves that functional surfaces obtained by relatively simple and highly reproducible preparation techniques that can be easily scaled to large area are very attractive in the field of water repellent coatings with enhanced antibacterial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Irina Zgura
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Apostol
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Carmen Curutiu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
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Lite MC, Constantinescu R, Tănăsescu EC, Kuncser A, Romanițan C, Mihaiescu DE, Lacatusu I, Badea N. Phytochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Investigation on Cotton and Wool Textiles. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:ma16113924. [PMID: 37297058 DOI: 10.3390/ma16113924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The use of bio-based reagents for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production has gained much attention among researchers as it has paved the way for environmentally friendly approaches at low cost for synthesizing nanomaterials while maintaining their properties. In this study, Stellaria media aqueous extract was used for silver nanoparticle phyto-synthesis, and the resulting treatment was applied to textile fabrics to test its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi strains. The chromatic effect was also established by determining the L*a*b* parameters. For optimizing the synthesis, different ratios of extract to silver precursor were tested using UV-Vis spectroscopy to observe the SPR-specific band. Moreover, the AgNP dispersions were tested for their antioxidant properties using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods, and the phenolic content was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. For the optimal ratio, values of average size, 50.11 ± 3.25 nm, zeta potential, -27.10 ± 2.16 mV, and polydispersity index, 0.209, were obtained via the DLS technique and zeta potential measurements. AgNPs were further characterized by EDX and XRD techniques to confirm their formation and by microscopic techniques to evaluate their morphology. TEM measurements revealed cvasi-spherical particles with sizes in the range of 10-30 nm, while SEM images confirmed their uniform distribution on the textile fiber surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Cristina Lite
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Constantinescu
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Cornelia Tănăsescu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather-INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Romanițan
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, Erou Iancu Nicolae 126A, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Lacatusu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Badea
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
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8
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Kuncser A, Vasylkiv O, Borodianska H, Demirskyi D, Badica P. High bending strength at 1800 °C exceeding 1 GPa in TiB 2-B 4C composite. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6915. [PMID: 37105994 PMCID: PMC10140271 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High density (99.5%) ceramic composite composed of titanium boride and boron carbide (70/30 vol%) was obtained by spark plasma sintering and was tested by 3-point bending test in Ar atmosphere at 1800 °C. Bending strength was high, around 1.1 GPa. The strength-strain curve presents a peculiar shape composed of three regions where elastic and plastic deformations are active with a different weight. Based on transmission electron microscopy observations we propose a process of mechanical energy absorption driven by shear stress in the boron carbide crystals: stacking faults with (1-11) and (011) stacking planes and twins with (1-11) twinning plane rearrange into nano-twins with (10-1) twinning planes, orthogonal but equivalent to the initial ones. This rearrangement mechanism provides in the first instance a plastic signature, but further contributes strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405 A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - O Vasylkiv
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan.
| | - H Borodianska
- National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan
| | - D Demirskyi
- WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-02 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan.
| | - P Badica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Street Atomistilor 405 A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
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Lite MC, Constantinescu RR, Tănăsescu EC, Kuncser A, Romanițan C, Lăcătuşu I, Badea N. Design of Green Silver Nanoparticles Based on Primula Officinalis Extract for Textile Preservation. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:ma15217695. [PMID: 36363287 PMCID: PMC9654331 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to bring an addition to biomass resources valorization for environmental-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed, using a novel and effective reducing agent, Primula officinalis extract. The synthesis was optimized by monitoring the characteristic absorption bands, using UV−Vis spectroscopy, and by evaluating the size and physical stability. The phenolic consumption was established using Folin-Ciocâlteu method (1.40 ± 0.42 mg, representing ~5% from the total amount of poly--phenols) and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods. The optimum ratio extract to Ag ions was 1:3, for which the AgNPs presented a zeta potential value of −29.3 ± 1.2 mV and particles size of 5−30 nm. For characterization, EDS and XRD techniques were used, along with microscopy techniques (TEM). The AgNPs dispersions were applied on natural textile samples (cotton and wool), as a novel antimicrobial treatment for textile preservation. The treated fabrics were further characterized in terms of chromatic parameters and antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium hirsutum strains. The high percentages of bacterial reduction, >99%, revealed that the AgNPs produced are a good candidate for textiles preservation against microbial degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Cristina Lite
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather–INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Roxana Constantinescu
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather–INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Cornelia Tănăsescu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather–INCDTP, Lucretiu Patrascanu 16, 030508 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Cosmin Romanițan
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, Erou Iancu Nicolae 126A, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
| | - Ioana Lăcătuşu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Badea
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7, Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Bucuresteanu R, Ionita M, Chihaia V, Ficai A, Trusca RD, Ilie CI, Kuncser A, Holban AM, Mihaescu G, Petcu G, Nicolaev A, Costescu RM, Husch M, Parvulescu V, Ditu LM. Antimicrobial Properties of TiO2 Microparticles Coated with Ca- and Cu-Based Composite Layers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136888. [PMID: 35805899 PMCID: PMC9266884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of TiO2 to generate reactive oxygen species under UV radiation makes it an efficient candidate in antimicrobial studies. In this context, the preparation of TiO2 microparticles coated with Ca- and Cu-based composite layers over which Cu(II), Cu(I), and Cu(0) species were identified is presented here. The obtained materials were characterized by a wide range of analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficiency was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative standard methods and standard clinical microbial strains. A significant aspect of this composite is that the antimicrobial properties were evidenced both in the presence and absence of the light, as result of competition between photo and electrical effects. However, the antibacterial effect was similar in darkness and light for all samples. Because no photocatalytic properties were found in the absence of copper, the results sustain the antibacterial effect of the electric field (generated by the electrostatic potential of the composite layer) both under the dark and in light conditions. In this way, the composite layers supported on the TiO2 microparticles’ surface can offer continuous antibacterial protection and do not require the presence of a permanent light source for activation. However, the antimicrobial effect in the dark is more significant and is considered to be the result of the electric field effect generated on the composite layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Bucuresteanu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (R.B.); (A.-M.H.); (G.M.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Sos. Panduri 90, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Ionita
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Viorel Chihaia
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Anton Ficai
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.F.); (C.-I.I.)
- National Centre for Micro and Nanomaterials and National Centre for Food Safety, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Indendentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana-Doina Trusca
- National Centre for Micro and Nanomaterials and National Centre for Food Safety, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Indendentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Cornelia-Ioana Ilie
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.F.); (C.-I.I.)
- National Centre for Micro and Nanomaterials and National Centre for Food Safety, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Spl. Indendentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (A.N.); (R.M.C.)
| | - Alina-Maria Holban
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (R.B.); (A.-M.H.); (G.M.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Sos. Panduri 90, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Grigore Mihaescu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (R.B.); (A.-M.H.); (G.M.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Sos. Panduri 90, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Petcu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Adela Nicolaev
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (A.N.); (R.M.C.)
| | - Ruxandra M. Costescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (A.N.); (R.M.C.)
| | - Mihai Husch
- Faculty of Building Services Engineering, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Viorica Parvulescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.C.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (L.-M.D.); Tel.: +40-744-42-15-51 (V.P.); +40-745-67-38-22 (L.M.-D.)
| | - Lia-Mara Ditu
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania; (R.B.); (A.-M.H.); (G.M.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Sos. Panduri 90, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (L.-M.D.); Tel.: +40-744-42-15-51 (V.P.); +40-745-67-38-22 (L.M.-D.)
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11
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Ayyubov I, Tálas E, Salmanzade K, Kuncser A, Pászti Z, Neațu Ș, Mirea AG, Florea M, Tompos A, Borbáth I. Electrocatalytic Properties of Mixed-Oxide-Containing Composite-Supported Platinum for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. Materials 2022; 15:ma15103671. [PMID: 35629708 PMCID: PMC9148157 DOI: 10.3390/ma15103671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
TiO2-based mixed oxide–carbon composite supports have been suggested to provide enhanced stability for platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The addition of molybdenum (Mo) to the mixed oxide is known to increase the CO tolerance of the electrocatalyst. In this work Pt catalysts, supported on Ti1−xMoxO2–C composites with a 25/75 oxide/carbon mass ratio and prepared from different carbon materials (C: Vulcan XC-72, unmodified and functionalized Black Pearls 2000), were compared in the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a commercial Pt/C reference catalyst in order to assess the influence of the support on the electrocatalytic behavior. Our aim was to perform electrochemical studies in preparation for fuel cell tests. The ORR kinetic parameters from the Koutecky–Levich plot suggested a four-electron transfer per oxygen molecule, resulting in H2O. The similarity between the Tafel slopes suggested the same reaction mechanism for electrocatalysts supported by these composites. The HOR activity of the composite-supported electrocatalysts was independent of the type of carbonaceous material. A noticeable difference in the stability of the catalysts appeared only after 5000 polarization cycles; the Black Pearl-containing sample showed the highest stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilgar Ayyubov
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emília Tálas
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
| | - Khirdakhanim Salmanzade
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (Ș.N.); (A.G.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Zoltán Pászti
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
| | - Ștefan Neațu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (Ș.N.); (A.G.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Anca G. Mirea
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (Ș.N.); (A.G.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Mihaela Florea
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.K.); (Ș.N.); (A.G.M.); (M.F.)
| | - András Tompos
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-1-382-501
| | - Irina Borbáth
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Magyar Tudósok körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (I.A.); (E.T.); (K.S.); (Z.P.); (I.B.)
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12
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Costas A, Florica C, Preda N, Besleaga C, Kuncser A, Enculescu I. Self-connected CuO-ZnO radial core-shell heterojunction nanowire arrays grown on interdigitated electrodes for visible-light photodetectors. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6834. [PMID: 35478207 PMCID: PMC9046224 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An original photodetector system based on self-connected CuO–ZnO radial core–shell heterojunction nanowire arrays grown on metallic interdigitated electrodes, operating as visible-light photodetector was developed by combining simple preparation approaches. Metallic interdigitated electrodes were fabricated on Si/SiO2 substrates using a conventional photolithography process. Subsequently, a Cu layer was electrodeposited on top of the metallic interdigitated electrodes. The CuO nanowire arrays (core) were obtained by thermal oxidation in air of the Cu layer. Afterwards, a ZnO thin film (shell) was deposited by RF magnetron sputtering covering the surface of the CuO nanowires. The morphological, structural, compositional, optical, electrical and photoelectrical properties of the CuO nanowire arrays and CuO–ZnO core–shell nanowire arrays grown on metallic interdigitated electrodes were investigated. The performances of the devices were evaluated by assessing the figures of merit of the photodetectors based on self-connected CuO–ZnO core–shell heterojunction nanowire arrays grown on the metallic interdigitated electrodes. The radial p–n heterojunction formed between CuO and ZnO generates a type II band alignment that favors an efficient charge separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs at the CuO–ZnO interface, suppressing their recombination and consequently enhancing the photoresponse and the photoresponsivity of the photodetectors. The electrical connections in the fabricated photodetector devices are made without any additional complex and time-consuming lithographic step through a self-connecting approach for CuO–ZnO core–shell heterojunction nanowire arrays grown directly onto the Ti/Pt metallic interdigitated electrodes. Therefore, the present study provides an accessible path for employing low dimensional complex structures in functional optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
| | - Camelia Florica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Cristina Besleaga
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Nanostructures Laboratory, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
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13
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Locovei C, Radu C, Kuncser A, Iacob N, Schinteie G, Stanciu A, Iftimie S, Kuncser V. Relationship between the Formation of Magnetic Clusters and Hexagonal Phase of Gold Matrix in Au xFe 1-x Nanophase Thin Films. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:1176. [PMID: 35407294 PMCID: PMC9000508 DOI: 10.3390/nano12071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AuxFe1-x nanophase thin films of different compositions and thicknesses were prepared by co-deposition magnetron sputtering. Complex morpho-structural and magnetic investigations of the films were performed by X-ray Diffraction, cross-section Transmission Electron Microscopy, Selected Area Electron Diffraction, Magneto Optical Kerr Effect, Superconducting Quantum Interference Device magnetometry and Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy. It was proven that depending on the preparation conditions, different configurations of defect α-Fe magnetic clusters, i.e., randomly distributed or auto-assembled in lamellar or filiform configurations, can be formed in the Au matrix. A close relationship between the Fe clustering process and the type of the crystalline structure of the Au matrix was underlined, with the stabilization of a hexagonal phase at a composition close to 70 at. % of Au and at optimal thickness. Due to different types of inter-cluster magnetic interactions and spin anisotropies, different types of magnetic order from 2D Ising type to 3D Heisenberg type, as well as superparamagnetic behavior of non-interacting Fe clusters of similar average size, were evidenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu Locovei
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomistilor Street 405, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Cristian Radu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomistilor Street 405, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Nicusor Iacob
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Gabriel Schinteie
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Anda Stanciu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Sorina Iftimie
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomistilor Street 405, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Victor Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (C.L.); (C.R.); (A.K.); (N.I.); (G.S.); (A.S.)
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14
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Craciunescu I, Chiţanu E, Codescu MM, Iacob N, Kuncser A, Kuncser V, Socoliuc V, Susan-Resiga D, Bălănean F, Ispas G, Borbáth T, Borbáth I, Turcu R, Vékás L. High performance magnetorheological fluids: very high magnetization FeCo-Fe 3O 4 nanoclusters in a ferrofluid carrier. Soft Matter 2022; 18:626-639. [PMID: 34931628 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01468d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High magnetization Fe3O4/OA-FeCo/Al2O3 nanocomposite magnetic clusters have been obtained using a modified oil-in-water miniemulsion method. These nanocomposite clusters dispersed in a ferrofluid carrier result in a magnetorheological fluid with improved characteristics. The magnetic clusters have a magnetic core consisting of a mixture of magnetite nanoparticles of about 6 nm average size, stabilized with oleic acid (Fe3O4/OA) and FeCo/Al2O3 particles of about 50 nm average size, compactly packed in the form of spherical clusters with a diameter distribution in the range 100-300 nm and a hydrophilic coating of sodium lauryl sulphate surfactant. The surface chemical composition of the Fe3O4/OA-FeCo/Al2O3 clusters investigated by XPS indicates the presence of the Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states of cobalt and the components of Fe2+ and Fe3+ characteristic to both an enhanced oxidation state at the surface of the FeCo particles and to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles of spinel structure which are decorating the supporting FeCo. This specific decorating morphology is also indicated by TEM images. Advanced characterization of the Fe3O4/OA-FeCo/Al2O3 magnetic clusters has been performed using Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements at various temperatures between 6 K and 200 K. The unexpected formation of Co ferrite decorating nanoparticles was supported by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The dispersion of magnetic clusters in the ferrofluid carrier highly influences the flow properties in the absence of the field (shear thinning for low and moderate shear rates) and especially in applied magnetic field, when significant magnetoviscous effect and shear thinning was observed for the whole range of shear rate values. Detailed analysis of the magnetorheological behavior of the nanocomposite magnetic clusters dispersed in a ferrofluid carrier evidence significantly higher normalized dynamic yield stress values in comparison with the magnetite nanocluster suspensions of the same mass concentration, a promising result for this new type of nanocomposite magnetorheological fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabell Craciunescu
- National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM), Donat Str. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Elena Chiţanu
- National R&D Institute for Electrical Engineering (ICPE-CA), Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mirela M Codescu
- National R&D Institute for Electrical Engineering (ICPE-CA), Bucharest, Romania
| | - N Iacob
- National Institute for R&D of Materials Physics (INCDFM), Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - A Kuncser
- National Institute for R&D of Materials Physics (INCDFM), Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - V Kuncser
- National Institute for R&D of Materials Physics (INCDFM), Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - V Socoliuc
- Romanian Academy - Timisoara Branch, Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research (CFATR), Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 24, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Politehnica University of Timisoara, Research Center for Complex Fluids Systems Engineering, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Daniela Susan-Resiga
- Romanian Academy - Timisoara Branch, Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research (CFATR), Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 24, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- West University of Timisoara, Faculty of Physics, Vasile Pârvan Ave. 4, Timişoara 300223, Romania
| | - Florica Bălănean
- Romanian Academy - Timisoara Branch, Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research (CFATR), Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 24, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
| | - G Ispas
- National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM), Donat Str. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | | | - I Borbáth
- ROSEAL Co., Odorheiu-Secuiesc, Romania
| | - Rodica Turcu
- National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM), Donat Str. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - L Vékás
- Romanian Academy - Timisoara Branch, Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research (CFATR), Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 24, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Politehnica University of Timisoara, Research Center for Complex Fluids Systems Engineering, Mihai Viteazul Ave. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania.
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15
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Greculeasa SG, Stanciu AE, Leca A, Kuncser A, Hrib L, Chirila C, Pasuk I, Kuncser V. Influence of Thickness on the Magnetic and Magnetotransport Properties of Epitaxial La 0.7Sr 0.3MnO 3 Films Deposited on STO (0 0 1). Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:3389. [PMID: 34947736 PMCID: PMC8706966 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films with different thicknesses (9-90 nm) were deposited on SrTiO3 (0 0 1) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films have been investigated with respect to morpho-structural, magnetic, and magneto-transport properties, which have been proven to be thickness dependent. Magnetic contributions with different switching mechanisms were evidenced, depending on the perovskite film thickness. The Curie temperature increases with the film thickness. In addition, colossal magnetoresistance effects of up to 29% above room temperature were evidenced and discussed in respect to the magnetic behavior and film thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Victor Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (S.G.G.); (A.-E.S.); (A.L.); (A.K.); (L.H.); (C.C.); (I.P.)
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16
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Simonescu CM, Tătăruş A, Culiţă DC, Stănică N, Butoi B, Kuncser A. Facile Synthesis of Cobalt Ferrite (CoFe 2O 4) Nanoparticles in the Presence of Sodium Bis (2-ethyl-hexyl) Sulfosuccinate and Their Application in Dyes Removal from Single and Binary Aqueous Solutions. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:nano11113128. [PMID: 34835892 PMCID: PMC8621345 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A research study was conducted to establish the effect of the presence of sodium bis-2-ethyl-hexyl-sulfosuccinate (DOSS) surfactant on the size, shape, and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles, and also on their ability to remove anionic dyes from synthetic aqueous solutions. The effect of the molar ratio cobalt ferrite to surfactant (1:0.1; 1:0.25 and 1:0.5) on the physicochemical properties of the prepared cobalt ferrite particles was evaluated using different characterization techniques, such as FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, and magnetic measurements. The results revealed that the surfactant has a significant impact on the textural and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4. The capacity of the synthesized CoFe2O4 samples to remove two anionic dyes, Congo Red (CR) and Methyl Orange (MO), by adsorption from aqueous solutions and the factors affecting the adsorption process, such as contact time, concentration of dyes in the initial solution, pH of the media, and the presence of a competing agent were investigated in batch experiments. Desorption experiments were performed to demonstrate the reusability of the adsorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maria Simonescu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, Polizu Street, No. 1-7, District 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: or (C.M.S.); (A.T.); (D.C.C.); Tel.: +40-753-071-418 (C.M.S.); +60-764-000-710 (A.T.); +40-765-309-363 (D.C.C.)
| | - Alina Tătăruş
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, Polizu Street, No. 1-7, District 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology, INCD-ECOIND, Drumul Podul Dambovitei Street, No. 71-73, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: or (C.M.S.); (A.T.); (D.C.C.); Tel.: +40-753-071-418 (C.M.S.); +60-764-000-710 (A.T.); +40-765-309-363 (D.C.C.)
| | - Daniela Cristina Culiţă
- Ilie Murgulescu Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: or (C.M.S.); (A.T.); (D.C.C.); Tel.: +40-753-071-418 (C.M.S.); +60-764-000-710 (A.T.); +40-765-309-363 (D.C.C.)
| | - Nicolae Stănică
- Ilie Murgulescu Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Butoi
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute for Materials Physics, Atomistilor Street 405, 077125 Măgurele, Romania;
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17
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Badica P, Batalu ND, Chifiriuc MC, Burdusel M, Grigoroscuta MA, Aldica GV, Pasuk I, Kuncser A, Popa M, Agostino A, Operti L, Padhi SK, Bonino V, Truccato M. Sintered and 3D-Printed Bulks of MgB 2-Based Materials with Antimicrobial Properties. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196045. [PMID: 34641589 PMCID: PMC8512174 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pristine high-density bulk disks of MgB2 with added hexagonal BN (10 wt.%) were prepared using spark plasma sintering. The BN-added samples are machinable by chipping them into desired geometries. Complex shapes of different sizes can also be obtained by the 3D printing of polylactic acid filaments embedded with MgB2 powder particles (10 wt.%). Our present work aims to assess antimicrobial activity quantified as viable cells (CFU/mL) vs. time of sintered and 3D-printed materials. In vitro antimicrobial tests were performed against the bacterial strains Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecium DSM 13590, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212; and the yeast strain Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019. The antimicrobial effects were found to depend on the tested samples and microbes, with E. faecium being the most resistant and E. coli the most susceptible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petre Badica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.P.); Tel.: +40-21-3690185 (P.B.); +40-21-3690185 (M.P.)
| | - Nicolae Dan Batalu
- Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Faculty of Biology and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihail Burdusel
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Mihai Alexandru Grigoroscuta
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Gheorghe Virgil Aldica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Iuliana Pasuk
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (M.B.); (M.A.G.); (G.V.A.); (I.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Marcela Popa
- Faculty of Biology and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.P.); Tel.: +40-21-3690185 (P.B.); +40-21-3690185 (M.P.)
| | - Angelo Agostino
- Physics and Chemistry Departments, University of Turin, 1-7 Via Pietro Giuria, 10125 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (L.O.); (S.K.P.); (V.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Lorenza Operti
- Physics and Chemistry Departments, University of Turin, 1-7 Via Pietro Giuria, 10125 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (L.O.); (S.K.P.); (V.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Santanu Kumar Padhi
- Physics and Chemistry Departments, University of Turin, 1-7 Via Pietro Giuria, 10125 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (L.O.); (S.K.P.); (V.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Valentina Bonino
- Physics and Chemistry Departments, University of Turin, 1-7 Via Pietro Giuria, 10125 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (L.O.); (S.K.P.); (V.B.); (M.T.)
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Truccato
- Physics and Chemistry Departments, University of Turin, 1-7 Via Pietro Giuria, 10125 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (L.O.); (S.K.P.); (V.B.); (M.T.)
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18
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Len A, Paladini G, Románszki L, Putz AM, Almásy L, László K, Bálint S, Krajnc A, Kriechbaum M, Kuncser A, Kalmár J, Dudás Z. Physicochemical Characterization and Drug Release Properties of Methyl-Substituted Silica Xerogels Made Using Sol-Gel Process. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9197. [PMID: 34502104 PMCID: PMC8430635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, a multi-analytical approach involving nitrogen porosimetry, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and electron microscopy was applied to organically modified silica-based xerogels obtained through the sol-gel process. Starting from a tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) precursor, methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) was added to the reaction mixture at two different pH values (2.0 and 4.5) producing hybrid xerogels with different TEOS/MTES molar ratios. Significant differences in the structure were revealed in terms of the chemical composition of the silica network, hydrophilic/hydrophobic profile, particle dimension, pore shape/size and surface characteristics. The combined use of structural characterization methods allowed us to reveal a relation between the cavity dimensions, the synthesis pH value and the grade of methyl substitution. The effect of the structural properties on the controlled Captopril release efficiency has also been tested. This knowledge facilitates tailoring the pore network for specific usage in biological/medical applications. Knowledge on structural aspects, as reported in this work, represents a key starting point for the production of high-performance silica-based hybrid materials showing enhanced efficacy compared to bare silica prepared using only TEOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adél Len
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege 29-33, 1121 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (L.A.)
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány Str 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Giuseppe Paladini
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Loránd Románszki
- Functional Interfaces Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ana-Maria Putz
- “Coriolan Drăgulescu” Institute of Chemistry Timisoara, 24 Mihai Viteazul Ave., 300223 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - László Almásy
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege 29-33, 1121 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (L.A.)
| | - Krisztina László
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1521 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Szabolcs Bálint
- Semilab Semiconductor Physics Laboratory Co. Ltd., 4/A Prielle Kornelia Str., 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andraž Krajnc
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manfred Kriechbaum
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - József Kalmár
- MTA-DE ELKH Homogeneous Catalysis and Reaction Mechanisms Research Group, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Zoltán Dudás
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege 29-33, 1121 Budapest, Hungary; (A.L.); (L.A.)
- “Coriolan Drăgulescu” Institute of Chemistry Timisoara, 24 Mihai Viteazul Ave., 300223 Timisoara, Romania;
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19
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Jinga LI, Popescu-Pelin G, Socol G, Mocanu S, Tudose M, Culita DC, Kuncser A, Ionita P. Chemical Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using TiO 2/Au Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:1605. [PMID: 34207350 PMCID: PMC8234427 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (~10 nm) were deposited on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (~21 nm) and the material obtained was characterized using IR, UV-Vis, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, DLS, EDS (EDX), TEM, XPS, and XRD techniques. It was found that the methylene blue dye is degraded in the presence of this material when using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. Tests were performed at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, with hydrogen peroxide contents varying from 1 to 5 mg/mL. Longer exposure time and a higher content of oxidant led to the degradation of methylene blue dye at up to 90%. The material can be reused several times with no loss of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Izabela Jinga
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania;
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianina Popescu-Pelin
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriel Socol
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (G.S.)
| | - Sorin Mocanu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Spl. Independentei, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Madalina Tudose
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Spl. Independentei, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Daniela C. Culita
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Spl. Independentei, 050663 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
| | - Petre Ionita
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90 Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania;
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20
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Preda N, Costas A, Beregoi M, Apostol N, Kuncser A, Curutiu C, Iordache F, Enculescu I. Functionalization of eggshell membranes with CuO-ZnO based p-n junctions for visible light induced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20960. [PMID: 33262424 PMCID: PMC7708484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biopolymers provide versatile platforms for designing naturally-derived wound care dressings through eco-friendly pathways. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a widely available, biocompatible biopolymer based structure features a unique 3D porous interwoven fibrous protein network. The ESM was functionalized with inorganic compounds (Ag, ZnO, CuO used either separately or combined) using a straightforward deposition technique namely radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The functionalized ESMs were characterized from morphological, structural, compositional, surface chemistry, optical, cytotoxicity and antibacterial point of view. It was emphasized that functionalization with a combination of metal oxides and exposure to visible light results in a highly efficient antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli when compared to the activity of individual metal oxide components. It is assumed that this is possible due to the fact that an axial p-n junction is created by joining the two metal oxides. This structure separates into components the charge carrier pairs promoted by visible light irradiation that further can influence the generation of reactive oxygen species which ultimately are responsible for the bactericide effect. This study proves that, by employing inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials (ESM and metal oxides) and fabrication techniques (radio frequency magnetron sputtering), affordable antibacterial materials can be developed for potential applications in chronic wound healing device area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Mihaela Beregoi
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Apostol
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Carmen Curutiu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Iordache
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
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21
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Costas A, Florica C, Preda N, Kuncser A, Enculescu I. Photodetecting properties of single CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires with p-n radial heterojunction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18690. [PMID: 33122742 PMCID: PMC7596234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
CuO-ZnO core-shell radial heterojunction nanowire arrays were obtained by a simple route which implies two cost-effective methods: thermal oxidation in air for preparing CuO nanowire arrays, acting as a p-type core and RF magnetron sputtering for coating the surface of the CuO nanowires with a ZnO thin film, acting as a n-type shell. The morphological, structural, optical and compositional properties of the CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowire arrays were investigated. In order to analyse the electrical and photoelectrical properties of the metal oxide nanowires, single CuO and CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires were contacted by employing electron beam lithography (EBL) and focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID). The photoelectrical properties emphasize that the p-n radial heterojunction diodes based on single CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires behave as photodetectors, evidencing a time-depending photoresponse under illumination at 520 nm and 405 nm wavelengths. The performance of the photodetector device was evaluated by assessing its key parameters: responsivity, external quantum efficiency and detectivity. The results highlighted that the obtained CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires are emerging as potential building blocks for a next generation of photodetector devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Costas
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
| | - Camelia Florica
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
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22
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Kuncser A, Iacob N, Kuncser VE. On the relaxation time of interacting superparamagnetic nanoparticles and implications for magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2019; 10:1280-1289. [PMID: 31293865 PMCID: PMC6604750 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.10.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A critical discussion on the presently available models for the relaxation time of magnetic nanoparticles approaching the superparamagnetic regime in the presence of interparticle dipolar interactions is considered. The direct implications of such interactions for magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy through susceptibility loss mechanisms give rise to an indirect method for their study via specific absorption rate measurements performed on ferrofluids of different volume fractions. The theoretical support for the specific evolution of the relaxation time constant and the anisotropy energy barrier versus the interparticle interactions in a perturbation approach of the simple Néel expression for the relaxation time is provided via static and time-dependent micromagnetic simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 7, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicusor Iacob
- National Institute of Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 7, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Victor E Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, P.O. Box MG 7, 077125, Magurele, Romania
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23
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Barsan MM, Enache TA, Preda N, Stan G, Apostol NG, Matei E, Kuncser A, Diculescu VC. Direct Immobilization of Biomolecules through Magnetic Forces on Ni Electrodes via Ni Nanoparticles: Applications in Electrochemical Biosensors. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:19867-19877. [PMID: 31081608 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b04990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The present work describes a new simple procedure for the direct immobilization of biomolecules on Ni electrodes using magnetic Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) as biomolecule carriers. Ni electrodes were fabricated by electroplating, and NiNPs were chemically synthesized. The chemical composition, crystallinity, and granular size of Ni electrodes, NiNP, and NiNP-modified Ni electrodes (NiNP/Ni) were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical characterization of Ni electrodes by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the existence of nickel oxides, hydroxides, and oxohydroxide films at the surface of Ni. Magnetic characterization and micromagnetic simulations were performed in order to prove that the magnetic force is responsible for the immobilization process. Further, Ni electrodes were employed as amperometric sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide because it is an important performance indicator for a material to be applied in biosensing. The working principle for magnetic immobilization of the enzyme-functionalized NiNP, without the use of external magnetic sources, was demonstrated for glucose oxidase (GOx) as a model enzyme. XPS results enabled to identify the presence of GOx attached to the NiNP (GOx-NiNP) on Ni electrodes. Finally, glucose detection and quantification were evaluated with the newly developed GOx-NiNP/Ni biosensor by amperometry at different potentials, and control experiments at different electrode materials in the presence and absence of NiNP demonstrated their importance in the biosensor architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina M Barsan
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Teodor A Enache
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - George Stan
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Nicoleta G Apostol
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
| | - Victor C Diculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics , Atomistilor 405A , 077125 Magurele , Romania
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24
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Costas A, Florica C, Matei E, Toimil-Molares ME, Stavarache I, Kuncser A, Kuncser V, Enculescu I. Magnetism and magnetoresistance of single Ni-Cu alloy nanowires. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2018; 9:2345-2355. [PMID: 30202703 PMCID: PMC6122149 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.9.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Arrays of magnetic Ni-Cu alloy nanowires with different compositions were prepared by a template-replication technique using electrochemical deposition into polycarbonate nanoporous membranes. Photolithography was employed for obtaining interdigitated metallic electrode systems of Ti/Au onto SiO2/Si substrates and subsequent electron beam lithography was used for contacting single nanowires in order to investigate their galvano-magnetic properties. The results of the magnetoresistance measurements made on single Ni-Cu alloy nanowires of different compositions have been reported and discussed in detail. A direct methodology for transforming the magnetoresistance data into the corresponding magnetic hysteresis loops was proposed, opening new possibilities for an easy magnetic investigation of single magnetic nanowires in the peculiar cases of Stoner-Wohlfarth-like magnetization reversal mechanisms. The magnetic parameters of single Ni-Cu nanowires of different Ni content have been estimated and discussed by the interpretation of the as derived magnetic hysteresis loops via micromagnetic modeling. It has been theoretically proven that the proposed methodology can be applied over a large range of nanowire diameters if the measurement geometry is suitably chosen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Florica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ionel Stavarache
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, PO Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, PO Box MG-7, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania
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Florica C, Costas A, Kuncser A, Preda N, Enculescu I. High performance FETs based on ZnO nanowires synthesized by low cost methods. Nanotechnology 2016; 27:475303. [PMID: 27779113 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/47/475303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Single ZnO nanowires prepared by wet and dry methods are used as channels in high performance back-gated field effect transistors working in low power operation mode, with on-off ratios up to 105 and mobilities up to 167 cm2 V-1 s-1. The nanowires' properties, generated by the growth techniques, influence the parameters of the transistors, therefore a throughout comparison is made.
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Oumezzine M, Galca AC, Pasuk I, Chirila CF, Leca A, Kuncser V, Tanase LC, Kuncser A, Ghica C, Oumezzine M. Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric effects in epitaxial La0.67Ba0.33Ti0.02Mn0.98O3 ferromagnetic thin films grown on 001-oriented SrTiO3 substrates. Dalton Trans 2016; 45:15034-15040. [DOI: 10.1039/c6dt01914e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epitaxial La0.67Ba0.33Ti0.02Mn0.98O3 (denoted as LBTMO hereafter) thin films of approximately 95 nm thickness were deposited by a pulsed laser deposition technique onto SrTiO3 (STO) (001) substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwène Oumezzine
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux
- Université de Monastir
- Monastir
- Tunisia
| | - Aurelian Catalin Galca
- Laboratory of Multifunctional Materials and Structures
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Iuliana Pasuk
- Laboratory of Multifunctional Materials and Structures
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Cristina Florentina Chirila
- Laboratory of Multifunctional Materials and Structures
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Aurel Leca
- Laboratory of Magnetism and Superconductivity
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Victor Kuncser
- Laboratory of Magnetism and Superconductivity
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Liviu Cristian Tanase
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Condensed Matter
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
- Faculty of Physics
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
- Faculty of Physics
| | - Corneliu Ghica
- Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials
- National Institute of Materials Physics
- Magurele
- Romania
| | - Mohamed Oumezzine
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux
- Université de Monastir
- Monastir
- Tunisia
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27
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Teodorescu VS, Ghica C, Maraloiu AV, Vlaicu M, Kuncser A, Ciurea ML, Stavarache I, Lepadatu AM, Scarisoreanu ND, Andrei A, Ion V, Dinescu M. Nanostructuring of GeTiO amorphous films by pulsed laser irradiation. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2015; 6:893-900. [PMID: 25977860 PMCID: PMC4419586 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.6.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Laser pulse processing of surfaces and thin films is a useful tool for amorphous thin films crystallization, surface nanostructuring, phase transformation and modification of physical properties of thin films. Here we show the effects of nanostructuring produced at the surface and under the surface of amorphous GeTiO films through laser pulses using fluences of 10-30 mJ/cm(2). The GeTiO films were obtained by RF magnetron sputtering with 50:50 initial atomic ratio of Ge:TiO2. Laser irradiation was performed by using the fourth harmonic (266 nm) of a Nd:YAG laser. The laser-induced nanostructuring results in two effects, the first one is the appearance of a wave-like topography at the film surface, with a periodicity of 200 nm and the second one is the structure modification of a layer under the film surface, at a depth that is related to the absorption length of the laser radiation. The periodicity of the wave-like relief is smaller than the laser wavelength. In the modified layer, the Ge atoms are segregated in spherical amorphous nanoparticles as a result of the fast diffusion of Ge atoms in the amorphous GeTiO matrix. The temperature estimation of the film surface during the laser pulses shows a maximum of about 500 °C, which is much lower than the melting temperature of the GeTiO matrix. GeO gas is formed at laser fluences higher than 20 mJ/cm(2) and produces nanovoids in the laser-modified layer at the film surface. A glass transition at low temperatures could happen in the amorphous GeTiO film, which explains the formation of the wave-like topography. The very high Ge diffusivity during the laser pulse action, which is characteristic for liquids, cannot be reached in a viscous matrix. Our experiments show that the diffusivity of atomic and molecular species such as Ge and GeO is very much enhanced in the presence of the laser pulse field. Consequently, the fast diffusion drives the formation of amorphous Ge nanoparticles through the segregation of Ge atoms in the GeTiO matrix. The nanostructuring effects induced by the laser irradiation can be used in functionalizing the surface of the films.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornel Ghica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Adrian Valentin Maraloiu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Mihai Vlaicu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Magdalena Lidia Ciurea
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucuresti 050094, Romania
| | - Ionel Stavarache
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Ana M Lepadatu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicu Doinel Scarisoreanu
- National Institute of Plasma Lasers and Radiation, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Andreea Andrei
- National Institute of Plasma Lasers and Radiation, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Valentin Ion
- National Institute of Plasma Lasers and Radiation, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Maria Dinescu
- National Institute of Plasma Lasers and Radiation, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
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