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Nanomaterials
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Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures
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Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 18824

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Alessio Mezzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CNR-ISMN, Monterotondo Scalo, 00015 Rome, Italy
Interests: surface science for advanced materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the level of complexity of nanomaterials, leading to the production of smaller-sized objects and 2D structures. In this dimension scale, a key role is played by the surface and interface of the materials. For this reason, surface analysis techniques represent a powerful investigatory tool for evaluating the properties of nanomaterials. This Special Issue will be focused on the advancement of a wide variety of surface analysis techniques employed to study and to characterize advanced nanomaterials. X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopies, Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary-ion mass spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and secondary electron microscopy will be explored, showing how they can help to answer many questions at the nanoscale.

Dr. Alessio Mezzi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • XPS
  • UPS
  • AES
  • SIMS
  • TEM
  • AFM
  • STM
  • nanoparticles
  • nanorods
  • nanotubes
  • thin films
  • 2D materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 8329 KiB  
Article
Multi-Technique Approach for Work Function Exploration of Sc2O3 Thin Films
by Alessio Mezzi, Eleonora Bolli, Saulius Kaciulis, Alessandro Bellucci, Barbara Paci, Amanda Generosi, Matteo Mastellone, Valerio Serpente and Daniele Maria Trucchi
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081430 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Thin films based on scandium oxide (Sc2O3) were deposited on silicon substrates to investigate the thickness effect on the reduction of work function. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray reflectivity (EDXR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), [...] Read more.
Thin films based on scandium oxide (Sc2O3) were deposited on silicon substrates to investigate the thickness effect on the reduction of work function. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray reflectivity (EDXR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements were performed on the films deposited by electron-beam evaporation with different nominal thicknesses (in the range of 2–50 nm) and in multi-layered mixed structures with barium fluoride (BaF2) films. The obtained results indicate that non-continuous films are required to minimize the work function (down to 2.7 eV at room temperature), thanks to the formation of surface dipole effects between crystalline islands and substrates, even if the stoichiometry is far from the ideal one (Sc/O = 0.38). Finally, the presence of BaF2 in multi-layered films is not beneficial for a further reduction in the work function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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21 pages, 6682 KiB  
Article
Effect of Electrolytic Medium on the Electrochemical Reduction of Graphene Oxide on Si(111) as Probed by XPS
by Andrea G. Marrani, Alessandro Motta, Francesco Amato, Ricardo Schrebler, Robertino Zanoni and Enrique A. Dalchiele
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12010043 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3427
Abstract
The wafer-scale integration of graphene is of great importance in view of its numerous applications proposed or underway. A good graphene–silicon interface requires the fine control of several parameters and may turn into a high-cost material, suitable for the most advanced applications. Procedures [...] Read more.
The wafer-scale integration of graphene is of great importance in view of its numerous applications proposed or underway. A good graphene–silicon interface requires the fine control of several parameters and may turn into a high-cost material, suitable for the most advanced applications. Procedures that can be of great use for a wide range of applications are already available, but others are to be found, in order to modulate the offer of different types of materials, at different levels of sophistication and use. We have been exploring different electrochemical approaches over the last 5 years, starting from graphene oxide and resulting in graphene deposited on silicon-oriented surfaces, with the aim of understanding the reactions leading to the re-establishment of the graphene network. Here, we report how a proper choice of both the chemical environment and electrochemical conditions can lead to a more controlled and tunable graphene–Si(111) interface. This can also lead to a deeper understanding of the electrochemical reactions involved in the evolution of graphene oxide to graphene under electrochemical reduction. Results from XPS, the most suitable tool to follow the presence and fate of functional groups at the graphene surface, are reported, together with electrochemical and Raman findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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16 pages, 4597 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial, Antioxidation, UV-Blocking, and Biodegradable Soy Protein Isolate Food Packaging Film with Mangosteen Peel Extract and ZnO Nanoparticles
by Xi Huang, Xin Zhou, Qingyin Dai and Zhiyong Qin
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123337 - 8 Dec 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4531
Abstract
The objective of this study was to prepare a functional biodegradable soy protein isolate (SPI) food packaging film by introducing a natural antimicrobial agent, mangosteen peel extract (MPE, 10 wt% based on SPI), and different concentrations of functional modifiers, ZnO NPs, into the [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to prepare a functional biodegradable soy protein isolate (SPI) food packaging film by introducing a natural antimicrobial agent, mangosteen peel extract (MPE, 10 wt% based on SPI), and different concentrations of functional modifiers, ZnO NPs, into the natural polymer SPI by solution casting method. The physical, antioxidant, antibacterial properties and chemical structures were also investigated. The composite film with 5% ZnO NPs had the maximum tensile strength of 8.84 MPa and the lowest water vapor transmission rate of 9.23 g mm/m2 h Pa. The composite film also exhibited excellent UV-blocking, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The TGA results showed that the introduction of MPE and ZnO NPs improved the thermal stability of SPI films. The microstructure of the films was analyzed by SEM to determine the smooth surface of the composite films. ATR-FTIR and XPS analyses demonstrated the strong hydrogen bonding of SPI, MPE, and ZnO NPs in the films. The presence of ZnO NPs in the composite films was also proved by EDX and XRD. These results suggest that SPI/MPE/ZnO composite film is promising for food-active packaging to extend the shelf life of food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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12 pages, 3557 KiB  
Article
Hydroxyapatite Functionalized Calcium Carbonate Composites with Ag Nanoparticles: An Integrated Characterization Study
by Eleonora Bolli, Saulius Kaciulis, Alessio Mezzi, Valeria Ambrogi, Morena Nocchetti, Loredana Latterini, Alessandro Di Michele and Giuseppina Padeletti
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092263 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2925
Abstract
In the present work, composite materials very promising for biomedical and pharma-ceutical applications were investigated. They are composed of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in a matrix constituted of calcium carbonate functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HA-FCC). The composites were obtained by different synthesis methods, starting [...] Read more.
In the present work, composite materials very promising for biomedical and pharma-ceutical applications were investigated. They are composed of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in a matrix constituted of calcium carbonate functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HA-FCC). The composites were obtained by different synthesis methods, starting from a mixture of the silver acetate with HA-FCC (using adsorption or mixing in wet conditions methods) and then treating them by exposure to visible light or calcination to promote the silver reduction; a synthetic procedure based on ultrasound-assisted reduction with NaBH4 or citrate was also carried out. The characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis also involved the reference sample of HA-FCC matrix. Then the morphology of the Ag NPs and the crystalline structure of HA-FCC were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. To assess the effectiveness of the different methods on silver reduction, the Auger parameters α’ were calculated and compared. The use of this methodology based on the Auger parameter is neither trivial nor ordinary. We demonstrate its validity since the different values of this parameter allow to identify the oxidation state of silver and consequently to evaluate the formation yield of metallic Ag NPs in the HA-FCC matrix and the effectiveness of the different reduction methods used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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24 pages, 12224 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Modeling of Nano Wear for Molybdenum-Based Lubrication Layer Systems
by Bernd-Arno Behrens, Gerhard Poll, Kai Möhwald, Simon Schöler, Florian Pape, Dennis Konopka, Kai Brunotte, Hendrik Wester, Sebastian Richter and Norman Heimes
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11061363 - 21 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2799
Abstract
As a result of global economic and environmental change, the demand for innovative, environmentally-friendly technologies is increasing. Employing solid lubricants in rolling contacts can reduce the use of environmentally harmful greases and oils. The aim of the current research was the development of [...] Read more.
As a result of global economic and environmental change, the demand for innovative, environmentally-friendly technologies is increasing. Employing solid lubricants in rolling contacts can reduce the use of environmentally harmful greases and oils. The aim of the current research was the development of a solid lubricant system with regenerative properties. The layer system consisted of a molybdenum (Mo) reservoir and a top layer of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3). After surface wear, Mo is supposed to react with atmospheric oxygen and form a new oxide. The determination of the wear volume of thin layers cannot be measured microscopically, which is why the wear behavior is initially determined on the nano level. In this work, single Mo and MoO3 coatings prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) are characterized by nano testing. The main objective was to determine the wear volume of the single coatings using a newly developed method considering the initial topology. For this purpose, nano-wear tests with different wear paths and normal forces were carried out and measured by in situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Based on the characteristic values determined, the coefficient of wear was determined for wear modeling according to Sarkar. The validation of the wear model developed was carried out by further wear tests on the respective mono layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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10 pages, 1334 KiB  
Article
On the Origin of Reduced Cytotoxicity of Germanium-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon: Role of Top Surface Composition and Bonding
by Josef Zemek, Petr Jiricek, Jana Houdkova, Martin Ledinsky, Miroslav Jelinek and Tomas Kocourek
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030567 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2530
Abstract
This work attempts to understand the behaviour of Ge-induced cytotoxicity of germanium-doped hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) films recently thoroughly studied and published by Jelinek et al. At a low doping level, the films showed no cytotoxicity, while at a higher doping level, the [...] Read more.
This work attempts to understand the behaviour of Ge-induced cytotoxicity of germanium-doped hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) films recently thoroughly studied and published by Jelinek et al. At a low doping level, the films showed no cytotoxicity, while at a higher doping level, the films were found to exhibit medium to high cytotoxicity. We demonstrate, using surface-sensitive methods—two-angle X-ray-induced core-level photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) and Low Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) spectroscopy, that at a low doping level, the layers are capped by a carbon film which impedes the contact of Ge species with tissue. For higher Ge content in the DLC films, oxidized Ge species are located at the top surface of the layers, provoking cytotoxicity. The present results indicate no threshold for Ge concentration in cell culture substrate to avoid a severe toxic reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Analysis Techniques for the Study of Advanced Nanostructures)
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