Nanotribological behaviors of in situ nanoparticles doped molecular deposition films

The molecular deposition films of poly （diallyl dimethylammonium chloride） （PDDA） and poly （acrylicacid） （PAA） with Cu2＋ on quartz and glass substrates were prepared in laboratory first, then different bilayers films were dipped into fresh Na2S aqueous solution. As a result, CuS nanoparticles were fabricated in multilayer molecular deposition films in situ. The structure and nanotribological properties of the composite films were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible （UV-visible） spectroscopy, XPS and atomic force microscope （AFM）. It was found that the CuS nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed throughout the whole film. And these films had a much smaller friction force than their substrates and higher antiwear life than pristine PDDA/PAA molecular deposition films. The fluctuation and variation trend of the topography, hardness, and friction with the AFM indentation length were also investigated.     

涂覆PDDA/PSS膜的长周期光栅对湿度的响应性能

用静电自组装的方法在长周期光栅的表面制备了聚二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵/聚苯乙烯磺酸钠（PDDA/PSS）膜,并研究了它们对空气中湿度的响应。实验结果表明,随着空气绝对湿度的增加,长周期光栅传输谱的谐振峰波长逐渐向长波方向移动,在25～45℃范围内,饱和蒸气压与谐振峰波长呈现了很好的线性关系,相关系数为0.9727。涂覆PDDA/PSS膜的长周期光栅能感受空气中水蒸气的含量,有望用于制作湿度传感器。     

铁磁纳米颗粒系统磁性质对尺寸和各向异性效应的依赖

研究了随机分布颗粒系统的尺寸、各向异性、矫顽力和温度之间的关系.从FexCu1-x,Fe/SiO2,Fe/Al2O3颗粒膜实验结果入手,以Néel-Bron理论和Storner-Wohlfartly模型为依据,建立了描述细磁性颗粒矫顽力Hc与颗粒大小d、热力学温度T的函数关系,并得出在粒径小于dm(=18~20 nm)范围内,矫顽力随着颗粒的尺寸的增加而迅速地增大,而在颗粒尺寸大于这个范围,则按照Hc∝1/d规律变化.       

TiO2/SiO2/GQDs双层增透膜的制备及其在太阳能板中的应用

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了SiO₂ 和TiO₂ 纳米溶胶,采用水热法制备了石墨烯量子点（graphene quantum dots,GQDs）。为进一步提高光伏太阳能板的透光率,设计了一种TiO₂/SiO₂/GQDs双层增透膜结构。探究了薄膜的结构、自清洁性能和增透性能,并进一步讨论了GQDs在增透性中的作用。结果表明,SiO₂-TiO₂/TiO₂-GQDs结构的双层薄膜厚度为120 nm时,太阳能板上的光透过率由未涂敷的85%增加至95%。接触角实验和室外耐环境性能实验测试表明,复合膜层接触角为10°,并具有良好的亲水性和耐环境性能。此外,户外实验结果表明,涂覆该薄膜的太阳能电板发电效率提高6%。由此说明双层增透膜可有效地提高太阳能电池板的光能利用率和使用寿命,可高效地利用太阳能。     

多孔SiO2减反射薄膜的低温制备及光伏应用

采用溶胶凝胶法,使用氨水催化前驱物正硅酸乙酯（TEOS）水解制备SiO2胶体。通过改变溶液浓度调节胶体粒子大小,旋涂低温制备不同折射率纳米多孔SiO2薄膜。使用激光粒度仪和透射电镜分析胶粒大小及分布,粒子分布均匀且在几十纳米范围;使用椭圆偏振仪、紫外/可见分光光度计、扫描电子显微镜表征减反射薄膜的光学性质和表面形貌,发现薄膜表面呈颗粒状且折射率较低,在400nm至800nm波段的透过率平均提高了4%。将溶胶涂在CdS/CdTe太阳电池基底背面,测试结果发现,使用减反射薄膜后电池吸收波段内量子效率（QE）提高,短路电流密度提高了4.45%;光电转换效率由11.50%提高到11.94%。     

Preparation of InSb nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 thin films

InSb nanocrystals embedded in SiO₂ thin films were prepared by rf magnetron cosputtering technique. THe observation by transmission electron microscope showed that InSb nanocrystals dispersed uniformly in SiO₂ matrices. InSb nanocrystals with different sizes can be obtained by changing the annealing condition. The average size of InSb nanocrystals depended on annealing temperature and time, but not on the t_1/3 rules. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were also applied to the analyses of the composite thin films.     

多孔SiO_2减反射薄膜的制备研究及光伏应用

采用溶胶凝胶法,使用氨水催化正硅酸乙酯在乙醇溶剂中水解制备SiO_2溶胶,研究反应物浓度、退火温度及匀胶速率对多孔SiO_2减反射薄膜的光学性质的影响.结果表明,SiO_2溶胶颗粒尺寸随着乙醇用量的增加而减小,匀胶速率可以对薄膜厚度进行调整及制备出不同折射率的薄膜.乙醇用量为120 m L和转速为2000 r/min时,制备出的SiO_2薄膜具有最佳减反射性能.不同退火温度下,SiO_2溶胶颗粒尺寸、薄膜的光学性质均无明显改变.采用优化后的工艺制备出的多孔SiO_2减反射薄膜应用于Cd Te薄膜太阳电池上,在400 nm-800 nm波段,量子效率得到提高,积分短路电流密度提高了4.83%,光电转化效率由14.92%提高到15.45%.     

Flexible photodetector based on large-area few-layer MoS2

Developing flexible photodetectors is crucial for both military and civil fields. Large-area MoS_2 films from several to dozens of layers are controllably synthesized via a facile atmospheric-pressure sulfurization route of predeposited Mo films and transferred onto other substrates(e.g. SiO_2/Si wafers, quartz slides, polymers). The flexible photodetectors were fabricated by transferring as-synthesized MoS_2 films onto interdigital electrodes patterned on polyethylene terephthalate(PET) substrates. No additional complex lithography positioning techniques were needed during the device fabrication process due to the large area of as-grown atomic thin MoS_2 films. As-obtained flexible photodetectors showed responsibilities of ～ 20 mA/W and response time of several seconds. This demonstrates the possibility of employing large-area two-dimensional semiconductors to meet the increasing demands for wearable and portable electronics.     

Thermodynamics and phase transformations in the recovery of zinc from willemite

Willemite is a common component of zinc and lead metallurgical slags that, in the absence of effective utilization methods, cause serious environmental problems. To solve this problem and increase zinc recovery, we proposed a novel extraction method of zinc from willemite by calcified roasting followed by leaching in NH₄Cl-NH₃·H₂O solution. The thermodynamics and phase conversion of Zn₂SiO₄ to zinc oxide (ZnO) during calcified roasting with CaO were investigated. The mechanism of mineralogical phase conversion and the effects of the CaO-to-Zn₂SiO₄ mole ratio (n(CaO)/n(Zn₂SiO₄)), roasting temperature, and the roasting time on zinc-bearing phase conversion were experimentally investigated. The results show that Zn₂SiO₄ was first converted to Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ and then to ZnO. The critical step in extracting zinc from willemite is the conversion of Zn₂SiO₄ to ZnO. The zinc percent leached in the ammonia leaching system rapidly increased because of the gradual complete phase conversion from willemite to ZnO via the calcified roasting process.     

SiO2/PSt纳米复合微球的制备

用Stober方法合成了SiO₂/PSt纳米微球, 并对其进行表面改性. 以SiO₂纳米微球为核, 采用乳液聚合法, 合成了SiO₂/PSt纳米复合微球. 该复合微球粒径均匀、 单分散性好. 通过控制反应条件, 可以合成不同大小的复合微球. 对两种微球的形貌、 尺寸、 所携带官能团及表面元素变化情况进行了表征, 讨论了SiO₂纳米微球用量、 乳化剂用量与反应介质配比等因素对SiO₂/PSt纳米复合微球粒径的影响.     

The enhanced corrosion resistance of UMAO coatings on Mg by silane treatment

The surface silanization was carried out on ultrasonic micro-arc oxidation(UMAO) coatings on pure magnesium using KH550 as silane coupling agent(SCA). The surface morphology, chemical bonds and corrosion resistance of the silane films were investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results showed that hybrid coatings were successfully prepared on pure magnesium by UMAO-Na OH(1 mol/L, 2 mol/L, 3 mol/L)-SCA processing. The organic films with Si–O–Mg bonds are helpful for the reduction of the pores in UMAO coatings. The pores decreased with increasing Na OH concentration. Compared with single UMAO treatment, the corrosion potentials(Ecorr) of magnesium plates with UMAO-Na OH(1 mol/L,2 mol/L, 3 mol/L)-SCA treatment increased by 29 m V, 53 m V and 75 m V, respectively, meanwhile the corrosion current density(Icorr) reduced one to two orders of magnitude. It indicated that the corrosion resistance of the coatings was improved by silane treatment.     

Effect of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> addition on the microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO-based varistors

The microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO-based varistors with the SiO₂ content in the range of 0–1.00mol% were prepared by a solid reaction route. The varistors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate that the average grain size of ZnO decreases with the SiO₂ content increasing. A new second phase (Zn₂SiO₄) and a glass phase (Bi₂SiO₅) are found. Element Si mainly exists in the grain boundary and plays an important role in controlling the Bi₂O₃ vaporization. The electric measurement shows that the incorporation of SiO₂ can significantly improve the nonlinear properties of ZnO-based varistors, and the nonlinear coefficients of the varistors with SiO₂ are in the range of 36.8–69.5. The varistor voltage reaches the maximum value of 463 V/mm and the leakage current reaches the minimum value of 0.11 μA at the SiO₂ content of 0.75mol%.     

Simple method to rapidly fabricate chain-like carbon nanotube films and its field emission properties

A simple process to fabricate chain-like carbon nanotube (CNT) films by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) was developed successfully. Prior to deposition, the Ti/Al₂O₃ substrates were ground with Fe-doped SiO₂ powder. The nano-structure of the deposited films was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The field electron emission characteristics of the chain-like carbon nanotube films were measured under the vacuum of 10-5 Pa. The low turn-on field of 0.80 V/μm and the emission current density of 8.5 mA/cm2 at the electric field of 3.0 V/μm are obtained. Based on the above results, chain-like carbon nanotube films probably have important applications in cold cathode materials and electrode materials.     

Corrosion resistance and thermal stability of sputtered Fe44Al34Ti7N15 and Al61Ti11N28 thin films for prospective application in oil and gas industry

Fe-and Al-based thin-film metallic glass coatings (Fe₄₄Al₃₄Ti₇N₁₅ and Al₆₁Ti₁₁N₂₈) were fabricated using magnetron co-sputtering technique, and their corrosion performances compared against wrought 316L stainless steel. The results of GI-XRD and XPS analyses demonstrated amorphous structure and oxide layer formation on the surface of the fabricated thin films, respectively. The potentiodynamic (PD) polarization test in chloride-thiosulfate (NH₄Cl ​+ ​Na₂S₂O₃) solution revealed lower corrosion current (I_corr) (0.42 ​± ​0.02 ​μA/cm² and 0.086 ​± ​0.001 ​μA/cm² Vs. 0.76 ​± ​0.05 ​μA/cm²), lower passivation current (I_pass) (1.45 ​± ​0.03 ​μA/cm² and 1.83 ​± ​0.07 ​μA/cm² Vs. 1.98 ​± ​0.04 ​μA/cm²), and approximately six-fold higher breakdown potential (E_bd) for Fe- and Al-based coatings than those of wrought 316L stainless steel. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) of both films showed 4- and 2-fold higher charge transfer resistance (R_ct), 7- and 2.5-times higher film resistance (R_f), lower film capacitance values (Q_f) (10 ​± ​2.4 ​μS-s^acm^-2, and 5.41 ​± ​0.8 ​μS-s^acm^-2 Vs. 18 ​± ​2.21 ​μS-s^acm^-2), and lower double-layer capacitance values (Q_dl) (31.33 ​± ​4.74 ​μS-s^acm^-2, and 15.3 ​± ​0.48 ​μS-s^acm^-2 Vs. 43 ​± ​4.23 ​μS-s^acm^-2), indicating higher corrosion resistance of the thin films. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) scan exhibited that the passive films formed on the Fe- and Al-based coatings were more stable and less prone to pitting corrosion than the wrought 316L stainless steel. The surface morphology of both films via SEM endorsed the CV scan results, showing better resistance to pitting corrosion. Furthermore, the thermal analysis via TGA and DSC revealed the excellent thermal stability of the thin films over a wide temperature range typically observed in oil-gas industries.     

Improving the efficiency of organic photovoltaic cells by introducing an ultrathin modification layer with a strong dipole moment

A method to improve the efficiency of organic photovoltaic cells through inclusion of an ultrathin modification layer of Al2O3 or LiF sandwiched between poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonic acid(PEDOT:PSS) and indium tin oxide layers is developed.Because of the strong dipole moments of LiF and Al2O3,either can enhance the built-in electric field,which increases the probability of the carriers reaching the corresponding electrode.In addition,the low work function of PEDOT:PSS can decrease the energy barrier for carrier transmission.A 21.7% improvement in the power conversion efficiency of experimental devices was achieved,mainly because the short circuit current was enhanced by almost 30%.     

Effect of Fe metal on the growth of silicon oxide nanowires

Silicon oxide (SiO_x) nanowires are generally grown on Si substrate under the catalysis of Au in N₂ atmosphere at elevated temperatures. Because the price of Au metal is quite high, Fe metal is then used to replace a part of Au for catalyzing the growth of SiO_x nanowires. The results show that the Fe film can be used as the diffusion barrier of Au. SiO_x nanowires are grown on Au/Fe/Si substrate at 1030℃. Under the catalysis of Fe/Au, the efficiency for the growth of SiO_x nanowires is promoted.     

Reactive ion etching of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer for flexible piezoelectric devices

A microfabrication process for poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)(P(VDF-TrFE)) based flexible piezoelectric devices is proposed using heat controlled spin coating and reactive ion etching(RIE) techniques.Dry etching of P(VDF-TrFE) in CF 4 +O2 plasma is found to be more effective than that using SF 6 +O2 or Ar+O2 feed gas with the same radiofrequency power and pressure conditions.A maximum etching rate of 400 nm/min is obtained using the CF 4 +O2 plasma with an oxygen concentration of 60% at an antenna power of 200 W and a platen power of 20 W.The oxygen atoms and fluorine atoms are found to be responsible for the chemical etching process.Microstructuring of P(VDF-TrFE) with a feature size of 10 m is achieved and the patterned films show a high remanent polarization of 63.6mC/m 2.     

A dye-sensitized solar cell based on PEDOT:PSS counter electrode

A counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was prepared by coating poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with high transparency and adhesion on a conducting FTO glass at low temperature. The surface morphology, conductivity, sheet resistance, redox properties and photoelectric properties of the PEDOT:PSS/carbon electrodes were observed using scanning electron microscopy, a four-probe tester and a CHI660D electrochemical measurement system. The experimental results showed that DSSCs had the best photoelectric properties for PEDOT:PSS/carbon counter electrodes annealed at 80°C under vacuum conditions. The overall energy conversion efficiency of the DSSC with PEDOT:PSS/carbon counter electrode and barrier layer reached 7.61% under irradiation from a simulated solar light with intensity of 100 mW/cm² (AM 1.5). The excellent photoelectric properties, simple preparation procedure and low cost allow the PEDOT:PSS/carbon electrode to be a credible alternative electrode for use in DSSCs.     

One-step and high-density protein immobilization on epoxysilane-modified silica nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles are most commonly modified with amino-silanes, followed by post-modification activation for protein immobilization. In this work, epoxy-functionalized silica nanoparticles were prepared by modification with glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane （GPTMS） for direct protein immobilization. Silica nanoparticles possessed an average size of 46 nm, but increased to 63 nm after GPTMS modification. Reaction time, reaction temperature and GPTMS content had no significant effect on par- ticle size. Zeta potential of SiO2 changed from -26mV to ＋38mV after modification. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed alkyl C--H bending and stretching bands at 2944 cm-1, 1343 cm-1 and 1465 cm-1, respectively, for the modified nanoparticles. Fluorescein cadaverine was found to bind to GPTMS-modified SiO2, but not to bare SiO2, indicating the chemical reactivity of epoxy groups on the modified nanoparticle with amines. Finally, fluorescenUy labeled bovine serum albumin （BSA） was used as a model protein to investigate the capacity of epoxy-SiO2 nanoparticles for protein immobilization. The results showed that more proteins were immobilized on the particle with longer reaction time, higher NaCI concentration, lower pH, and less GPTMS content. More importantly, proteins bound to epoxy-SiO2 nanoparticle were highly stable. Under optimized reaction conditions, as much as 25 mg BSA/g nanoparticle was covalentiy attached to the nanoparticle. The epoxy silane modification of silica nanoparticles offers a reactive surface for one-step and high-density protein immobilization.     

Structural and magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 films deposited by low sputtering power

To validate the correctness of the Hartman-Perdok Theory (HPT), which indicates that the {111} planes have the lowest surface energy in spinel ferrites, the {111} plane orientated ZnFe₂O₄ thin films on Si(100), Si(111), and SiO₂(500 nm)/Si(111) substrates were obtained through a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method with a low sputtering power of 80 W. All of the experiments prove that the atom energy determined by sputtering power plays an important role in the orientated growth of the ZnFe₂O₄ thin films, and it matches well with HPT. The ZnFe₂O₄ thin films exhibit ferromagnetism with a magnetization of 84.25 kJ/mol at room temperature, which is different from the bulk counterpart (antiferromagnetic as usual). The ZnFe₂O₄ thin films can be used as high-quality oriented inducing buffer layers for other spinel (Ni, Mn)Zn ferrite thin films and may have high potential in magnetic thin films-based devices.