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Applied Surface Science Volume 715, 15 January 2026, 164586
Amine- and hydroxyl-functionalized copolymers as lubricant additives on Si-doped DLC: A comparative experimental and computational study of their tribological performance
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Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings combined with functionalized copolymers are promising environmentally friendly lubrication systems and alternatives to metal containing additives. This study examines silicon-doped DLC (Si-DLC) lubricated with block copolymers bearing amine (DMAEMA) or hydroxyl (HEMA) groups. Friction and wear tests over 20-80 degrees C and under different loads show that both copolymers provide lower friction relative to nonfunctionalized PLMA, but only DMAEMA sustains low friction and low wear under 100 N boundary lubrication. To clarify the mechanism, a distribution-based ab initio adsorption analysis was carried out on an amorphous Si-DLC model using a screening procedure across multiple surface sites and molecular orientations. The adsorption energy distributions show that DMAEMA frequently forms stable N-Si bonds (often <=- 2.0 eV) and dual N-Si + O-Si bonds (about-2.4 eV), whereas HEMA centers near-1.5 eV for OH-Si bonds, with weaker dual OH-Si + O-Si bonding (about-2.0 eV). This separation of adsorption energy distributions accounts for the divergence in high load behavior. Together, experiments and modeling underline the role of functional group chemistry in determining tribological performances on Si-DLC, and adsorption energy distributions, and guide additive selection for Si DLC in electric and hybrid drivetrains.
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our research
Mater. Adv., 2025, Advance Article
Adipose tissue-derived ECM hydrogels as a 3D platform for neural differentiation and brain diseases
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The interplay between the extracellular matrix and cells significantly impacts cellular survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Cell growth within 3D scaffolds, particularly hydrogels that mimic cellular microenvironments, offers more relevant insights into tissue development compared to traditional 2D systems. This study explores the behavior of neural stem cells and their differentiation within 3D pure adipose tissue derived-ECM (adECM) hydrogels. These hydrogels provide both physical and biochemical cues that closely resemble the 3D microarchitecture of native tissues. Encapsulating neuroectodermal NE-4C cells in adECM hydrogels at different concentrations revealed intriguing divergent cellular responses. While variations in the fiber structure and pore formation between hydrogels did not significantly affect cell survival, they notably influenced the differentiation process. Analysis of neural-lineage-specific markers, such as tubulinβIII and GFAP, demonstrated divergent differentiation outcomes. This biologically derived, tissue-specific 3D platform enables in vitro study of neural differentiation and lays the groundwork for future neural models relevant to regenerative medicine and neurodegenerative research.
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from our users
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Neuromorphic Photoresponse in Ultrathin SnS2-Based Field Effect Transistor
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As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, neuromorphic technologies, which emulate biological neural networks, are increasingly seen as a promising direction. Two-dimensional materials are considered promising for neuromorphic applications due to their tunable electrical and optoelectronic properties. In this work, a back-gated tin disulfide (SnS2) field-effect transistor (FET) is electrically and optoelectronically characterized at different temperatures (80, 295, and 380 K), pressures (ambient and 10–4 mbar), and illumination conditions (dark and laser light from 420 to 800 nm). Responsivity peaks of up to ∼100 A/W are recorded. Persistent photoconductivity is observed, with current retention after illumination ranging from 0% to ∼30% of the initial dark current, depending on temperature and gate voltage. The underlying microscopic mechanisms are analyzed, revealing a key role for trap states and ambient adsorbates, and a qualitative model is proposed to explain the observed effects. Trap states within the bandgap, often considered detrimental, are exploited to induce synaptic plasticity, with synaptic weight changes tunable from 0.001 to 3000. Temperature and gate voltage are found to be effective parameters for modulating plasticity, enabling smooth transitions between short-term and long-term behavior. These results clarify the microscopic origin of plasticity in SnS2, demonstrate its robustness under realistic conditions, and lay the foundation for the integration of this two-dimensional material into next-generation neuromorphic architectures.
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Deliverables view all
WP14 - JA4 - A safe-by-design platform for nanomaterials
D14.4 - Integration and characterization of the space correlation functionality on the complete setup
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This report presents an experimental workflow designed to perform correlative measurements as part of the NEP-NFFA project, using silicon nitride (Si3N4) membranes equipped with platinum (Pt) markers. These membranes were developed through a collaboration between DESY NanoLab and ESRF-ID21. DESY NanoLab was responsible for the Pt deposition on the Si3N4 membranes, while ESRF-ID21 carried out the correlative measurements. The purpose of the Pt markers on the membranes is to act as fiducial points that help to precisely locate specific regions or points of interest (ROI/POI) with micrometric or nanometric accuracy. This is essential to analyze the same point of the sample using different techniques, and to collect complementary data for a better understanding of the sample. The proposed workflow involves complementary techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron-based techniques like micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) performed at the nano-X-ray microscope (nano-SXM) at beamline ID21 of the Softhis report describes the initial design of the membranes with the markers, as well as the optimized version, based on results obtained during the first tests with nano-SXM. In addition, it shows how the Pt markers enable accurate correlation through the web-based graphical interface Daiquiri, linking the morphological information from optical microscopy with the chemical information obtained from µXRF. The technical feasibility of this approach has been confirmed, showing that the process is reproducible and potentially applicable to similar studies. This is possible due to the standardized Pt deposition process and the use of nano-SXM for sample localization and data acquisition.
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WP14 - JA4 - A safe-by-design platform for nanomaterials
D14.5 - Production and report of three case studies with selected workflows
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This report aims to demonstrate the usefulness of the NFFA workflow to assess nanomaterials and their interaction with different cell lines. It also seeks to generate improved protocols and educational material that can be shared with other European users working with similar ENMs.
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WP16 - JA6 - Implementing FAIR data approach within NEP
D16.6 - Final report on data provenance tools for NEP community
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This deliverable summarizes the experience and guidelines for the NFFA community in developing, deploying, and using data provenance tools. It is articulated in 3 sections, dedicated to 1) establishing the high-level provenance of the physical and digital entities of research workflows, 2) automatically integrating this into digital provenance tools, including electronic lab notebooks and workflow management systems, and 3) disseminating this in FAIR modes to the community at large.
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Transnational Access Statistics
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12% with industry
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