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Journal of Materials Science & Technology Volume 205, 10 January 2025, Pages 191-203
Xiaoqi Yue a , Dihao Chen a b , Anantha Krishnan
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Nano-scale chemical inhomogeneity in surface oxide films formed on a V- and N-containing martensite stainless steel and tempering heating induced changes are investigated by a combination of synchrotronbased hard X-ray Photoelectron emission spectroscopy (HAXPES) and microscopy (HAXPEEM) as well as microscopic X-ray absorption spectroscopy (mu-XAS) techniques. The results reveal the inhomogeneity in the oxide films on the micron-sized Cr2 N- and VN-type particles, while the inhomogeneity on the martensite matrix phase exists due to localised formation of nano-sized tempering nitride particles at 600 degrees C. The oxide film formed on Cr2 N-type particles is rich in Cr2 O3 compared with that on the martensite matrix and VN-type particles. With the increase of tempering temperature, Cr2 O3 formation is faster for the oxidation of Cr in the martensite matrix than the oxidation of Cr nitride-rich particles. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Small 2025, 2404430
Toward the Optimization of a Perovskite‐Based Room Temperature Ozone Sensor: A Multifaceted Approach in Pursuit of Sensitivity, Stability, and Understanding of Mechanism
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Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted significant attention owing to their simple manufacturing process and unique optoelectronic properties. Their reversible electrical or optical property changes in response to oxidizing or reducing environments make them prospective materials for gas detection technologies. Despite advancements in perovskite-based sensor research, the mechanisms behind perovskite-gas interactions, vital for sensor performance, are still inconclusive. This work presents the first evaluation of the sensing performance and long-term stability of MHPs, considering factors such as halide composition variation and Mn doping levels. The research reveals a clear correlation between halide composition and sensing behavior, with Br-rich sensors displaying a p-type response to O3 gas, while Cl-rich counterparts exhibit n-type sensing behavior. Notably, Mn-doping significantly enhances O3 sensing performance by facilitating the gas adsorption process, as supported by both atomistic simulations and experimental evidence. Long-term evaluation of the sensors provides valuable insights into evolving sensing behaviors, highlighting the impact of dynamic instabilities over time. Overall, this research offers insights into optimal halide combination and Mn-doping levels, representing a significant step forward in engineering room temperature perovskite-based gas sensors that are not only low-cost and high-performing but also durable, marking a new era in sensor technology.
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Nat Commun 16, 193 (2025)
Engineering 2D spin networks by on-surface encapsulation of azafullerene radicals in nanotemplates
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We present an efficient strategy for on-surface engineering of organic metal-free supramolecular complexes with long-term spin protection. By vacuum deposition of azafullerene (C59N center dot) monomers on a pre-deposited template layer of [10]cycloparaphenylene ([10]CPP) nanohoops on Au(111) surface we exploit the molecular shape matching between the C59N center dot and [10]CPP for the azafullerene encapsulation with nanohoops in a guest-host complexation geometry. C59N center dot subset of[10]CPP supramolecular complexes self-assemble into an extended two-dimensional hexagonal lattice yielding a high density network of stable spin-1/2 radicals. We find compelling evidence for electronic coupling between the guest C59N center dot and the host [10]CPP in supramolecular species. At the same time, [10]CPP effectively protects the radical state of encapsulated azafullerenes against dimerization and inhibits C59N center dot coupling to the Au substrate. Azafullerene encapsulation by nanohoops represents a viable realization of molecular spin protection while simultaneously demonstrating exceptional self-assembling properties by which large-scale 2D architectures of molecular spins can be realized.
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WP11 - JA1 - Real-time observation and control in microscopy and spectroscopy of nano-objects
D11.7 - Implementation of STM microscopy for investigation of solid/liquid interfaces under welldefined gas atmospheres and with electrochemical control (EC-STM)
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Investigating materials and processes in realistic environments is crucial for understanding and designing materials for applications in energy storage, catalysis, corrosion resistance, and nanotechnology. In this context, one of the key objectives of JA1 is to integrate operando capabilities into scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments in multiphase environments. Specifically, sub-task 11.1.2 focuses on setting up versatile electrochemical STM (EC-STM) systems and developing user-friendly protocols for in-situ electrochemical STM, enabling operation at solid/liquid interfaces under well-defined gas atmospheres and with electrochemical control. To this end, two custom-built EC-STM systems have been set up that are based on the same platform developed by the Wandelt research group (Uni Bonn) that is characterized by a rugged design, great flexibility concerning various electro-chemical environments, and excellent performance regarding lateral spatial resolution [1]. While the system at ICN2 has been developed to offer optimized, user-friendly protocols for external users and will complement the advanced characterization tools available at ICN2 through the NFFA, the reference system at TUM has been optimized to host high-speed capabilities, enabling operando experiments on electrochemically relevant systems with sub-s time resolution. Given TUM's extensive technical and research experience in electrochemical STM, and the fact that both systems share the same design, the transfer of knowledge in nearly all technical aspects has been crucial for the successful implementation of the ICN2 system.
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WP12 - JA2 - X-ray Wavefront Metrology, Correction and Manipulation
D12.5 - User Experiment with OAM beam
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Electromagnetic waves with orbital angular momentum (OAM) are increasingly used in optical communications, quantum technologies, and optical tweezers. Recently, they have shown potential for detecting helical dichroic effects in chiral molecules and magnetic nanostructures. In this study, we used single-shot ptychography on a nanostructure with extreme ultraviolet OAM beams of varying topological charge (ℓ) at a free-electron laser. By adjusting ℓ, we improved image resolution by 30% compared to standard Gaussian beams, advancing coherent diffraction imaging and enabling sub-100 nm time-resolved microscopy over large sample areas.
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WP13 - JA3 Nano-engineering and pattern transfer methods
D13.4 - Library of processes based on advanced nano-engineering for TA
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In the current document we report on a selection of new processes developed within the NFFA (NEP) project related to advanced nanoengineering for transnational access (TA). They form a new library of process steps enabling new or improved capabilities for some specific nanopatterning. They are complementary and generally compatible with state-of-the-art microelectronics industry. Besides developing the individual core technology, we paid particular attention to novel groupings in a mix-and-match approach to study possible combinations of processes to maximize enabling capabilities for nanosystems manufacturing.
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