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Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 18990

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Prof. Dr. Yujun Song

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School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: micro/nano/2D materials mediated modern physics for the integrative innovation of information technology; biomedicine and new energy (including surface and interface controlled fabrication of nano/microstructure materials for biomedicine); new energy and industrial catalysis and information technology via novel programmed microfluidic process; template assisted nano-imprinting and varieties of inorganic–organic interface cladding processes at nano/atomic scale
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Dr. Qingwei Liao

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Key Laboratory of Sensors Technology, Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Beijing 100192, China
Interests: smart materials; surface and interface science; composites; self-assembly; sensors; pulsed electric field technique; electromagnetic functional material
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced thin films and coatings represent a kind of solid interface with unique electronic, electric, magnetic, optical, thermal and mechanical properties with frictional, acoustic, catalytic and permeable properties with advanced applications in specific fields. They have become increasingly important in modern information technology, new energy, biotechnology and other industrial fields, being crucial in the theory and development of surface and interface science and in fabrication technology from the microscale to nanoscale and even atomic scale (e.g., ALD).

In particular, with advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology, different varieties of nanostructured thin films and coatings are being developed with unique electronic, electric, magnetic, optical, catalytic, thermal and mechanical properties. These are instrumental in achieving progress in the areas of information technology, biomedical engineering and new energy. Therefore, this is a fitting time to present a summary of the progress made in the field of nanostructured thin films and coatings. We are pleased to invite you and your colleagues to contribute to this Special Issue, which will be published by the well-established SCI-indexed journal Coatings. We welcome submissions either in the form of reviews on a particular topic (e.g., nanostructured thin films for solar cells) or recent original research results. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Yujun Song
Dr. Qingwei Liao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

micro-nanostructure
thin films
coatings
surface and interface
inorganic–organic composites

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Related Special Issue

Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings in Coatings (20 articles)

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Research

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12 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Magneto-Optical Kerr Effects in Micron Array Thin Films with Organic–Inorganic Interfaces

by Hao Luo, Ziqi Wang, Yufei He and Yujun Song

Coatings 2025, 15(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010030 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 956

Abstract

The modulation of the magneto-optical signal is a crucial research focus in the field of magneto-optics. Micron arrays of varying shapes were fabricated using the UV exposure technique, and their effects were tested on the magneto-optical Kerr response of CoFeB thin films. The influence of the organic–inorganic interface on the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) was investigated by utilizing organic materials to fabricate arrays. The results indicate that the micron-scale metal array exhibits a limited enhancement of the magneto-optical Kerr signal, but it can change the ferromagnetic strength and the magnetization speed of the magnetic layer. This is because the electron orbit coupling at the organic–inorganic interface enhances the performance of the magnetic film. When a photoresist is used as the array material, the longitudinal magneto-optical Kerr signal of the CoFeB film increases by at least two-fold. The enhancement effect of different shapes of arrays is different because of the different contact area with the CoFeB film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 19084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interface Optimisation of the Fe₂O₃/C₃N₄ Heterojunction with Metal Nanoparticles and Their Negative and Positive Photoelectric Responses in a Broadband Light Spectrum Range

by Xingfa Ma, Caiwei Li, Xintao Zhang, Mingjun Gao, You Wang and Guang Li

Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1595; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121595 - 19 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 926

Abstract

In order to improve the charge transfer properties and reduce the recombination of photogenerated carriers, an Fe₂O₃/C₃N₄ heterojunction was constructed to increase the built-in field. The grain boundary of the Fe₂O₃/C₃N₄ nanocomposite was filled with Cu, Au, Pt, and Pd nanoparticles using in situ synthesis. The nanometal-modified heterostructures showed good absorption in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions. The photocurrent responses to the light sources with wavelengths of 405, 532, 650, 780, 808, 980, and 1064 nm were investigated using Au electrodes. The results indicated that the nanocomposite exhibits photocurrent switching behaviour towards the visible-light and NIR regions. Interestingly, the reversible photocurrent response phenomenon (transition from negative to positive photoconductivity) was observed before and after passivation of the grain boundary defects of the Fe₂O₃/C₃N₄ heterojunction with metal nanoparticles. The physical mechanisms involved were discussed. The Cu nanomaterials played donor effects in the interfacial tailoring of the Fe₂O₃/C₃N₄ heterojunction since Cu nanoparticles possess a high concentration of free electrons. It was shown that defects in the nanocomposites play an important role in the photoelectric behaviour and that modulation of the defects not only enhances photocurrent acquisition but also determines the polarity of the photocurrent. This study provides useful guidance not only for microstructure modulation and interdisciplinary applications of the materials themselves but also for the study of light–matter interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Linings: Electrochemical Characterization of TiO₂ Sol-Gel Coating on Ti6Al4V with AgNO₃ for Antibacterial Excellence

by Julia Both, Gabriella Stefania Szabó, Alexandra Ciorîță and Liana Maria Mureșan

Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121532 - 4 Dec 2024

Viewed by 895

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize TiO₂ and silver-containing TiO₂ layers on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy substrates, also known as titanium grade 5 (TiGr5), to provide corrosion resistance and antibacterial activity. The TiO₂ layers were prepared through the sol-gel method and dip-coating technique. Silver introduction into the layers was performed in two different ways. One was the impregnation method by dipping the TiO₂ layer-covered metal in aqueous AgNO₃ solutions of various concentrations (TiO₂/AgNO₃), and the other was by direct introduction of AgNO₃ into the precursor sol (Ag-TiO₂). The two methods for incorporating AgNO₃ into the coating matrix are novel, as they preserve silver in its ionic form rather than reducing it to metallic silver. The samples were put through electrochemical characterization, namely potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and were tested in Hank’s solution, simulating a physiological environment. The behavior of the layers was monitored over time. Also, the thin layers’ thickness and adhesion to the substrate were determined. Microbiological evaluation of the Ag-doped coatings on glass substrates confirmed their significant bactericidal activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Among the two types of coatings, the impregnated coatings demonstrated the most promising electrochemical performance, as evidenced by both EIS and potentiodynamic polarization analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 4816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Mechanism by Which Graphene Oxide Affects the Macroscopic Properties and Microstructure of Abrasion-Resistant Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)

by Tusheng He, Wei Xie, Feng Wang, Zi Yu, Fang Xu, Jinhui Li, Yitong Deng, Qingjun Ding, Yan Hao, Wei Xu and Haibin Yu

Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121482 - 23 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 910

Abstract

To further enhance the abrasion resistance of UHPC in demanding abrasion environments, this study investigated the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the workability, mechanical properties, and abrasion resistance of UHPC. Utilizing 27Al Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 29Si NMR, microhardness, and BET analysis, the study analyzed the mechanisms through which GO influences UHPC’s microstructure in terms of abrasion resistance. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to examine the mechanisms by which GO enhances UHPC’s abrasion resistance at the nano and micron scale. The findings show that an optimal amount of GO can improve the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of UHPC. When 0.03% of GO (by cementitious material mass) was incorporated, the impact on workability was minimal, yet compressive strength increased by approximately 1.80%, flexural strength by 3.02%, impact wear resistance by 1.78%, the abrasion loss rate decreased by 10.01%, ultimate impact energy increased by 1.76%, and the toughness index improved by 10.10%. GO enhances abrasion-resistant UHPC primarily by increasing hydration, refining pore structure, and improving the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone. While GO increases the hydration degree of the UHPC matrix, it does not alter the silicate chain in C-A-S-H gels within the paste. Additionally, the incorporation of graphene oxide can refine the pore structure of the UHPC cement paste and improve the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the aggregate and the cement paste. The molecular dynamics simulation reveals that, under abrasive forces, GO forms strong, stable chemical bonds with the C-A-S-H base atoms, significantly enhancing the abrasion resistance of C-A-S-H. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 6375 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Automated Crack Detection in 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Coatings Using Machine Learning

by Md Hasan-Ur Rahman, Bichar Dip Shrestha Gurung, Bharat K. Jasthi, Etienne Z. Gnimpieba and Venkataramana Gadhamshetty

Coatings 2024, 14(6), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060726 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2505

Abstract

Characterizing defects in 2D materials, such as cracks in chemical vapor deposited (CVD)-grown hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), is essential for evaluating material quality and reliability. Traditional characterization methods are often time-consuming and subjective and can be hindered by the limited optical contrast of hBN. To address this, we utilized a YOLOv8n deep learning model for automated crack detection in transferred CVD-grown hBN films, using MATLAB’s Image Labeler and Supervisely for meticulous annotation and training. The model demonstrates promising crack-detection capabilities, accurately identifying cracks of varying sizes and complexities, with loss curve analysis revealing progressive learning. However, a trade-off between precision and recall highlights the need for further refinement, particularly in distinguishing fine cracks from multilayer hBN regions. This study demonstrates the potential of ML-based approaches to streamline 2D material characterization and accelerate their integration into advanced devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 3878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Silica-Titanium Oxide Nano-Coating on NiTi Alloy

by Karolina Dudek, Mateusz Dulski, Jacek Podwórny, Magdalena Kujawa, Anna Gerle and Patrycja Rawicka

Coatings 2024, 14(4), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040391 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

To functionalize the surface of the NiTi alloy, hybrid layers comprising nanometric silica and titanium oxides were synthesized. The TiO₂–SiO₂ nanosystem was chemically prepared and utilized for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to create multifunctional layers on the alloy surface. The impact of pH on Zeta potential and ceramic particle size was explored to ensure a stable colloidal suspension for EPD, with optimal parameters established at a pH of approximately 6. A uniform layer was formed by applying a voltage of 40 V for 3 min, appearing as a thin film interspersed with regularly spaced larger agglomerates. The thin film primarily consisted of a minor fraction of defective rutile nanoparticles, accompanied by silica and carbon agglomerates from the nanosystem synthesis process. Heat treatment at 800 °C for 2 h induced significant structural changes, developing a novel-generation material with a different structure. An interlayer with strong Si–O–Ti connections was formed. Moreover, the mechanism of layer formation was extensively discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 4872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graphene Oxide as a Factor Modifying the Properties of Wood

by Izabela Betlej, Bogusław Andres, Sławomir Borysiak, Sławomir Jaworski, Marta Kutwin, Krzysztof Krajewski and Piotr Boruszewski

Coatings 2024, 14(3), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030321 - 8 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1854

Abstract

This work carried out research to determine the possibilities of using graphene oxide to provide wood with new functional features. With the saturation parameters used and working liquid with a concentration of 0.004% graphene oxide, the retention of the nanomaterial in wood was 0.25 kg/m³. The presence of graphene oxide increased the crystallinity of the wood to 64% (compared with 57% for unmodified wood). The TG/DTG spectra of wood impregnated with graphene oxide and the control wood indicated that the initial weight loss of the samples observed at a temperature of 100 °C was similar and amounted to less than 4%. A second mass loss was observed in a temperature range of 270 to 380 °C. The mass loss in this temperature range reached 70% and was similar in the test and control samples. Wood modified with graphene oxide showed increased thermal stability in a temperature range of 360 to 660 °C compared with native wood. Given the results obtained, there were no statistically significant differences in the water absorption of modified or control wood. The presence of low concentrations of graphene oxide in the culture medium did not inhibit the growth of the fungus Trichoderma viride; however, a decrease in the growth activity of mycelial hyphae was observed with an increasing concentration of nanomaterial in the medium. It has been reported that graphene oxide, as a stress factor, initiates changes at the cellular level, characterized by the formation of structures called chlamydospores by the body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 5123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MWCNT–Polyimide Fiber-Reinforced Composite for High-Temperature Tribological Applications

by Yunfeng Yan, Beibei Zhang, Jianzhang Wang, Changhong Cao and Fengyuan Yan

Coatings 2024, 14(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020181 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

A hybrid type of polyimide fibers (PIF) grafted with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed for high-temperature tribological applications. Compared to pure PI samples, the mechanical properties (i.e., Young’s modulus and hardness) of the PIF-based composite were enhanced following a rule of mixture prediction; the onset decomposition temperature of the MWCNT-PIF-based composite was increased by 14.5 °C and the wear rate at 300 °C decreased by 34.5%. To understand the grafting mechanism, Dmol³ simulation was performed, which revealed that the benzene ring and the hydroxyl group of diene-acceptor (DA) donated electrons to the oxygen atom in the nitrogen-containing five-membered ring of PIF and the straight chain structures had higher reactivity than a branched chain structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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26 pages, 9769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development Status of Textured Piezoelectric Ceramics and Preparation Processes

by Nianyi Shen, Qingwei Liao, Yaoyao Liao, Ruifeng Li, Yushan Zhang, Shiliang Song, Ying Song, Chengzhi Zhu and Lei Qin

Coatings 2025, 15(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010051 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1203

Abstract

There are many factors that determine the performance parameters of piezoelectric ceramics, but the process of preparing ceramics plays a decisive role in their properties. By improving the preparation process, significant improvements in ceramic properties can be achieved. In order to meet the growing demand for improvement in the performance of piezoelectric ceramics, various crystal preparation methods such as Template Crystal Growth (TGG), Reflected Template Growth (RTGG), and Oriented Curding (OCAP) techniques have been used for the preparation of piezoelectric ceramics. This article first introduces the performance parameters of piezoelectric ceramics, then summarizes the influence of various preparation processes on the performance of piezoelectric ceramics, and finally summarizes the parameters of high-tech ceramics reported this year, and predicts the future of the preparation of high-tech ceramic materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 3569 KiB

Open AccessReview

PbS Colloidal Quantum Dots: Ligand Exchange in Solution

by Chuanxi Zhang, Dong Han and Xiaoyu Zhang

Coatings 2024, 14(6), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060761 - 16 Jun 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4978

Abstract

PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have the advantages of adjustable band gap, large exciton Bohr radius, controllable size, easy synthesis, and potential multi-exciton effect, making them attractive for photodetectors and solar cells. However, the long ligand chain wrapped on PbS CQDs limits carrier transport, and defect states of as-synthesized CQDs increase non-radiative recombination, negatively affecting photovoltaic performance. Surface properties determine the characteristics of CQDs, so ligand exchange processes are crucial. Because solution phase ligand exchange reduces labor and time requirements, it is more advantageous than solid phase ligand exchange. This review discusses the solution phase ligand exchange process of PbS CQDs, emphasizing the impact of surface ligands on conformation and conductivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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