Special Issue "10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials"

A special issue of Inorganics (ISSN 2304-6740). This special issue belongs to the section "Inorganic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2023 | Viewed by 8211

Special Issue Editors

Department of Materials Science, INSTM, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via R. Cozzi 55, 20125 Milano, Italy
Interests: bio-based materials; biochars; composites; functional coatings; iron oxides; magnetic materials; nanomaterials; photocatalysis; polymorphs; porous materials and coatings; sol-gel; templating
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center and Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Interests: synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials; structural, chemical and physical properties; energy storage as hydrogen or electricity in novel types of batteries; multivalent solid state batteries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería de Procesos, Biotecnología y Energías Alternativas, PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Universidad Nacional Del Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina
Interests: nanomaterials; mesoporous materials; iron oxides; photochemistry; photocatalysis; advanced oxidation processes
Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
Interests: catalysis; hydrogen production/water splitting; electron transfer; surface reactions; reducible oxides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (Di4A), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
Interests: homogeneous catalysis; heterogeneous catalysis; metal-based catalyst; wastewater treatment; sustainability; catalytic oxidation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of our journal Inorganics and its first Impact Factor (Clerivate Analytics), the “Inorganic Materials” section has taken the initiative to launch a Special Issue entitled “10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials”. The “Inorganic Materials” section in Inorganics is quite recent (i.e., the beginning of 2022). However, it has rapidly grown, with 27 open Special Issues contributing to 25% journal’s publications in almost 1 year of activity, thus becoming an important cornerstone of Inorganics. The reason for this positive result is the continuously growing demand for advanced functional inorganic materials for a large variety of technological fields and applications.

However, the recent and numerous public demonstrations in support of climate and ecological justice, and the recent energetic crisis have revealed the actual importance of technological sustainability. The “Inorganic Materials” section in Inorganics strongly supports a transition towards a 'green' and sustainable future based on renewable energy and with closed life cycles for all used material. Therefore, this Special Issue focuses on the sustainable production of inorganic materials following alternative ecofriendly methods. In particular, new protocols and strategies for the reuse of materials are important to be further developed, in order to save minerals and raw materials, and reduce the production of waste and pollution of the environment. The aim of this Special Issue is to increase the knowledge of the latest advances, highlight challenges, address unresolved issues, and evidence newly emerging areas of interest involving the sustainable use of inorganic materials. We hope to inspire and encourage further research efforts in this important area.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we are inviting colleagues and experts in the field to submit original articles, short communications, and critical reviews on this actual topic. The scope of this Special Issue is intentionally left broad in order to allow extending the discussion within the entire focus area where inorganic materials can play a key role in order to reach a sustainable future.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Roberto Nisticò
Prof. Dr. Torben R. Jensen
Dr. Luciano Carlos
Prof. Dr. Hicham Idriss
Dr. Eleonora Aneggi
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. Inorganics 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 2700 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

  • adsorption
  • advanced (green) synthesis
  • batteries
  • bio-inspired materials
  • catalysis
  • carbon dioxide storage and conversion
  • electrochemistry
  • energy storage devices
  • environmental remediation
  • fuel cells
  • hybrid materials
  • hydrogen storage
  • nano-composites
  • nanomaterials
  • photo(electro)catalysis
  • photovoltaics
  • renewable energy
  • sensing
  • smart materials
  • stimuli-responsive materials
  • surface modification
  • sustainable materials and technologies
  • technologies for (clean) energy production
  • thin films
  • water splitting
  • energy and materials recovery from industrial waste
  • energy production
  • recycling
  • value-added inorganic materials from waste
  • water treatment technologies

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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Article
Synthesis of Polystyrene@TiO2 Core–Shell Particles and Their Photocatalytic Activity for the Decomposition of Methylene Blue
Inorganics 2023, 11(8), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11080343 - 21 Aug 2023
Viewed by 374
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the preparation conditions of polystyrene (PS)@TiO2 core–shell particles and their photocatalytic activity during the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). TiO2 shells were formed on the surfaces of PS particles using the sol–gel method. Homogeneous PS@TiO2 [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the preparation conditions of polystyrene (PS)@TiO2 core–shell particles and their photocatalytic activity during the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). TiO2 shells were formed on the surfaces of PS particles using the sol–gel method. Homogeneous PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were obtained using an aqueous NH3 solution as the promoter of the sol–gel reaction and stirred at room temperature. This investigation revealed that the temperature and amount of the sol–gel reaction promoter influenced the morphology of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles. The TiO2 shell thickness of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles was approximately 5 nm, as observed using transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, Ti elements were detected on the surfaces of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were used in MB decomposition to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. For comparison, we utilized commercial P25 and TiO2 particles prepared using the sol–gel method. The results showed that the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles exhibited higher activity than that of the compared samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Hydrogen Incorporation in RuxTi1−xO2 Mixed Oxides Promotes Total Oxidation of Propane
Inorganics 2023, 11(8), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11080330 - 07 Aug 2023
Viewed by 353
Abstract
A rational synthetic approach is introduced to enable hydrogen insertion into oxides by forming a solid solution of a reducible oxide with a less reducible oxide as exemplified with RuO2 and TiO2 (Ru_x, a mixture of x% RuO2 with (100−x)% [...] Read more.
A rational synthetic approach is introduced to enable hydrogen insertion into oxides by forming a solid solution of a reducible oxide with a less reducible oxide as exemplified with RuO2 and TiO2 (Ru_x, a mixture of x% RuO2 with (100−x)% TiO2). Hydrogen exposure at 250 °C to Ru_x (Ru_x_250R) results in substantial hydrogen incorporation accompanied by lattice strain that in turn induces pronounced activity variations. Here, we demonstrate that hydrogen incorporation in mixed oxides promotes the oxidation catalysis of propane combustion with Ru_60_250R being the catalytically most active catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Communication
Binder-Free CoMn2O4 Nanoflower Particles/Graphene/Carbon Nanotube Composite Film for a High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery
Inorganics 2023, 11(8), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11080314 - 25 Jul 2023
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Manganese-based bimetallic oxides show a high theoretical specific capacity, making them a potential next-generation lithium-ion battery anode material. However, as with metal oxide anode materials, aggregation, volume expansion, and poor conductivity are the main obstacles. In this manuscript, flexible CoMn2O4 [...] Read more.
Manganese-based bimetallic oxides show a high theoretical specific capacity, making them a potential next-generation lithium-ion battery anode material. However, as with metal oxide anode materials, aggregation, volume expansion, and poor conductivity are the main obstacles. In this manuscript, flexible CoMn2O4/graphene/carbon nanotube films were successfully prepared through a facile filtration strategy and a subsequent thermal treatment process. When used as anodes for lithium batteries, these films can be pressed onto nickel foam without other conductive additives and binders, which simplifies the manufacturing process. When used as an anode in the lithium-ion battery, CoMn2O4/GR/CNT film exhibits a high discharge capacity of 881 mAh g−1 after 55 cycles. This value is ~2 times higher than the discharge capacity of CoMn2O4. The three-dimensional GR/CNT carrier effectively dispersed CoMn2O4, preventing its aggregation and alleviating the problem of volume expansion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
The Mechanical Properties of Geopolymers from Different Raw Materials and the Effect of Recycled Gypsum
Inorganics 2023, 11(7), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11070298 - 14 Jul 2023
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Geopolymers are amorphous inorganic polymers that are mainly used in the construction industry as an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary cement. This study compared selected mechanical properties (setting time, shrinkage, strength) of geopolymer specimens made from different main raw materials, mainly at room [...] Read more.
Geopolymers are amorphous inorganic polymers that are mainly used in the construction industry as an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary cement. This study compared selected mechanical properties (setting time, shrinkage, strength) of geopolymer specimens made from different main raw materials, mainly at room temperature, and investigated the effects of recycled gypsum on these. A structural analysis of the specimens was conducted with XRD and SEM. Also, the leaching of aluminium, silicon, and calcium from the specimens was investigated. According to this study, raw materials have a significant impact on the properties of geopolymers. Recycled gypsum affected the setting time of the geopolymers, but the effect was not the same for all specimens. It increased the setting time of specimens made from calcium-rich raw materials, for example, and the ground-granulated blast furnace slag specimens hardened as fast as ordinary Portland cement (about 300 min), but the addition of gypsum decreased it to 1300 min. Gypsum-containing specimens, based on Ca-deficient metakaolin or fly ash, hardened even faster than OPC, in 100–150 min. Recycled gypsum significantly reduced the plastic shrinkage of most of the 28 d specimens to lower values than those achieved for OPC (0.07%). The only exceptions were the fly-ash-based specimens. However, gypsum had no effect on the drying shrinkage, which accounted for a larger proportion of the total shrinkage in most specimens. Therefore, it had no significant effect on the total shrinkage of the geopolymer specimens. The reducing effect of gypsum on the plastic shrinkage of geopolymers was attributed to ettringite, which was observed in all gypsum-containing specimens analysed with XRD. In this study, recycled gypsum decreased the compressive strength of the specimens, which could be prevented by using a finer gypsum powder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Method for Decontamination of Toxic Aluminochrome Catalyst Sludge by Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium
Inorganics 2023, 11(7), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11070284 - 30 Jun 2023
Viewed by 366
Abstract
The article is devoted to the neutralization of the harmful effects of aluminochrome catalyst sludge. Catalyst sludge is a waste product from petrochemical production and poses a serious threat to the environment and humans because of the toxic hexavalent chromium it contains. The [...] Read more.
The article is devoted to the neutralization of the harmful effects of aluminochrome catalyst sludge. Catalyst sludge is a waste product from petrochemical production and poses a serious threat to the environment and humans because of the toxic hexavalent chromium it contains. The emissions of Russian petrochemical enterprises’ alumochrome sludge is 10,000–12,000 tons per year. In this paper, research related to the possibility of reducing the harmful effects of sludge by converting hexavalent chromium to a less dangerous trivalent state is presented. The reduction of hexavalent chromium was carried out with different reagents: Na2SO3, FeSO4, Na2S2O3, and Na2S2O5. Then, a comparative analysis was carried out, and sodium metabisulfite was chosen as the most preferred reagent. The peculiarity of the reducing method was carrying out the reaction in a neutral medium, pH = 7.0. The reduction was carried out in the temperature range of 60–85 °C and under standard conditions. The maximum recovery efficiency of chromium from the catalyst sludge (100%) was achieved at 85 °C and 10 min. This method did not involve the use of concentrated sulfuric acid, as in a number of common techniques, or additional reagents for the precipitation of chromium in the form of hydroxide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Superoxide Radical Formed on the TiO2 Surface Produced from Ti(OiPr)4 Exposed to H2O2/KOH
Inorganics 2023, 11(7), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11070274 - 27 Jun 2023
Viewed by 355
Abstract
In this study, the superoxide radical O2•− formed by treating Ti(OR)4 (R = iPr, nBu) with H2O2 in the presence of KOH was detected in the EPR spectra. The g-tensor of this radical differs from the typical [...] Read more.
In this study, the superoxide radical O2•− formed by treating Ti(OR)4 (R = iPr, nBu) with H2O2 in the presence of KOH was detected in the EPR spectra. The g-tensor of this radical differs from the typical values reported for a superoxide on various TiO2 surfaces. On the other hand, similar g-tensor components g||(zz = 2.10 ± 0.01, g = 2.005 ± 0.003 assigned to the O2•− were previously observed for radicals in aqueous solutions in the presence of K2O, alkaline solutions of DMSO, and water/DMSO mixtures. A common factor in all these systems is the presence of alkali ions. However, there was no structural support for the possible interaction of alkali ions with a superoxide in these systems. The use of multifrequency pulsed EPR techniques in this work revealed the stabilization of the O2•− near the K+ ion and its involvement in a strong hydrogen bond with the surface. These findings are consistent with the features previously reported for superoxides on a Na pre-covered MgO surface. Interactions with a closely located 23Na and a strongly coupled 1H proton were also seen in the HYSCORE spectra but assigned to two different superoxides with various gzz values presented in the sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Basalt-Fiber-Reinforced Phosphorus Building Gypsum Composite Materials (BRPGCs): An Analysis on Their Working Performance and Mechanical Properties
Inorganics 2023, 11(6), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11060254 - 09 Jun 2023
Viewed by 528
Abstract
The preparation of fiber-reinforced phosphorus building gypsum composite materials (FRPGCs) is an important approach to enlarge the utilization of phosphogypsum resources. Through reinforcing phosphorus building gypsum (PBG) with basalt fiber (BF), this article probes into the effects of the length and fiber content [...] Read more.
The preparation of fiber-reinforced phosphorus building gypsum composite materials (FRPGCs) is an important approach to enlarge the utilization of phosphogypsum resources. Through reinforcing phosphorus building gypsum (PBG) with basalt fiber (BF), this article probes into the effects of the length and fiber content of BF on the working performance and mechanical properties of basalt-fiber-reinforced phosphorus building gypsum composite materials (BRPGCs) and accesses the toughness of BRPGCs under bending loads using residual strength. The results showed that the addition of BF could significantly promote the mechanical properties of BRPGCs. However, due to the adverse effect of fibers on the working performance of BRPGCs, the fiber content was constrained. After adding 1.2% of 6 mm BF, the bending strength and compressive strength of FRPGCs reached maximum values of 10.98 MPa and 29.83 MPa, respectively. Under a bending load, BRPGCs exhibited an apparent ductile behavior. The P-δ curve presented five stages, with an evident phase of strength stability after cracking. A larger fiber content was conducive to the toughness of BRPGCs. When 1.6% of 6 mm BF was added, the residual strength of FRPGCs could reach 6.77 MPa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Hydrogen Storage Properties of Economical Graphene Materials Modified by Non-Precious Metal Nickel and Low-Content Palladium
Inorganics 2023, 11(6), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11060251 - 08 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 942
Abstract
Ni/Pd co-modified graphene hydrogen storage materials were successfully prepared by a solvothermal method using NiCl2·6H2O and Pd(OAc)2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). By adjusting the hydrothermal temperature, Pd–Ni is successfully alloyed, and the size of the obtained nanoparticles [...] Read more.
Ni/Pd co-modified graphene hydrogen storage materials were successfully prepared by a solvothermal method using NiCl2·6H2O and Pd(OAc)2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). By adjusting the hydrothermal temperature, Pd–Ni is successfully alloyed, and the size of the obtained nanoparticles is uniform. The electronic structure of Pd was changed by alloying, and the center of the D-band moved down, which promoted the adsorption of hydrogen. The NiPd-rGO-180 sample, in which 180 represents the solvothermal temperature in centigrade (°C), has the highest hydrogen storage capacity of 2.65 wt% at a moderate condition (RT/4MPa). The excellent hydrogen storage performance benefits from the synergistic hydrogen spillover effect of Pd–Ni bimetal. The calculated hydrogen adsorption energies of Ni2Pd2-rGO are within the ideal range (−0.20 to −0.60 eV) of hydrogen ads/desorption; however, the introduction of substrate defects and the cluster orientation alter the hydrogen adsorption energy. This work provides an effective reference for the design and optimization of carbon-based hydrogen storage materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Continuous and Intermittent Planetary Ball Milling Effects on the Alloying of a Bismuth Antimony Telluride Powder Mixture
Inorganics 2023, 11(5), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11050221 - 20 May 2023
Viewed by 686
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of continuous and in-steps mechanical alloying of a bismuth antimony telluride powder mixture (Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3.0) via the mechanical planetary ball milling (PBM) process as a function of milling time and powder mixture amount. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of continuous and in-steps mechanical alloying of a bismuth antimony telluride powder mixture (Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3.0) via the mechanical planetary ball milling (PBM) process as a function of milling time and powder mixture amount. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the phase, composition, and morphology of the alloy. The alloyed powder with the optimum PBM conditions was then hot pressed (HP), and its thermoelectric properties were further investigated. The results on the alloying of the powder mixture showed that due to the high agglomeration tendency of BST during the PBM process, a significant deviation occurs in the development of a single-phase state over time when the powder mixture is milled continuously and in-steps. ’In-steps’ refers to the procedure of interrupting the PBM process and detaching the agglomerated powder adhering to the inner walls of the vessel. This task was repeated every hour and a half of the PBM process for a total of 12 h, and the results were compared with those of the 12 h continuous PBM process of the same mixture. In addition, the procedure was repeated with different amounts of mixture (100 g and 150 g) to determine the most efficient method of producing the material as a function of time. As for the thermoelectric profile of the powder, the data showed results in direct agreement with those in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Tetragonal Nanosized Zirconia: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Its Performance as a Promising Ceramic Reinforcement
Inorganics 2023, 11(5), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11050217 - 17 May 2023
Viewed by 651
Abstract
In this study, we produced zirconia nanoparticles with a pure tetragonal phase, good dispersion, and an average particle size of approximately 7.3 nm using the modified hydrothermal method. Zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2-8H2O) was used as zirconium source, while propanetriol was [...] Read more.
In this study, we produced zirconia nanoparticles with a pure tetragonal phase, good dispersion, and an average particle size of approximately 7.3 nm using the modified hydrothermal method. Zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2-8H2O) was used as zirconium source, while propanetriol was used as an additive. The influence of propanetriol content, sonication time, hydrothermal temperature, and type of dispersant on the physical phase and dispersibility of zirconia nanoparticles was investigated. Monoclinic zirconia was found to completely transform into a tetragonal structure when the mass fraction of glycerol was increased to 5 wt%. With the increase in the mechanical stirring time under ultrasonic conditions, the size distribution range of the prepared particles became narrower and then wider, and the particle size became first smaller and then larger. Ultrasonic and mechanical stirring for 5 min had the best effect. When comparing the effects of different dispersants (PEG8000, PVP, and CTAB), it was found that the average particle size of zirconia nanoparticles prepared with 0.5 wt% PVP was the smallest. Furthermore, by adding different concentrations of pure tetragonal phase nanozirconia to 3Y-ZrO2 as reinforcement additives, the bending strength of the prepared ceramics increased first and then decreased with increasing addition amounts. When the amount of addition was 1 wt% and the ceramic was calcined at 1600 °C, the flexural strength of the ceramic increased significantly, which was about 1.6 times that of the unadded ceramic. The results are expected to provide a reference for the reinforcement of high-purity zirconia ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Article
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Sputtered TiN Thin Films for Their Applications as Diffusion Barriers against Copper Interconnect
Inorganics 2023, 11(5), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11050204 - 09 May 2023
Viewed by 764
Abstract
In this work, the deposition of titanium nitride (TiN) thin film using direct current (DC) sputtering technique and its application as diffusion barriers against copper interconnect was presented. The deposited film was analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), [...] Read more.
In this work, the deposition of titanium nitride (TiN) thin film using direct current (DC) sputtering technique and its application as diffusion barriers against copper interconnect was presented. The deposited film was analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. XRD patterns showed the face-centered cubic (FCC) structure for the TiN/SiO2/Si film, having (111) and (200) peaks and TiN (111), Cu(111), and Cu(200) peaks for Cu/TiN/SiO2/Si film. FESEM images revealed that the grains were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of the TiN film, having a finite size. XPS study showed that Ti2p doublet with peaks centered at 455.1 eV and 461.0 eV for TiN film was observed. Furthermore, the stoichiometry of the deposited TiN film was found to be 0.98. The sheet resistance of the TiN film was analyzed by using a four-point probe method, and the resistivity was calculated to be 11 μΩ cm. For the utilization, TiN film were tested for diffusion barrier performance against Cu interconnect. The results exhibited that TiN film has excellent performance in diffusion barrier for copper metallization up to a temperature of 700 °C. However, at a higher annealing temperature of 800 °C, the formation of Cu3Si and TiSi2 compounds were evident. Thus, stoichiometric TiN film with high thermal stability and low resistivity produced in this study could be applied for the fabrication of microelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Review

Jump to: Research

Review
How to Address Flame-Retardant Technology on Cotton Fabrics by Using Functional Inorganic Sol–Gel Precursors and Nanofillers: Flammability Insights, Research Advances, and Sustainability Challenges
Inorganics 2023, 11(7), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11070306 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 715
Abstract
Over the past decade, inorganic fillers and sol–gel-based flame-retardant technologies for textile treatments have gained increasing research interest as useful alternatives to hazardous chemicals previously employed in textile coating and finishing. This review presents the current state of the art of inorganic flame-retardant [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, inorganic fillers and sol–gel-based flame-retardant technologies for textile treatments have gained increasing research interest as useful alternatives to hazardous chemicals previously employed in textile coating and finishing. This review presents the current state of the art of inorganic flame-retardant technology for cotton fabrics to scientists and researchers. Combustion mechanism and flammability, as well as the thermal behavior of neat cotton samples, are first introduced. The main section is focused on assessing the effect of inorganic and sol–gel-based systems on the final flame-retardant properties of cotton fabrics, emphasizing their fire safety characteristics. When compared to organic flame-retardant solutions, inorganic functional fillers have been shown to be more environmentally friendly and pollution-free since they do not emit compounds that are hazardous to ecosystems and humans when burned. Finally, some perspectives and recent advanced research addressing the potential synergism derived from the use of inorganic flame retardants with other environmentally suitable molecules toward a sustainable flame-retardant technological approach are reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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Review
Nanomaterials Used in the Preparation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2
Inorganics 2023, 11(7), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11070294 - 12 Jul 2023
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Following the well-known pandemic, declared on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organization, the request for new global strategies for the prevention and mitigation of the spread of the infection has come to the attention of the scientific community. Nanotechnology has often [...] Read more.
Following the well-known pandemic, declared on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organization, the request for new global strategies for the prevention and mitigation of the spread of the infection has come to the attention of the scientific community. Nanotechnology has often managed to provide solutions, effective responses, and valid strategies to support the fight against SARS-CoV-2. This work reports a collection of information on nanomaterials that have been used to counter the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In particular, the objective of this work was to illustrate the strategies that have made it possible to use the particular properties of nanomaterials, for the production of personal protective equipment (DIP) for the defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Inorganics: Inorganic Materials)
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