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Nanomaterials
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Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings
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Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2025 | Viewed by 12634

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Silvia Armini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: materials for nanoelectronics; patterning materials; dielectrics; metals; area selective deposition; thin films; self-assembled monolayers; ALD; CVD; PVD; lithography; photoresist; directed self-assembly; colloids and nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to invite you to contribute your original research to this Special Issue on “Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings” focused on the preparation, characterization, properties, and applications of nanoscale thin films and coatings. In recent years, nanoscale thin films and coatings have found extensive application across many fields due to their unique optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, which substantially differ from bulk properties.

This Special Issue aims to share recent achievements and new challenges in the field of nanomaterial science, engineering and nanotechnology, paying particular attention to the relationship between advanced fabrication, properties, applications, and physical–chemical characteristics. We welcome studies relating to experimental, theoretical, computational, or other applications of nanomaterials ranging from hard (inorganic) materials, through soft (polymeric and biological) materials, to hybrid materials or nanocomposites, including novel preparation and assembly methodologies, and industrially scalable techniques.

Subject areas include (but are by no means limited to):

  • Nanoparticles, nanocrystals, colloids, sols, and quantum dots;
  • Self-assemblies and directed assemblies (of moledules and nanoparticles);
  • Films, membranes, and coatings;
  • Nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers, nanorods, and nanobelts;
  • Nanoporous, mesoporous, and microporous materials;
  • Hierarchical structures and molecular–particle networks;
  • Surface and interface sciences and engineering;
  • Inorganic–organic hybrids or nanocomposites;
  • Nanoceramics, metals, and alloys;
  • Nanomaterials (atomic, molecular, and bulk) characterization techniques.

Areas of nanomaterials engineering and applications include (but are not limited to):

  • Catalysis, gas/liquid separations, and membrane reactors;
  • Energy conversion and storage devices/systems such as fuel cells and solar cells;
  • Electronics, photonics, and magnetics;
  • Sensors;
  • Medical, biological, and drug development;
  • Environmental, building, transportation, telecommunications, and food technologies;
  • Nuclear, aerospace, military, and national defense/security technologies;
  • Chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical technologies.

Dr. Silvia Armini
Guest Editor

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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • self-assembled molecular films
  • ALD/CVD
  • thin films
  • bottom-up fabrication
  • atomic-scale processing
  • nanotechnology
  • smart materials
  • nanomaterials
  • membranes

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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17 pages, 540 KiB  
Article
Linear Stability of a Viscoelastic Liquid Film on an Oscillating Plane
by Jing Zhang, Quansheng Liu, Ruigang Zhang and Zhaodong Ding
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080610 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
This paper investigates the linear stability of the liquid film of Oldroyd-B fluid on an oscillating plate. The time-dependent Orr–Sommerfeld boundary-value problem is formulated through the assumption of a normal modal solution and the introduction of the stream function, which is further transformed [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the linear stability of the liquid film of Oldroyd-B fluid on an oscillating plate. The time-dependent Orr–Sommerfeld boundary-value problem is formulated through the assumption of a normal modal solution and the introduction of the stream function, which is further transformed into the Floquet system. A long-wavelength expansion analysis is performed to derive the analytical solution of the Orr–Sommerfeld equation. The results indicate that long-wave instability occurs only within specific bandwidths related to the Ohnesorge number (Oh). Fixing the elasticity parameter (El) and increasing the relaxation-to-delay time ratio (λ˜) from 2 to 4 or fixing (λ˜) and increasing (El) from 0.001 to 0.01 decreases the number of unstable bandwidths while enhancing the intensity of unstable modes. Increasing the surface-tension-related parameter (ζ∗) from 0 to 100 suppresses the wave growth rate, stabilizing the system. Additionally, increasing (λ˜) from 2 to 4 reduces the maximum values of the coupling of viscoelastic, gravitational, and surface-tension forces, as well as the maximum value of the Floquet exponent, further stabilizing the system. These findings provide supplements to the theoretical research on the stability of viscoelastic fluids and also offer a scientific basis for engineering applications in multiple fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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12 pages, 4145 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Al2O3 Nanoparticles on Hexagonal Boron Nitride Films Resulting from High-Temperature Annealing
by Qiang Li, Kangkang Liu, Ransheng Chen, Wannian Fang, Zhihao Zhang, Youwei Chen, Haifeng Liu, Ziyan Lin, Yuhuai Liu and Tao Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070484 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
A simple two-step approach was proposed to obtain hBN thin films with high crystalline quality, meaning that the films were initially prepared by using an RF magnetron sputtering technique and subsequently followed by a post-annealing process at a high temperature. In the case [...] Read more.
A simple two-step approach was proposed to obtain hBN thin films with high crystalline quality, meaning that the films were initially prepared by using an RF magnetron sputtering technique and subsequently followed by a post-annealing process at a high temperature. In the case of introducing Al2O3 nanoparticles, the effects of annealing temperature from 1000 °C to 1300 °C and annealing time from 0.5 h to 1.5 h on the recrystallization process of the grown hBN films were systematically studied by using XRD and SEM technologies. The introduction of Al2O3 impurities during the annealing process successfully reduced the transition temperature of hexagonal phase BN by more than 300 °C. The crystalline quality of hBN films grown by RF magnetron sputtering could be effectively enhanced under annealing at 1100 °C for 1 h. The DUV detectors were prepared using the hBN films before and after annealing, and showed a notable improvement in detector performance by using annealed films. It has significant application value in further enhancing the performance of DUV photodetectors based on high-quality hBN films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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10 pages, 2833 KiB  
Communication
Optical Properties of Thick TiO2-P25 Films
by Grazia Giuseppina Politano
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020099 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 692
Abstract
In this study, TiO2-P25 films on FTO substrates were synthesized using the sol-gel process and studied using Variable Angle Spectroscopy Ellipsometry (VASE) to determine their optical constants and thickness. The measurements were carried out at room temperature in the wavelength range [...] Read more.
In this study, TiO2-P25 films on FTO substrates were synthesized using the sol-gel process and studied using Variable Angle Spectroscopy Ellipsometry (VASE) to determine their optical constants and thickness. The measurements were carried out at room temperature in the wavelength range of (300–900) nm at incident angles varying from 55° to 70°. The resulting thicknesses were found to be around 1000 nm. A graded layer model, which allowed for accurate representation of the depth-dependent optical variations, was employed to model the properties of these TiO2-P25 films. This modeling approach provided deeper insights into the internal structure of the films, particularly how the graded structural characteristics impact the overall optical behavior. Understanding these depth-dependent variations is essential for optimizing the use of TiO2-P25 films in technologies such as solar cells and optical devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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11 pages, 3425 KiB  
Article
Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Hollow TiO2 Spheres with Enhanced Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
by Rama Krishna Chava, Yeon-Tae Yu and Misook Kang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221782 - 6 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 918
Abstract
Fabricating photoanodes with a strong light-scattering effect can improve the photoconversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a facile microwave hydrothermal process was developed to prepare Au@TiO2 core–shell nanostructures, and then the Au core was removed by etching, resulting [...] Read more.
Fabricating photoanodes with a strong light-scattering effect can improve the photoconversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, a facile microwave hydrothermal process was developed to prepare Au@TiO2 core–shell nanostructures, and then the Au core was removed by etching, resulting in hollow TiO2. Morphological characterizations such as field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy measurements have been used for the successful formation of core–shell and hollow TiO2 nanostructures. Next, we attempted to deposit the different-sized hollow TiO2-based microspheres simultaneously on the surface of small-sized TiO2 nanoparticles-based compact film as light-scattering layers via electrophoretic deposition. The deposited hollow TiO2 microspheres constitute bi- and tri-layers that not only improve the light-harvesting properties but also speed up the photogenerated charge transfer. Compared to commercial TiO2 compact film (4.75%), the resulting bi-layer and tri-layered films-based DSSCs displayed power conversion efficiencies of 6.33% and 8.08%, respectively. It is revealed that the deposited bi- and tri-layered films can enhance the light absorption ability via multiple photon reflection. This work validates a novel and controllable strategy to develop light-scattering layers with increased light-harvesting properties for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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13 pages, 3290 KiB  
Article
Versatility of the Templated Surface Assembly of Nanoparticles from Water-in-Oil Microemulsions in Equivalent Hybrid Nanostructured Films
by Rebeca Fortes Martín, Sibylle Rüstig, Ilko Bald and Joachim Koetz
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211726 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 910
Abstract
Water-in-oil microemulsions, as stable colloidal dispersions from quasi-ternary mixtures, have been used in diverse applications, including nanoreactors for confined chemical processes. Their use as soft templates not only includes nanomaterial synthesis but also the interfacial assembly of nanoparticles in hybrid nanostructures. Especially the [...] Read more.
Water-in-oil microemulsions, as stable colloidal dispersions from quasi-ternary mixtures, have been used in diverse applications, including nanoreactors for confined chemical processes. Their use as soft templates not only includes nanomaterial synthesis but also the interfacial assembly of nanoparticles in hybrid nanostructures. Especially the hierarchical arrangement of different types of nanoparticles over a surface in filament networks constitutes an interesting bottom-up strategy for facile and tunable film coating. Herein, we demonstrate the versatility of this surface assembly from microemulsion dispersions. Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy, in addition to UV–Vis Transmittance Spectroscopy, proved the assembly tunability after solvent evaporation under different conditions: the nanostructured films can be formed over different surfaces, using different compositions of liquid phases, as well as with the incorporation of different nanoparticle materials while keeping equivalent surface functionalization. This offers the possibility of adapting different components and conditions for coating tuning on a larger scale with simple procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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15 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Perfluorododecyl-Iodide Self-Assembled Monolayers upon Exposure to Ambient Light
by Lauren Colbeck Kirby, Jayant K. Lodha, Simon Astley, Dave Skelton, Silvia Armini, Andrew Evans and Anita Brady-Boyd
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110982 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5060 | Correction
Abstract
Perfluorododecyl iodide (I-PFC12) is of interest for area-selective deposition (ASD) applications as it exhibits intriguing properties such as ultralow surface energy, the ability to modify silicon’s band gap, low surface friction, and suitability for micro-contact patterning. Traditional photolithography is struggling to reach the [...] Read more.
Perfluorododecyl iodide (I-PFC12) is of interest for area-selective deposition (ASD) applications as it exhibits intriguing properties such as ultralow surface energy, the ability to modify silicon’s band gap, low surface friction, and suitability for micro-contact patterning. Traditional photolithography is struggling to reach the required critical dimensions. This study investigates the potential of using I-PFC12 as a way to produce contrast between the growth area and non-growth areas of a surface subsequent to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) exposure. Once exposed to EUV, the I-PFC12 molecule should degrade with the help of the photocatalytic substrate, allowing for the subsequent selective deposition of the hard mask. The stability of a vapor-deposited I-PFC12 self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was examined when exposed to ambient light for extended periods of time by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two substrates, SiO2 and TiO2, are investigated to ascertain the suitability of using TiO2 as a photocatalytic active substrate. Following one month of exposure to light, the atomic concentrations showed a more substantial fluorine loss of 10.2% on the TiO2 in comparison to a 6.2% loss on the SiO2 substrate. This more pronounced defluorination seen on the TiO2 is attributed to its photocatalytic nature. Interestingly, different routes to degradation were observed for each substrate. Reference samples preserved in dark conditions with no light exposure for up to three months show little degradation on the SiO2 substrate, while no change is observed on the TiO2 substrate. The results reveal that the I-PFC12 SAM is an ideal candidate for resistless EUV lithography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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14 pages, 7945 KiB  
Article
High-Throughput Micro-Combinatorial TEM Phase Mapping of the DC Magnetron Sputtered YxTi1−xOy Thin Layer System
by Dániel Olasz, Viktória Kis, Ildikó Cora, Miklós Németh and György Sáfrán
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110925 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 1024
Abstract
High-throughput methods are extremely important in today’s materials science, especially in the case of thin film characterization. The micro-combinatorial method enables the deposition and characterization of entire multicomponent thin film systems within a single sample. In this paper, we report the application of [...] Read more.
High-throughput methods are extremely important in today’s materials science, especially in the case of thin film characterization. The micro-combinatorial method enables the deposition and characterization of entire multicomponent thin film systems within a single sample. In this paper, we report the application of this method for the comprehensive TEM characterization of the Y-Ti-O layer system. Variable composition samples (YxTi1−xOy) were prepared by dual DC magnetron sputtering, covering the entire (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) concentration range. The structure and morphology of phases formed in both as-deposited and annealed samples at 600, 700, and 800 °C were revealed as a function of Y-Ti composition (x). A comprehensive map showing the appropriate amorphous and crystalline phases, and their occurrence regions of the whole Y-Ti-O layer system, was revealed. Thanks to the applied method, it was shown with ease that at the given experimental conditions, the Y2Ti2O7 phase with a pyrochlore structure forms already at 700 °C without the TiO2 and Y2O3 by-phases, which is remarkably lower than the required temperature for most physical preparation methods, demonstrating the importance and benefits of creating phase maps in materials science and technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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8 pages, 1168 KiB  
Communication
Novel Energetic Co-Reactant for Thermal Oxide Atomic Layer Deposition: The Impact of Plasma-Activated Water on Al2O3 Film Growth
by João Chaves, William Chiappim, Júlia Karnopp, Benedito Neto, Douglas Leite, Argemiro da Silva Sobrinho and Rodrigo Pessoa
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(24), 3110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13243110 - 10 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
In the presented study, a novel approach for thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 thin films using plasma-activated water (PAW) as a co-reactant, replacing traditionally employed deionized (DI) water, is introduced. Utilizing ex situ PAW achieves up to a [...] Read more.
In the presented study, a novel approach for thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 thin films using plasma-activated water (PAW) as a co-reactant, replacing traditionally employed deionized (DI) water, is introduced. Utilizing ex situ PAW achieves up to a 16.4% increase in the growth per cycle (GPC) of Al2O3 films, consistent with results from plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). Time-resolved mass spectrometry (TRMS) revealed disparities in CH4 partial pressures between TMA reactions with DI water and PAW, with PAW demonstrating enhanced reactivity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), namely H2O2 and O3, are posited to activate Si(100) substrate sites, thereby improving GPC and film quality. Specifically, Al2O3 films grown with PAW pH = 3.1 displayed optimal stoichiometry, reduced carbon content, and an expanded bandgap. This study thus establishes “PAW-ALD” as a descriptor for this ALD variation and highlights the significance of comprehensive assessments of PAW in ALD processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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1 pages, 399 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Colbeck Kirby et al. Degradation of Perfluorododecyl-Iodide Self-Assembled Monolayers upon Exposure to Ambient Light. Nanomaterials 2024, 14, 982
by Lauren Colbeck Kirby, Jayant K. Lodha, Simon Astley, Dave Skelton, Silvia Armini, Andrew Evans and Anita Brady-Boyd
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181512 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 617
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Nanoscale Thin Films and Coatings)
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