Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 August 2025 | Viewed by 2269

Special Issue Editors

Guangdong Key Laboratory of Materials and Equipment in Harsh Marine Environment and School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Guangzhou Maritime University, Guangzhou 510725, China
Interests: surface engineering; functional thin film; plasma technology; corrosion
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Guest Editor
School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Interests: nanomaterials; surface engineering; biosensor; photocatalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past few decades, nanomaterials and nanotechnology have significantly reshaped numerous fields within materials science and engineering, with surface science and engineering standing out among the most profoundly impacted areas. Nanomaterials’ unique physical and chemical properties impart surfaces and interfaces with exceptional functional advantages, including enhanced electrical, electronic, magnetic, mechanical, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties. Concurrently, surface engineering technology has played a pivotal role in advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology. Through surface engineering, it is possible to fabricate nanoscale thin films or nanodevices with precision, modify nanoscale structures and surface features in targeted ways, and synthesize novel functional nanomaterials or nanocomposites with superior structural and interfacial characteristics. The synergy between surface engineering and nanomaterials presents boundless opportunities for the design and application of innovative functional materials and interfaces.

This Special Issue highlights cutting-edge developments in nanoscale and nanomaterial-related surface engineering. It engages both academic and industrial audiences in exploring theoretical advancements and practical applications at the intersection of surface engineering and nanomaterials.

We welcome original research and review articles on a range of topics, including but not limited to the following:

  • Nanoscale surface science and engineering, including surface modification, structure manipulation and assembly phenomena at the nano/atomic scale;
  • Low-dimensional materials and their applications in functional interfaces and nanodevices;
  • Nanoscale interfaces across diverse applied fields, including catalysis, energy storage and conversion, biomedical and biomaterials, semiconductors, sensors, and protective coatings;
  • Nanostructured or nanomaterial-based thin films and coatings;
  • Surface phenomena and effects related to nanotexture, nanoarchitecture, or nanocrystalline;
  • Characterization and manufacturing techniques for nanoscale surfaces and interfaces.

Dr. Hao Wu
Prof. Dr. Kejian Ding
Prof. Dr. Guosong Wu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • surface engineering
  • nanomaterials
  • nanoscale
  • nanostructure
  • thin film
  • low-dimensional materials
  • functional interfaces
  • surface modification techniques

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1794 KiB  
Article
Towards Correlative Raman Spectroscopy–STEM Investigations Performed on a Magnesium–Silver Alloy FIB Lamella
by Jan Reimers, Martin Mikulics, Marta Lipinska-Chwalek, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Lidia Kibkalo, Maximilian Kruth, Regine Willumeit-Römer, Joachim Mayer and Hilde Helen Hardtdegen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(6), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15060430 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
In this study, a lamella prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) milling from a magnesium–silver alloy wire was investigated. The wire, intended for biomedical applications, was initially degraded in simulated body fluid (SBF) under physiological conditions. Raman spectroscopy was performed across the entire [...] Read more.
In this study, a lamella prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) milling from a magnesium–silver alloy wire was investigated. The wire, intended for biomedical applications, was initially degraded in simulated body fluid (SBF) under physiological conditions. Raman spectroscopy was performed across the entire FIB specimen and the results were correlated with findings from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Our micro-Raman analysis identified chemical compounds at distinct regions within the specimen. Dominant Raman modes at ~1350 cm−1 and ~1590 cm−1, likely derived from elemental carbon from the FIB protection layer, were observed. Additionally, modes indicative of the alloy’s interaction with SBF, attributable to the constituents of SBF, were detected. Notably, Raman modes at ~3650 cm−1 corresponding to the OH stretching mode were identified in the targeted areas of the lamella, highlighting the chemical interaction between magnesium (Mg) and the SBF. The micro-Raman mapping images showed localized Mg(OH)2 distributions, which correlated strongly with the STEM analyses. This study underscores the effectiveness of correlating Raman spectroscopy, revealing chemical changes and STEM, capturing the corresponding microstructural changes. The combined approach is crucial for a deeper understanding of material degradation and reactivity in biocompatible alloys under physiological conditions and advances the characterization of biocompatible materials in physiological environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 5757 KiB  
Article
Study on Vacuum Breakdown Properties of Surface-Modified 304 Stainless Steel Electrodes Based on Fractal Theory
by Shiqing Wang, Shenming Zhao, Bo Liu, Weihong Shan, Hao Wei, Dayan Ma and Hongbo Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050340 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 486
Abstract
This paper reports on the effect of the micro-morphological characteristics of stainless steel electrodes on vacuum breakdown properties under the action of a strong electric field generated by high-power electric pulses. Using chemical passivation modification and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology, alumina composite [...] Read more.
This paper reports on the effect of the micro-morphological characteristics of stainless steel electrodes on vacuum breakdown properties under the action of a strong electric field generated by high-power electric pulses. Using chemical passivation modification and atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology, alumina composite films were prepared on the surface of the stainless steel electrodes to reshape the surface microstructure of the electrodes. The surface morphology features of the electrodes were characterized in detail. Based on fractal theory, a fractal model based on the box dimensional method was proposed to quantitatively describe the morphological and structural characteristics of the film, and its relationship with the vacuum breakdown properties was established. The results indicated that the fractal dimension effectively reflected the complexity of the electrode morphology and could serve as a key parameter to evaluate the vacuum breakdown performance of the electrodes, which showed a negative correlation with the change tendency of the electrode breakdown threshold. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 6454 KiB  
Article
Variation in Nanocrystalline Phase Content on Mechanical Properties and Wear Resistance of FeCrMoWBRE Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Coating Deposited by High-Velocity Arc Spraying
by Hao Du, Wei Xin, Bo Wang, Ji’an Feng, Xingchuan Xia, Yujiang Wang and Shicheng Wei
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040305 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
The incorporation of a homogeneously distributed nanocrystalline phase in Fe-based amorphous coatings is widely acknowledged to enhance wear resistance across various applications. In this study, FeCrMoWBRE amorphous/nanocrystalline composite coatings were fabricated on 45# steel substrates using high-velocity arc spraying (HVAS). The coatings were [...] Read more.
The incorporation of a homogeneously distributed nanocrystalline phase in Fe-based amorphous coatings is widely acknowledged to enhance wear resistance across various applications. In this study, FeCrMoWBRE amorphous/nanocrystalline composite coatings were fabricated on 45# steel substrates using high-velocity arc spraying (HVAS). The coatings were produced under varying spraying voltages, currents, and distances, following the Taguchi experimental design methodology. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of the coatings were systematically analyzed, with a particular focus on the relationship between nanocrystalline/amorphous phase content and key performance metrics, including microhardness, adhesive strength, and wear rate. A positive correlation was observed between the nanocrystalline phase content and both mechanical properties and wear resistance. The coating with optimized nanocrystalline phase content of 21.4% exhibits the lowest wear rate of 1.39 × 10−7 mm3·N−1·m−1 under a 100 N load and oil lubrication. These findings underscore the critical role of controlling the nanocrystalline phase content in Fe-based amorphous/nanocrystalline composite coatings to maximize wear resistance under oil-lubricated conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3561 KiB  
Article
High-Performance Hydrogen Sensing at Room Temperature via Nb-Doped Titanium Oxide Thin Films Fabricated by Micro-Arc Oxidation
by Chilou Zhou, Zhiqiu Ye, Yue Tan, Zhenghua Wu, Xinyi Guo, Yinglin Bai, Xuying Xie, Zilong Wu, Ji’an Feng, Yao Xu, Bo Deng and Hao Wu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020124 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) hydrogen sensors offer advantages, such as high sensitivity and fast response, but their challenges remain in achieving low-cost fabrication and stable operation at room temperature. This study investigates Nb-doped TiO2 (NTO) thin films prepared via a one-step micro-arc [...] Read more.
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) hydrogen sensors offer advantages, such as high sensitivity and fast response, but their challenges remain in achieving low-cost fabrication and stable operation at room temperature. This study investigates Nb-doped TiO2 (NTO) thin films prepared via a one-step micro-arc oxidation (MAO) with the addition of Nb2O5 nanoparticles into the electrolyte for room-temperature hydrogen sensing. The characterization results revealed that the incorporation of Nb2O5 altered the film’s morphology and phase composition, increasing the Nb content and forming a homogeneous composite thin film. Hydrogen sensing tests demonstrated that the NTO samples exhibited significantly improved sensitivity, selectivity, and stability compared to undoped TiO2. Among the fabricated samples, NTO thin film prepared at Nb2O5 concentration of 6 g/L (NTO-6) showed the best performance, with a broad detection range, excellent sensitivity, rapid response, and good specificity to hydrogen. A strong linear relationship between response values and hydrogen concentration (10–1000 ppm) highlights its potential for precise hydrogen detection. The enhanced hydrogen sensing mechanism of NTO thin films primarily stems from the influence of Nb2O5; nanoparticles doping in the anatase-phase TiO2 structure on the semiconductor surface depletion layer, as well as the improved charge transfer and additional adsorption sites provided by the Nb/Ti composite metal oxides, such as TiNb2O7 and Ti0.95Nb0.95O4. This study demonstrates the potential of MAO-fabricated Nb-doped TiO2 thin films as efficient and reliable hydrogen sensors operating at room temperature, offering a pathway for novel gas-sensing technologies to support clean energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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