Search Results (669)

Thin-film detection technology plays a significant role in particle physics, X-ray imaging and radiation monitoring. In this paper, the detection capability of a Cs₃Cu₂I₅ thin-film scintillator toward α particles is investigated. The flexible thin-film scintillator is fabricated by a facile and cost-effective in situ strategy, exhibiting excellent scintillation properties. Upon α-particle excitation, the light yield of the Cs₃Cu₂I₅ thin-film is 2400 photons/MeV, which greatly benefits its application for single-particle events detection. Moreover, it shows linear energy response within the range of 4.7–5.5 MeV and moderate decay time of 667 ns. We further explored the cryogenic scintillation performance of Cs₃Cu₂I₅@PMMA film. As the temperature decreases from 300 K to 50 K, its light yield gradually increases to 1.3 fold of its original value, while its decay time remains almost unchanged. This scintillator film also shows excellent low-temperature stability and flexible operational stability. This work demonstrates the great potential of the Cs₃Cu₂I₅@PMMA film for the practical utilization in α-particle detection application. Full article

South Dongting Lake is an essential aquatic ecosystem that receives substantial water inflows from the Xiangjiang and Zishui Rivers. However, it is significantly impacted by human activities, including mining, smelting, and farming. These activities have led to serious contamination of the lake’s sediments with heavy metals (HMs). This study investigated the distribution, mobility, and influencing factors of HMs at the sediment–water interface. To this end, sediment samples were analyzed from three key regions (Xiangjiang River estuary, Zishui River estuary, and northeastern South Dongting Lake) using traditional sampling methods and Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) technology. Analysis of fifteen HMs (Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Mn, Zn, V, Cr, Cu, Tl, Co, and Fe) revealed significant spatial heterogeneity. The results showed that Cr, Cu, Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Mn, Zn, and Fe exhibited high variability (CV > 0.20), whereas V, Tl, and Co demonstrated stable concentrations (CV < 0.20). Concentrations were found to exceed background values of the upper continental crust of eastern China (UCC), Yangtze River sediments (YZ), and Dongting Lake sediments (DT), particularly at the Xiangjiang estuary (XE) and in the northeastern regions. Speciation analysis revealed that V, Cr, Cu, Ni, and As were predominantly found in the residual fraction (F4), while Pb and Co were concentrated in the oxidizable fraction (F3), Mn and Zn appeared primarily in the exchangeable fractions (F1 and F2), and Cd was notably dominant in the exchangeable fraction (F1), suggesting a high potential for mobility. Additionally, DGT results confirmed a significant potential for the release of Pb, Zn, and Cd. Contamination assessment using the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) identified Pb, Bi, Ni, As, Se, Cd, and Sb as major pollutants. Among these, Bi and Cd were found to pose the highest risks. Furthermore, the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) highlighted Cd as the primary ecological risk contributor, especially in the XE. The study identified sediment grain size, pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient levels as the primary influencing factors. The PMF modeling revealed HM sources as mixed smelting/natural inputs, agricultural activities, natural weathering, and mining/smelting operations, suggesting that remediation should prioritize Cd control in the XE with emphasis on external inputs. Full article

New bulk chalcogenides from the system (GeTe₆)_1−xCu_x, where x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%, have been synthesized. The structure and composition of the materials were studied using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to analyze the surface morphology of the samples. Some thermal characteristics such as the glass transition, crystallization and melting temperature and some physico-chemical properties such as the density, compactness and molar and free volumes were also determined. The XRD patterns show sharp diffraction peaks, indicating that the synthesized new bulk materials are crystalline. The following four crystal phases were determined: Te, Cu, CuTe and Cu₂GeTe₃. The results from the EDS confirmed the presence of Ge, Te and Cu in the bulk samples in concentrations in good correspondence with those theoretically determined. A layered thin-film material based on Ge₁₄Te₈₁Cu₅, which exhibits lower network compactness compared to the other synthesized new chalcogenides, and the azo polymer PAZO was fabricated, and the kinetics of the photoinduced birefringence at 444 nm was measured. The results indicated an increase in the maximal induced birefringence for the layered structure in comparison to the non-doped azo polymer film. Full article

This study investigated the enhancement of Cu₂MnSnS₄ (CMTS) thin films’ photocatalytic properties through potassium (K) doping for rhodamine B degradation under visible light. K-doped CMTS films synthesized using spray pyrolysis technology achieved a 98% degradation efficiency within 120 min. The physical property improvements were quantitatively validated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which confirmed enhanced crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant modifications in surface morphology as a function of potassium content, highlighting its influence on film growth dynamics. Optical characterization demonstrated a pronounced reduction in transmittance, approaching negligible values at 7.5% potassium doping, and a narrowed optical band gap of 1.41 eV, suggesting superior light absorption capabilities. Photocatalytic performance was significantly enhanced, achieving a Rhodamine B degradation efficiency of up to 98% at 7.5% doping. These enhancements collectively improved the material’s light-harvesting capabilities and charge separation efficiency, positioning K-doped CMTS as a highly effective photocatalyst compared to other ternary and quaternary materials. Full article

Aluminum and its alloy magnetron sputtering targets, owing to their superior electrical/thermal conductivity and robust substrate adhesion, serve as critical materials in advanced electronics and information technologies. It is known that the microstructure of the target, including grain uniformity and crystallographic texture, directly affects the sputtering performance and the quality of the deposited thin film. Despite extensive research efforts, the review paper focused on the microstructure of aluminum target materials is still absent. In that context, the recent progress on the Al alloy target is reviewed, focusing on grain refinement and texture control strategies. The roles of alloying elements, such as Si, Cu, and rare-earth Sc and Nd, are described first. The two conventional manufacturing techniques of fabricating Al targets, including melting and powder metallurgy, are introduced. Then, studies on grain refinement by thermomechanical processing routes (hot/cold rolling, annealing and forging) are summarized. Lastly, texture engineering through deformation and heat treatment protocols (unidirectional/multidirectional rolling, deformation thickness, and composite deformation modes) is reviewed. By establishing the relationship between thermomechanical processing and microstructure, this review provides insights for designing high-performance aluminum targets tailored to next-generation advanced thin-film applications. Full article

Thin films of manganese–nickel–cobalt oxide with graphene (G@MNCO) were deposited on copper foam using electrochemical deposition. NiCo₂O₄ is the main phase in these films. As the proportion of graphene in the precursor solution increases, the oxygen vacancies in the samples also increase. The microstructure of these samples evolves into hierarchical vertical flake structures. Cyclic voltammetry measurements conducted within the potential range of 0–1.2 V reveal that the electrode with the highest graphene content achieves the highest specific capacitance, approximately 475 F/g. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent cycling durability, maintaining 95.0% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance of the graphene-enhanced, manganese-doped nickel–cobalt oxide electrode is attributed to the synergistic contributions of the hierarchical G@MNCO structure, the three-dimensional Cu foam current collector, and the binder-free fabrication process. These features promote quicker electrolyte ion diffusion into the electrode material and ensure robust adhesion of the active materials to the current collector. Full article

In this work, we present the development and validation of an automated system for the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method, aimed at depositing Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) thin films. The system is based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller programmed in Micro-Python (Thonny 4.0.2), allowing precise control over immersion sequences, timing intervals, and substrate positioning along two degrees of freedom. Automation enhances reproducibility, safety, and reduces human error compared with manual operation. CZTS films were deposited on borosilicate glass and optically and structurally characterized. A gradual darkening of the films with increasing deposition cycles indicates controlled material accumulation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CZTS phases, although with a partially amorphous structure. The estimated optical bandgap of ~1.34 eV is consistent with photovoltaic applications. These results validate the functionality of the automated SILAR platform for repeatable and scalable thin-film fabrication, offering a low-cost alternative for producing semiconductor absorber layers in solar energy technologies. Full article

In this study, the surface photocatalytic activity of an anatase–titanium oxide (TiO_x) film was modified by a thin copper (Cu) layer with the subsequential oxidation annealing process. Through this simple annealing process, the photocatalytic activity of the TiO_x/Cu structure to decompose the methylene blue solution and inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. could be optimized. With the help of a study on the conductive type required for the oxidation of a single Cu layer, an n/p nanocomposite heterojunction was realized, as this contact system anneals at temperatures of 350 °C and 450 °C. An extra electrical field at the contact interfaces that was be beneficial for separating the photo-generated electron–hole pairs (EHPs) under UV light irradiation was built. The built-in electrical field led to an increase in the structural photocatalytic activity. Moreover, as the p-type cuprous oxide (p-Cu₂O) structure oxidized by the annealed Cu layer could provide a high conduction band that is offset when in contact with the TiO_x film, the photogenerated EHPs on the TiO_x surface could be separated more effectively. Accordingly, the 350 °C-annealed sample, abundant in the nanocomposite TiO_x/Cu₂O heterojunction which could significantly retard the recombination of photo-generated carriers, corresponded to an increase of about 38% in the photocatalytic activity as compared with the single TiO_x film. Full article

Thin amorphous oxide films (a-SiO₂, a-Al₂O₃, a-MgO) were prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition. Their response to high-energy heavy ion beams (23 MeV I, 18 MeV Cu, 2.5 MeV Cu) and gamma-ray (1.25 MeV) irradiation was studied by elastic recoil detection analysis and infrared spectroscopy. It was established that their high radiation hardness is due to a high level of disorder, already present in as-prepared samples, so the high-energy heavy ion irradiation cannot change their structure much. In the case of a-SiO₂, this resulted in a completely different response to high-energy heavy ion irradiation found previously in thermally grown a-SiO₂. In the case of a-MgO, only gamma-ray irradiation was found to induce significant changes. Full article

The development of high-performance electrochromic materials demands innovative approaches to simultaneously control the nanoscale architecture and the electronic structure. We present a dual-modification strategy that synergistically combines copper doping with the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) assembly to overcome the traditional performance trade-offs in tungsten oxide-based electrochromic systems. Cu-doped W₁₈O₄₉ nanowires with varying Cu concentrations (0–12 mol%) were synthesized hydrothermally and assembled into thin films via the LB technique, with LB precursors characterized by contact angle, surface tension, viscosity, and thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses. The films were systematically evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and transmittance spectroscopy. Experimental results reveal an optimal Cu-doping concentration of 8 mol%, achieving a near-infrared optical modulation amplitude of 76.24% at 1066 nm, rapid switching kinetics (coloring/bleaching: 5.0/3.0 s), and a coloration efficiency of 133.00 cm²/C. This performance is speculated to be a balance between Cu-induced improvements in ion intercalation kinetics and LB-ordering degradation caused by lattice strain and interfacial charge redistribution, while mitigating excessive doping effects such as structural deterioration and thermodynamic instability. The work establishes a dual-modification framework for designing high-performance electrochromic interfaces, emphasizing the critical role of surface chemistry and nanoscale assembly in advancing adaptive optoelectronic devices like smart windows. Full article

Copper antimony sulfide (CuSbS₂) is an affordable and eco-friendly solar absorber with an optimal bandgap and high absorption coefficient, and it stands out as a promising candidate for thin-film solar cells. This study investigates the effects of indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), and glass substrates on the microstructural, morphological, and optical properties of CuSbS₂ (CAS) layers synthesized via spray pyrolysis. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that CAS phases formed on ITO and FTO substrates exhibited a phase composition without additional copper phases. However, the CAS layer on glass contained a copper sulfide (CuS) phase, which can be detrimental for solar cell applications. Furthermore, the influences of the substrate morphology and contact angle on the growth mechanisms of CAS layers was examined, highlighting the relationship between the substrate micromorphology and the resultant film characteristics. Advanced image processing techniques applied to Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images of the substrate surfaces facilitated a comprehensive comparison with the surface characteristics of the CAS films grown on those substrates. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) indicated that CAS layers on ITO possessed larger grains than FTO, whereas those on FTO exhibited lower roughness with a more uniform grain distribution. Notably, the optical properties of the CAS layers correlated strongly with their microstructural and morphological characteristics. This work highlights the critical influence of substrate choice on the growth and characteristics of CAS layers through a comparative analysis. Full article

This study comprehensively examines the barrier properties, aging behavior, and failure mechanisms of Parylene F-VT4 films, applied at four distinct thicknesses (0.3 µm, 0.6 µm, 0.9 µm, and 1.2 µm), as encapsulation layers for implantable medical devices. Parylene F-VT4, a fluorinated polymer known for its mechanical flexibility, thermal stability, and chemical inertness, is a promising candidate for long-term hermetic encapsulation. Parylene F-VT4 was uniformly deposited via a dedicated chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process typically used for Parylene depositions. The investigation of the Parylene F-VT4 films included pinhole density characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and testing of coating lifetime based on the resistance of Cu meanders protected by Parylene F-VT4 when immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) under accelerated aging conditions (PBS at 60 °C) over 550 days. The EIS results demonstrated that thicker coatings (1.2 µm) exhibited excellent barrier properties and resistance to electrolyte penetration, whereas thinner coatings (0.3 µm and 0.6 µm) showed more rapid degradation due to microvoids and pinholes. The temporal evaluation of EIS spectra highlighted the gradual decrease in impedance magnitude, indicating the ingress of ions and water into the coating. The lifetime in PBS at 60 °C was determined by resistance-based lifetime measurements on Cu meander structures coated with Parylene F-VT4 coatings. The lifetime at 37 °C was calculated, assuming an acceleration factor of 2 per 10 °C increase in temperature, yielding lifetimes of approximately 25 days, 6.4 months, 2.3 years, and 4.5 years for 0.3 µm, 0.6 µm, 0.9 µm, and 1.2 µm coatings, respectively. These findings highlight the critical relationship between thickness and durability, providing valuable insights into the long-term performance of thin Parylene F-VT4 films for implantable devices. Full article

The adhesion of copper thin films galvanostatically electrodeposited on Cu cathodes from electrolytes without or with the addition of various additives, such as chloride ions, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), and 3–mercapto–1–propanesulfonic acid, has been investigated. Morphological and structural analyses of synthesized films were performed using the SEM, AFM, and XRD methods, while the adhesion of the films was examined by applying the theoretical Chen–Gao (C–G) composite hardness model using results from Vickers microindentation, a bidirectional bending test, and a scratch-tape adhesion test. The morphologies of the films were either very smooth, with mirror-like brightness, obtained from the electrolyte containing all three additives, or microcrystalline, with different grain sizes, obtained from other electrolytes. The best adhesion was observed in the fine-grained film with numerous boundaries among grains, obtained with the addition of chloride ions and PEG 6000, while the mirror-bright film obtained with a combination of all three additives showed the worst adhesion. The boundaries among grains represented barriers that decreased the depth of penetration during microindentation and, consequently, increased the hardness and enhanced the adhesion of the film. The size of the grains—and hence, the number of grain boundaries—was regulated by the composition of the electrolytes achieved by the addition of additives. Good agreement was observed among the various methods used for the estimation of the adhesion properties of Cu films. Full article

The performance of NiO-based supercapacitor electrodes for energy storage systems was enhanced by doping Cu into NiO thin films (200 nm) using radio-frequency magnetron co-sputtering on 3D porous Ni foam substrates, followed by rapid thermal annealing. The Hall effect measurements demonstrated enhanced electrical conductivity, with resistivity values of 1.244 × 10⁻⁴ Ω·cm. The 3D porous NiO:Cu electrodes significantly increased the specific capacitance and achieved a value of 1809.2 Fg⁻¹, with the NiO:Cu (10 at% Cu) thin films at a scan rate of 5 mVs⁻¹, which is a 2.67-fold increase compared with the undoped NiO films on a glass substrate. The 3D porous NiO:Cu electrodes significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the NiO-based electrode, which resulted in a higher specific capacitance for enhancing the energy storage performance during grid stabilization. Full article

To meet the stringent demands of next-generation flexible optoelectronic devices, a novel fabrication approach is employed that integrates the spray-coating of copper nanowires (Cu NWs) with the magnetron sputtering of SrTiO₃ thin films, thereby yielding SrTiO₃/Cu NWs/SrTiO₃ hybrid thin films. The incorporation of the SrTiO₃ layers results in improved optical performance, with the transmittance of the Cu NW network increasing from 83.5% to 84.2% and a concurrent reduction in sheet resistance from 16.9 Ω/sq to 14.5 Ω/sq. Moreover, after subjecting the hybrid thin films to 100 repeated tape-peeling tests and 2000 bending cycles with a bending radius of 5.0 mm, the resistance remains essentially unchanged, which underscores the films’ exceptional mechanical flexibility and robust adhesion. Additionally, the hybrid thin films are subjected to rigorous high-temperature, high-humidity, and oxidative conditions, where the resistance exhibits outstanding stability. These results substantiate the potential of the SrTiO₃/Cu NWs/SrTiO₃ hybrid thin films for integration into flexible and wearable electronic devices, delivering enhanced optoelectronic performance and long-term reliability under demanding conditions. Full article