Film Surface Research Articles

ZrO2-CeO2/WO3 heterostructure films prepared by magnetron sputtering for humidity-tolerant triethylamine sensing

Up to now, the development of gas sensors based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) that can detect triethylamine (TEA) under high humidity conditions remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present the ZrO2-CeO2/WO3 (ZCW) heterostructure films for TEA detection under high relative humidity, which were prepared by co-sputtering ZrO2 and CeO2 onto the surface of a WO3 film using the radio frequency magnetron sputtering method. The gas sensors based on the ZCW heterostructure films exhibited outstanding TEA-sensing performance, including high response (18.56–20 ppm), rapid response/recovery rate (1/5 s), excellent selectivity, wide detection range (0.5–500 ppm), outstanding reproducibility and stability, and ideal anti-humidity ability. The excellent TEA-sensing properties of the ZCW heterostructure films should be mainly attributed to their unique surface microstructure, abundant oxygen vacancies, and the formation of heterostructures between ZrO2, CeO2, and WO3. Compared to the WO3 film, both the CeO2/WO3 and ZrO2-CeO2/WO3 films demonstrated highly-enhanced humidity-tolerant performance, which should result from the redox reactions between the Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions. This study provides a general method for preparing the MOSs-based TEA sensors that could work under high humidity condition.

Discriminative performance of ocular surface staining and lid wiper epitheliopathy in dry eye disease: An investigator-masked, prospective registry-based, diagnostic accuracy study

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of corneal and conjunctival staining, and lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in detecting dry eye disease, as defined by the global consensus Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) criteria. MethodsA total of 2066 community residents (1285 females; mean ± SD age, 40 ± 19 years) were recruited in an investigator-masked, prospective registry-based, diagnostic accuracy study. Dry eye symptomology and ocular surface parameters were assessed in a single clinical session. The Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) corneal and conjunctival staining scoring and Korb lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) grading were evaluated by an independent masked assessor. ResultsOverall, 807 (39 %) participants fulfilled the TFOS DEWS II criteria for dry eye disease, of which 178 (9 %) participants were classified as moderate-to-severe disease. The discriminative abilities of superior and inferior LWE (C-statistics, 0.724 and 0.712, respectively) were greater than corneal and conjunctival staining (C-statistics, 0.573 and 0.627, respectively). The Youden-optimal diagnostic cut-offs for the SICCA corneal and conjunctival staining scores were both ≥1, and the optimal thresholds for the Korb superior and inferior LWE grades were both ≥1. LWE was more commonly detected in both mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe dry eye disease, and demonstrated more consistent correlation with other ocular surface parameters across a broader range of disease severity. ConclusionsLWE demonstrates superior diagnostic performance relative to corneal and conjunctival staining. These findings would support the routine incorporation of LWE evaluation as part of the diagnostic workup of dry eye disease.

Modelling of evaporative falling-film heat transfer over a horizontal tube

This article focuses on evaporative falling film heat transfer through numerical simulations. A two-dimensional symmetric liquid film flowing outside a single horizontal tube was simulated using the open-source CFD software OpenFOAM. The Tanasawa model was employed to consider mass transfer at the liquid–vapour interface, and the isoAdvector VOF method was used for interface tracking. The simulations explored the impact of film flow rate, tube surface heat flux, and tube diameter on the liquid film thickness and surface heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, the critical heat flux and operational limits were considered. The results demonstrate the accurate reproduction of evaporative falling film heat transfer performance by the present model. The film thickness exhibits a similar profile to adiabatic and sensible falling film heat transfer but provides smaller values. Similarly, the evaporative heat transfer coefficient exhibits significantly higher values and a gentle peripheral variation. The influence of heat flux on evaporative falling film heat transfer is contingent on the film flow rate; it can either enhance or weaken the process. Notably, a larger tube diameter negatively affects heat transfer, suppressing the impact of heat flux, and also increases the risk of liquid film dryout. For a given film flow rate, the average heat transfer coefficient increases initially, reaches a maximum value, and then decreases as the wall heat flux is increased. The peak heat flux, termed critical heat flux, increases with film flow rate but decreases with tube diameter. An operational limit exists where the heat flux is lower than the critical heat flux and the film flow rate is higher than the critical film flow rate; under these conditions, evaporative falling film heat transfer operates in a fully wetting status.

A novel Se-diffused selenization strategy to suppress bulk and interfacial defects in Sb2Se3 thin film solar cell

In recent years, vacuum-based deposition of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) thin films has garnered significant attention owing to its easy and impurity-free fabrication, along with exceptional power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the necessary post-selenization process comes with a shortcoming of instigating buried Sb2Se3/molybdenum (Mo) back-contact interface defects. This study introduces a novel Se-diffusion post-selenization technique to precisely regulate the selenium reaction atmosphere, preventing void formation on the Sb2Se3 thin film surface and maintaining film quality for enhanced device efficiency. An optimized selenization condition with a precise Se precursor film thickness led to obtaining highly crystalline, preferentially (hk1) oriented, and large-grained Sb2Se3 films. Furthermore, a meticulous Se diffusion in Sb2Se3 film reduced the inevitable MoSe2 layer thickness at the Mo surface, thereby enhancing the quality of the back contact interface. The Sb2Se3 solar cell that was selenized to optimal level showed significant enhancements, raising the fill factor from 40.06 % to 45.12 % and improving the device efficiency from 2.89 % to 3.57 %. Our newly developed selenization strategy establishes a successful approach to regulate the Sb2Se3 film quality by addressing a crucial challenge in improving the efficiency of antimony chalcogenide solar cells.

Analysis of optical, structural, and morphological properties of a Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 thin film produced through RF and DC magnetron Co-sputtering

In this study, a Titanium (Ti) doped α-Fe2O3 (hematite) thin layer was synthesized onto a glass substrate, employing the simultaneous DC and RF magnetron sputtering method. The investigation focused on examining specific physical properties of the film. The optical, structural, morphological, and elemental features of the resulting Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 thin film were characterized using different characterization techniques. The XRD studies indicated a rhombohedral crystal structure in the studied thin film. The calculation of the Eg value for the thin film, based on absorption measurements, resulted in a value of 2.19 eV. Raman peaks were identified within the range of 218 cm−1 to 1300 cm−1. According to SEM images, the thin film exhibited a uniform surface morphology across the substrate. AFM images revealed a low root mean square (RMS) roughness value, indicating a smooth Ti:Fe2O3 thin film surface.

Aloe vera Miller extract as a plasticizer agent to polymeric films: A structural and functional component

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries have found natural polysaccharides-based polymeric films helpful for the topical application of drugs. Plasticizers, such as glycerol, are added to achieve films' desired mechanical, elastic, and flexible properties. Aloe vera Miller mucilage is known for healing burns and wounds, relieving pain, and moisturizing, suggesting its great potential for managing multiple topical issues. Herein, we exploited the plasticizing potentialities of A. vera extract when combined with gellan or carrageenan polysaccharides to produce films. The extract of A. vera mucilage was prepared in propane-1,2-diol, and its composition was comparatively evaluated with a commercial extract using a chemometric method. Next, it was added to the films obtained using the solvent-casting method. The formulations were investigated regarding the mechanical properties, swelling, water loss, porosity, water vapor transmission rate, degree of occlusion, adhesion force, and antioxidant action. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assessed the films stability and homogeneity with an exploratory chemometric method to classify the samples. The results showed that carrageenan and gellan polysaccharides-based polymeric films have great potential for including A. vera extract. The extract acts as a plasticizer and promotes desirable properties and swelling behavior for films intending wound management. Comparatively, films prepared with glycerol beyond the extract presented higher thickness, lower swelling, and higher occlusion and antioxidant activity. Despite this, glycerol seems to negatively influence the homogeneity of the extract on the film surface. In addition, regarding polysaccharides, carrageenan showed higher bioadhesion. Therefore, the films produced exhibited favorable properties, highlighting their potential for further research regarding wound management.

Dry eye disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional study.

To explore ocular surface manifestations of dry eye disease (DED) and its influencing factors in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Ophthalmological examinations were conducted in SLE patients (n=43) and controls (n=41), including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), objective scatter index (OSI), tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive Keratograph tear breakup time (NIKBUT), corneal fluorescein score (CFS), Schirmer I test. DED was diagnosed according to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II Criteria. SLE patients were further divided into DED group and non-DED group, the disease activity, clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations were compared between the two groups. The disease activity was evaluated by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve and multiple-factor binary logistic regression were performed. SLE patients showed higher OSDI [9.1 (2.8-15.9) vs 6.3 (2.2-7.5), P=0.035], higher OSI [1.67 (1.09-2.60) vs 0.96 (0.87-1.60), P=0.001], higher CFS [1 (0-2) vs 0 (0-1), P=0.001], lower LLT [65 (42-100) vs 100 (79.5-100), P=0.010], and lower NIKBUT [8.03 (4.02-9.73) vs 9.67 (5.26-12.71), P=0.030] than controls. The 32.6% of SLE patients had DED, which was higher than 12.2% of healthy controls. DED group showed higher SLEDAI-2K score [9.7±6.1 vs 5.4±3.4, P=0.025], higher anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACL) [8.7 (3.5-13.2) vs 3.6 (2.0-6.9), P=0.035], and higher proportion of patients with cutaneous eruption [42.9% vs 6.9%, P=0.015] than non-DED group. According to multiple-factor binary logistic regression analysis, the SLEDAI-2K score (OR=1.194, P=0.041) and cutaneous eruption (OR=7.094, P=0.045) could be consider as risk factors for DED in SLE patients. The ROC curve of the combined factors including age, disease duration, SLEDAI-2K score, ACL, and cutaneous eruption was analyzed, with a sensitivity of 0.786, a specificity of 0.793, and an area under curve of 0.820. Ocular surface affection is frequent in SLE patients, and patients with high disease activity and cutaneous eruption show increased risk of DED.

Enlightenment of Deionized‐Water Bathing IGZO TFTs

AbstractAt present, amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) semiconductor has become the most commonly used semiconductor material and is widely used in flat panel displays and various sensors, but its performance is greatly affected by environmental factors, especially water. This study investigates the instability of IGZO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) soaked in deionized water. After 24 h bathing, the field‐effect mobility and threshold voltage change a little, but the subthreshold swing, positive bias stress and negative bias stress stability undergo clear degradation. Through comprehensive examination of the changes in the chemical composition, surface morphology and thickness of the IGZO films, it's found that IGZO experiences selective etching by deionized water, and consequently the film surface becomes rough and rich of In and oxygen vacancies, which can explain the variations on device performance well. In addition to the bathing experiment performed on In2O3, Ga2O3, and ZnO TFTs, a schematic image of the reaction between water and IGZO is depicted, showing the preferential loss of Ga and Zn located next to the oxygen vacancy.

Stabilizing Lead Halide Perovskites via an Organometallic Chemical Bridge for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics.

Defects around the surface and grain boundaries of perovskite films normally cause severe nonradiative recombination and imbalanced charge carrier transport, further limiting both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To tackle this critical issue, we propose a chemical bridge strategy to reconstruct the interface using organometallic molecules. The commercially available molecule bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (FcP2), with a unique bridge molecular structure, anchors and chelates Pb atoms by forming strong Pb-P bonds and further passivates both surfaces and grain boundaries. Detailed characterization revealed that bridge molecule FcP2 reconstruction can effectively suppress nonradiative recombination, and the electron delocalization properties of the ferrocene core can further achieve more balanced interfacial carrier transport. The resultant N-i-P PSC device outputs close to 25% efficiency together with one of the best reported operational stabilities, maintaining over 95% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point under 1-sun illumination.

Structuring of the Surface of Thin Carbon Films During Activation by Microsecond Current Pulses

The influence of current activation by electric pulse breakdown on changes in surface morphology and emission characteristics of a field emission cathode made on the basis of carbon films obtained by deposition in a microwave gas discharge plasma was studied. Current activation of these films was carried out by applying voltage pulses of microsecond duration until an electrical breakdown occurred. It is shown that during activation, the morphology of the film surface in the breakdown region changes with the formation of a micro-sized emitting structure, which significantly improves the field emission characteristics of cathodes based on carbon films.

Molecular Layering of an Additive Layer of Silicon Dioxide on Anodized Tantalum and Niobium Oxides

The results of studying the processes of formation of nanolayers of silicon oxide by the method of molecular layering (atomic layer deposition) on the surface of films of tantalum and niobium oxides obtained by electrochemical oxidation of the corresponding metals are presented. A study of the electrical strength of metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) structures based on tantalum and niobium oxides showed that the introduction of an additive dielectric layer (SiO2) can significantly increase the electrical strength of these structures.

Atomic-Level Observation of Potential-Dependent Variations at the Surface of an Oxide Catalyst during Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Understanding the intricate details of the surface atomic structure and composition of catalysts during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for developing catalysts with high stability in water electrolyzers. While many notable studies highlight surface amorphization and reconstruction, systematic analytical tracing of the catalyst surface as a function of overpotential remains elusive. Heteroepitaxial (001) films of chemically stable and lattice-oxygen-inactive LaCoO3 are thus utilized as a model catalyst to demonstrate a series of atomic-resolution observations of the film surface at different anodic potentials. The first key finding is that atoms at the surface are fairly dynamic even at lower overpotentials. Angstrom-scale atomic displacements within the perovskite framework are identified below a certain potential level. Another noteworthy feature is that amorphization (or paracrystallization) with no long-range order is finally induced at higher overpotentials. In particular, surface analyses consistently support that the oxidation of lattice oxygen is coupled with amorphous phase formation at the high potentials. Theoretical calculations also reveal an upward shift of oxygen 2p states toward the Fermi level, indicating enhanced lattice oxygen activation when atom displacement occurs more extensively. This study emphasizes that the degradation behavior of OER catalysts can distinctively vary depending on the overpotential level.

The fate of post-use biodegradable PBAT-based mulch films buried in agricultural soil

The fate of black biodegradable mulch film (MF) based on starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in agricultural soil is investigated herein. Pristine (BIO-0) and UV-aged film samples (BIO-A192) were buried for 16 months at an experimental field in southern Italy. Visual, physical, chemical, morphological, and mechanical analyses were carried out before and after samples burial. Film residues in the form of macro- and microplastics in soil were analyzed at the end of the trial.Progressive deterioration of both pristine and UV-aged samples, with surface loss and alterations in mechanical properties, occurred from 42 days of burial. After 478 days, the apparent surface of BIO-0 and BIO-A192 films decreased by 57 % and 66 %, respectively. Burial determined a rapid depletion of starch from the polymeric blend, especially for the BIO-A192, while the degradation of the polyester phase was slower. Upon burial, an enrichment of aromatic moieties of PBAT in the film residues was observed, as well as microplastics release to soil. The analysis of the MF degradation products extracted from soil (0.006–0.008 % by mass in the soil samples) revealed the predominant presence of adipate moieties. After 478 days of burial, about 23 % and 17 % of the initial amount of BIO-0 and BIO-A192, respectively, were extracted from the soil. This comprehensive study underscores the complexity of biodegradation phenomena that involve the new generation of mulch films in the field. The different biodegradability of the polymeric components, the climate, and the soil conditions that did not strictly meet the parameters required for the standard test method devised for MFs, have significantly influenced their degradation rate. This finding further emphasizes the importance of implementing field experiments to accurately assess the real effects of biodegradable MFs on soil health and overall agroecosystem sustainability.

Wide-bandgap MAPbBr3 perovskite solar cells using bifunctional-molecule additives achieving a high open-circuit voltage of 1.63 V

Wide-bandgap methyl ammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) attracts considerable attention due to their large open-circuit voltage (VOC), high phase stability and great potential for multi-junction tandem PSCs. However, the low film quality and high defect density of perovskite films limit the development of MAPbBr3 PSCs. Here, we employ a bifunctional-molecule of 3-chlorbenzylamine additive (3-CBA) to fabricate high quality MAPbBr3 films in ambient air and facilitate the crystallization of MAPbBr3 film, leading to higher orientated perovskite film. Additionally, 3-CBA associating with uncoordinated Pb ions effectively passivates the bulk defects, which suppresses the carrier recombination in perovskite films and obtains a high VOC of 1.63 V. To further suppress the carrier recombination at MAPbBr3/carbon interface, the 3-CBA is also used to modify the surface of the MAPbBr3 films. As a result, the 3-CBA modified MAPbBr3 film exhibits decreased roughness and increased coverage on substrates, which raises the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 9.55 %. More importantly, the chlorphenyl in 3-CBA for both bulk and surface treatment makes the MAPbBr3 surface more hydrophobic, which enhances the stability of unencapsulated PCSs allowing it to maintain over 98 % of the initial PCE under 80 °C thermal stress and 40–70 % relative humidity. This work provides a reliable approach to enhance both the VOC and stability for MAPbBr3 wide-bandgap PSCs.

Engineering of Silane-Pyrrolidone Nano/Microparticles and Anti-Fogging Thin Coatings.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) exhibits remarkable qualities; owing to the strong affinity for water of its pyrrolidone group, which enhances compatibility with aqueous systems, it is effective for stabilizing, binding, or carrying food, drugs, and cosmetics. However, coating the surface of polymeric films with PVP is not practical, as the coatings dissolve easily in water and ethanol. Poly(silane-pyrrolidone) nano/microparticles were prepared by combining addition polymerization of methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane and N-vinylpyrrolidone, followed by step-growth Stöber polymerization of the formed silane-pyrrolidone monomer. The silane-pyrrolidone monomeric solution was spread on oxidized polyethylene films with a Mayer rod and polymerized to form siloxane (Si-O-Si) self-cross-linked durable anti-fog thin coatings with pyrrolidone groups exposed on the outer surface. The coatings exhibited similar wetting properties to PVP with significantly greater stability. The particles and coatings were characterized by microscopy, contact angle measurements, and spectroscopy, and tested using hot fog. Excellent anti-fogging activity was found.

Investigating the physicochemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of chitosan film containing zero-valent iron nanoparticles and oregano essence.

The problems caused by the pollution of the environment by petroleum polymers in recent years have caused researchers to think of replacing petroleum polymers with biodegradable and natural polymers. The aim of this research was to produce composite film of chitosan (Chit)/zero-valent iron (Fe) nanoparticles/oregano essence (Ess) (Chit/Fe/Ess). Central composite design was used to study physical, morphological, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of films. The results showed that with the increase of iron nanoparticles and oregano essence, the thickness of the film increased. The moisture, solubility and water vapor permeability of the film decreased with the increase of iron nanoparticles and oregano essence. The results of the mechanical test showed that with the increase of iron nanoparticles and oregano essence, the tensile strength and elongation at break point decreased. Iron nanoparticles and oregano essence increased significantly the antioxidant activity of the film. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the prepared films show that the addition of iron nanoparticles and oregano essence enhanced the antimicrobial activity of the film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that iron nanoparticles were physically combined with chitosan polymer. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results confirmed the physical presence of iron nanoparticles and oregano essence in the polymer matrix. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surface of nanocomposite films is more heterogeneous than chitosan. Iron nanoparticles and oregano essence could delay the thermal decomposition of chitosan and increase the thermal stability of chitosan film.

Mid-Infrared Photoacoustic Stimulation of Neurons through Vibrational Excitation in Polydimethylsiloxane.

Photoacoustic (PA) emitters are emerging ultrasound sources offering high spatial resolution and ease of miniaturization. Thus far, PA emitters rely on electronic transitions of absorbers embedded in an expansion matrix such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Here, it is shown that mid-infrared vibrational excitation of C─H bonds in a transparent PDMS film can lead to efficient mid-infrared photoacoustic conversion (MIPA). MIPA shows 37.5 times more efficient than the commonly used PA emitters based on carbon nanotubes embedded in PDMS. Successful neural stimulation through MIPA both in a wide field with a size up to a 100µm radius and in single-cell precision is achieved. Owing to the low heat conductivity of PDMS, less than a 0.5°C temperature increase is found on the surface of a PDMS film during successful neural stimulation, suggesting a non-thermal mechanism. MIPA emitters allow repetitive wide-field neural stimulation, opening up opportunities for high-throughput screening of mechano-sensitive ion channels and regulators.

Effect of laser power on the structure and specific surface area of laser-induced graphene

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a highly porous carbon material with prospects for application in various fields of modern electronics, energy and medicine. In this work, LIG film samples with the size of 5 × 10 mm were synthesized on the surface of polyimide film using line-by-line scanning of focused radiation from a cw carbon dioxide laser. Studies using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the structure of the resulting material depends significantly on the laser power. Measurements of the specific surface area Ssa of the synthesized carbon material, carried out by the well-known BET method during adsorption and desorption of gaseous nitrogen, showed that Ssa significantly depends on the laser power. At a line scanning speed of 220 mm/s, 25 μm spacing between lines and a focused laser beam diameter of 120 μm, an increase in power from ~1.7 to 8.2 W leads to a decrease in Ssa from ~370 to ~100 m2/g. At the same time, the ratio of the total area of all LIG pores to the area of the obtained film varies in the range ~ 365–660 and reaches its maximum value of 660 at a power ~ 4.3 W.

Flexible mica films coated by magnetron sputtered insulating layers for high‐temperature capacitive energy storage

AbstractHigh‐temperature energy storage performance of dielectric capacitors is crucial for the next generation of power electronic devices. However, conduction losses rise sharply at elevated temperature, limiting the application of energy storage capacitors. Here, the mica films magnetron sputtered by different insulating layers are specifically investigated, which exhibit the excellent high‐temperature energy storage performance. The experimental results revealed that the PbZrO3/Al2O3/PbZrO3 (PZO/AO/PZO) interface insulating layers can effectively reduce the high‐temperature leakage current and conduction loss of the composite films. Consequently, the ultrahigh energy storage density (Wrec) and charge‒discharge efficiency (η) can be achieved simultaneously in the flexible mica‐based composite films. Especially, PZO/AO/PZO/mica/PZO/AO/PZO (PAPMPAP) films possess excellent Wrec of 27.5 J/cm3 and η of 87.8% at 200°C, which are significantly better than currently reported high‐temperature capacitive energy storage dielectric materials. Together with outstanding power density and electrical cycling stability, the flexible films in this work have great application potential in high‐temperature energy storage capacitors. Moreover, the magnetron sputtering technology can deposit large‐area nanoscale insulating layers on the surface of capacitor films, which can provide technical support for the industrial production of capacitors.

Synthesis, characterization, and antifungal properties of chrome-doped hydroxyapatite thin films

The development of thin films of chromium-doped hydroxyapatite (20CrHAp) deposited on silicon substrate by the spin coating method was realized for the first time. A coherent investigation of the physicochemical properties of 20CrHAp thin films was also carried out for the first time. The obtained thin films were studied by various techniques such as, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations and fractal analysis. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were obtained valuable information about the surface morphology of the 20CrHAp thin films. The zeta potential (ZP), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultrasound measurements (US) were used in order to evaluate the stability of 20CrHAp suspension. The ratio between the hydrodynamic diameter obtained by DLS and the particle diameter obtained by SEM was 1.6. The SEM results on 20CrHAp thin films suggested that the sample possess a conglomerate of nanoparticles unevenly distributed on their surface. The surface morphology of the 20CrHAp thin films was studied with the aid of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM topography of the 20CrHAp thin film's surface highlighted that the thin films present the morphology of a continuum deposited layer composed of non-uniform particle conglomerates. The presence of hydroxyapatite on the surface of silicium substrate was revealed by the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations. The antifungal evaluation of the 20CrHAp thin films was performed using Candida albicans 10,231 ATCC fungal strain. The antifungal assays results depicted that the 20CrHAp thin films inhibited the fungal biofilm formation. More than that, the results of the antifungal studies revealed that 20CrHAp thin films exhibited good inhibitory effects on the development of the fungal cells on their surface. Furthermore, our investigation delves into the realm of Minkowski Functionals and fractal/multifractal analysis as applied to the examined films. Our findings reveal that nanocomposite coatings containing 20CrHAp exhibit robust antifungal characteristics, suggesting their viability as a compelling solution for advancing antifungal devices in biomedical contexts.