Influence Of Substrate Type Research Articles

Substrate and potential-driven surface morphology of bifunctional Ni-Fe electrode for efficient alkaline water electrolysis

Nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) alloy electrodes are synthesized using chronoamperometry. The influence of substrate type (copper, stainless steel, and nickel) and deposition potential on the structural, morphological, and electrocatalytic characteristics are systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of a face-centered cubic (FCC) Ni-Fe alloy. Electrodeposition at higher potential (−1.45 V) forms well-defined nanoflakes, whereas electrodeposition at lower potential (−1.00 V) results aggregated Ni-Fe particles. The Ni-Fe alloy electrodes having well-defined nanoflakes demonstrated superior electrocatalytic performance, exhibiting a overpotential of −168 mV vs. RHE for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 236 mV vs. RHE for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), at current density of 10 mA/cm2. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the nanoflakes based Ni-Fe alloy is attributed due to their larger catalytic surface area, porous morphology and higher Fe concentration. The Ni-Fe alloy electrodes displayed bifunctional electrocatalytic behavior, making them highly suitable for both HER and OER processes.

Piezo-Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Bismuth Ferrite-Based Thin Film for Organic Pollutants Degradation

This work addresses the global sustainable development concerns by investigating the enhancement of piezo-photocatalytic efficiency in bismuth ferrite-based thin films synthesized using reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. The influence of substrate type and Cr addition on structural, optical and ferroelectric properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) based thin films was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the formation of different phases depending on the substrate used for sample growth. Compared to the BFO film deposited on FTO (F-SnO2), the Cr-doped BFO (BFCO) sample on SrTiO3 (STO) exhibits higher photodegradation efficiency (52.3% vs. 27.8%). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BFCO is associated with a lower energy band gap (1.62 eV vs. 1.77 eV). The application of ultrasonic-wave vibrations simultaneously with visible light improved 2.85 times and 1.86 times the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of BFO/FTO and BFCO/STO catalysts, respectively. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) measurements showed that both catalysts exhibit ferroelectric behavior, but a higher piezoelectric potential was evidenced in the case of the BFO/FTO thin film. The enhancement of piezo-photodegradation efficiency was mainly attributed to the piezoelectric-driven separation and transport of photo-generated carriers toward the surface of the photocatalyst.

Influence of substrate type and magnetic anisotropy on the spin Seebeck effect in ZnFe2O4 thin films

The longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (LSSE) has been investigated in ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) thin films on different substrates, such as Si (111), MgO (100), and SrTiO3 (100). The LSSE voltage signal exhibited a linear dependence on the temperature difference between both sides of the samples. The spin Seebeck coefficients were highly sensitive to the thermal conductivities of the magnetic layer and substrate, with values from 3 nV/k to 110 nV/K. Charge currents ({J}_{mathrm{c}}) and spin currents ({J}_{mathrm{s}}) densities were estimated. {J}_{mathrm{s}} values are similar for the samples deposited on MgO and STO. The saturation magnetic field for the LSSE signal was reached with a magnetic field lower than its bulk counterpart. These results were related to the lattice mismatch between the ZFO films and the substrate, the magnetic response, and the anisotropies present in the samples since a twofold in-plane anisotropy was observed for the sample deposited on Si, while the samples deposited on MgO and SrTiO3 showed a fourfold in-plane anisotropy. Moreover, the presence of a notable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the thin films may be a consequence of the lattice mismatch and at the same time, it can cause the saturation in the LSSE voltage hysteresis loop measured as a function of the external magnetic be reached with a low magnetic field.

Influence of substrate type on deformation specificity of soft film/hard substrate coated systems under nanomicroindentation

ABSTRACT This work is devoted to the study of the effect of a substrate chemical bonding type on the mechanical properties of coated systems (CSs) of a soft film/hard substrate type. The Cu/MgO and Cu/Si coated systems, as well as MgO and Si substrate crystals, which have similar hardness values but different types of chemical bonds, were studied. Various elastoplastic parameters were compared. The general and specific features of the deformation process under nanomicroindentation were identified. It has been established that general properties, such as ‘pop-in’, ‘pop-out’, ‘elbow’ effects, indentation size effect (ISE), are determined by the stress state created in the material during the indenter penetration and depend on the magnitude of the applied load and the film thickness. The specific properties, Young's modulus, hardness, relaxation parameters depend on the crystal structure and elastoplastic properties of the film and substrate material. The difference in the type of chemical bonding of the substrates, despite the close values of hardness, changes the elastoplastic properties and deformation mechanism of the composite structure as a whole, thereby expanding the possibility of creating new materials required for modern technology. Highlights Study of the effect of a substrate chemical bonding type on the mechanical properties of soft film/hard substrate (Cu/MgO, Cu/Si) coated systems. The difference in the type of chemical bonding of the substrates, despite the close values ⁣⁣of hardness, changes the elastoplastic properties and deformation mechanism of the composite structure as a whole.

Response of germination and seedling growth of Jute plant (Corchorus olitorius L.) on three different substrates in the tilapia aquaponic system

The merging of fish farming and crop husbandry in a mutual system forms aquaponics. In this system, the nature of the planting substrate plays a significant role in the germination, establishment, and growth of the plant. In the current experiment, the germination and growth of the Jute plant ( Corchorus olitorius L . ) in an aquaponics system with tilapia fish was investigated using three different substrate types: gravel, rice husk, and palm kernel shell. Five hundred-liter plastic tanks containing tilapia fingerlings at initial stocking densities of 250 fish m −3 were used. One gram of Jute seed was sown in a 1 m 2 planting trough, which contained the three substrates separately in triplicates. The troughs were flooded with water from fish holdings by an aquarium pump. The germination percentage of the jute plant on gravel substrate (84%) and rice husk (72%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the palm kernel shell (55%). A lower velocity of germination was also recorded in the palm kernel substrate. The rates of growth in height (centimeters per day) of jute plant and fresh shoot biomass yield were significantly lower on palm kernel substrate (P < 0.05). Growth and yield parameters of jute showed comparatively higher agronomic efficiency of gravel and rice husk substrates compared to palm kernel substrates in this research. The results indicated that substrate nature significantly affects the germination and productivity of C. olitorius in aquaponic systems and that rice husk has the potential to serve as a planting substrate in aquaponics. • Response of germination and seedling growth of Jute plant ( Corchorus olitorius L.) on three different substrates in the tilapia aquaponic system. • Influence of substrate types on the germination and productivity of C. olitorius in aquaponic systems. • Potentials of rice husks as planting substrate for Jute in the aquaponic system.

The Influence of Substrate Types and Bio-phyto-modulators on Spruce Seed Germination and Seedling Development (Picea abies [L.] Karst.)

&#x0D; Spruce is a European native coniferous species, spreading over the area in between The Carpathian Mountains and the Alps, up to the northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the future, spruce forests will have to cope with the growing climate change that is already threatening their natural habitats. This study has focused on the spruce seed germination process and seedlings growth under the influence of DEA (Water Energizing Device) bio-phyto-modulators. The biological material under analysis consists of spruce seeds selected from four Romanian sources included in the National Catalogue of Basic Materials for Generating Forestry Reproduction Material. Five different substrates were used for tasting germination capacity, with two different treatments (distilled water and energized water). Analyzing the treatments used it can be notice that subjecting the seeds to energized water treatment led to a higher germination capacity than in the case of those watered with distilled water (40-94%) and, respectively (24-84%). The seedlings growth was also higher in the case of those springing from the energized water treated seeds (2.45-4.23 cm) than from those springing from the distilled water treated seeds (2.07 cm-3.14 cm). The differences in germination capacity, growth and development were observed for all the provenances. Applying DEA bio-phyto-modulators has proven beneficial, with noticeable differences for both germination capacity and seedlings growth.&#x0D;

Food Waste Originated Material as an Alternative Substrate Used for the Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus): A Review

Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) is considered a high-quality food, rich in proteins and bioactive compounds important for maintaining human health. Lately, a commonly used substrate for oyster mushroom cultivation—wheat straw, is more often replaced by alternative cellulose substrates originated from the agricultural and food industry. Utilization of wastes for mushroom cultivation has its added value: sustainable food waste management, production of high-quality food from low quality waste, as well as solving environmental, economic and global issues. This overview covered three categories of food waste: food-processing wastes, agro-cereal wastes and nut–fruit wastes, the most used for the cultivation P. ostreatus in the period of 2017–2022. Analyzed studies mostly covered the productivity and chemical characterization of the substrate before and after the cultivation process, as well as the morphological characteristics of the fruiting bodies cultivated on a specific substrate. Chemical analyses of mushrooms cultivated on food waste are not adequately covered, which gives room for additional research, considering the influence of substrate type and chemical quality on the fruiting bodies chemical composition.

Epitaxial growth of LaMnO3 thin films on different single crystal substrates by polymer assisted deposition

Structure of epitaxial LaMnO3 thin films grown on different single crystal substrates by unconventional polymer assisted deposition (PAD) method was investigated. Epitaxial films were prepared from lanthanum manganite water based solutions deposited by spin coating on single crystal MgO (001), SrTiO3 (001) and SrTiO3 (110) substrates, and the influence of substrate type on the film structure was analysed. Better uniformity of the epitaxial LaMnO3 films on SrTiO3 substrates was obtained, but a non-stoichiometric La1-xMnO3 phase was formed after the heat treatment at 750 °C. In addition, the prepared thin films were multiple annealed at different temperatures up to 900 °C, in order to investigate importance of post-annealing treatment. Epitaxial nature of the prepared films was preserved after annealing at up to 900 °C and the structure rearrangement through formation of cell closer to bulk stochiometric LaMnO3 phase was observed.

Influence of substrate type and film thickness on the failures of Zr-based thin-film metallic glass under nanoscratch

Nanoscratch experiments under constant and ramp loading conditions are performed to investigate the delamination, and spallation characteristics of Zr-based thin-film metallic glass (Zr-based TFMG, Zr65Cu15Al10Ni10). TFMGs with different film thickness = 200, 500, 1000 nm are deposited over hard and soft substrates via DC magnetron sputtering process. Coefficient of friction (COF) is measured to be less about 0.03 regardless of scratch mode and maximum normal load. The critical load for thin film delamination and spallation reveals that the deformation and failure mechanism of Zr-based TFMG significantly change with film thickness and substrate type. The failure mechanism is characterized by observing the scratch grooves via optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The adhesion energy between thin film and soft substrate is calculated based on Burnett and Rickerby model, and an increase in adhesion energy with interfacial layer thickness is reported.

What does a phytophysiognomic mosaic reveal about mosses and liverworts from the subtropical Atlantic Forest?

The Atlantic Forest contains more bryophyte species and greater endemism than any other Brazilian phytogeographic domain. We analyzed the bryoflora of an Atlantic Forest remnant along the southern Brazilian coast to examine: (i) floristic composition, species richness, life forms and bryocenological groups in different phytophysiognomies (humid lowlands, sandy Restinga forests, and swampy Restinga forests); (ii) floristic similarities among them; and, (iii) the influence of substrate types on bryophyte species richness and floristic composition. Sandy Restinga forest had the greatest species richness. Approximately 75 % of the species and 42 % of the families were not shared among phytophysiognomies. The predominant life form was mat (46 %) and the predominant bryocenological group was corticolous (69 %). Elevated floristic differentiation was observed among the different phytophysiognomies (Jaccard values <0.35) and among the different substrates sampled (<0.2). The floristic uniqueness found among the different physiognomies in the present study demonstrates the importance of studying the diversity and conservation of all Atlantic Forest phytophysiognomies. The evaluation of bryophytes to delimit and manage protected areas can contribute to effective protection of the entire biodiversity spectrum. In addition to their important ecological roles, bryophytes are useful bio-indicators and valuable tools for monitoring, conserving, and restoring ecosystems.

Influence of Substrate Type and Dose of Implanted Ions on the Electrical Parameters of Silicon in Terms of Improving the Efficiency of Photovoltaic Cells

The main goal of this work was to conduct a comparative analysis of the electrical properties of the silicon implanted with neon ions, depending on the dose of ions and the type of substrate doping, for the possibility of generating additional energy levels by ion implantation in terms of improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells made on its basis. The article presents the results of research on the capacitance and conductance of silicon samples doped with boron and phosphorus, the structure of which was modified in the implantation process with Ne+ ions with energy E = 100 keV and different doses. The analysis of changes in electrical properties recorded at the annealing temperature of the samples Ta = 298 K, 473 K, 598 K, 673 K, and 873 K, concerned the influence of the test temperature in the range from 203 K to 373 K, as well as the frequency f from 100 Hz to 10 MHz, and voltage U from 0.25 V to 2 V. It was possible to detect intermediate bands in the tested samples and determine their position in the band gap by estimating the activation energy value. By means of implantation, it is possible to modify the width of the silicon energy gap, the value of which directly affects the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell made on its basis. By introducing appropriate defects into the silicon crystal lattice, contributing to a change in the value of the energy gap Eg, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the solar cell. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be seen that the highest activation energies are achieved for samples doped with phosphorus.

Part II: The influence of substrate type, film thickness, and primary ion type on molecular weight characterization of linear polydimethyl siloxane films by secondary ion mass spectrometry

In our previous paper, we showed that the molecular weight of linear, trimethyl‐terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) can be estimated using a standard curve by measuring PDMS endgroup‐related signal normalized to backbone‐related signal for PDMS films that are thick relative to the information depth of SIMS. Within industrial surface analysis laboratories, it is more likely that PDMS fluid is encountered as a thin film, perhaps as a contaminant or an additive that has exuded from a bulk material. This paper explores the influence of PDMS film thickness, substrate type, and primary ion projectile type (cluster vs. monoatomic) on the ratio of measured endgroup:backbone peak area ratio. These factors are shown to have a significant influence on the measured spectra, and these effects should be carefully considered before making molecular weight estimates of PDMS based on SIMS peak ratios.

The influence of substrate type on macroinvertebrate assemblages within agricultural drainage ditches

Artificial drainage ditches are common features in lowland agricultural catchments that support a wide range of ecosystem services at the landscape scale. Current paradigms in river management suggest activities that increase habitat heterogeneity and complexity resulting in more diverse floral and faunal assemblages; however, it is not known if the same principles apply to artificial drainage ditch systems. We examined the effects of four artificial substrates, representing increasing habitat complexity and heterogeneity (bricks, gravel, netting and vegetation), on macroinvertebrate community structure within artificial drainage ditches. Each substrate type supported a distinct macroinvertebrate community highlighting the importance of habitat heterogeneity in maintaining macroinvertebrate assemblages. Each substrate type also displayed differing degrees of community heterogeneity, with gravel communities being most variable and artificial vegetation being the least. In addition, several macroinvertebrate diversity metrics increased along the gradient of artificial substrate complexity, although these differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that habitat management practices that increase habitat complexity are likely to enhance macroinvertebrate community heterogeneity within artificial drainage channels regardless of previous management activities.

Effect of substrate type and pellet age on the resuspension of Atlantic salmon faecal material

The influence of substrate type and particle age on the remobilization of settled Atlantic salmon Salmo salar faecal material was studied through a set of controlled experiments in horizontal flow flumes, simulating different bottom conditions present in fish-farming locations along the coast of Norway. There was no significant effect of pellet age on remobilization for up to 1 week old faecal material, but critical shear stresses (τc) and velocities required for resuspending faecal pellets were strongly dependent on substrate type. Smooth substrates such as mud and rock slate required lower stresses for the onset of faeces resuspension (τc %%CONV_ERR%% 0.06 Pa) than rougher surfaces such as sand (τc %%CONV_ERR%% 0.12 Pa) or fragmented rock (τc %%CONV_ERR%% 0.32 Pa), where bedforms and large fractures shield the particles from the direct influence of the drag forces. These newly determined substrate-dependent τc resuspension thresholds will contribute to the construction of more accurate numerical models that include bottom type as a parameter regulating the extent of particle spreading, in contrast to the constant-value approach that has been used to date.

Microstructure and surface profiling study on the influence of substrate type on sputtered aluminum thin films

In this article, the influence of the type of substrates on properties of aluminum thin films prepared through sputtering technology is presented. The deposition was undertaken at constant substrate temperature of 90 °C and RF power of 350 W for 2 h on glass and steel substrates. Microstructural properties were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical non-contact surface profiler (OSP) was used to study the topology and roughness characteristics of the films on different substrates. The results show that films grown on mild and stainless-steel substrates exhibited different morphologies and surface topology from those grown on glass substrates, indicating the influence of the substrate type on the deposition, nucleation, growth and film formation of Al thin films.

Substrate-controlled naticid gastropod drilling predation on recent barnacles from Chandipur, India and its Palaeontological implications

ABSTRACT The study of drilling predation has been largely limited to molluscs. Herein, we report drilling predation on Recent acorn barnacles by gastropods from Chandipur, eastern India. The aspects of predator-prey relation dealt here are the size and site preference of the predator; the interrelationship between barnacle shell morphology (e.g., shape, external ornamentation) and drilling intensity; and influence of substrate type on body size and shape of barnacles, as well as predation pressure on it. The study reveals that, barnacles are drilled by the naticid gastropods, which is otherwise an uncommon interaction. Drilling intensity on the barnacles attached to a semi-infaunal bivalve, Timoclea imbricata, is exceptionally high and is comparable to the drilling intensity on the host bivalve. Otherwise, predation pressure is very low on barnacles, supporting previous literature. The study implies that unique live-live associations can create opportunities such that even an unusual predator (e.g., Naticidae) can successfully feed on a novel prey (e.g., barnacles), suggesting dietary opportunism. Studies dealing with the fossil record of drillholes should consider these different ecological (e.g., prey selectivity by the predator, host selection by the epizoan, role of unusual predator on an uncommon prey) aspects of drilling predation on barnacles through space and time.

Influence of substrate types and morphological traits on movement behavior in a toad and newt species.

BackgroundInter-patch movements may lead to genetic mixing, decreasing both inbreeding and population extinction risks, and is hence a crucial aspect of amphibian meta-population dynamics. Traveling through heterogeneous landscapes might be particularly risky for amphibians. Understanding how these species perceive their environment and how they move in heterogeneous habitats is an essential step in explaining metapopulation dynamics and can be important for predicting species’ responses to climate change and for conservation policy and management.MethodsUsing an experimental approach, the present study focused on the movement behavior (crossing speed and number of stops) on different substrates mimicking landscape components (human-made and natural substrates) in two amphibian species contrasting in locomotion mode: the common toad (Bufo bufo), a hopping and burrowing anuran and the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus), a walking salamander. We tested the hypothesis that species reaction to substrate is dependent on specific ecological requirements or locomotion modes because of morphological and behavioral differences.ResultsIn both species, substrate type influenced individual crossing speed, with individuals moving faster on soil than on concrete substrate. We also demonstrated that long-legged individuals moved faster than individuals with short legs. In both species, the number of stops was higher in females than in males. In common toads, the number of stops did not vary between substrates tested, whereas in marbled newts the number of stops was higher on concrete than on soil substrate.DiscussionWe highlighted that concrete substrate (mimicking roads) negatively affect the crossing speed of both studied species, with an effect potentially higher in marbled newts. Our findings corroborate negative effects of such heterogeneous landscapes on movement behavior of two amphibian species, which may have implications for the dynamics of metapopulations.

Tree selection is linked to locomotor performance and associated noise production in a lizard

AbstractMicrohabitat preference can be an important determinant of individual fitness. Differential use of microhabitats (such as substrate type) can confer or facilitate increased ability to evade or escape predators, and catch prey, for example by influencing sprint speed and noise produced by movement. However, there have been few studies that demarcate whether substrate use influences traits like these. Additionally, the importance of auditory crypsis and locomotor performance for microhabitat selection has been historically under‐studied, especially when compared to the importance of facilitating visual crypsis. We investigate substrate (tree) type use, and the influence of substrate types on both sprint performance and level of noise produced by movement, in fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). In our study sites, fence lizards inhabit mixed woodland where deciduous and coniferous trees exist at approximately equal frequency. We show a strong bias in tree use, with lizards being found more frequently on deciduous trees. Using acoustic and video recordings of lizards moving on trees of both types, we demonstrate that lizards sprint faster and their movement appears to generate less noise on deciduous trees, providing a possible basis for their increased use of this tree type. These data suggest that lizards use substrates on which they are more likely to evade auditory detection and can sprint quickly to refuge or capture prey. We conclude that factors other than visual camouflage may be important in determining substrate use and should also be considered in studies of microhabitat selection.

Relationship among carnivorous macrophyte Utricularia foliosa L. and species composition and life forms of periphytic algae community

Abstract Aim Present study evaluated the life forms and taxonomic structure of the periphytic algae community on Utricularia foliosa L. (modified leaf and stem) and artificial substrate during the four seasons in a tropical shallow reservoir. Methods We evaluated the periphyton on natural and artificial substrate in order to evaluate the influence of substrate type on the taxonomic structure of algal community. Monospecific stands of U. foliosa were selected. Water and periphyton sampling were performed within U. foliosa stands in the autumn (April/2010), winter (July/2010), spring (November/2010) and summer (February/2011). Nylon thread was used as the artificial substrate. The community structure was evaluated through life forms, species richness, diversity and species composition. Results Species diversity was significantly different only among seasons. The life forms and species richness were different between substrate types and seasons. Entangled filamentous algae had higher biovolume in the periphyton on artificial substrate and unicellular flagellated algae had higher biovolume on natural substrate. Species composition changed among the seasons and species descriptors differed among substrates types. Species-level taxonomic classification responded clearly to the substrate type. Conclusions We concluded that the taxonomic structure and life forms of periphytic algae on artificial substrate poorly represented the natural periphyton on U. foliosa. The type of substrate strongly influenced the periphyton–Utricularia relationship.

The interactive effects of created salt marsh substrate type, hydrology, and nutrient regime on Spartina alterniflora and Avicennia germinans productivity and soil development

Recent salt marsh and barrier island restoration efforts in the northern Gulf of Mexico have focused on optimizing self-sustaining attributes of restored marshes to provide maximum habitat value and storm protection to vulnerable coastal communities. Salt marshes in this region are dominated by Spartina alterniflora and Avicennia germinans, two species that are valued for their ability to stabilize soils in intertidal salt marshes. We conducted a controlled greenhouse study to investigate the influences of substrate type, nutrient level, and marsh elevation on the growth and biomass allocation of S. alterniflora and A. germinans, and the consequent effects on soil development and stability. S. alterniflora exhibited optimal growth and survival at the lowest elevation (− 15 cm below the water surface) and was sensitive to high soil salinities at higher elevations (+ 15 cm above the water surface). A. germinans performed best at intermediate elevations but was negatively affected by prolonged inundation at lower elevations. We found that although there was not a strong effect of substrate type on plant growth, the development of stressful conditions due to the use of suboptimal materials would likely be exacerbated by placing the soil at extreme elevations. Soil shear strength was significantly higher in experimental units containing either S. alterniflora or A. germinans compared to unvegetated soils, suggesting that plants effectively contribute to soil strength in newly placed soils of restored marshes. As marsh vegetation plays a critical role in stabilizing shorelines, salt marsh restoration efforts in the northern Gulf of Mexico and other storm impacted coasts should be designed at optimal elevations to facilitate the establishment and growth of key marsh species.