Nanotextured Surfaces Research Articles

Tailoring structure and nanoscale surface topography in Mg–N doped CuCrO[formula omitted] thin films via post deposition annealing for optothermoelectric application

In this study, we explored how varying the annealing temperature and the duration of post-annealing affect the structural, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of thin films doped with Mg–N in CuCrO2. As the annealing time increased, we observed that all the annealed films exhibited enhanced conductivity at room temperature. Additionally, both the power factor and Seebeck coefficient also exhibited increases. The quantitative assessment of the nanometric dimensional surface roughness and the surface nano-texture of the deposited film was done by atomic force microscopy analysis. The spiky peaks and positive roughness skewness (Rsk) value made the two-hour annealed film suitable for energy harvesting. Wide band gap and high transmission of more than 60% were found by UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis and Fermi energy of 7 meV is calculated and determined the possibility of the film from being used in ohmic contact with delafossite to prevent Schottky barriers and track the work function of the material.

Review of Laser-Based Surface Nanotexturing for Enhanced Light Absorption and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Review of Laser-Based Surface Nanotexturing for Enhanced Light Absorption and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Agrowaste-generated biochar for the sustainable remediation of refractory pollutants.

The rapid growth of various industries has led to a significant, alarming increase in recalcitrant pollutants in the environment. Hazardous dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and other associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (such as acenaphthene, fluorene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) have posed a significant threat to the surroundings due to their refractory nature. Although activated carbon has been reported to be an adsorbent for removing contaminants from wastewater, it has its limitations. Hence, this review provides an elaborate account of converting agricultural waste into biochar with nanotextured surfaces that can serve as low-cost adsorbents with promising pollutant-removing properties. A detailed mechanism rationalized that this strategy involves the conversion of agrowaste to promising adsorbents that can be reduced, reused, and recycled. The potential of biowaste-derived biochar can be exploited for developing biofuel for renewable energy and also for improving soil fertility. This strategy can provide a solution to control greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the open burning of agricultural residues in fields. Furthermore, this serves a dual purpose for environmental remediation as well as effective management of agricultural waste rich in both organic and inorganic components that are generated during various agricultural operations. In this manner, this review provides recent advances in the use of agrowaste-generated biochar for cleaning the environment.

Analysis of Antibacterial Efficacy and Cellular Alignment Regulation on Plasma Nanotextured Chitosan Surfaces.

To address implant-related infections, antibacterial solutions specific to biomaterials are required to prevent bacterial proliferation. Traditional antibiotic usage has been found insufficient, motivating researchers to investigate alternative strategies such as surface modification and the application of antifouling or infection-resistant properties. A developing interest lies in designing surfaces that mimic natural antibacterial nanotopographies. In this study, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the outcomes from plasma nanotexturing, with particular emphasis on how the organization of topography influences antibacterial efficacy and the regulation of cell alignment. Plasma nanotexturing was applied to chitosan surfaces, which gradually transformed from nanopores to pillars and eventually into tilted pillars, as the plasma parameters (fluence and angle) increased. We used directed plasma nanosynthesis, a plasma-based technique that primarily induces topographical alterations on the surfaces. The surfaces were systematically characterized, incorporating methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A comprehensive comparison of the nanotextures was executed by utilizing a trapezoidal method to calculate aspect ratios and assess texture orientation by examining the gaps in the nanostructures. We evaluated antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus strains and assessed the survival and alignment of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Our findings reveal a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion (>80%) and growth on nanotextured surfaces, underscoring their potential for clinical applications. Moreover, we measured cell alignment, presenting the results in both a color-coded and numerical format to demonstrate the preferential alignment orientation induced specially by the tilted nanotexture. These insights highlight the profound impacts of plasma nanotexturing, indicating its potential for innovative biomedical applications such as advanced wound healing and tissue engineering.

Surface Engineering of GaN Photoelectrode by NH3 Treatment for Solar Water Oxidation

<p>Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a vital source of clean and sustainable hydrogen energy. Moreover, the largescale H<sub>2</sub> production is currently necessary, while long-term stability and high PEC activity still remain important issues. In this study, a GaN-based photoelectrode was modified by an additional NH<sub>3</sub> treatment (900°C for 10 min) and its PEC behavior was monitored. The bare GaN exhibited a highly crystalline wurtzite structure with the (002) plane and the optical bandgap was approximately 3.2 eV. In comparison, the NH<sub>3</sub>-treated GaN film exhibited slightly reduced crystallinity and a small improvement in light absorption, resulting from the lattice stress or cracks induced by the excessive N supply. The minor surface nanotexturing created more surface area, providing electroactive reacting sites. From the surface XPS analysis, the formation of an N-Ga-O phase on the surface region of the GaN film was confirmed, which suppressed the charge recombination process and the positive shift of E<sub>FB</sub>. Therefore, these effects boosted the PEC activity of the NH<sub>3</sub>-treated GaN film, with <italic>J</italic> values of approximately 0.35 and 0.78 mA·cm<sup>−2</sup> at 0.0 and 1.23 V<sub>RHE</sub>, respectively, and an onset potential (V<sub>on</sub>) of −0.24 V<sub>RHE</sub>. In addition, there was an approximate 50% improvement in the <italic>J</italic> value within the highly applied potential region with a positive shift of V<sub>on</sub>. This result could be explained by the increased nanotexturing on the surface structure, the newly formed defect/trap states correlated to the positive V<sub>on</sub> shift, and the formation of a GaO<sub>x</sub>N<sub>1-x</sub> phase, which partially blocked the charge recombination reaction.</p>

Development of hydrogel-based composite scaffolds containing eggshell particles for bone regeneration applications.

This study describes the development and characterization of novel composite scaffolds, made of an alginate-chitosan hydrogel matrix containing eggshell (ES) particles, for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds with ES particles, either untreated or treated with phosphoric acid to create a nanotextured particle surface, were compared to scaffolds without particles. Results indicate that the nanotexturing process exposed occluded ES proteins orthologous to those in human bone extracellular matrix. Scaffolds with ES or nanotextured ES (NTES) particles had a higher porosity (81 ± 4% and 89 ± 5%, respectively) thanscaffolds without particles (59 ± 5%) (p = .002 and p < .001, respectively). Scaffolds with NTES particles had a larger median pore size (113 μm [interquartile range [IQ]: 88-140 μm]) than scaffolds with ES particles (94 μm [IQ: 75-112 μm]) and scaffolds without particles (99 μm [IQ: 74-135 μm]) (p < .001 and p = .011, respectively). The compressive modulus of the scaffolds with ES or NTES particles remained low (3.69 ± 0.70 and 3.14 ± 0.62 kPa, respectively), but these scaffolds were more resistant to deformation following maximum compression than those without particles. Finally, scaffolds with ES or NTES particles allowed better retention of human mesenchymal stem cells during seeding (53 ± 12% and 57 ± 8%, respectively, vs. 17 ± 5% for scaffolds without particles; p < .001 in both cases), as well as higher cell viability up to21 days of culture (67 ± 17% and 61 ± 11%, respectively, vs. 15 ± 7% for scaffolds without particles; p < .001 in both cases). In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased up to 558 ± 164% on day 21 in the scaffolds with ES particles, and up to 567 ± 217% on day 14 in the scaffolds with NTES particles (p = .006 and p = .002, respectively, relative to day 0). Overall, this study shows that the physicochemical properties of the alginate-chitosan hydrogel scaffolds with ES or NTES particles are similar to those of cancellous bone. In addition, scaffolds with particles supported early osteogenic differentiation and therefore represent a promising new bone substitute, especially for non-load bearing applications.

Nanotextured surfaces with iron oxide and titania for antibacterial and water purification applications via supersonic spraying

Microbial infections pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. Antibacterial treatments are required to prevent bacterial contamination and protect public health. Herein we supersonically sprayed iron and titania NPs which are nontoxic earth-abundant and low-cost antibacterial materials to fabricate Fe2O3/TiO2-based antibacterial hybrid films capable of inhibiting E. coli by up to 100% upon ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The supersonically sprayed iron and titania NPs were annealed to prepare Fe2O3/TiO2-based metal oxide nanosheets. The photomobilized electrons and holes generated superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals respectively via reduction and oxidation. The bare Fe2O3-based and hybrid Fe2O3/TiO2-based films were photoactivated via visible and UV lights and exhibited E. coli inhibition rates of 42.1% and 99.9% respectively. In addition the hybrid Fe2O3/TiO2-based films were superhydrophilic which promoted the strong adhesion of bacteria-contaminated aerosols between the surrounding atmosphere and films. The water-purification capability of the films was confirmed by the efficient photodegradation of a methylene blue solution upon UV irradiation.

Convection Cooling Enhancement for Energy Conversion Systems Using Rhombic-Dodecahedral-Zeolitic-Imidazolate-Framework-8-Nanotextured Surfaces

Evaporative cooling is an efficient approach for removing heat from nuclear reactors, solar power plants, solar panels, and energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. Nanotextured surfaces can provide improved evaporative cooling by increasing the total surface area to enhance the heat transfer rate and reducing the temperatures of local hotspots. In this study, we introduced rhombic dodecahedral zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8), a class of metal-organic frameworks, via impregnation to create nanotextured surfaces. The impregnation time was varied to obtain various thicknesses of ZIF8. We found that the increased surface area of ZIF8 improved convection cooling, which considerably reduced the temperature of the heated substrate. Air, mist (buoyant aerosols), and spray (inertial droplets) were independently used as coolants to compare the cooling performance of noncoated (bare) and ZIF8-coated substrates. Compared to the noncoated substrate, the optimal ZIF8 film yielded temperature reductions of Δ T = 13 °C and 10°C for air and spray cooling, respectively.

One-step assembly of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings with superior thermal insulation, sustainable antifogging and self-cleaning capabilities

Multifunctional transparent glass integrating energy-saving and antifogging properties has receiving continuous attention in basic research and practical applications, which is still plagued by the lack of simple and general methods for low-cost and large-area fabrication. Herein, a multifunctional window with high thermal insulation, antifogging, and self-cleaning functions is rationally fabricated via coating a mixture of polyacrylic acid (PAA), polypropylene glycol (PPG), 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-560), and cesium tungsten bronze (CWO) nanoparticles on a monolayer film. The synergistic effect between the plentiful hydroxyl/carboxyl groups of PAA/PPG and the nano-textured surface induced by CWO nanoparticles enabled the monolayer film to exhibit superhydrophilic, self-cleaning and antifogging capabilities. The film maintains its antifogging properties even after 80 rubbings of dust-free cloth and 120 days of exposure tests at room temperature. Moreover, the as-prepared window can reduce the indoor temperature by 15.8 °C compared to a normal window at noon. The energy simulation results demonstrate that such windows can reduce energy consumption by 18.9 % in local cities compared to traditional windows. The high visible light transmittance, low haze, stable and durable antifogging ability, distinguished energy-saving effect and climate adaptability, as well as the solution-based process of this multifunctional window make it promising for architectural and automotive glass applications.

Transumbilical Silicone Implant Breast Augmentation.

In transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) with prefilled silicone implants, technical challenges remain to accommodate more implant options and dissection planes. The authors aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of TUBA using various types of prefilled silicone implants (TUSBA) and its applicability for subglandular, subfascial, dual-plane implantation. In the early stage, TUSBA was primarily performed using endoscope-assisted blunt dissection, and later converted to full endoscopy dissection to achieve better results. An endoscope was used to confirm the pocket and check bleeding for both groups. For the endoscope-assisted group, surgical techniques were modified from conventional TUBA. In full endoscopy TUSBA, the entire dissection process was performed under endoscopic monitoring. Preliminary data of patients undergoing TUSBA from June of 2016 to April of 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Breast implants with smooth, textured, or nanotextured surface properties and round or anatomic shapes were used, with sizes up to 500 mL. Seventy-four patients with a mean age of 36.4 years (range, 21 to 55 years) were enrolled in this study. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 4.5 years (mean, 15.6 months). No excessive postoperative pain in breast or abdomen was reported. Surgery outcomes were aesthetically pleasing in both groups. In the endoscope-assisted group, 3 patients (4.6%) required major revisional procedures. No revision was required in the full-endoscopy group. TUSBA with various types of silicone implants is feasible and accommodable to all dissection planes. The full-endoscopy technique is helpful in reducing the higher complication rate. Therapeutic, IV.

Nature-inspired antibacterial poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) by plasma etching nanotexturing for food packaging applications

Antibacterial surfaces are crucial to hinder the spread of pathogens infections, especially when high-touch surfaces (HTS) are involved, as in the case of food packaging. Nature can be inspiring, offering plenty of nanotextured surfaces with high antibacterial activity. Herein, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), one of the most reliable biodegradable plastic used in food packaging, was nanotextured by a low pressure plasma oxygen etching. Moreover, the deposition of SiOX coatings ≈15 nm thick by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was carried out to improve gas barrier properties of the nanotextured polymers. Based on experimental findings, a hypothesis for the nanotexturing mechanism in our plasma experimental set-up has been figured out. The antibacterial properties were tested against E. coli and S. aureus, showing in both cases a strong inhibitory effect by a factor of >4 log10 CFU cm−2. Finally, the oxygen diffusion permeability coefficients (PO2) were also measured, and the oxygen transmission rates (OTR) were calculated as an indicator of the gas barrier performance of the samples. As expected, plasma etching impacted negatively on the oxygen permeability. However, by coating with SiOx, the treated PBS showed a 30 % decrease of the OTR compared even to the untreated PBS.

Research on the synthesis of MgO nanorods (MgONRs) with surface nano textures and its load on nanofiber membranes

The purpose of this research was to obtain the composite nanofiber membranes with efficient antibacterial property using synthetic magnesium-based antibacterial agents. Based on the antibacterial mechanism of MgO nanoparticles (MgONPs), the MgO nanorods (MgONRs) with surface nano textures (M-SNT) were designed to increase the effective contact area of MgONRs and bacteria, which achieved an excellent antibacterial property. The effect of the calcination temperature on the surface nano textures morphological and the antibacterial property of the M-SNT were systematically researched. When the calcination temperature reached 600 °C (M-SNT6), the surface nano textures of M-SNT6 was uniform and the antibacterial property was the most excellent, and the antibacterial rate was better than that of the commercial MgONPs (C-M). The highly-effective antibacterial nanofiber membranes were fabricated by loading 2.5 wt% M-SNT6 on polycaprolactone/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PCL/PVP) substrates through electrospinning technology, which presented excellent antibacterial rate of 100% against E. coli.

Nano-scaled surfaces and sustainable-antibiotic-release from polymeric coating for application on intra-osseous implants and trans-mucosal abutments

Multifunctional surfaces may display the potential to accelerate and promote the healing process around dental implants. However, the initial cellular biocompatibility, molecular activity, and the release of functionalized molecules from these novel surfaces require extensive investigation for clinical use. Aiming to develop and compare innovative surfaces for application in dental implants, the present study utilized titanium disks, which were treated and divided into four groups: machined (Macro); acid-etched (Micro); anodized-hydrophilic surface (TNTs); and anodized surface coated with a rifampicin-loaded polymeric layer (poly(lactide-co-glycolide), PLGA) (TNTsRIMP). The samples were characterized regarding their physicochemical properties and the cumulative release of rifampicin (RIMP), investigated at different pH values. Additionally, differentiated osteoblasts from mesenchymal cells were used for cell viability and qRT-PCR analysis. Antibacterial properties of each surface treatment were investigated against Staphylococcus epidermidis. TNTsRIMP demonstrated controlled drug release for up to 7 days in neutral pH environments. Osteogenic cell cultures indicated that all the evaluated surfaces showed biocompatibility. The TNTs group revealed up-regulated values for bone-related gene quantification in 7 days, followed by the TNTsRIMP group. Furthermore, the antibiotic-functionalized surface revealed effectiveness to inhibit S. epidermidis and stimulate promising conditions for osteogenic cell behavior. Characteristics such as nanomorphology and hydrophilicity were determinants for the up-regulated quantification of osteogenic biomarkers related to early bone maturation, encouraging application in intra-osseous implant surfaces; in addition, antibiotic-functionalized surfaces demonstrated significant higher antibacterial properties compared to the other groups. Our findings suggest that polymeric-antibiotic-loaded coating might be applied for the prevention of early infections, favoring its application in multifunctional surfaces for intra- and/or trans-mucosal components of dental implants, while, hydrophilic nanotextured surfaces promoted optimistic properties to stimulate early bone-related cell responses, favoring its application in bone-anchored surfaces.

Anti-fogging technique for protection of optical grating scales

The combined technique consisting of CF4/O2 plasma nanotexturing of the glass surface and the deposition of the SiOx containing DLC film on the top of the grating scale followed by O2 plasma treatment was designed for the long-lasting protection of the optical grating scales from fogging. Hierarchical nanotexturing increased the average surface roughness Ra from 0.8 nm to 5.1 nm and considerably decreased the wetting angle from 11° to <1° leading to the superhydrophilic silicate glass surface. XPS analysis of the DLC film before and after O2 plasma treatment shows that even short exposure to O2 plasma produces oxidized silicon on the surface of the DLC film. O2 plasma treatment time of 180 s leads to the increase of the carbon CC peak (sp2 hybridization) intensity from 15% to 32%, and a decrease of the carbon C-C peak (sp3 hybridization) intensity from 67% to 45%. The wetting angle of the plasma nanotextured and DLC-coated optical grating scale retains superhydrophilic properties and optical transmittance after long-term storage. Real-time fogging testing confirms the fast appearance of a continuous transparent water film on the surface of the optical grating scale at the beginning of water condensation process. The proposed technique ensures long-lasting operation of the encoder with the optical grating scale below dew point temperature.

Effect of CoCrMo Die and Tool Surface Nano-Texture on Micro Backward Extrusion Formability of AA6063-T6

Abstract To manufacture microparts used in medical and electronic devices, the machining scale must be reduced to the microscale. However, when applying existing plastic forming processes to the machining of microscale parts, the size effect caused by material properties and friction results in variations in product accuracy. To suppress the size effect, tool materials and tool surface treatments suitable for microscale machining must be considered. Using AA6063-T6 billets as test specimens, this study investigated the effects of tool surface properties, such as die surface nanotexture, on micro-extrudability such as extrusion force, product shape, and crystal structure of the product. A cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) die was used as a new die material suitable for micro-extrusion. To investigate the effects of the die material and die surface nanotexture, AISI H13, CoCrMo, and nanotextured CoCrMo dies were used. The extrusion force increased rapidly with the progression of the stroke for both dies. Compared with the AISI H13 die, the CoCrMo die with nanotexture exhibited considerably lower extrusion force, longer extrusion length, and less adhesion on the die surface. The results of material analysis using electron backscatter diffraction indicated that the nanotextured CoCrMo die improved material flowability and facilitated the application of greater strain. In contrast, the AISI H13 die exhibited lower material flowability and nonuniform strain. Therefore, the tribology between the tool and material was controlled by changing the surface properties of the die to improve the formability.

High strain-rate driven nano-tubular architecture in NiMn alloy for supercapacitor electrodes

Electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices play a crucial role in our pursuit of non-polluting, green technologies. With the characteristic short ion-diffusion length, nano-scale materials are considered promising for the realization of high-performance EES. In contrast, existing nano-textured electrodes' inadequate ion-accessible surface area and laborious multi-step synthesis technology limits their overall performance. Herein, we provide the first demonstration of sub-homologous temperature solid-state nano-moulding in a crystalline alloy, resulting in a highly ordered hierarchical nano-tubular architecture with outstanding electrochemical energy storage. Benefitting from increased material fluidity at a high strain rate, a short burst of physical deformation facilitated the material flow into the nano-moulds. The chemically dealloyed nano-tubular electrode demonstrated excellent volumetric specific capacitance of ∼1000 F/cm3 at 5.5 A/cm3 current density. A symmetric supercapacitor device showcased an exceptional energy density of ∼90 Wh/L at a power density of ∼0.5 kW/L and excellent cyclic stability of 94% after 10,000 cycles. The device-level technology readiness is demonstrated by successfully integrating multiple small devices to operate high-power electronic components, setting the way forward for advanced energy storage applications.

Nanotexured surfaces could be transformative - If given a chance to flourish

Nanotexured surfaces could be transformative - If given a chance to flourish Professor Parvaneh Mokarian, founder of the technology and SUN-PILOT coordinator from Trinity College Dublin and AMBER centre looks at the possibilities and applications of nanotextured surfaces. Despite the promising functionality of nanotextured surfaces and their potential for a wide range of applications, their use has not been broadly adopted by the industry. In this article, we will discuss the reasons and possible solutions. Surface structuring is a method whereby structures (typically sub-wavelength) are formed on the surface of the substrate either by etching or by coating. In nature, many hierarchical nanostructures enable unique functionalities.

Enhanced Light Extraction Efficiency by Self-Masking Technology with Carbonized Photoresist for Light-Emitting Diodes

This work investigates a self-masking technology for roughening the surface of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The carbonized photoresist with a naturally nano/micro-textured rough surface was used as a mask layer. After growing the Si3N4 passivation layer on LEDs, the texture pattern of the mask layer was transferred to the surface of the passivation layer via reactive ion beam (RIE) dry etching, resulting in LEDs with nano-textured surfaces. This nano-textured surface achieved by self-masking technology can alleviate the total internal reflection at the top interface and enhance light scattering, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency. As a result, the wall-plug efficiency (WPE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of rough-surface LEDs reached 53.9% and 58.8% at 60 mA, respectively, which were improved by 10.3% and 10.5% compared to that of the flat-surface Si3N4-passivated LED. Additionally, at the same peak, both LEDs emit a wavelength of 451 nm at 350 mA. There is also almost no difference between the I-V characteristics of LEDs before and after roughening. The proposed self-masking surface roughening technology provides a strategy for LEE enhancement that is both cost-effective and compatible with conventional fabrication processes.

Functionalization of a chemically treated Ti6Al4V-ELI alloy with nisin for antibacterial purposes

This research aims to define a protocol for nisin adsorption onto Ti6Al4V- Extra Low Interstitial content (ELI) alloy to reduce the risk of peri-implant infections. The substrate is, first, etched to get a nanotextured surface with a high density of acidic hydroxyl groups and then functionalized with the antimicrobial peptide nisin. Nisin adsorption is performed at different pH values, in the range of 5–7. The nisin release in inorganic solutions mimicking physiological or pro-inflammatory conditions is tested. The surfaces are characterized by profilometry, SEM/EDS, contact angle and surface free energy measurements, zeta potential titrations, DLS, XPS, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Effective surface adsorption was achieved and maximized at pH 6. The coated surface has high surface energy suitable for tissue integration and it releases nisin in a time longer than 1 day. As a confirmation of the antibacterial properties due to the nisin adsorption, specimens were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus, whose metabolic activity was reduced by ≈ 70% in comparison to the untreated control, and the number of viable adhered colonies was ≈ 6 times reduced. In conclusion, coupling of nisin to a chemically treated titanium surface is promising for a bioactive and antibacterial surface for tissue integration.

Surface Nanotexturing of Boron-Doped Diamond Films by Ultrashort Laser Pulses.

Polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD) films were surface nanotextured by femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation (100 fs duration, 800 nm wavelength, 1.44 J cm-2 single pulse fluence) to analyse the evolution of induced alterations on the surface morphology and structural properties. The aim was to identify the occurrence of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) as a function of the number of pulses released on the unit area. Micro-Raman spectroscopy pointed out an increase in the graphite surface content of the films following the laser irradiation due to the formation of ordered carbon sites with respect to the pristine sample. SEM and AFM surface morphology studies allowed the determination of two different types of surface patterning: narrow but highly irregular ripples without a definite spatial periodicity or long-range order for irradiations with relatively low accumulated fluences (<14.4 J cm-2) and coarse but highly regular LIPSS with a spatial periodicity of approximately 630 nm ± 30 nm for higher fluences up to 230.4 J cm-2.