Nanocomposite Thin Films Research Articles

Thin film nanocomposite membranes based on renewable polymer Pebax® and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for CO2/CH4 separation

This study investigates the impact of integrating Pebax® Rnew® 30R51, a sustainable elastomer-type copolymer material, with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to develop advanced membranes for CO2/CH4 gas separation. The fabrication process of ZIF/Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 thin films was optimized to achieve uniform and defect-free thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Crucial membrane properties, including permeability, selectivity and separation efficiency, were analyzed with variations in ZIF type, loading levels, film thickness and operating conditions. Additionally, the resulting TFC and ZIF/Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were subjected to characterization via FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM to evaluate their physicochemical properties. Nanoparticles of ZIF-8, NH2-ZIF-8 and ZIF-94 were individually added (at 5–15 wt% loadings) to the Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 matrix to develop the CO2 separation efficiency. The pristine TFC membrane showed a 66 GPU CO2 permeance and a 37.5 CO2/CH4 separation selectivity, primarily due to improved CO2 mass transport. Upon inclusion of ZIFs, the CO2 permeance with 5 wt% loadings of ZIF-8, NH2-ZIF-8 and ZIF-94 increased to 148, 99 and 125 GPU, respectively, despite this, the CO2/CH4 separation selectivity maintained at 29.4, 37.0 and 27.0, respectively.

One-pot fabrication of open-spherical shapes based on the decoration of copper sulfide/poly-O-amino benzenethiol on copper oxide as a promising photocathode for hydrogen generation from the natural source of Red Sea water

Abstract Harnessing green hydrogen production from natural Red Sea water offers an innovative solution to address energy challenges. A one-pot fabrication method is used to create novel nanocomposite thin films with open-spherical shapes, utilizing copper sulfide/poly-O-amino benzenethiol decorated on copper oxide as a promising photocathode. After thorough analysis, a unique morphology characterized by open spherical shapes is projected, which contributes to improved optical absorption. The bandgap of the nanocomposite is 1.17 eV, enabling efficient absorption of light across the entire optical spectrum, extending up to 950 nm. Utilizing Red Sea water as an electrolyte, the generated J ph serves as an indicator of H2 gas production. The substantial J ph value of −0.82 mA cm−2 is achieved at −0.85 V under light illumination. Furthermore, J ph values exhibit variability, starting at −0.58 mA cm−2 (at 730 nm) and increasing to −0.75 mA cm−2 at a wavelength of 340 nm. The estimated hydrogen gas production rate reaches 1.5 µmole h−1 cm−2, translating to an impressive 15 µmole h−1 for every 10 cm². This remarkable rate underscores the effectiveness of the photocathode, especially given its fabrication through a single-step process that is suitable for mass production. In addition, its cost-effectiveness further enhances its appeal as a viable solution for renewable energy production for hydrogen gas generation from seawater.

Self-assembled nanoflower-mediated interfacial polymerization through tunable intra- and inter-layer channels to boost total heat exchange performance

Total heat exchange membranes (THEMs) are vital for minimizing energy consumption and enhancing indoor air quality in energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems. Manipulating the surface morphology of polyamide (PA) membranes via nanofiller-mediated interfacial polymerization is key to advancing total heat recovery performance. This study presented the fabrication of PA thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes by integrating self-assembled poly(amic acid-imide) nanoflowers (P(AA-I)-NFs) with intertwined nanosheets into the organic phase. This facile approach effectively eliminated nonselective interphase voids and defects, owing to the superior polymer affinity of the organic nanoflowers. The finely tuned intra- and inter-layer channels within P(AA-I)-NFs significantly impacted monomer mass transfer, facilitated the shuttle effect, expanded the interfacial polymerization zone, and led to the formation of a rougher, thicker PA layer with enhanced surface area. The optimized P(AA-I)-NFs/PA TFN membranes exhibited outstanding performance, including CO₂ permeability of 0.51 GPU, water vapor permeability of 656.59 GPU, and an enthalpy exchange efficiency of 71.47 %, surpassing the trade-off limitations typically observed in commercial and other advanced THEMs. These findings underscored the potential of P(AA-I)-NFs-mediated TFN membranes as highly competitive candidates for next-generation ERV systems.

Deposition of nanocomposite carbon-based thin films doped with copper and fluorine

This paper is focused on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of novel carbon-based thin films. Unique thin films were deposited from a mixture of methane, hydrogen, and a precursor containing fluorine and copper: (hfac)copperVTMS (hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonato and VTMS = vinyltrimethylsilane). Using the (hfac)copperVTMS precursor in PECVD deposition results in the advantageous chemical composition of carbon-based thin films while maintaining sufficient mechanical properties. Furthermore, with optimized plasma parameters, the films deposited on the substrate exhibit a nanocomposite structure. This nanostructured surface can increase the surface area, which is beneficial for various applications, including antibacterial and antiviral properties. The radiofrequency glow discharge at low pressure (≈70Pa) and power P=25W and P=250W was used for deposition. Deposited thin films were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy, and nanoindentation techniques. Despite the doping of carbon-based thin films with soft copper, the prepared films exhibited sufficient mechanical properties, which are crucial for the future implementation of this deposition process.

Synthesis and characterization of spray deposited ZnO–CuO nano composite thin films for the detection of xylene

Synthesis and characterization of spray deposited ZnO–CuO nano composite thin films for the detection of xylene

Facile synthesis of PVDF/SnO2 nanocomposite thin films for optoelectronic applications

Thin films of pure polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and PVDF/SnO2 nanocomposites were fabricated by sol ̶gel spin coating method. The weight percentage of SnO2 in PVDF matrix was varied from 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%. X-ray diffraction graphs exhibited the rutile structure of SnO2. Scanning electron microscope confirmed densely packed morphology of pure PVDF and dispersion of SnO2 agglomerated spherical particles in PVDF matrix. The presence of all constituent elements in a specific ratio was confirmed from energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, optical properties were taken by ellipsometry in terms of ψ (Psi) and Δ (Delta) values which were acquired through the specific fitting model, and these modeled values were fitted with the experimental values. The real part of the dielectric function showed a high refractive index at minimum energy for pure PVDF as compared to PVDF/SnO2 nanocomposite films whereas the imaginary part exhibited significantly high absorption spectra at minimum energy for pure PVDF and vice versa for PVDF/SnO2 films. Furthermore, pure PVDF film showed high absorption which increased with the increase of energy of interacting light but decreased with the incorporation of SnO2 nanoparticles. The entire observation exhibited that PVDF/SnO2 nanocomposite thin films can be utilized for optical devices like transpicuous conductors and chemical sensors etc.

Preparation, characterization and biological activity of Co-doped ZnO nanostructured thin film: A comprehensive study on its photo-physical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against food-borne pathogen

The Co@ZnO thin film deposited on glass substrate with dopant contents of cobalt ranging from 0 to 10 % were fabricated using spray pyrolysis coating method. The prepared nanocomposite thin film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy. Some surfaces structural probing of the deposited samples confirmed nanolamination of hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with no other impurity phases and high adherence on the soda lime glass substrate. Average grain sizes (56–43 nm) and lattice strain of the films were found to be tailored with the variation of Co-dopant content, signifying phonon confinement or defect/disorder caused by the Co-dopant impurity on the ZnO host particle owing to the impurity levels and oxygen vacancy states. The film demonstrated high optical transmittance with enhanced photoabsorbtion and narrow optical band gap (3.24–2.64 eV) with increasing Co-dopant content. In evaluating its antibacterial efficacy, the Co@ZnO thin film was tested at different dopant concentration against Bacillus cereus (foodborne pathogen). The result revealed that the films exhibits excellent inhibitory effect on the pathogen, with highest activity obtained at 10 % Co@ZnO. Furthermore, a more improved inhibitory activity was recorded when at 10 % Co@ZnO dopant was exposed to UV irradiation.

Optical and electric properties of tin oxide (SnO2) with reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite thin films

Due to their superior properties, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial materials have become increasingly popular for enhancing SnO2 thin films. In the paper, a thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) deposition system was used to produce a thin film of SnO2 with a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite. SnO2 thin films have become widely used in sensor applications, and these sensors have been shown to work at relatively high temperatures compared to room-temperature semiconductors. As a result, working temperatures affect the material properties. The surface properties of the deposited and post-annealed samples were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy integrated with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The weight ratios of carbon and tin were calculated as 35 % and 65 %, respectively. The mean Z-height of the nanoparticles was determined to be 9 nm, and the distribution of the surface grains is nearly homogeneous. Following the post-annealing process, the thin film's band gap energy decreased from 3.78 eV to 3.25 eV. According to the photoluminescence spectra, emission peaks at 393 nm, 406 nm, and 443 nm were measured. The transmittance spectra of the various post-annealed samples at 150 °C were recorded, and they remained nearly the same. This consistency is a beneficial property of the thin film because SnO2:rGO nanocomposite thin films are designed to operate at relatively high temperatures. The present study investigates the advantages and properties of the post-annealed (repeating annealing) SnO2: rGO thin film.

Structure, morphology and magnetic performance of (Fe65Co35) x @(Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4)100–x nanocomposite thin films

A bi-magnetic phase (Fe65Co35)x@(Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4)100–x nanocomposite thin film was created by combining Fe65Co35 alloy nanoclusters produced through plasma gas condensation with Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 thin film prepared via RF magnetron sputtering. The study revealed that the Fe65Co35 alloy nanoclusters, with an average particle size of approximately 6 nm, are surrounded by the amorphous ferrite phase, forming a granular ‘core–shell’ structure. As the proportion of Fe65Co35 alloy nanoclusters increased from 5.9 wt% to 35.4 wt%, the grain size of the nanocomposite thin films decreased from 24 nm to 10.4 nm. Magnetic analysis demonstrated that the nanocomposite thin films displayed soft magnetic properties at room temperature. With an increase in Fe65Co35 content, the saturated magnetization of the nanocomposite thin films escalated from 68 emu cm−3 to 214 emu/cm3, significantly surpassing that of the corresponding NiZn ferrite films (∼17 emu/cm3). The fluctuation of coercivity is intricately linked to the grain size of the nanocomposite thin films, and at 24.5 wt% of Fe65Co35 alloy nanoclusters, the coercivity is minimized to 14 Oe. The ferromagnetic resonance spectra of the nanocomposite films exhibited some asymmetric broadening and shift. As the Fe65Co35 content increased, the resonance field initially decreased and then rose, while the resonance linewidth gradually decreased.

Modulating interfacial polymerization by combination of organic phase additives and trimesoyl chloride for preparing high-performance thin-film nanocomposite reverse osmosis membranes

Incorporating hydrophilic nanoparticles into organic phase during interfacial polymerization (IP) to establish covalent bonds with organic phase monomers has proven to be a successful approach for fabricating high-performance thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. However, the effect of covalent bonds number on the membrane structure and properties remains uncertain. Herein, hydrochloric acid doped polyaniline (PANI-HCl) with a small amount of amine groups and inherent polyaniline (PANI-base) nanomaterials with a larger amount of amine groups were prepared as organic phase additives for preparing high-performance TFN RO membranes. The amine groups on the nanoparticles can bond covalently with the acyl chloride groups of trimethyl chloride (TMC), leading to the accumulation of TMCs at organic/aqueous interface and accelerates IP reaction rate, resulting in a thinner, denser polyamide layer with more leaf-like structures and free volume. The water permeance of the PANI-base-RO membrane was improved by 62.5 % from 0.8 to 1.3 Lm−2h−1bar−1, and the NaCl rejection was improved from 97.6 % to 99.4 % compared with the pristine membrane. Overall, this work highlights the beneficial impact of organic phase additives with more amine groups on enhancing the desalination performance of RO membranes, providing valuable insights for the structural design of additives and dispersing medium selection.

Dynamically Tunable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Self‐Assembled SrCoOx‐Au Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Films

AbstractWhile the physical principles for regulating localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are well established, dynamically tuning the LSPR in a given material post synthesis remains challenging. Herein, this study demonstrates a strategy for dynamically tuning the LSPR of Au nanostructures by selectively altering the dielectric environment. Au is integrated with an electrochemically gatable oxide, i.e., SrCoOx (SCO), into vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films via a self‐assembly growth mechanism, where Au develops into nanopillars embedded in the SCO matrix. By selectively controlling the tri‐state phase transitions of SCO matrix via varying the bias voltage polarity in ionic liquid gating (ILG), the LSPR behavior of Au nanopillars can be dynamically tuned. Specifically, gating with a negative bias fully suppresses the LSPR, while a positive bias leads to a continuous blueshift of the LSPR wavelength upon increasing the ILG duration. This work not only opens new directions for the dynamic control of LSPR of noble metal nanostructures, but also offers insight to the voltage control of multifunctionalities via structural and physical intercoupling between different phases in self‐assembled nanocomposites.

Research on the Influence of Matrix Shape on Percolation Threshold Values for Current Flow Conducted Using the Monte Carlo Simulation Method

In this study, in order to determine the effect of matrices’ shape on the percolation threshold values, computer simulations were performed using the Monte Carlo method for a 200 × 200 square-shaped matrix and rectangular matrices containing the same number of nodes as the square matrix. Based on the simulations, the average values of the percolation thresholds and standard deviations for the current flow along and across the matrices were determined. It was determined that for a square-shaped matrix, the average values of the percolation thresholds in both directions of the current flow were the same. Extending the rectangular matrix while reducing its height causes the average value of the percolation threshold in the direction of the current flow along the matrix to increase from 0.592740 to 0.759847, while in the transverse direction, it decreases from 0.592664 to 0.403614. The values of the classical asymmetry coefficients of the probability distributions of the percolation thresholds for both directions of the current flow were determined. Histograms of the probability distributions of the percolation threshold values for a square-shaped matrix and rectangular matrices were made and compared with the normal distributions. It was found that the occurrence of two percolation thresholds in rectangular layers should be considered when analyzing the electrical conductivity measurements of nanocomposite thin films.

Ions‐induced Assembly of Perovskite Nanocomposites for Highly Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes with EQE Exceeding 30%

AbstractMetal halide perovskites, a cost‐effective class of semiconductos, hold great promise for display technologies that demand high‐efficiency, color‐pure light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Early research on three‐dimensional (3D) perovskites showed low radiative efficiencies due to modest exciton binding energies. To inprove luminescence, reducing dimensionality or grain size has been a common approach. However, dividing the perovskite lattice into smaller units may hinder carrier transport, compromising electrical performance. Moreover, the increased surface area introduce additional surface trap states, leading to greater non‐radiative recombination. Here, an ions‐induced growth method is employed to assembe lattice‐anchored perovskite nanocomposites for efficient LEDs with high color purity. This approach enables the nanocomposite thin films, composed of 3D CsPbBr3 and its variant of zero‐dimensional (0D) Cs4PbBr6, to feature significant low trap‐assisted nonradiative recombination, enhanced light out‐coupling with a corrugated surface, and well‐balanced charge carrier transport. Based on the resultant 3D/0D perovskite nanocomposites, the perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) achieving an remarkable external quantum efficiency of 31.0% at the emission peak of 521 nm with a narrow full width at half‐maximum of only 18 nm. This sets a new benchmark for color purity in high performance PeLED research, highlighting the significant advantage of this approach.

Preparation and Characterization of EVAc/ TiO2 Nanocomposites Coating for Oil Pipes Protection

The spin coating process was used in this study to create nanocomposites of ethynevinyl acetate copolymer reinforced with nano titania nanoparticles at various ratios (50, 100, & 150 part/million). Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), different types of reactions between TiO2 and EVAc were investigated. Deferential Scanning Calorimetry was used to study melting point of thin films. As well as , anti corrosion resistance of thin films using electrochemical method were studied Results show that the adding of TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the thermal characteristics of nano composite thin films, Tm increasing from 66 oC to 71 oC, The results of the FTIR analysis demonstrate that the nanoscale TiO2 and EVAc are physically reacting. Anti-corrosion behavior shows that the corrosion current reduces from 188 mA to 1 nA and corrosion resistance was increased. Additionally, the efficacy of inhibition increased from 0.0 to 99%. with adding Nano TiO2 with 150 ppm to thin films.

Controllable Design of Polyamide Composite Membrane Separation Layer Structures via Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Review.

Optimizing the structure of the polyamide (PA) layer to improve the separation performance of PA thin-film composite (TFC) membranes has always been a hot topic in the field of membrane preparation. As novel crystalline materials with high porosity, multi-functional groups, and good compatibility with membrane substrate, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been introduced in the past decade for the modification of the PA structure in order to break through the separation trade-off between permeability and selectivity. This review begins by summarizing the recent progress in the control of MOF-based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane structures. The review also covers different strategies used for preparing TFN membranes. Additionally, it discusses the mechanisms behind how these strategies regulate the structure and properties of PA. Finally, the design of a competent MOF material that is suitable to reach the requirements for the fabrication of TFN membranes is also discussed. The aim of this paper is to provide key insights into the precise control of TFN-PA structures based on MOFs.

Silicon quantum dot-enhanced thin-film nanocomposite membranes for efficient alcohol dehydration via pervaporation: A sustainable approach

This study explores the effectiveness of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs)—specifically, amine-functionalized (NSiQDs) and amine-hydroxyl-functionalized (NOSiQDs)—in optimizing thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for pervaporation dehydration of various alcohols. The SiQDs were integrated into the membranes via an innovative interfacial polymerization technique, involving the dispersion of SiQDs in an aqueous amine solution followed by polymerization with trimesoyl chloride. This approach ensured uniform integration of SiQDs, significantly enhancing the nanostructure and surface characteristics of the membranes. Such modifications led to improved water transport capabilities, substantially boosting pervaporation efficiency. Exceptional performance was demonstrated by the TFN-NOSiQDs(400) membranes, which achieved a peak permeation flux of 4195.8 g·m−2·h−1 and maintained over 99 wt% water concentration in the permeate when tested with a 70 wt% isopropanol/water solution at 25°C. Comprehensive long-term stability assessments confirmed the robustness and consistent functionality of the membranes, highlighting their suitability for industrial applications that demand reliable and efficient alcohol separation processes.

Ultra-fast molecular sieving in ZIF-67 and cellulose nanofibers based thin-film nanocomposite membrane

Membranes based on two-dimensional (2D) materials often show great separation efficiency and therefore have great potential in the treatment of dye wastewater. However, improving the water flux of 2D material-based membranes remains a challenge. In this work, 2D ZIF-67/CNF membranes were prepared on a polyether sulfone (PES) support layer via a simple extraction filtration method. The added CNF intertwined with 2D ZIF-67 nanosheets and formed an interlocked stacked laminar flow structure, which improved both the water flux and stability of the thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. The optimized membrane showed a water flux of 357.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, and its rejections of four dyes (Direct Red 80, Methyl Blue, Alkali Blue 6B and Congo Red) were all above 99.8 %. Furthermore, the optimized membrane maintained a rejection of 97 % after 8 h of continuous operation, indicating that the facile mixing of nanofibers into nanosheets can be considered a promising strategy for preparing TFN membranes for dye wastewater treatment.

Copper and nickel hexacyanoferrates/carbon nanotube nanocomposites thin films as high-performance light cathode materials for aqueous sodium-ion batteries

Aqueous rechargeable Na-ion batteries are gaining popularity as an attractive alternative for energy storage systems due to their low cost, wide range of raw material sources, non-flammability, and ultrahigh ionic conductivity. Currently, Because of their three-dimensional open structure, high specific capacity, and inexpensive cost, Prussian blue analogues are being investigated as electrode materials for electrochemistry. In this work, we present an innovative strategy to create novel two-component nanoarchitected thin films that exhibit exceptional performance as cathodes in aqueous sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). By leveraging the versatility of the liquid-liquid interfacial method, we have prepared two distinct transparent nanocomposite films composed of carbon nanotubes and either copper or nickel hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles. The results show that the NiHCF/CNT and CuHCF/CNT deliver a high specific capacity of 152 mA h g−1 and 135 mA h g−1, respectively, at a high current density of 1 A g−1. Moreover, the cells (rGO//NiHCF and rGO//CuHCF) show that the energy density of the battery can reach up to 7.75 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 27.92 W kg−1 for rGO//NiHCF/CNT, while rGO//CuHCF/CNT showed an energy density of 3.67 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 13.21 W kg−1. The results demonstrate that NiHCF/CNT and CuHCF/CNT nanocomposite films provide new insight into the design of high-performance PBA cathodes.

Forward osmosis membrane with lightweight functionalised multiwall carbon nanotube nanofillers

ABSTRACT Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes with a polyamide (PA) active layer modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold promise for water desalination and wastewater reuse via forward osmosis (FO). We hypothesise that modifying the PA active layer with hydroxyl-functionalised multi-wall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) will enhance the water flux of the FO membrane while maximising salt rejection. TFN membranes were modified using in situ interfacial polymerisation, with varying f-MWCNT mass content to minimise agglomeration. These modified FO membranes are designated as CTFN-x, where x represents the mass content of f-MWCNTs, ranging from 0.001%, CTFN-1 to 0.008%, CTFN-8 (w/v). The surface properties of CTFN-x were characterised using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and molecular spectroscopy. IR spectroscopic data confirm the successful adherence of f-MWCNTs as a bridging agent between the 1,3-phenylenediamine (MPD) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) polymers, preserving FO membrane integrity. The CTFN-4 FO membrane shows the highest water flux (29 LMH) and the lowest reverse salt flux (2.90 gHM), attributed to preferential water flow channels in the f-MWCNTs. The integration of f-MWCNTs into the active layer improved water flux, reduced reverse salt flux, and enhanced the antifouling properties of FO membranes.

A Review on properties and applications of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)and metal oxide nanocomposites thin films.

A Review on properties and applications of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)and metal oxide nanocomposites thin films.