Scientific Papers in SCI

Abstract

Tetracationic porphyrin (TMPyP) molecules were incorporated Into an optically transparent TiO2 thin film prepared by Glancing Angle Physical Vapour Deposition (GAPVD) by simple infiltration (at pH 6 4) The preparation of optically transparent TMPyP/TiO2 composite thin films provides a method for the integration of the porphyrin molecules Into photonic devices for direct monitoring of gases Previously UV-visible and fluorescence spectral techniques have been used to study the reversible protonation of TMPyP in aqueous solution The optical spectrum of TMPyP shows an intense Soret band at 423 nm with a 22 nm red shift upon protonation by HCl The experimental conditions for monitoring the concentration of HCl gas by absorption spectroscopy have been optimized The maximum absorbance change was observed at the Sorer band wavelength A selected temperature of 80 C and a 300 s recovery period were found to be the optimum operating parameters (response time t(50) = 16 8  7 s) The composite with smaller surface concentration of TMPyP (Gamma = 03 x 10(-9) mol cm(-2)) presented the best detection limit (0 1 ppm) The response of the composite sensor was highly stable for several months.

Abstract

This paper deals with some of the hydraulic structures of Augusta Emerita (Merida, Spain), specifically those found in the Mithraeum House. In particular, we describe and characterise the hydraulic mortars and coatings of the viridarium water channel. The recipient of the channel was covered with two hydraulic mortars and a finishing coating. Hydrated lime was used as binder. Calcite grains with different morphology have been observed in the mortars studied. The siliceous aggregate was composed of quartz, mica and feldspars. Ceramic fragments, which were added to the mortar to improve its hydraulic properties, were composed of quartz, mica, iron oxides, anorthite and an amorphous phase; aluminium-iron silicates were used as raw materials for their manufacture. We discuss the interactions between the hydrated lime and the surface of the ceramics in the mortars.

Abstract

This work presents a thorough study on the wettability of polycrystalline anatase TiO2 thin films prepared at 250 degrees C in a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD) reactor with Ar/O-2 plasmas. Anatase polycrystalline thin films with different microstructures, textures, and surface roughness were obtained as a function of their thickness. The water contact angle of the samples was analyzed within the assumptions of the Wenzel, Cassie, and Miwa models to ascertain the effect of roughness and other surface heterogeneities on their characteristic parameters. The roughness factors defined in the different models were calculated from the atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the films for two different observation scales within the premises of the dynamic scaling theories. The obtained results indicate that the wetting angle of an equivalent flat anatase surface with a value of 82 degrees can only be properly estimated for observation scales of 5 x 5 mu m(2) and using the Miwa model. The analysis of the UV induced hydrophilization of the surface state of the anatase films and the posterior recovery of the partially hydrophobic character of these surfaces in the absence of UV photons suggest a clear dependence of the light induced wettability on their texture and size of crystalline domains.

Abstract

We show that the tilt angle of nanostructures obtained by glancing angle sputtering is finely tuned by selecting the adequate argon pressure. At low pressures, a ballistic deposition regime dominates, yielding high directional atoms that form tilted nanocolumns. High pressures lead to a diffusive regime which gives rise to vertical columnar growth. Monte Carlo simulations reproduce the experimental results indicating that the loss of directionality of the sputtered particles in the gas phase, together with the self-shadowing mechanism at the surface, are the main processes responsible for the development of the columns.

Abstract

A simple method for the synthesis of spherical LaPO4 (monazite) particles with narrow size distribution and tailored size in the 150-500 nm range is reported. The procedure is based on a homogeneous precipitation process at low temperature (120 degrees C) from solutions containing La3+, citrate and phosphate ions under a very restrictive set of experimental conditions, which involves the use of La nitrate, citric acid and phosphoric acid as precursors and ethylene glycol as solvent. The growth mechanism of the spheres was investigated aiming at explaining the differences in particle size and shape observed when varying the experimental conditions. The applicability of this method for the synthesis of spherical particles of other lanthanide (Ce, Tb, Eu) phosphates is also analyzed. Finally, it is shown that the developed procedure can be used to dope the lanthanum phosphate particles with lanthanide cations, which resulted in spherical phosphors as illustrated for the Eu-doped, Ce-doped and Ce, Tb codoped systems, whose luminescent properties are also evaluated.

Abstract

We describe a facile procedure for the synthesis at low temperature (120 A degrees C) of water-dispersible uniform YF3:Yb,Er up-conversion nanophosphors of various morphologies (rhombic and spheroidal) by homogeneous precipitation in polyol solutions containing different lanthanide salts and an ionic liquid (1-butyl, 2-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) as fluoride source. It is shown that the shape of the obtained nanoparticles is mainly determined by the nature of both, the polyol and the lanthanide precursors, which also affects to their colloidal stability in water suspensions. These morphological differences are explained on the basis of a different mechanism of particle formation. The efficiency of the up-conversion processes in the synthesized rhombic and spheroidal nanoparticles is also comparatively analyzed and the observed differences are justified on the basis of the different impurities incorporated to the nanophosphors during their synthesis process.

Abstract

In this work high purity and nanometer character titanium carbonitride TiCxN1-x powders were obtained by mechanically induced self sustaining reaction (MSR) in a high-energy planetary ball mill, from a mixture of titanium with graphite or carbon nanofiber (CNFs) in a nitrogen atmosphere. A promising method for developing these materials is the coupling of the MSR with SPS sintering technique. The product is sintered at 1400 degrees C and 1700 degrees C, obtaining a completely dense monolithic ceramic (>99% t.d). In this work, the influence of SI'S treatment and carbon precursor on material microstructures was studied and the main mechanical properties of the end material were evaluated.

Abstract

The influence of isotropically directed deposition flux on the formation of the thin film microstructure at low temperatures is studied. For this purpose we have deposited TiO2 thin films by two different deposition techniques: reactive magnetron sputtering, in two different experimental configurations, and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The obtained results indicate that films grown under conditions where deposition particles do not possess a clear directionality, and in the absence of a relevant plasma/film interaction, present similar refractive indices no matter the deposition technique employed. The film morphology is also similar and consists of a granular surface topography and a columnarlike structure in the bulk whose diameter increases almost linearly with the film thickness. The deposition has been simulated by means of a Monte Carlo model, taking into account the main processes during growth. The agreement between simulations and experimental results indicates that the obtained microstructures are a consequence of the incorporation of low-energy, isotropically directed, deposition particles.

Abstract

Herein we present a synthetic route to attain porous one-dimensional photonic crystals of high optical quality. The method employed, based on the alternate deposition of TiO2 and SiO2 porous layers by glancing angle physical vapour deposition, yields a highly accessible interconnected pore network throughout the entire multilayer structure. Furthermore, it allows a strict control over the average size and density of the interstitial sites, which results in the precise tuning of the refractive index of the individual layers and thus of the optical response of the ensemble. The controlled environmental response of the multilayer is confirmed by the optical monitoring of the infiltration of liquids of different refractive index.

Abstract

Vanadium nitride (VN) has been prepared by mechanosynthesis from vanadium metal under a pressurized nitrogen atmosphere in a short milling time. The characterization of the final product by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron energy loss (EELS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is presented. The final product, VN with 96% of purity, is obtained at room temperature with nanometric particle size and a very high microhardness after sintering. A relationship between microstructure and microhardness as well as a comparison between the VN obtained mechanical and thermal method is also presented.

Abstract

Pyrophyllite is a raw material of significant interest due to its large number of applications. Most of these applications require a thermal transformation of pyrophyllite; this thermal transformation implies the release of structural OH groups and the formation of new phases. In this paper, we report on the dehydroxylation of pyrophyllite and the reversibility of the process. A value of 224 +/- 16 kJ/mol for the dehydroxylation of pyrophyllite was obtained. In addition, it was observed that the partially or totally dehydroxylated pyrophyllite suffered a partial reversible rehydroxylation when cooled to room temperature. This rehydroxylation was substantiated by thermogravimetric measurements, while infrared spectroscopic studies showed that, during the rehydroxylation, the intensity of the OH band at 3675 cm-1 increased as two new bands at 3690 and 3702 cm-1 appeared. This rehydroxylation process was heavily influenced by the particle size of the pyrophyllite. Thus, smaller particles (< 1 mu m) showed a larger rehydroxylation percentage (about 12%), while the larger ones (20-40 mu m) showed a smaller percentage (about 1.6%). The extent of rehydroxylation also depended on the dehydroxylation temperature and reached a maximum value at 750 degrees C.

Abstract

In this paper, the f(alpha) conversion functions for random scission mechanisms have been proposed to allow for the construction of generalized master plots suitable for these kinds of mechanisms. The master plots have been validated by their application to simulated data and to the thermal degradation of poly(butylene terephthalate), polyethylene, and poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

Abstract

Ti1-xAlxN thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering. The obtained different stoichiometries give rise to different optical properties as the films change from metallic to dielectric. In this work the IR reflectivity of these coatings is investigated taking into account different application fields for IR selective Ti1-xAlxN thin films. Low Al content coatings present high reflectivity, high absorptance and low thermal emittance. High Al compositions give raise to coatings with high absorptance and high thermal emittance. The composition of the coatings was evaluated combining electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a columnar structure. Reflectance spectra for the visible and infrared spectral ranges were used to obtain the solar absorptance and thermal emittance values, used to calculate the equilibrium temperature of the coatings. The thermal stability in air from 300 to 600 degrees C was also evaluated.

Abstract

We report on a study of electromagnetic waves propagation in thin periodically ordered photonic nanostructures in the spectral range where the light wavelength is on the order of the lattice parameter. The vector KKR method we use allows us to determine the group index from finite photonic structures including extinction providing confirmation of recently emerged results. We show that for certain frequencies the group velocity of opal slabs can either be superluminal or approach zero depending on the crystal thickness and the unavoidable presence of losses. In some cases, group velocity can be negative. Such behavior can be clearly attributed to the finite character of the three-dimensional structure and reproduces previously reported experimental observations. Calculations show that contrary to the predictions of extraordinary group velocity reductions for infinite periodic structures, the group velocity of real opals may exhibit strong fluctuations at the high energy range. Hence, a direct identification between the calculated anomalous group velocities, for an actual opal film, and the predicted propagating low dispersion modes for an ideal infinite ordered structure seems difficult to establish.

Abstract

Herein, we present an overview of recent progress on the development of different types of porous 1-D photonic crystal coatings which are optically responsive to gas pressure changes in the environment. Modification of the surrounding vapor pressure gives rise to adsorption and condensation phenomena within the porous networks of the photonic crystal building blocks, varying their refractive index and hence their optical features. This effect can be put into practice to precisely detect and monitor changes in the ambient through the spectral shift of either the photonic bandgap of the structure or of some other optical features. Our results demonstrate the potential of these optical coatings as new materials for gas sensing devices.

Abstract

We have studied the effect of mechanical energy transfer from the tip of an atomic force microscope on the dynamics of self-assembly of monolayer films of octadecylamine on mica. The formation of the self-assembled film proceeds in two successive stages, the first being a fast adsorption from solution that follows a Langmuir isotherm. The second is a slower process of island growth by aggregation of the molecules dispersed on the surface. We found that the dynamics of aggregation can be altered substantially by the addition of mechanical energy into the system through controlled tip surface interactions. This leads to both the creation of pinholes in existing islands as a consequence of vacancy concentration and to the assembly of residual molecules into more compact islands.

Abstract

Sterilization with ethylene oxide (EO) and gas plasma (GP) are well-known methods applied to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces in the belief that they prevent major material changes caused by gamma irradiation. However, the influence of these surface sterilization methods on bacterial adherence to UHMWPE is unknown. UHMWPE samples with various degrees of roughness (0.3, 0.8 and 2.0 mu m) were sterilized with either GP or EO. The variations in hydrophobicity, surface free energy and surface functional groups were investigated before and after sterilization. Sterilized samples were incubated with either Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis in order to study bacterial adherence to these materials. Fewer bacteria adhered to UHMWPE after sterilization with EO than after sterilization with GP, especially to the smoothest surfaces. No changes in chemical composition of the UHMWPE surface due to sterilization were observed using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis. The decreased bacterial adherence to UHMWPE found at the smoothest surfaces after sterilization with EO was not directly related to changes in chemical composition. Increased bacterial adherence to rougher surfaces was associated with increased polar surface energy of EO-sterilized surfaces.

Abstract

The aims of the present study is to describe for the first time the Sc-45 MAS NMR spectra of X-2-Sc2SiO5 and C-Sc2Si2O7, to combine the spectroscopic information with the structures published from diffraction data, and to propose a rational interpretation of the chemical shifts and quadrupolar parameters. For that purposed, we have correlated the experimental quadrupole coupling parameters of Sc-45 determined for a number of scandium compounds to those found by a simple electrostatic calculation and we have found that the isotropic chemical shift of the Sc-45 is linearly correlated to the shift parameter, calculated by bond-valence theory. We also show that a simple point charge calculation can approximate the electric field gradient to a sufficiently good approximation that it provides a valuable mean to assign the NMR spectra.

Abstract

Hydrogenated diamond like carbon (DLCH) thin films were deposited on medical grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The DLCH coating thicknesses ranged from 250 to 700 nm The substrates were disks made of UHMWPEs typically used for soft components in artificial Joints, namely virgin GUR 1050 and highly crosslinked (gamma irradiated in air to 100 kGy) UHMWPEs Mechanical and tribological properties under bovine serum lubrication at body temperature were assessed on coated and uncoated polyethylenes by means of nano-hardness and ball-on-disk tests, respectively Morphological features of the worn surfaces were obtained by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy This study confirms an increase in surface hardness and good wear resistance for coated materials after 24 h of sliding test compared to uncoated polyethylene. These results point out that to coat UHMWPE with DLCH films could be a potential method to reduce backside wear in total hip and knee arthroplasties.

Abstract

Periodic multilayers of wide photonic bandgap and high reflectance in the visible and near infrared regions are fabricated. Optical properties show that reflectance intensities close to 90% are reached for stacks of only six layers, as well as gap-to-midgap ratios of 50%. The optical response of the hybrid ensemble can be accurately tuned through the number of infiltration cycles performed.

Abstract

This paper describes one of the first case studies using micro-diffraction laboratory-made systems to analyse painting cross-sections. Pigments, such as lead white, vermilion, red ochre, red lac, lapis lazuli, smalt, lead tin yellow type I, massicot, ivory black, lamp black and malachite, were detected in cross-sections prepared from six Bartolome Esteban Murillo paintings by micro-Raman and micro-XRD combined with complementary techniques (optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FT-IR). The use of micro-XRD was necessary due to the poor results obtained with conventional XRD. In some cases, pigment identification was only possible by combining results from the different analytical techniques utilised in this study.

Abstract

The precipitation processes in a Cu-1.0 at.%Co-0.5 at.%Ti (Cu-1.5 at.%Co2Ti) alloy were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microhardeness measurements. The analysis of the calorimetric curves from room temperature to 900 K shows the presence of two exothermic reactions attributed to the formation of CoTi and Co2Ti particles in the copper matrix. On the basis of enthalpy calculations, it was found that the decomposition begins with the precipitation of CoTi, followed by the formation of Co2Ti particles. The activation energies calculated using the modified Kissinger method were lower than the ones corresponding to diffusion of cobalt and titanium in copper. Kinetic parameters were obtained by a convolution method based on the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) formalism. The values obtained for the parameter n were indicative of a particle nucleation process from preexistent nuclei. Microhardness measurements and TEM micrographs confirmed the formation of the mentioned phases.

Abstract

An experimental and theoretical analysis of the angular dependence of the diffracted light beams emerging from three-dimensional colloidal photonic crystals is herein presented. Diffracted beams are identified according to their associated reciprocal-lattice vectors, and their intensities are obtained as a function of the zenithal and azimuthal incidence angles. Significant changes in the beam intensities are observed for large zenithal incidence angles as the azimuthal angle is varied. This phenomenon is related to the excitation of new resonant modes inside the photonic crystal which cannot be observed under normal incidence conditions.

Abstract

The implication of a self-assembly process in the early stages of cutin biosynthesis has been shown by means of antibodies raised against polyhydroxy fatty acid nanoparticles (cutinsomes).

Abstract

The implantation of controlled drug release devices represents a new strategy in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders Sol-gel titania implants filled with valproic acid, have been used for this purpose to treat induced epilepsy in rats The kinetics of the drug release depend on. (a) porosity, (b) chemical interactions between valproic acid and surface hydroxyl groups of titania, (c) particle size, and (d) particle size agglomerates The concentration of water used in the hydrolysis reaction is an important variable in the degree of porosity, hydroxylation, and structural defects of the nanostructured titanium oxide reservoir The titanium n-butoxide/water ratio was systematically varied during the sol-gel synthesis, while maintaining the amount of valproic acid constant. Characterization studies were performed using DTA-TGA, FTIR, Raman, TEM, SEM, BET, and in vitro release kinetic measurements The particle agglomerate size and porosity were found to depend on the amount of water used in the sol-gel reactio.

Abstract

Magnetometry results have shown that gold NPs (similar to 2 nm in size) protected with phosphine and chlorine ligands exhibit permanent magnetism. When the NPs size decreases down to the subnanometric size range, e.g. undecagold atom clusters, the permanent magnetism disappears. The near edge structure of the X-ray absorption spectroscopy data points out that charge transfer between gold and the capping system occurs in both cases. These results strongly suggest that nearly metallic Au bonds are also required for the induction of a magnetic response. Electron paramagnetic resonance observations indicate that the contribution to magnetism from eventual iron impurities can be disregarded.

Abstract

In this work amorphous silicon oxynitride films with similar composition (ca. Si0.40N0.45O0.10) were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure Si target under different N-2-Ar mixtures. Rutherford backscattering (RBS) studies revealed that the coatings presented similar composition but different density. The mechanical properties evaluated by nanoindentation show also a dependence on the deposition conditions that does not correlate with a change in composition. An increase in nitrogen content in the gas phase results in a decrease of hardness and Young's modulus. The microstructural study by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG) on non-metalized samples allowed the detection of a close porosity in the form of nano-voids (3-15 nm in size), particularly in the coatings prepared under pure N-2 gas. It has been shown how the presence of the close porosity allows tuning the refraction index of the films in a wide range of values without modifying significantly the chemical, thermal and mechanical stability of the film.

Abstract

An enhanced fluorescent emission of the dye Rhodamine 800 in the Near-IR is observed in the presence of other xanthene dye molecules (RhX) when they are hosted in different matrices due to the formation of a new type of fluorescent J-heteroaggregates.

This enhanced emission of the acceptor occurs despite the low spectral overlapping and the low quantum yield of Rh800.

Abstract

A series of nanosized W,N-codoped and single-doped N- and W-anatase-TiO2 catalysts have been prepared by a microemulsion method and calcined at different temperatures. The activity in the sunlight selective photo-oxidation of toluene and styrene has been correlated with structural, electronic, and surface examinations of the catalysts done with the help of XRD-Rietveld, N-2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron, infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopies. Irrespective of the reaction, W,N-codoped nanocatalysts showed an enhanced photoactivity with respect to bare anatase and single-doped N-TiO2 and W-TiO2 materials. A strong W-N synergistic interaction appears to play a decisive role in driving the excellent photoactivity performance of W,N-codoped materials by affecting (i) electronic properties, particularly maximizing the anatase band gap decrease and enhancing the subsequent visible light photon absorption, and (ii) surface properties, in turn related to the formation of OH radicals upon light excitation. The maximum photoactivity is reached by calcination at 450 degrees C and is concomitantly observed with a near complete selectivity to partial oxidation products. Higher calcination temperatures yielded solids with significantly inferior photocatalytic performance. The properties of the W-N interaction are discussed as a function of the calcination temperature.