Pub Date : 2024-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100659
Grzegorz Greczynski, Jun Lu, Vladyslav Rogoz, Lars Hultman
Sample charging during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of electrically insulating samples is a widely recognized challenge of this essential technique. If the electron loss caused by the photoelectric effect is not compensated due to specimens’ poor electrical conductivity, the positive charge building up in the surface region results in an uncontrolled shift of detected core level peaks to higher binding energy (BE). This seriously complicates chemical bonding assignment, which is based on measured peak positions, and accounts for a large spread in reported core level BE values. Here, we show that peaks from several industry-relevant oxides, serving as model insulators, typically displaced by several eV due to charging, shift back to positions characteristic of electrically-neutral samples following ex-situ capping with a few nm thick metallic layer with low affinity to oxygen. The effect is present only if the capping layers contain sufficiently large non-oxidized volume that provides long-range conduction paths to grounded Cu clamps, while being thin enough to allow for recording high quality spectra from the underlying insulators. The versatility of the charging elimination is demonstrated for different oxides/cap combinations, air exposure times, and sample types (including thin film and bulk specimens).
在对电绝缘样品进行 X 射线光电子能谱分析时,样品充电是这一重要技术面临的公认挑战。如果由于试样导电性差而无法弥补光电效应造成的电子损耗,那么表面区域积累的正电荷就会导致检测到的核级峰值不受控制地向更高的结合能(BE)移动。这严重影响了根据测量到的峰值位置进行的化学键分配,并导致报告的核心水平 BE 值存在较大差异。在这里,我们展示了几种工业相关氧化物的峰值,作为模型绝缘体,这些峰值通常会因充电而偏移几个 eV,在原位封盖几纳米厚的与氧亲和力低的金属层后,这些峰值会移回电中性样品的特征位置。只有当封盖层含有足够大的非氧化体积,为接地的铜夹钳提供长程传导路径,同时又足够薄以允许从底层绝缘体记录高质量光谱时,才会出现这种效应。针对不同的氧化物/封盖组合、空气暴露时间和样品类型(包括薄膜和块状试样),演示了充电消除的多功能性。
{"title":"Eliminating surface charging in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of insulators for reliable bonding assignments","authors":"Grzegorz Greczynski, Jun Lu, Vladyslav Rogoz, Lars Hultman","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sample charging during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of electrically insulating samples is a widely recognized challenge of this essential technique. If the electron loss caused by the photoelectric effect is not compensated due to specimens’ poor electrical conductivity, the positive charge building up in the surface region results in an uncontrolled shift of detected core level peaks to higher binding energy (BE). This seriously complicates chemical bonding assignment, which is based on measured peak positions, and accounts for a large spread in reported core level BE values. Here, we show that peaks from several industry-relevant oxides, serving as model insulators, typically displaced by several eV due to charging, shift back to positions characteristic of electrically-neutral samples following <em>ex-situ</em> capping with a few nm thick metallic layer with low affinity to oxygen. The effect is present only if the capping layers contain sufficiently large non-oxidized volume that provides long-range conduction paths to grounded Cu clamps, while being thin enough to allow for recording high quality spectra from the underlying insulators. The versatility of the charging elimination is demonstrated for different oxides/cap combinations, air exposure times, and sample types (including thin film and bulk specimens).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100659"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142661442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100657
A․J․González Fá , P. Bechthold , A. Juan , J.M. Marchetti
Numerous studies have reported that the addition of glycerol at the onset of an oil transesterification reaction with methanol, catalyzed by CaO, significantly accelerates the reaction. The role of glycerol, which is also a reaction product, is not yet fully understood. The formation of glycerolate structures, in both solid and polymeric forms, has been proposed to actively contribute to the reaction rate. In previous works, we have simulated the formation of incipient OH and ethoxide species on the CaO during ethanol adsorption, and bidentate species between formic acid and the surface. In the present work we have investigated, using DFT-based simulations, the possible initial stages in the formation of glycerolate on CaO (001) surfaces. Our results indicate the bonding of two OHs from glycerol with the surface. We also detected the possible rupture of these OHs by a strong decrease in the bonding order (BO), up to 75%. At the same time, the formation of Oglycerol―Ca bonds and the decrease in the BO of the surface Ca―O bonds of up to 61% are detected. A charge transfer from the surface to the molecule is also observed. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the changes in the geometry and electronic structure of the glycerol and the surface before and after adsorption is conducted.
许多研究报告指出,在 CaO 催化下,在油类与甲醇发生酯交换反应之初加入甘油,可显著加快反应速度。甘油也是一种反应产物,其作用尚未完全明了。有人提出,固体和聚合物形式的甘油酸酯结构的形成对反应速率有积极的促进作用。在之前的研究中,我们模拟了乙醇吸附过程中在 CaO 上形成的初生 OH 和乙氧物种,以及甲酸与表面之间的双齿型物种。在本研究中,我们利用基于 DFT 的模拟研究了甘油酸盐在 CaO (001) 表面形成的可能初始阶段。我们的研究结果表明,甘油中的两个羟基与表面结合。我们还通过键合阶(BO)的强烈下降(高达 75%)检测到了这些羟基的可能断裂。同时,我们还检测到甘油-钙键的形成,以及表面 Ca-O 键的键序(BO)降低达 61%。还观察到电荷从表面转移到分子。此外,还对甘油和表面在吸附前后的几何和电子结构变化进行了详细分析。
{"title":"The formation of calcium glycerolate as an active species in the synthesis of biodiesel. A DFT study","authors":"A․J․González Fá , P. Bechthold , A. Juan , J.M. Marchetti","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous studies have reported that the addition of glycerol at the onset of an oil transesterification reaction with methanol, catalyzed by CaO, significantly accelerates the reaction. The role of glycerol, which is also a reaction product, is not yet fully understood. The formation of glycerolate structures, in both solid and polymeric forms, has been proposed to actively contribute to the reaction rate. In previous works, we have simulated the formation of incipient OH and ethoxide species on the CaO during ethanol adsorption, and bidentate species between formic acid and the surface. In the present work we have investigated, using DFT-based simulations, the possible initial stages in the formation of glycerolate on CaO (001) surfaces. Our results indicate the bonding of two OHs from glycerol with the surface. We also detected the possible rupture of these OHs by a strong decrease in the bonding order (BO), up to 75%. At the same time, the formation of O<sub>glycerol</sub>―Ca bonds and the decrease in the BO of the surface Ca―O bonds of up to 61% are detected. A charge transfer from the surface to the molecule is also observed. Additionally, a detailed analysis of the changes in the geometry and electronic structure of the glycerol and the surface before and after adsorption is conducted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100657"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142661441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Titanium alloy implants release metallic ions into the bloodstream and high corrosion rate in physiological environment due to change in pH level. Here in, bio-ceramic HA coating and HA based binary composite coating (HA/TiO2 and HA/ZrO2) have been developed on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy for improvement in corrosion resistance and reduction in the metal ion release. In this study, HA, HA/TiO2, and HA/ZrO2 coating have been developed by using a 400 W, 1070 nm fiber laser cladding process. Microstructural characterization was performed using 3D-optical profilometer, FESEM, EDS, and XRD, while electrochemical properties were analyzed in simulated body fluid. The Ca/P ratio indicated HA decomposition into calcium phosphate during the laser process. Phase analysis identified α-Ti, Ca2P2O7, TiO2, and CaTiO3 in HA/TiO2 cladding, and α-Ti, Ca3(PO4)2, Ca2P2O7, TiO2, CaTiO3, and CaZrO3 in HA/ZrO2 cladding. The analysis revealed that HA-based composite cladding produced a more corrosion resistant surface as compared to HA cladding and Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. However, HA/TiO2 composite cladding significantly reduced corrosion current density, corrosion rate and increasing polarization resistance.
From the obtained results it is concluded that HA/ TiO2 and HA/ ZrO2 composite coating developed by laser cladding process, give cracks free structure and significantly decreased corrosion rate as compared to HA coating. This composite coating would be beneficial for improving orthopedic implant performance, and long-term durability.
钛合金植入物会向血液中释放金属离子,在生理环境中会因 pH 值变化而产生高腐蚀率。在此,我们在 Ti-6Al-4 V 合金上开发了生物陶瓷 HA 涂层和基于 HA 的二元复合涂层(HA/TiO2 和 HA/ZrO2),以提高耐腐蚀性并减少金属离子释放。在这项研究中,采用 400 W、1070 nm 光纤激光熔覆工艺开发了 HA、HA/TiO2 和 HA/ZrO2 涂层。使用三维光学轮廓仪、FESEM、EDS 和 XRD 进行了微结构表征,并在模拟体液中分析了电化学特性。Ca/P 比率表明 HA 在激光过程中分解为磷酸钙。相分析表明,在 HA/TiO2 包层中存在 α-Ti、Ca2P2O7、TiO2 和 CaTiO3;在 HA/ZrO2 包层中存在 α-Ti、Ca3(PO4)2、Ca2P2O7、TiO2、CaTiO3 和 CaZrO3。分析表明,与 HA 包层和 Ti-6Al-4 V 合金相比,HA 基复合包层产生了更耐腐蚀的表面。从获得的结果可以得出结论,与 HA 涂层相比,通过激光熔覆工艺开发的 HA/ TiO2 和 HA/ ZrO2 复合涂层具有无裂纹结构,并能显著降低腐蚀速率。这种复合涂层有利于提高骨科植入物的性能和长期耐久性。
{"title":"Microstructural characterization and corrosion analysis of HA/TiO2 and HA/ZrO2 composite coating on Ti- alloy by laser cladding","authors":"Renu Kumari , Sumit Kumar , Alok Kumar Das , Ananad Mohan Murmu , Kumari Kanchan","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Titanium alloy implants release metallic ions into the bloodstream and high corrosion rate in physiological environment due to change in pH level. Here in, bio-ceramic HA coating and HA based binary composite coating (HA/TiO<sub>2</sub> and HA/ZrO<sub>2</sub>) have been developed on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy for improvement in corrosion resistance and reduction in the metal ion release. In this study, HA, HA/TiO<sub>2</sub>, and HA/ZrO<sub>2</sub> coating have been developed by using a 400 W, 1070 nm fiber laser cladding process. Microstructural characterization was performed using 3D-optical profilometer, FESEM, EDS, and XRD, while electrochemical properties were analyzed in simulated body fluid. The Ca/P ratio indicated HA decomposition into calcium phosphate during the laser process. Phase analysis identified α-Ti, Ca<sub>2</sub>P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>, TiO<sub>2</sub>, and CaTiO<sub>3</sub> in HA/TiO<sub>2</sub> cladding, and α-Ti, Ca<sub>3</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, Ca<sub>2</sub>P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>, TiO<sub>2</sub>, CaTiO<sub>3</sub>, and CaZrO<sub>3</sub> in HA/ZrO<sub>2</sub> cladding. The analysis revealed that HA-based composite cladding produced a more corrosion resistant surface as compared to HA cladding and Ti-6Al-4 V alloy. However, HA/TiO<sub>2</sub> composite cladding significantly reduced corrosion current density, corrosion rate and increasing polarization resistance.</div><div>From the obtained results it is concluded that HA/ TiO<sub>2</sub> and HA/ ZrO<sub>2</sub> composite coating developed by laser cladding process, give cracks free structure and significantly decreased corrosion rate as compared to HA coating. This composite coating would be beneficial for improving orthopedic implant performance, and long-term durability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100655"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142661444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100652
B. Sureshkumar , G. Navaneethakrishnan , S. Vidyasagar , R. Palanisamy , Subhashree Choudhury
Delrin is the best additional material for metals because of its inherent qualities, such as great wear resistance and tensile strength. The main aim of this work is to investigate how independent variables like feed rate, spindle speed, and depth of cut are significant for dependent variables such as surface roughness, temperature, stresses, and material removal rate on novel material Delrin. The independent variable ranges are selected based on tool and workpiece material combinations and machine tool specification as spindle speed 230 – 844 rpm, feed rate 0.5 – 1.5 mm/rev, and depth of cut 1 – 3 mm. Based on the L27 orthogonal array experimental plan 27 numbers of experiments are conducted by the design of experiment concepts. The theoretical investigation through response surface methodology is also conducted to establish how independent variables affected dependent variables when Delrin was being machined. The independent variable's significance is determined by the ANOVA table for all the considered responses. In addition to the considered flow of work, the experiential model is developed by the utilization of regression analysis. The developed models are confirmed by experimental data and the models have the best validation results with the experimental results.
{"title":"Performance analysis of turning operation parameters empirically on Delrin","authors":"B. Sureshkumar , G. Navaneethakrishnan , S. Vidyasagar , R. Palanisamy , Subhashree Choudhury","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Delrin is the best additional material for metals because of its inherent qualities, such as great wear resistance and tensile strength. The main aim of this work is to investigate how independent variables like feed rate, spindle speed, and depth of cut are significant for dependent variables such as surface roughness, temperature, stresses, and material removal rate on novel material Delrin. The independent variable ranges are selected based on tool and workpiece material combinations and machine tool specification as spindle speed 230 – 844 rpm, feed rate 0.5 – 1.5 mm/rev, and depth of cut 1 – 3 mm. Based on the L27 orthogonal array experimental plan 27 numbers of experiments are conducted by the design of experiment concepts. The theoretical investigation through response surface methodology is also conducted to establish how independent variables affected dependent variables when Delrin was being machined. The independent variable's significance is determined by the ANOVA table for all the considered responses. In addition to the considered flow of work, the experiential model is developed by the utilization of regression analysis. The developed models are confirmed by experimental data and the models have the best validation results with the experimental results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100652"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142571493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100651
Alfredo Juan
{"title":"The essential synergy between experiments and theory in applied surface science","authors":"Alfredo Juan","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100651","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-25DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100649
Andrea Garfias , María Sarret , Javier Sánchez , Irene G. Cano , Vicente Albaladejo-Fuentes , Teresa Andreu
This work investigates the microstructure and manufacturing control of the masked Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) strategy for producing of new bipolar plates (BPPs) for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, using low-cost, lightweight, and machinable materials. CSAM is a solid-state process capable of fabricating 3D patterned parts based on a bottom-up approach using masks with a desired pattern. This study focuses on the dimensional and microstructural characteristics of pin fins fabricated with spherical (Ti-S) and irregular (Ti-I) Ti powders using the masked CSAM technology. Additionally, the performance of both Ti parts for its application in PEM electrolyzers was evaluated in terms of corrosion resistance and interfacial contact resistance (ICR). The results demonstrated that the masked CSAM technology allowed precise control and customization of the dimensions of the 3D-printed pin fins, obtaining porosity values of 6 ± 1 % for Ti-S and 4 ± 1 % for Ti-I. The evaluation of the corrosion resistance of the CSAM Ti patterned parts showed that for both Ti-S and Ti-I powders a stable oxide film at the typical operation potential (1.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) of a PEM water electrolyzer was formed without signs of pitting corrosion. Finally, at a compaction pressure of 150 N/cm2 ICR values of 42 ± 19, 40 ± 13, and 24 ± 7 mΩ·cm2 were obtained for Ti-I, Ti-S, and standard Ti Bulk, respectively. The results suggest than the masked CSAM technology shows great potential for the fabrication of Ti BPPs.
{"title":"Manufacturing and properties characterization of Ti patterned coatings for water electrolyzers by CSAM","authors":"Andrea Garfias , María Sarret , Javier Sánchez , Irene G. Cano , Vicente Albaladejo-Fuentes , Teresa Andreu","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work investigates the microstructure and manufacturing control of the masked Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) strategy for producing of new bipolar plates (BPPs) for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, using low-cost, lightweight, and machinable materials. CSAM is a solid-state process capable of fabricating 3D patterned parts based on a bottom-up approach using masks with a desired pattern. This study focuses on the dimensional and microstructural characteristics of pin fins fabricated with spherical (Ti-S) and irregular (Ti-I) Ti powders using the masked CSAM technology. Additionally, the performance of both Ti parts for its application in PEM electrolyzers was evaluated in terms of corrosion resistance and interfacial contact resistance (ICR). The results demonstrated that the masked CSAM technology allowed precise control and customization of the dimensions of the 3D-printed pin fins, obtaining porosity values of 6 ± 1 % for Ti-S and 4 ± 1 % for Ti-I. The evaluation of the corrosion resistance of the CSAM Ti patterned parts showed that for both Ti-S and Ti-I powders a stable oxide film at the typical operation potential (1.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) of a PEM water electrolyzer was formed without signs of pitting corrosion. Finally, at a compaction pressure of 150 N/cm<sup>2</sup> ICR values of 42 ± 19, 40 ± 13, and 24 ± 7 mΩ·cm<sup>2</sup> were obtained for Ti-I, Ti-S, and standard Ti Bulk, respectively. The results suggest than the masked CSAM technology shows great potential for the fabrication of Ti BPPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100649"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142528419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100648
Divya Kumar, Marek Białoruski, Witold Piskorz, Andrzej Kotarba
Effective surface functionalization of carbon nanomaterials plays a crucial role in various applications. We investigated the impact of edges on surface functionalization and stability of oxygen-modified carbon materials using a combination of experimental techniques and Density Functional Theory (DFT) insights. Graphenic paper, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), and graphenic flakes were employed as model systems, with oxygen plasma treatment (generator power 100 W, oxygen pressure 0.2 mbar, exposure time 6 – 300 s) serving as the modification method. Surface morphology and chemical composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed the introduction of oxygen functional groups on the investigated carbon surfaces (up to 20 at % by XPS) whereas; the structural integrity of the materials remained intact upon plasma modification (SEM, Raman). Work function was used as a sensitive parameter for monitoring the surface changes (increase by ∼1.4 eV, 1.3 eV, and 1 eV for graphenic paper, HOPG, and graphenic flakes, respectively) while time-dependent measurements revealed distinct kinetic processes governing the decay of functionalization, highlighting the role of surface defects in post-plasma processes. DFT calculations provided molecular-level insights into the surface processes, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the diffusion of hydroxyls, their recombination, and water desorption. Since the calculated activation barrier for recombination on basal graphenic planes (∼1.0 eV) and edges (∼5.5 eV) are distinctly different, it can be thus concluded that the persistent functionalization is due to the surface edges. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of surface modification processes of carbon materials and offer rationales for the design of advanced functional nanomaterials with tailored surface properties.
{"title":"Exploring the role of edges in surface functionalization and stability of plasma-modified carbon materials: Experimental and DFT insights","authors":"Divya Kumar, Marek Białoruski, Witold Piskorz, Andrzej Kotarba","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2024.100648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective surface functionalization of carbon nanomaterials plays a crucial role in various applications. We investigated the impact of edges on surface functionalization and stability of oxygen-modified carbon materials using a combination of experimental techniques and Density Functional Theory (DFT) insights. Graphenic paper, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), and graphenic flakes were employed as model systems, with oxygen plasma treatment (generator power 100 W, oxygen pressure 0.2 mbar, exposure time 6 – 300 s) serving as the modification method. Surface morphology and chemical composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed the introduction of oxygen functional groups on the investigated carbon surfaces (up to 20 at % by XPS) whereas; the structural integrity of the materials remained intact upon plasma modification (SEM, Raman). Work function was used as a sensitive parameter for monitoring the surface changes (increase by ∼1.4 eV, 1.3 eV, and 1 eV for graphenic paper, HOPG, and graphenic flakes, respectively) while time-dependent measurements revealed distinct kinetic processes governing the decay of functionalization, highlighting the role of surface defects in post-plasma processes. DFT calculations provided molecular-level insights into the surface processes, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the diffusion of hydroxyls, their recombination, and water desorption. Since the calculated activation barrier for recombination on basal graphenic planes (∼1.0 eV) and edges (∼5.5 eV) are distinctly different, it can be thus concluded that the persistent functionalization is due to the surface edges. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of surface modification processes of carbon materials and offer rationales for the design of advanced functional nanomaterials with tailored surface properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100648"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142528418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}