Surface modification of polymeric membranes presents a promising strategy for enhancing their antifouling and antibacterial performance in water treatment applications. In this research, PES/PVA composite membranes were engineered with MXene and ZnO nanoparticles using the phase inversion method. The morphology of MXene was previously confirmed via FE-SEM, and the resulting membranes were comprehensively characterized using FE-SEM, AFM, EDX, ATR-FTIR, water contact angle analysis, porosity and pore size measurements, and mechanical testing. Performance evaluations revealed that the incorporation of MXene significantly improved water flux (360.6 L/m²·h), achieving more than a threefold increase compared to pristine PES membranes (108.6 L/m²·h). Additionally, PEG facilitated improved porosity and permeability. The optimized PES/PVA-MXene membrane exhibited an impressive flux recovery rate (FRR) of 89.3 % and a BSA rejection rate of 94.7 %, indicating superior antifouling behavior. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further confirmed the enhanced water affinity and interfacial interactions induced by MXene and ZnO incorporation. These findings highlight the synergistic potential of hybrid nanomaterials in developing next-generation ultrafiltration membranes with dual antifouling and antibacterial functionalities.
{"title":"Advancing antifouling and antibacterial performance of composite membranes (MXene / ZnO nanoparticle) reinforcement: A combined experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study","authors":"Fatemeh Badavar, Leila Lotfikatooli, Nasibeh Hajilary","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100857","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Surface modification of polymeric membranes presents a promising strategy for enhancing their antifouling and antibacterial performance in water treatment applications. In this research, PES/PVA composite membranes were engineered with MXene and ZnO nanoparticles using the phase inversion method. The morphology of MXene was previously confirmed via FE-SEM, and the resulting membranes were comprehensively characterized using FE-SEM, AFM, EDX, ATR-FTIR, water contact angle analysis, porosity and pore size measurements, and mechanical testing. Performance evaluations revealed that the incorporation of MXene significantly improved water flux (360.6 L/m²·h), achieving more than a threefold increase compared to pristine PES membranes (108.6 L/m²·h). Additionally, PEG facilitated improved porosity and permeability. The optimized PES/PVA-MXene membrane exhibited an impressive flux recovery rate (FRR) of 89.3 % and a BSA rejection rate of 94.7 %, indicating superior antifouling behavior. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further confirmed the enhanced water affinity and interfacial interactions induced by MXene and ZnO incorporation. These findings highlight the synergistic potential of hybrid nanomaterials in developing next-generation ultrafiltration membranes with dual antifouling and antibacterial functionalities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100857"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-29DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100888
Melina I. Hankovits , Julieta L. Merlo , Nabila Yasmeen , Anna-Maria Pappa , Josefina Ballarre , Silvia M. Ceré
When a small mechanically resistant bone implant is required, magnesium (Mg) based alloys are promising materials to avoid a second removal surgery. Mg is abundant in the human body and excretable. However, Mg alloys have the disadvantage of fast corrosion rate at early implantation times. One technique to reduce degradation and hydrogen evolution is to use surface modifications in order to control it and to match bone healing rate. Additionally, local antibiotic therapy is preferable than systemic antibiotics because it reduces the risk of infection and potential implant failure. This study investigates the biocorrosion and microbiological response of AZ91 magnesium alloy with a simple and novel carbonate-phosphate pre-treatment and silica-gentamicin nanoparticles, aiming to control initial degradation, enhancing antibacterial properties, and preserving biocompatibility and cellular response. It is shown that the pre-treated alloy diminishes degradation rate in simulated body fluid when compared with the untreated samples, evaluated by different superficial, microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Hemocompatibility tests and biocompatibility assays with fibroblast cell lines, along with anti-bacterial tests show that the proposed surface modification, present a biocompatible, bioactive and antibacterial surface. This work is a breakthrough in the development of degradable implants for use in orthopaedic surgery where infections are always a concern.
{"title":"Microbiological and in vitro degradation response of a magnesium alloy with new surface functionalization for use as temporary bone implants","authors":"Melina I. Hankovits , Julieta L. Merlo , Nabila Yasmeen , Anna-Maria Pappa , Josefina Ballarre , Silvia M. Ceré","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When a small mechanically resistant bone implant is required, magnesium (Mg) based alloys are promising materials to avoid a second removal surgery. Mg is abundant in the human body and excretable. However, Mg alloys have the disadvantage of fast corrosion rate at early implantation times. One technique to reduce degradation and hydrogen evolution is to use surface modifications in order to control it and to match bone healing rate. Additionally, local antibiotic therapy is preferable than systemic antibiotics because it reduces the risk of infection and potential implant failure. This study investigates the biocorrosion and microbiological response of AZ91 magnesium alloy with a simple and novel carbonate-phosphate pre-treatment and silica-gentamicin nanoparticles, aiming to control initial degradation, enhancing antibacterial properties, and preserving biocompatibility and cellular response. It is shown that the pre-treated alloy diminishes degradation rate in simulated body fluid when compared with the untreated samples, evaluated by different superficial, microscopic, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Hemocompatibility tests and biocompatibility assays with fibroblast cell lines, along with anti-bacterial tests show that the proposed surface modification, present a biocompatible, bioactive and antibacterial surface. This work is a breakthrough in the development of degradable implants for use in orthopaedic surgery where infections are always a concern.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100888"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100860
L. Lounis, B. Aspe, P. Birnal, L. Gimenez, A. Sauldubois, H. Rabat, A-L Thomann, N. Semmar
In this work, the formation of deep laser-induced periodic surface structures (D-LIPSS) on N-type silicon (100) was investigated using femtosecond laser pulses (pulse duration = 350 fs; wavelength = 1030 nm; repetition rate = 100 kHz) with linear polarization. Experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure and at 1 mbar under various atmospheres, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and ambient air, in both static mode (accumulation of successive pulses) and scanning mode (sample displacement under the beam). The study aimed to better understand the mechanisms involved in ultrashort laser-induced surface structuring by examining the influence of atmospheric pressure and gas composition on the morphology, topography, chemical composition, and wettability of the fabricated structures. Morphological characterization using SEM, AFM, and TEM revealed the formation of D-LIPSS with amplitudes around 650 ± 50 nm, significantly exceeding typical values reported in the literature. Material redeposition was markedly reduced under low-pressure conditions compared to atmospheric pressure, leading to cleaner and more well-defined surface structures.
{"title":"Physico-Chemical characterization of D-LIPSS formation by femtosecond laser beam on N-doped (100) silicon under controlled atmospheres","authors":"L. Lounis, B. Aspe, P. Birnal, L. Gimenez, A. Sauldubois, H. Rabat, A-L Thomann, N. Semmar","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, the formation of deep laser-induced periodic surface structures (D-LIPSS) on N-type silicon (100) was investigated using femtosecond laser pulses (pulse duration = 350 fs; wavelength = 1030 nm; repetition rate = 100 kHz) with linear polarization. Experiments were performed at atmospheric pressure and at 1 mbar under various atmospheres, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and ambient air, in both static mode (accumulation of successive pulses) and scanning mode (sample displacement under the beam). The study aimed to better understand the mechanisms involved in ultrashort laser-induced surface structuring by examining the influence of atmospheric pressure and gas composition on the morphology, topography, chemical composition, and wettability of the fabricated structures. Morphological characterization using SEM, AFM, and TEM revealed the formation of D-LIPSS with amplitudes around 650 ± 50 nm, significantly exceeding typical values reported in the literature. Material redeposition was markedly reduced under low-pressure conditions compared to atmospheric pressure, leading to cleaner and more well-defined surface structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100860"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100896
Nicola Blangetti , Francesca S. Freyria , Maela Manzoli , Paola Rivolo , Alessandro Piovano , Hamideh Darjazi , Nicoletta Ditaranto , Barbara Patrizi , Sandra Doria , Barbara Bonelli
Mixed-phase TiO₂ systems offer unique opportunities for enhancing photocatalytic performance via interpolymorph junctions (homojunctions). While anatase/rutile interfaces have been extensively studied, anatase/brookite junctions remain comparatively underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that homojunctions between anatase and brookite, formed via a template-free, pH-controlled synthesis and low-temperature calcination (200 °C), significantly enhance photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light. High-resolution TEM reveals direct anatase/brookite junctions without isolated brookite crystallites. At the same time, IR spectroscopy detects the formation of CO2.− radical ions, suggesting that the homojunctions act as active defect sites, potentially contributing to visible light absorption or increasing photocatalytic performance. Notably, the surface generation of CO2.− under mild conditions could open new perspectives for CO₂ activation and solar fuel production, while also positioning this species as a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis for the formation of carboxylic acids. Compared to an anatase/brookite/rutile system obtained through calcination at 600 °C, the sample calcined at low temperature exhibits superior performance in degrading paracetamol, a model emerging contaminant in city water. Importantly, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) enables direct identification of paracetamol degradation intermediates, revealing a mechanistic pathway similar to that promoted by a commercial anatase/rutile TiO2. These findings underscore the potential of anatase/brookite homojunctions as efficient charge-separating interfaces, as further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
{"title":"Unveiling the synergistic role of anatase/brookite homojunctions in TiO2 mixed phases on the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol under simulated solar light and the formation of CO2.− radical ion","authors":"Nicola Blangetti , Francesca S. Freyria , Maela Manzoli , Paola Rivolo , Alessandro Piovano , Hamideh Darjazi , Nicoletta Ditaranto , Barbara Patrizi , Sandra Doria , Barbara Bonelli","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100896","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100896","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mixed-phase TiO₂ systems offer unique opportunities for enhancing photocatalytic performance via interpolymorph junctions (homojunctions). While anatase/rutile interfaces have been extensively studied, anatase/brookite junctions remain comparatively underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that homojunctions between anatase and brookite, formed via a template-free, pH-controlled synthesis and low-temperature calcination (200 °C), significantly enhance photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light. High-resolution TEM reveals direct anatase/brookite junctions without isolated brookite crystallites. At the same time, IR spectroscopy detects the formation of CO<sub>2</sub><sup>.−</sup> radical ions, suggesting that the homojunctions act as active defect sites, potentially contributing to visible light absorption or increasing photocatalytic performance. Notably, the surface generation of CO<sub>2</sub><sup>.−</sup> under mild conditions could open new perspectives for CO₂ activation and solar fuel production, while also positioning this species as a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis for the formation of carboxylic acids. Compared to an anatase/brookite/rutile system obtained through calcination at 600 °C, the sample calcined at low temperature exhibits superior performance in degrading paracetamol, a model emerging contaminant in city water. Importantly, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) enables direct identification of paracetamol degradation intermediates, revealing a mechanistic pathway similar to that promoted by a commercial anatase/rutile TiO<sub>2</sub>. These findings underscore the potential of anatase/brookite homojunctions as efficient charge-separating interfaces, as further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100896"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100894
Nirmal Kumar , Akash Kumar , Jiří Čapek , Elisabetta Comini , Stanislav Haviar
We demonstrate a high-performing and selective acetone gas sensor based on WO3/CuWO4 nanocomposites produced by sequentially sputter-deposited WO3 thin films and CuO nanoparticles, engineered to reduce the humidity interference. By optimizing deposition order and layer thicknesses, we harnessed synergistic p-n/n-n heterojunctions and the formation of a catalytic CuWO₄ ternary phase. The best performing configuration (20 nm of tungsten oxide film on top of nanoparticles) exhibits a high response (S = 23) to 10 ppm acetone at 300 °C, fast response in dry/humid conditions (38 s/58 s), and low detection limit (0.6 ppm). More importantly, the sensor exhibited > 95 % retention of its response in 90 % relative humidity compared to a loss of >50 % for pristine WO3. The reduced humidity interference is assigned to heterojunction formation at the WO3/CuWO4 interface, Lewis acid sites that allow for acetone selective adsorption, and bulk-dominated conduction. This noble-metal-free acetone sensor overcomes a known shortcoming of metal oxide-based sensors, enabling accurate acetone detection in humid environments for breath-based disease diagnosis (e.g., diabetes) and industrial safety monitoring.
我们展示了一种基于WO3/CuWO4纳米复合材料的高性能和选择性丙酮气体传感器，该复合材料由顺序溅射沉积的WO3薄膜和CuO纳米颗粒制成，旨在减少湿度干扰。通过优化沉积顺序和层厚，我们利用协同p-n/n-n异质结和催化CuWO₄三元相的形成。最佳配置（纳米颗粒顶部的氧化钨膜为20 nm）在300°C下对10 ppm丙酮具有高响应（S = 23），在干燥/潮湿条件下具有快速响应（38 S /58 S）和低检测限（0.6 ppm）。更重要的是，在90%的相对湿度下，传感器的响应保持率为95%，而在原始WO3环境下，传感器的响应损失为50%。减少的湿度干扰被分配到WO3/CuWO4界面的异质结形成，允许丙酮选择性吸附的刘易斯酸位点，以及体积主导的传导。这种不含贵金属的丙酮传感器克服了金属氧化物传感器的一个已知缺点，能够在潮湿环境中准确检测丙酮，用于基于呼吸的疾病诊断（例如糖尿病）和工业安全监测。
{"title":"WO3/CuWO4 nanocomposite thin films for humidity resilient acetone gas sensing","authors":"Nirmal Kumar , Akash Kumar , Jiří Čapek , Elisabetta Comini , Stanislav Haviar","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We demonstrate a high-performing and selective acetone gas sensor based on WO<sub>3</sub>/CuWO<sub>4</sub> nanocomposites produced by sequentially sputter-deposited WO<sub>3</sub> thin films and CuO nanoparticles, engineered to reduce the humidity interference. By optimizing deposition order and layer thicknesses, we harnessed synergistic <em>p</em>-<em>n</em>/<em>n</em>-<em>n</em> heterojunctions and the formation of a catalytic CuWO₄ ternary phase. The best performing configuration (20 nm of tungsten oxide film on top of nanoparticles) exhibits a high response (<em>S</em> = 23) to 10 ppm acetone at 300 °C, fast response in dry/humid conditions (38 s/58 s), and low detection limit (0.6 ppm). More importantly, the sensor exhibited > 95 % retention of its response in 90 % relative humidity compared to a loss of >50 % for pristine WO<sub>3</sub>. The reduced humidity interference is assigned to heterojunction formation at the WO<sub>3</sub>/CuWO<sub>4</sub> interface, Lewis acid sites that allow for acetone selective adsorption, and bulk-dominated conduction. This noble-metal-free acetone sensor overcomes a known shortcoming of metal oxide-based sensors, enabling accurate acetone detection in humid environments for breath-based disease diagnosis (<em>e.g.</em>, diabetes) and industrial safety monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100894"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145474440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100873
Elham Bastani , Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal , Sadegh Rostamnia
The nanoscale porosity and high surface area of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) contribute to enhanced dispersion of active sites, notably increasing their applicability in various fields, including catalysis. Here, a novel PMO material TdTc-PMO rich in S- and N-, containing thiadiazole and thiocarbamate (TdTc) bridge within its pore wall has been successfully synthesized. TdTc-PMO displays remarkable properties such as highly ordered 2D-hexagonal nanostructure, high surface area (527 m2 g‐1), and act as good hub for 1transition metals, such as PdNPs. By in situ depositing Pd nanoparticles into the mesochannels to produce a heterogeneous catalyst, the resulting material exhibits outstanding catalytic activity in the reduction of the water pollutant 4-nitrophenol.
{"title":"Organized Pd nanoparticles into the hybrid framework of S- and/N-Rich Thiadiazole/Thiocarbamate bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica","authors":"Elham Bastani , Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal , Sadegh Rostamnia","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100873","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100873","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nanoscale porosity and high surface area of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) contribute to enhanced dispersion of active sites, notably increasing their applicability in various fields, including catalysis. Here, a novel PMO material TdTc-PMO rich in S- and N-, containing thiadiazole and thiocarbamate (TdTc) bridge within its pore wall has been successfully synthesized. TdTc-PMO displays remarkable properties such as highly ordered 2D-hexagonal nanostructure, high surface area (527 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>‐1</sup>), and act as good hub for 1transition metals, such as PdNPs. By in situ depositing Pd nanoparticles into the mesochannels to produce a heterogeneous catalyst, the resulting material exhibits outstanding catalytic activity in the reduction of the water pollutant 4-nitrophenol.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100873"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145474441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100904
Inês M. Gonçalves , Diana Pinho , Joel Borges , Filipe Vaz , Andrea Zille , Takeshi Hori , Yuji Nashimoto , Hirokazu Kaji , Ana Moita , Graça Minas , Rui Lima
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely used material in the production of microfluidic devices and biomodels, due to its exceptional mechanical, chemical and biocompatible properties. Recently, a novel class of devices known as microphysiological systems have emerged, combining microfluidic technology and cell culture, mimicking the microphysiological features of the human body to facilitate the study of both healthy and pathological conditions. However, the hydrophobic nature of PDMS leads to several drawbacks including high fluid flow resistance, and non-specific molecule adsorption which impact the growth and proliferation of cell culture and the specificity of biochemical assays. The most popular technique to improve the PDMS surface wettability is the application of air or oxygen plasma treatment to its surface, providing only temporary effects and requiring specialized and high-cost equipment. Another strategy is modifying the bulk of the material by adding components to PDMS during the manufacturing process. By applying the latter approach, the present work presents a simple, robust, and low-cost method to modify the PDMS wettability for a long period of time. PDMS surfaces were modified using various concentrations of Brij L4 surfactant, either applied directly (bulk) or in combination with plasma treatment, and their performance was compared to the most commonly used traditional method, i.e., the oxygen plasma treatment. The PDMS surface’s wettability was assessed from a short period of time (hours) up to five months, demonstrating that the proposed method achieves stable hydrophilicity. Optical, morphological and mechanical surface properties, were observed to confirm that hydrophilic and transparent PDMS surfaces were successfully obtained. The non-specific adsorption was tested using serum albumin, and a significant adsorption reduction was observed. This innovative approach provides a simple, effective and unexpensive way to achieve stable PDMS wettability for a long-term period.
{"title":"Long-term hydrophilic PDMS surfaces using Brij L4: A simple and robust approach for biomedical applications","authors":"Inês M. Gonçalves , Diana Pinho , Joel Borges , Filipe Vaz , Andrea Zille , Takeshi Hori , Yuji Nashimoto , Hirokazu Kaji , Ana Moita , Graça Minas , Rui Lima","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100904","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100904","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely used material in the production of microfluidic devices and biomodels, due to its exceptional mechanical, chemical and biocompatible properties. Recently, a novel class of devices known as microphysiological systems have emerged, combining microfluidic technology and cell culture, mimicking the microphysiological features of the human body to facilitate the study of both healthy and pathological conditions. However, the hydrophobic nature of PDMS leads to several drawbacks including high fluid flow resistance, and non-specific molecule adsorption which impact the growth and proliferation of cell culture and the specificity of biochemical assays. The most popular technique to improve the PDMS surface wettability is the application of air or oxygen plasma treatment to its surface, providing only temporary effects and requiring specialized and high-cost equipment. Another strategy is modifying the bulk of the material by adding components to PDMS during the manufacturing process. By applying the latter approach, the present work presents a simple, robust, and low-cost method to modify the PDMS wettability for a long period of time. PDMS surfaces were modified using various concentrations of Brij L4 surfactant, either applied directly (bulk) or in combination with plasma treatment, and their performance was compared to the most commonly used traditional method, i.e., the oxygen plasma treatment. The PDMS surface’s wettability was assessed from a short period of time (hours) up to five months, demonstrating that the proposed method achieves stable hydrophilicity. Optical, morphological and mechanical surface properties, were observed to confirm that hydrophilic and transparent PDMS surfaces were successfully obtained. The non-specific adsorption was tested using serum albumin, and a significant adsorption reduction was observed. This innovative approach provides a simple, effective and unexpensive way to achieve stable PDMS wettability for a long-term period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100904"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100859
Lenka Pálková , Vilém Neděla , Jaroslava Bezděková , Eva Tihlaříková , František Martínek , Lucie Kracíková , Ladislav Androvič , Richard Laga
The demand for high-resolution imaging of nanomaterials continues to grow across disciplines. However, conventional support films for transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) are often limited by low beam resistance, suboptimal resolution, toxicity concerns, and high production costs. This study introduces a new application of a self-supporting, biocompatible thin film composed of hydrophilic, crosslinked poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (p(HPMA)) as an alternative to traditional carbon or organic polymer supports. The film forms a stable, continuous interfacial layer that promotes homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion and minimizes aggregation, critical factors for accurate analysis of nanoscale interfacial interactions. By embedding nanoparticles within the hydrated polymer matrix, the film provides a consistent and reproducible interface, enabling detailed observation of particle behavior, stability, and interactions at both solid-liquid and solid-vacuum boundaries. Resolution measurements show improvements of up to 29% over Formvar and 32% over graphene oxide. Film thicknesses range from 3.5 to 22.9 nm, spanning the holes in Lacey and Quantifoil grids. The film is produced using a rapid, scalable casting method using standard laboratory materials. TEM and STEM imaging confirm its structural and beam stability under accelerating voltages up to 200 kV. Nanoparticle dispersion and film integrity are preserved for at least six months. These findings highlight the potential of this polymer-based support film as a cost-effective and sustainable platform for high-resolution electron microscopy, with broad relevance to colloid and interface science, nanomedicine, and environmental nanotechnology.
{"title":"New self-supporting polymer thin film for nanoparticle analysis in STEM/TEM","authors":"Lenka Pálková , Vilém Neděla , Jaroslava Bezděková , Eva Tihlaříková , František Martínek , Lucie Kracíková , Ladislav Androvič , Richard Laga","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100859","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100859","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The demand for high-resolution imaging of nanomaterials continues to grow across disciplines. However, conventional support films for transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) are often limited by low beam resistance, suboptimal resolution, toxicity concerns, and high production costs. This study introduces a new application of a self-supporting, biocompatible thin film composed of hydrophilic, crosslinked poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (p(HPMA)) as an alternative to traditional carbon or organic polymer supports. The film forms a stable, continuous interfacial layer that promotes homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion and minimizes aggregation, critical factors for accurate analysis of nanoscale interfacial interactions. By embedding nanoparticles within the hydrated polymer matrix, the film provides a consistent and reproducible interface, enabling detailed observation of particle behavior, stability, and interactions at both solid-liquid and solid-vacuum boundaries. Resolution measurements show improvements of up to 29% over Formvar and 32% over graphene oxide. Film thicknesses range from 3.5 to 22.9 nm, spanning the holes in Lacey and Quantifoil grids. The film is produced using a rapid, scalable casting method using standard laboratory materials. TEM and STEM imaging confirm its structural and beam stability under accelerating voltages up to 200 kV. Nanoparticle dispersion and film integrity are preserved for at least six months. These findings highlight the potential of this polymer-based support film as a cost-effective and sustainable platform for high-resolution electron microscopy, with broad relevance to colloid and interface science, nanomedicine, and environmental nanotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100859"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100910
Yangmei Yu, Mohammad Bhuyan, Priyadharshini Perumal, Tero Luukkonen
Ion exchange on porous geopolymer granules represents a potentially promising unit process for ammonium (NH4+) recovery from wastewater. However, the previous studies have not systematically optimized the regeneration nor evaluated the robustness of the ammonium recovery over extended adsorption/regeneration cycles. In this study, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaNO3, KNO3, K2SO4, CH3COOH, and combined NaOH/NaCl at concentrations of 0.3–0.9 M and thermal regeneration at 500 °C were compared for the regeneration of NH4+-saturated geopolymer granules. 0.9 M KNO3 exhibited the best performance. The adsorption/regeneration cycles were repeated 30 times in synthetic wastewater and 5 times in tertiary municipal wastewater (directly or after filtration with 0.45 µm membrane). The porous geopolymer granules (size 2–4 mm) had an average NH4+ ion exchange capacity of 9.0 mg/g and NH4+ recovery of 51–98 % over the 30 adsorption/regeneration cycles in synthetic wastewater (initial concentration 500 mg/L). After 20 cycles, the ion exchange capacity of the granules started to decrease. The characterization of the granules after 30 cycles indicated that a minor amount of µm-sized particles were disintegrated from their surface and 70 % of the Al sites were no longer converted into K-form during regeneration. In municipal wastewater, the NH4+ uptake was 3.9 mg/g on average (initial concentration of 67 mg/L). The NH4+ recovery was 68 % and 74 % during the 5th cycle in raw tertiary wastewater and filtrated wastewater, respectively. Wastewater caused pore blocking and accumulation of solids on the surface which were reduced by the filtration. This study highlights the importance of the pretreatment before applying geopolymers for NH4+ recovery in realistic conditions and that the porous geopolymer granules have a lifetime of 20 adsorption/regeneration cycles before their ion exchange capacity begins to decline.
{"title":"Ammonium recovery from wastewater by ion exchange using porous metakaolin geopolymer granules over extended adsorption/regeneration cycles","authors":"Yangmei Yu, Mohammad Bhuyan, Priyadharshini Perumal, Tero Luukkonen","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ion exchange on porous geopolymer granules represents a potentially promising unit process for ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) recovery from wastewater. However, the previous studies have not systematically optimized the regeneration nor evaluated the robustness of the ammonium recovery over extended adsorption/regeneration cycles. In this study, NaCl, Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, NaNO<sub>3</sub>, KNO<sub>3</sub>, K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, CH<sub>3</sub>COOH, and combined NaOH/NaCl at concentrations of 0.3–0.9 M and thermal regeneration at 500 °C were compared for the regeneration of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-saturated geopolymer granules. 0.9 M KNO<sub>3</sub> exhibited the best performance. The adsorption/regeneration cycles were repeated 30 times in synthetic wastewater and 5 times in tertiary municipal wastewater (directly or after filtration with 0.45 µm membrane). The porous geopolymer granules (size 2–4 mm) had an average NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> ion exchange capacity of 9.0 mg/g and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> recovery of 51–98 % over the 30 adsorption/regeneration cycles in synthetic wastewater (initial concentration 500 mg/L). After 20 cycles, the ion exchange capacity of the granules started to decrease. The characterization of the granules after 30 cycles indicated that a minor amount of µm-sized particles were disintegrated from their surface and 70 % of the Al sites were no longer converted into K-form during regeneration. In municipal wastewater, the NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> uptake was 3.9 mg/g on average (initial concentration of 67 mg/L). The NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> recovery was 68 % and 74 % during the 5th cycle in raw tertiary wastewater and filtrated wastewater, respectively. Wastewater caused pore blocking and accumulation of solids on the surface which were reduced by the filtration. This study highlights the importance of the pretreatment before applying geopolymers for NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> recovery in realistic conditions and that the porous geopolymer granules have a lifetime of 20 adsorption/regeneration cycles before their ion exchange capacity begins to decline.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100910"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-23DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100883
Po-Yen Yu , Yu Jie Wang , Sung-Lin Tsai , Hong-Han Shuai , Ming Lun Tseng
Deep ultraviolet (DUV) light is essential for applications ranging from advanced spectroscopy to precision nanofabrication, driving demand for compact and efficient DUV optical elements. Here, we demonstrate high-efficiency aluminum nitride (AlN) metasurface gratings (metagratings) operating in the DUV regime, designed using reinforcement learning (RL) integrated with rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). This approach enables faster and more effective optimization compared to conventional forward design methods. The resulting metagrating achieves a deflection angle of 80° with a measured efficiency of 75 %, representing state-of-the-art performance in this spectral range. Structural analysis further provides insights into the key design parameters responsible for the observed performance, offering valuable guidance for accelerating future design iterations and improving device scalability. This work showcases the potential of AI-assisted design in advancing next-generation DUV photonic systems.
{"title":"Reinforcement learning enabled high-efficiency DUV aluminum nitride metagrating","authors":"Po-Yen Yu , Yu Jie Wang , Sung-Lin Tsai , Hong-Han Shuai , Ming Lun Tseng","doi":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deep ultraviolet (DUV) light is essential for applications ranging from advanced spectroscopy to precision nanofabrication, driving demand for compact and efficient DUV optical elements. Here, we demonstrate high-efficiency aluminum nitride (AlN) metasurface gratings (metagratings) operating in the DUV regime, designed using reinforcement learning (RL) integrated with rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). This approach enables faster and more effective optimization compared to conventional forward design methods. The resulting metagrating achieves a deflection angle of 80° with a measured efficiency of 75 %, representing state-of-the-art performance in this spectral range. Structural analysis further provides insights into the key design parameters responsible for the observed performance, offering valuable guidance for accelerating future design iterations and improving device scalability. This work showcases the potential of AI-assisted design in advancing next-generation DUV photonic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34303,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science Advances","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article 100883"},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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