Papers by Alessandro Martucci
Sol-Gel Nanocomposites, 2014
Nanocomposites are a special type of composite structure in which at least one of the phases has ... more Nanocomposites are a special type of composite structure in which at least one of the phases has one or more dimensions on the order of nanometers. This new class of materials can be designed to meet various functions, often at the same time, and their properties are in many cases superior to those of conventional microscale composites. Therefore, recent years have seen a constantly growing interest in these materials, their preparation, processing, and application. Among the synthesis techniques, sol-gel is certainly one of the most attractive because it is very versatile, allowing the researcher to obtain both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite, and to chemically adjust the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although the topic of nanocomposites is extensively discussed in the literature, and several books have already been published, they mainly address polymer nanocomposites. This book specifically describes Sol-Gel Nanocomposites in which at least one of the phases is obtained by the sol-gel method. The book covers the synthesis and characterization of different types of nanocomposites, which are composed of polymeric, inorganic, or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices with various fillers. It describes the specific problems related to the formulation of nanocomposite films and bulks, offers a specific chapter devoted to modeling and simulation, and presents examples of applications in the field of coatings and biomaterials. The book follows a didactic approach, describing each topic from a fundamental point of view, with significant examples and case studies. In all chapters, an emphasis is placed on the scientific principles that are the basis for nanocomposite synthesis and application. Therefore, the editors' efforts will be rewarded if readers derive a general and up-to-date understanding of the subject, and the motivation to expand on the theoretical and experimental studies that form the basis of exciting new products. The editors wish to thank the chapter authors for their contributions and cooperation. Our editor at Springer, Sara Kate Heukerott, is also greatly thanked for her help, patience, and understanding. v
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Oct 17, 2022
In this work, we investigated the possible incorporation of YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet)-Ce part... more In this work, we investigated the possible incorporation of YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet)-Ce particles into plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on 1050AA (aluminum alloy) in order to endow the surface with photoluminescent properties. Different treatment times and current modes (direct or pulsed) were tested as PEO process parameters using as electrolyte a silicates-containing solution. The microstructure of the samples was characterized by SEM and XRD measurements, the corrosion properties were determined by EIS tests, whereas the photoluminescence was evaluated with a proper spectrometer. The concentration of the YAG-Ce particles incorporated in the PEO coating was strongly influenced by the current mode, and in particular, it was higher with pulsed current mode. A higher content of YAG-Ce particles results in a better corrosion resistance and photoluminescent effect. PEO process in pulsed unipolar mode using an electrolyte containing YAG-Ce particles resulted an effective way to produce samples of 1050AA with a surface characterized by photoluminescent properties.
Journal of The European Ceramic Society, 2004
Powders of general formula Na1+xAl11O17+x/2 with x=0, 0.2 and 0.57 have been obtained by hydrolys... more Powders of general formula Na1+xAl11O17+x/2 with x=0, 0.2 and 0.57 have been obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides. X-ray diffraction investigations showed the crystallization of β-alumina peaks at 1100 °C, confirmed by DTA/TG measurements. The same phase was revealed for pellets sintered in air at 1400 °C. Densities up to 97% of the theoretical value were reached. Electrical performances of pellets of x=0.2 and 0.57 compositions were investigated by Dielectric Analyzer (DEA) at various frequencies. The measured values confirmed the good conductivity and activation energy performances of the material.
Journal of The European Ceramic Society, Nov 1, 2002
NASICON (Na3Zr2Si2PO12) has been prepared by a sol-gel route. The progress of the reaction in the... more NASICON (Na3Zr2Si2PO12) has been prepared by a sol-gel route. The progress of the reaction in the liquid has been monitored by means of 31P NMR spectroscopy. The dependence of phase formation and sintering behaviour of films and powders on sol-gel reactions and heat treatments was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the formation of monoclinic NASICON phase from 800 °C for powders
Springer eBooks, 2018
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Thin Solid Films, Aug 1, 1998
Er 3+ doped thin glass films were produced by the sol-gel technique. The best active properties w... more Er 3+ doped thin glass films were produced by the sol-gel technique. The best active properties were obtained for GeO 2 -SiO 2 matrices codoped with P 2 O 5 or Al 2 O 3 . We succeeded in limiting the influence of OH groups on the active properties by special heat treatments. Narrow fluorescence spectra (~20 nm) and long lifetimes (~6 ms) were found in P 2 O 5 co-doped samples whereas Al 2 O 3 co-doping gave wider spectra (~50 nm) with slightly lower lifetimes (~5 ms). The quenching concentration in the Al 2 O 3 co-doped samples was 0.9% Er 3+ .
Journal of Applied Physics, Jul 1, 1999
Thin silica–titania films doped with different concentration of PbS quantum dots (PbS/oxide molar... more Thin silica–titania films doped with different concentration of PbS quantum dots (PbS/oxide molar ratios ranging from 5% to 25%) were fabricated via a sol-gel route. The structural properties were studied by x-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The PbS crystals were found to have a mean diameter in the range 2.3–3.5 nm with narrow size distribution. The resonant nonlinear optical properties were studied by the nonlinear m-line technique and degenerate four-wave mixing. High negative nonlinear refractive indices (n2) were measured at 1.064 μm. Different n2 values were obtained for nanosecond excitation (n2=10−7–10−8 cm2/kW) and for picosecond excitation (n2=10−9–10−10 cm2/kW). The differences can be explained by saturation effects. Measurements at 532 nm showed n2 values ten times higher than at 1.064 μm. The response time of the nonlinearity for both wavelengths was below 35 ps.
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, Oct 30, 2018
In this paper the results obtained in the last ten years by the authors in the field of sol-gel n... more In this paper the results obtained in the last ten years by the authors in the field of sol-gel nanocomposites for optical applications are reviewed. Two type of applications are, in particular, discussed: (a) nanocomposite materials containing semiconductor quantum dots for photonic and optoelectronic applications; (b) nanocomposite materials for optical gas sensing. Nanocomposite multifunctional materials, based on the incorporation of QDs in inorganic or hybrid organicinorganic matrices, characterized by stable optical properties, good chemical stability, and easy processability, can be obtained using the sol-gel method in combination with colloidal methods. Optical gas sensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrate great potential both for better understating the chemical interactions at the nanoscale and the development of real devices. A careful control of the film structure allows to achieve very selective gas sensors with tailored microstructure. In both type of applications, the general aspects related to the synthesis and characterization of the materials, and the results obtained in the specific cases, are described with the aim to give an overview of the development of these materials.
Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids: X
Nanomaterials, 2022
PVDF electrospun membranes were prepared by employing different mixtures of solvents and diverse ... more PVDF electrospun membranes were prepared by employing different mixtures of solvents and diverse electrospinning parameters. A comprehensive investigation was carried out, including morphology, nanofiber diameter, crystallinity, β-phase fraction, and piezoelectric response under external mechanical strain. It was demonstrated that by using low-toxicity DMSO as the solvent, PVDF membranes with good morphology (bead-free, smooth surface, and uniform nanofiber) can be obtained. All the fabricated membranes showed crystallinity and β-phase fraction above 48% and 80%, respectively; therefore, electrospinning is a good method for preparing PVDF membranes with the piezoelectric properties. Moreover, we considered a potential effect of the solvent properties and the electrospinning parameters on the final piezoelectric properties. When PVDF membranes with different β-phase fractions and crystallinity values are applied to make the piezoelectric transducers, various piezoelectric voltage out...
Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2018
We report the design, fabrication and characterization of a silk inverse opal with engineered pho... more We report the design, fabrication and characterization of a silk inverse opal with engineered photonic bandgap.
ECS Meeting Abstracts, 2020
Introduction In this work heavily n-doped ZnO doped with gallium, germanium, aluminum and silicon... more Introduction In this work heavily n-doped ZnO doped with gallium, germanium, aluminum and silicon are studied for NO2 detection, using the sensibility of localized surface plasmonic resonance in the near infrared to the change of environmental conditions. Trivalent cations (Al3+ and Ga3+) or tetravalent cations (Si4+ and Ge4+) are used as dopant agents with nominal concentration of 20%, following a non-aqueous heat up colloidal synthesis [1]. No presence of other phases like metal, dopant oxides, and binary dopant-ZnO oxides is detected by XRD analysis. It is proved by spectrophotometric analysis that introduction of doping agent causes the formation of a surface plasmon resonance in the near infrared, tunable changing dopant nature. We have demonstrated that strong sensitivity of the plasmon resonance to chemical variations at the surface of the nanocrystal make this category of materials very suitable for detection of 1000 ppm NO2 balance in air, finding the best compromise betwee...
ECS Meeting Abstracts, 2020
Doping Zinc oxide with trivalent cations such as Ga3+ or Al3+ has been shown to influence the opti... more Doping Zinc oxide with trivalent cations such as Ga3+ or Al3+ has been shown to influence the optical and electrical properties of ZnO, with beneficial effects for its catalytic and sensing performances. These aliovalent dopants provide the positive effect to both enhance ZnO conductivity turning highly resistive, undoped ZnO into a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), giving rise to localized surface-plasmon-resonance response (LSPR) in the near infrared, arising from the increased free electron concentration. Aim of this work is to demonstrate the application of Gallium, Aluminum, Silicon and Germanium doped zinc oxide as both low temperature visible light-activated chemoresistive and plasmonic-resonant sensor for the detection of hazardous gases including hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through heat-up colloidal method [1,2], using Zn stearate (ZnSt2) as ZnO precursor. To obtain doped nanoparticles, a certain amount of gallium...
Nanomaterials, 2020
In this paper we studied the combination of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e., TiO2-based... more In this paper we studied the combination of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e., TiO2-based photocatalysis and photo-Fenton process, on the degradation of aqueous solutions containing a low (90 ppm) concentration of formaldehyde. Heterogeneous nanostructured catalysts, supported on polymeric nanofibers, were used; for comparison, some homogeneous or partly heterogeneous systems were also analyzed. Furthermore, to make the process more sustainable (in terms of costs and safety) no hydrogen peroxide was added to the system. The results showed that the combination of AOPs gave a synergy since the presence of iron was beneficial in promoting the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 while TiO2 was beneficial in promoting the photo-Fenton reaction. Moreover, very good results were obtained using fully heterogeneous nanostructured catalysts (based on TiO2 and FeSO4), without the need to add H2O2.
Handbook of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 2016
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Papers by Alessandro Martucci