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Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films
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Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Thin Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 21959

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bogdana Borca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Interests: characterizing and gaining control on electronic and magnetic properties of nanoscale systems; nanostructures; thin films; self-assembly; 2D materials; molecular electronics; nanomagnetism; metal–organic interactions
Dr. Cristina Bartha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Interests: oxide magnetic materials; local interactions and electronic mechanisms; thermal analysis and thermokinetic modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles and thin films are currently among the most active research fields in materials sciences for technological applications. Advanced functional and multifunctional nanosystems based on nanoparticles or thin films involving inorganic and/or organic materials may lead to the development of various products and applications, including fast and low-cost electronics, spintronics, displays, memory units, sensors, biosensors, actuators, active surfaces with different characteristics, energy harvesting, energy storage, environmental and safety concerns, healthcare, bioengineering, etc. Design, theoretical modeling, wet and dry preparation techniques, and characterization methods are key paths for the integration of these thin nanosystems into devices.

Taking into account the multidisciplinary aspect of these systems, it is our great pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews contributing to the synthesis, characterization, and/or applications of thin films and nanoparticles are all welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, dielectrics, carbon and polymeric nanoparticles, and thin films;
  • Properties of organic and/or inorganic nanomaterials;
  • Synthesis including wet (solution processing), dry (chemical and physical vapor depositions), and/or lithography methods;
  • Development of new processing procedures in order to produce high-quality systems;
  • Characterization by conventional and/or unconventional methods;
  • Correlation of electronic properties with synthesis conditions;
  • Applications and devices.

Dr. Bogdana Borca
Dr. Cristina Bartha
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • organic and/or inorganic nanoparticles
  • metal–organic nanostructures
  • metal–oxide nanoparticles and/or thin films
  • methods of preparation and assembly
  • properties, functioning mechanisms, and applications

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 187 KiB  
Editorial
Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films
by Bogdana Borca and Cristina Bartha
Coatings 2022, 12(8), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12081138 - 7 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2367
Abstract
Nanoparticles and thin films are currently among the most active research fields in materials sciences for technological applications [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

12 pages, 2884 KiB  
Article
Highly Coercive L10-Phase Dots Obtained through Low Temperature Annealing for Nano-Logic Magnetic Structures
by Ovidiu Crisan, Alina Daniela Crisan, Gabriel Schinteie and Victor Kuncser
Coatings 2023, 13(12), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13122068 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1000
Abstract
Nano-logic magnetic structures are of great interest for spintronic applications. While the methods used for developing arrays of magnetic L10-phase dots are, in most cases, based on deposition followed by annealing at high temperatures, usually around 700 °C, we demonstrate here [...] Read more.
Nano-logic magnetic structures are of great interest for spintronic applications. While the methods used for developing arrays of magnetic L10-phase dots are, in most cases, based on deposition followed by annealing at high temperatures, usually around 700 °C, we demonstrate here a technique where a much lower annealing temperature (i.e., 400 °C) is needed in order to promote fully the disorder–order phase transformation and achievement of highly coercive L10-phase dots. In order to develop building blocks based on arrays of L10-phase FePt dots for further spintronic applications, an engraving technique using electron beam lithography is employed. This paper describes the fabrication, as well as the morphological and magnetic characterization, of regularly placed FePt dots of various shapes, as pre-requisites for integration into nano-logic devices. As a proof of concept, regular arrays of FePt circular dots were devised and their structural characterization, using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), was performed. It has been shown that annealing at only 400 °C for 30 min proved the occurrence of the tetragonal L10 phase. Moreover, structural characterization showed that the disorder–order phase transformation was complete with only the L10 phase detected in high resolution TEM. The magnetic characterization provided more insight into the potential of such arrays of magnetic devices with convenient values of magnetic coercivity, remanent and saturation magnetization. These findings show good potential for developing regular arrays of uniformly shaped magnetic entities with encouraging magnetic performances in view of various applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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15 pages, 3924 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of CoFe2O4 through Wet Ferritization Method Using an Aqueous Extract of Eucalyptus Leaves
by Dana Gingasu, Daniela C. Culita, Jose Maria Calderon Moreno, Gabriela Marinescu, Cristina Bartha, Ovidiu Oprea, Silviu Preda, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc and Marcela Popa
Coatings 2023, 13(7), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13071250 - 14 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
This study explored a new green approach of the wet ferritization method to obtain magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) by using eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract as a reducing/chelating/capping agent. The spinel single cubic phases of prepared samples were proved by [...] Read more.
This study explored a new green approach of the wet ferritization method to obtain magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) by using eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract as a reducing/chelating/capping agent. The spinel single cubic phases of prepared samples were proved by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The average crystallite size is in the range between 3 and 20 nm. The presence of the functional groups coating the obtained material is confirmed from FTIR and thermal analysis. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed a morphology consisting of nanoparticle aggregates. Raman spectroscopy detects the characteristic bands of spinel-type CoFe2O4. Magnetic investigations reveal the formation of ferromagnetic compounds with cubic magnetic anisotropy and a blocking temperature around 140 K, specific for this type of material. The biosynthesized CoFe2O4 could be an attractive candidate for biomedical applications, exhibiting promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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11 pages, 1534 KiB  
Article
Photopolymerised Coatings with Nanopigments Based on Dye Mixtures
by Viktor B. Ivanov, Elena V. Solina and Peter P. Levin
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020300 - 28 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1507
Abstract
The properties of new coatings with nanopigments (NPs) prepared by the dye mixture treatment of montmorillonite modified with cationic surfactants were investigated. The colorimetric parameters of polymer films with nanopigments were determined. The mutual interference of the dyes in their adsorption on nanoparticles [...] Read more.
The properties of new coatings with nanopigments (NPs) prepared by the dye mixture treatment of montmorillonite modified with cationic surfactants were investigated. The colorimetric parameters of polymer films with nanopigments were determined. The mutual interference of the dyes in their adsorption on nanoparticles and their colourfastness (photostability) to light was analysed. The properties of oligomer/monomer compositions with synthesised nanopigments designed for the printing of non-metallic surfaces were discussed. The structure of nanopigments and polymerised oligomer/monomer compositions was revealed by small-angle X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectra, and atomic force microscopy. NPs with a wide colour range were prepared using dye mixtures. One other advantage of these NPs over NPs based on individual dyes is the possibility to increase the total concentration of the colouring components in the NPs and to increase the colourfastness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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15 pages, 4063 KiB  
Article
Structural and Magnetic Specificities of Fe-B Thin Films Obtained by Thermionic Vacuum Arc and Magnetron Sputtering
by Cornel Staicu, Claudiu Locovei, Andrei Alexandru Dinu, Ion Burducea, Paul Dincă, Bogdan Butoi, Oana Gloria Pompilian, Corneliu Porosnicu, Cristian Petrica Lungu and Victor Kuncser
Coatings 2022, 12(10), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12101592 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1563
Abstract
Fe-B based compounds are of high interest due to their special properties and the wide range of involved applications. While B is the element that facilitates the increase in the hardness and the degree of wear resistance, it is also an effective glass [...] Read more.
Fe-B based compounds are of high interest due to their special properties and the wide range of involved applications. While B is the element that facilitates the increase in the hardness and the degree of wear resistance, it is also an effective glass former, controlling the formation of a much-desired amorphous structure with specific magnetic properties. Major difficulties related to the proper engineering of Fe-B thin films lay especially in their preparation under well-defined compositions, which in turn, should be accurately determined. The present study closely analyzes the morpho-structural and magnetic properties of thin coatings of Fe-B of approximately 100 nm thickness and with the nominal B content ranging from 5 at. % to 50 at. %. The comparison between films obtained by two preparation methods, namely, the thermionic vacuum arc and the magnetron sputtering is envisaged. Morpho-structural properties were highlighted using X-ray diffraction supplemented with X-ray reflectometry and scanning electron microscopy, whereas the elemental investigations were performed by X-ray dispersive spectroscopy and Rutherford back-scattering spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of the Fe-B layers were carefully investigated by the vectorial magneto-optic Kerr effect and conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy. The high capability of Mössbauer Spectroscopy to provide the phase composition and the B content in the formed Fe-B intermetallic films was proven, in correlation to Rutherford back-scattering techniques, and to explain their magnetic properties, including the magnetic texture of interest in many applications, in correlation with longitudinal magneto-optic-Kerr-effect-based techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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10 pages, 3500 KiB  
Article
Memory Properties of Zr-Doped ZrO2 MOS-like Capacitor
by Catalin Palade, Adrian Slav, Ionel Stavarache, Valentin Adrian Maraloiu, Catalin Negrila and Magdalena Lidia Ciurea
Coatings 2022, 12(9), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091369 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
The high-k-based MOS-like capacitors are a promising approach for the domain of non-volatile memory devices, which currently is limited by SiO2 technology and cannot face the rapid downsizing of the electronic device trend. In this paper, we prepare MOS-like trilayer memory structures [...] Read more.
The high-k-based MOS-like capacitors are a promising approach for the domain of non-volatile memory devices, which currently is limited by SiO2 technology and cannot face the rapid downsizing of the electronic device trend. In this paper, we prepare MOS-like trilayer memory structures based on high-k ZrO2 by magnetron sputtering, with a 5% and a 10% concentrations of Zr in the Zr–ZrO2 floating gate layer. For crystallization of the memory structure, rapid thermal annealing at different temperatures between 500 °C and 700 °C was performed. Additionally, Al electrodes were deposited in a top-down configuration. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that ZrO2 has a polycrystalline–columnar crystallization and a tetragonal crystalline structure, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. It is shown that the tetragonal phase is stabilized during the crystallization by the fast diffusion of oxygen atoms. The capacitance–voltage characteristics show that the widest memory window (ΔV = 2.23 V) was obtained for samples with 10% Zr annealed at 700 °C for 4 min. The charge retention characteristics show a capacitance decrease of 36% after 10 years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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15 pages, 2918 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Properties of Nanosized Fe and FeCo Systems on Trenched Mo Templates
by Anda Elena Stanciu, Gabriel Schinteie, Andrei Cristian Kuncser, Claudiu Locovei, Lucian Trupina, Nicusor Iacob, Aurel Leca, Bogdana Borca and Victor Kuncser
Coatings 2022, 12(9), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091366 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
The manipulation of magnetic anisotropy represents the fundamental prerequisite for the application of magnetic materials. Here we present the vectorial magnetic properties of nanostructured systems and thin films of Fe and FeCo prepared on linearly trenched Mo templates with thermally controlled periodicity. The [...] Read more.
The manipulation of magnetic anisotropy represents the fundamental prerequisite for the application of magnetic materials. Here we present the vectorial magnetic properties of nanostructured systems and thin films of Fe and FeCo prepared on linearly trenched Mo templates with thermally controlled periodicity. The magnetic properties of the nanosystems are engineered by tuning the shape, size, thickness, and composition parameters of the thin films. Thus, we control coercivity, magnetization, orientation of the easy axis of magnetization, and the long-range magnetic order of the system in the function of the temperature. We distinguish magnetic components that emerge from the complex morpho-structural features of the undulating Fe or FeCo nanostructured films on trenched Mo templates: (i) assembly of magnetic nanowires and (ii) assembly of magnetic islands/clusters. Uniaxial anisotropy at room temperature was proven, characterized, and explained in the case of all systems. Our work contributes to the understanding of magnetic properties necessary for possible further applications of linear systems and undulated thin films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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15 pages, 9698 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Discontinuous Ag Layer on Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnO/Ag/ZnOStructures
by Petko Vitanov, Tatyana Ivanova, Hristosko Dikov, Penka Terziyska, Maxim Ganchev, Nikolay Petkov, Yordan Georgiev and Asen Asenov
Coatings 2022, 12(9), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091324 - 11 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2468
Abstract
ZnO/Ag/ZnO nanolaminate structures were deposited by consecutive RF sputtering at room temperature.The optical transparency, sheet resistance, and figure of merit are determined in relation to the deposition time of Ag and to the film thickness of the ZnO top layer. An improved transmittance [...] Read more.
ZnO/Ag/ZnO nanolaminate structures were deposited by consecutive RF sputtering at room temperature.The optical transparency, sheet resistance, and figure of merit are determined in relation to the deposition time of Ag and to the film thickness of the ZnO top layer. An improved transmittance has been found in the visible spectral range of the ZnO/Ag/ZnO structure compared to ZnO multilayers without Ag. High transmittance of 98% at 550 nm, sheet resistance of 8 Ω/sq, and figure of merit (FOM) of 111.01 × 10−3 Ω−1are achieved for an optimized ZnO/Ag/ZnO nanolaminate structure. It is suggested that the good optical and electrical properties are due to the deposition of the discontinuous Ag layer. The electrical metallic type conductivity is caused by planar located silver metal granules. The deposition of a discrete layer of Ag nano-granules is confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cross-section high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

32 pages, 6198 KiB  
Review
A Review on Preparation of Palladium Oxide Films
by Petre Badica and Adam Lőrinczi
Coatings 2024, 14(10), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14101260 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 994
Abstract
Fabrication aspects of PdO thin films and coatings are reviewed here. The work provides and organizes the up-to-date information on the methods to obtain the films. In recent years, the interest in Pd oxide for different applications has increased. Since Pd can be [...] Read more.
Fabrication aspects of PdO thin films and coatings are reviewed here. The work provides and organizes the up-to-date information on the methods to obtain the films. In recent years, the interest in Pd oxide for different applications has increased. Since Pd can be converted into PdO, it is instructive to pay attention to the preparation of the pure and the alloyed Pd films, heterostructures, and nanoparticles synthesized on different substrates. The development of PdO films is presented from the early reports on coatings’ formation by oxidation of Pd foils and wires to present technologies. Modern synthesis/growth routes are gathered into chemical and physical categories. Chemical methods include hydrothermal, electrochemical, electroless deposition, and coating methods, such as impregnation, precipitation, screen printing, ink jet printing, spin or dip coating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD), while the physical ones include sputtering and cathodic arc deposition, laser ablation, ion or electron beam-induced deposition, evaporation, and supersonic cluster beam deposition. Analysis of publications indicates that many as-deposited Pd or Pd-oxide films are granular, with a high variety of morphologies and properties targeting very different applications, and they are grown on different substrates. We note that a comparative assessment of the challenges and quality among different films for a specific application is generally missing and, in some cases, it is difficult to make a distinction between a film and a randomly oriented, powder-like (granular), thin compact material. Textured or epitaxial films of Pd or PdO are rare and, if orientation is observed, in most cases, it is obtained accidentally. Some practical details and challenges of Pd oxidation toward PdO and some specific issues concerning application of films are also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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29 pages, 25261 KiB  
Review
Advances in Organic Multiferroic Junctions
by Bogdana Borca
Coatings 2024, 14(6), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060682 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Typically, organic multiferroic junctions (OMFJs) are formed of an organic ferroelectric layer sandwiched between two ferromagnetic electrodes. The main scientific interest in OMFJs focuses on the magnetoresistive properties of the magnetic spin valve combined with the electroresistive properties associated with the ferroelectric junction. [...] Read more.
Typically, organic multiferroic junctions (OMFJs) are formed of an organic ferroelectric layer sandwiched between two ferromagnetic electrodes. The main scientific interest in OMFJs focuses on the magnetoresistive properties of the magnetic spin valve combined with the electroresistive properties associated with the ferroelectric junction. In consequence, memristive properties that couple magnetoelectric functionalities, which are one of the most active fields of research in material sciences, are opening a large spectrum of technological applications from nonvolatile memory to elements in logic circuits, sensing devices, energy harvesting and biological synapsis models in the emerging area of neuromorphic computing. The realization of these multifunctional electronic elements using organic materials is presenting various advantages related to their low-cost, versatile synthesis and low power consumption functioning for sustainable electronics; green disintegration for transient electronics; and flexibility, light weight and/or biocompatibility for flexible electronics. The purpose of this review is to address the advancement of all OMFJs including not only the achievements in the charge and spin transport through OMFJs together with the effects of electroresistance and magnetoresistance but also the challenges and ways to overcome them for the most used materials for OMFJs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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31 pages, 5511 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Surface Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles
by Cezar Comanescu
Coatings 2023, 13(10), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13101772 - 15 Oct 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3786
Abstract
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), revolutionizing their utility in multimodal imaging, drug delivery, and catalysis. This progression, spanning over the last decade, has unfolded in discernible phases, each marked by distinct advancements [...] Read more.
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), revolutionizing their utility in multimodal imaging, drug delivery, and catalysis. This progression, spanning over the last decade, has unfolded in discernible phases, each marked by distinct advancements and paradigm shifts. In the nascent stage, emphasis was placed on foundational techniques, such as ligand exchange and organic coatings, establishing the groundwork for subsequent innovations. This review navigates through the cutting-edge developments in tailoring MNP surfaces, illuminating their pivotal role in advancing these diverse applications. The exploration encompasses an array of innovative strategies such as organic coatings, inorganic encapsulation, ligand engineering, self-assembly, and bioconjugation, elucidating how each approach impacts or augments MNP performance. Notably, surface-functionalized MNPs exhibit increased efficacy in multimodal imaging, demonstrating improved MRI contrast and targeted imaging. The current review underscores the transformative impact of surface modifications on drug delivery systems, enabling controlled release, targeted therapy, and enhanced biocompatibility. With a comprehensive analysis of characterization techniques and future prospects, this review surveys the dynamic landscape of MNP surface functionalization over the past three years (2021–2023). By dissecting the underlying principles and applications, the review provides not only a retrospective analysis but also a forward-looking perspective on the potential of surface-engineered MNPs in shaping the future of science, technology, and medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Nanoparticles and Thin Films)
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