{"title":"Na doping process using UV and NaOH solution for leakage current reduction in TiO2 dielectric films","authors":"Chan Sik Yoo, Hong-Sub Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163171","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163171","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, we demonstrate a simple post-process to dope Na ions into pre-fabricated TiO<sub>2</sub> dielectric thin films using UV irradiation with a NaOH aqueous solution and analyze the distribution of the doped Na dopants within the thin film as well as their effect on the electrical properties. The TiO<sub>2</sub> thin films deposited on the bottom electrode by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were immersed in a 30 wt% NaOH aqueous solution and irradiated with UV light for 5 min to induce the desolvation of Na<sup>+</sup> and OH<sup>−</sup> ions in the solution, thereby facilitating Na<sup>+</sup> and OH<sup>–</sup> ion doping within the TiO<sub>2</sub> thin film. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that Na<sup>+</sup> ions activated by UV exposure penetrated the TiO<sub>2</sub> film up to 1.5 nm (bulk diffusion), 5 nm (dislocation diffusion), and 15 nm (grain boundary diffusion) from the surface. Only the TiO<sub>2</sub> films irradiated by UV in the NaOH solution showed a significant reduction in leakage current. Consequently, we successfully achieved doping through a simple method by activating solvated ions in a NaOH solution under UV irradiation, which could improve the leakage characteristics of the oxide thin film caused by intrinsic (or extrinsic) defects.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interfacial engineering of two-dimensional g-C3N4/graphene oxide heterojunctions from ball milling for photocatalytic reaction promotion","authors":"Xiao Wang, Zhen Zhang, Yanqiu Li, Weidong Hou, Liang Wang, Quan Zou, Liang Tang, Peng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163152","url":null,"abstract":"Spatial charge transfer kinetics are the main obstacles limiting the performance of solar-driven hydrogen production. However, the potential design of low-cost two-dimensional (2D) heterojunctions to enable efficient photocatalytic water splitting remains critical for practical applications. To address these issues, this study proposes a one-pot glucose-assisted ball milling process to construct 2D metal-free heterojunctions, combined p-type O-bonded graphene oxide (GO) with n-type intercalated graphitic carbon nitride (CN). The novel sugar-assisted ball milling strategy not only accelerates the exfoliation of CN into monolayer nanosheets but also catalyzes the reduction of GO to its reduced form, resulting in a significant enhancement of electrical conductivity and charge carrier mobility within the composite matrix. The resultant photocatalysts with optimal proportion (i.e., glucose = 0.75 g) not only align the energy levels to provide a channel for efficient interlayer charge separation but also effectively promote a hydrogen generation rate of 89.2 μmol h<sup>−1</sup> g<sup>−1</sup> for outperforming CN and CN/Pt by factors of 13.5 and 2 as well as improved stability. Mechanistic insights from Kelvin probe force microscopy confirm the unique contribution of the built-in electric field from van der Waals heterojunctions to interfacial charge transport. By monitoring charge transfer dynamics in transient absorption spectra, the prolonged lifetimes of photo-generated electrons signify their favorable role in the photocatalytic process. This study provides valuable interfacial engineering strategies in scalable synthesis of superior photocatalysts, paving the way for the future development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy solutions and environmental remediation.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"73 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lin Wang, Haili Huang, Dongdong Zhang, Hung-Chun Wu, Meiling Li, Huilin Hou, Weiyou Yang, Xuhui Yu, Zonghua Wang
{"title":"Highly sensitive Triethylamine sensors Enabled by Co3O4/ZnO p-n heterojunctions","authors":"Lin Wang, Haili Huang, Dongdong Zhang, Hung-Chun Wu, Meiling Li, Huilin Hou, Weiyou Yang, Xuhui Yu, Zonghua Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163092","url":null,"abstract":"Triethylamine (TEA) is a typically volatile organic compound that poses significant environmental and health risks, due to its high toxicity and volatility. Currently, the exploration of TEA sensors based on semiconductor ZnO is still suffered by their intrinsically low sensitivity, slow response/recovery times, and poor selectivity. Herein, we develop the highly-sensitive TEA sensors based on rationally-designed Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnO <em>p-n</em> heterojunctions, in which the clustered Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> are incorporated into porous ZnO nanosheets. As a result, at the given operating temperature of 260 °C, the as-constructed sensors exhibit an overall enhanced performance with an excellent response of 140.5 to 100 ppm TEA, swift response/recovery times of 6/60 s and high selectivity, representing their promise toward practical applications in advanced TEA sensors.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jihyun Lim, Woongsik Jang, Jin Young Kim, Dong Hwan Wang
{"title":"Prolonged mechanical dynamics via imide bridged ZnO composites for fast response flexible photo-electronics","authors":"Jihyun Lim, Woongsik Jang, Jin Young Kim, Dong Hwan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163170","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, we incorporate a promising small molecule—n-type perylene diimide derivative (NPDI)—into widely used ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as the electron transport layer, which effectively controls interface defects and leads to significant improvements in the performance and mechanical durability of organic optoelectronic devices. Conventional ZnO NP systems suffer from defects caused by oxygen vacancies at the interface with the Ag electrode in a single-layer configuration, which hinder charge transport and mechanical stress resistance. When the ZnO/NPDI bilayer is introduced, the defects in ZnO are smoothed and bonded, forming a durable passivation layer that inhibits charge recombination and enhances the mechanical properties of flexible devices. Moreover, the ZnO/NPDI bilayer forms an ohmic contact with the Ag electrode while simultaneously enhancing the hole injection barrier, facilitating smooth charge transport and effective dark current suppression. Accordingly, ZnO/NPDI-based flexible organic devices exhibit reduced internal resistance and enhanced stability under bending stresses due to successful interface optimization.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yanfei Jian, He Xu, Yao Wang, Jingjing Wang, Lianghui Xia, Yujie Liu, Yanke Yu, Chi He
{"title":"Chromium promoted the efficient and stable catalytic degradation of propane over Pt/HZSM-5 catalyst: Optimization and reaction mechanism","authors":"Yanfei Jian, He Xu, Yao Wang, Jingjing Wang, Lianghui Xia, Yujie Liu, Yanke Yu, Chi He","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163149","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163149","url":null,"abstract":"Light alkanes are a class of ubiquitous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which bring great environmental hazards and health risks. However, low-temperature degradation of light alkanes is still a great challenge. Herein, a series of Pt/HZSM-5 catalysts without and with additives of Cr were fabricated. The catalytic performance of the catalysts for C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub> low temperature combustion was investigated. It was found that Cr element had a significant effect on the activity of Pt/HZSM-5. Pt/Cr<sub>1</sub>/HZSM-5 performed the best catalytic oxidation activity for C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>, excellent high temperature stability and water resistance. Characterization results of catalysts indicated that the introduction of Cr element could fix Pt site to promote the dispersion of Pt on the support. Moreover, the interaction between Cr and Pt produced more active Pt species, surface active lattice oxygen and acidic sites, which could promote the activation of C–H bonds in C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>. Theoretical calculations showed that the interface between Pt and Cr had stronger adsorption for O<sub>2</sub> and C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>, which could accelerate propane oxidation. In this study, the effect of transition metal elements on the promotion of noble metal catalysts in the low-temperature degradation of light alkanes was discussed in depth, and it provided a reference for the design of efficient noble metal molecular sieve catalysts.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"217 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lithium interaction with nitrogen molecules trapped in defective multilayer graphene","authors":"K.M. Popov, V.I. Sysoev, Y.V. Fedoseeva, A.A. Makarova, L.G. Bulusheva, A.V. Okotrub","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163150","url":null,"abstract":"Effect of carbon on the interaction of lithium with highly stable nitrogen molecule requires study for practical use in energy storage and electrochemical nitrogen reduction. In this work, we consider the interaction of lithium with nitrogen molecules embedded in defective multilayer graphene using synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy. Multilayer graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition was bombarded with 1 keV nitrogen ions to create lattice defects and insert ∼10 at.% nitrogen, and then used for lithium vapor deposition. All modifications of the graphene sample were carried under ultra-high vacuum conditions and accompanied by measurements of X-ray photoelectron and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Analysis of the spectra revealed the formation of intercalated N<sub>2</sub> molecules as a result of bombardment of graphene and their covalent interaction with deposited lithium. According to density functional theory calculations, the valence orbitals of N<sub>2</sub> and Li hybridize with the π-orbitals of graphene, which increases the bonding between the intercalants. This finding provides new insights into the processes occurring in N<sub>2</sub>-intercalated graphene-based electrode materials during lithiation and can be used to develop efficient lithium-based electrochemical energy storage systems and electrochemical approaches for N<sub>2</sub> reduction reaction.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaizhong Xie, Guoqiang Long, Yue Qin, Xianyan Luo, Kang Huang
{"title":"Atomic insights into the impact of thermal oxidation aging on graphene/epoxy resin interfaces","authors":"Kaizhong Xie, Guoqiang Long, Yue Qin, Xianyan Luo, Kang Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163168","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the aging behavior of graphene sheet/epoxy resin interfaces under thermo-oxidative conditions is essential for optimizing the structural design and enhancing the durability of graphene-reinforced polymer composites (GRPC). This study focuses on investigating the dynamic behavior of GRPC interface structures under the combined influence of elevated temperature and oxygen exposure. To achieve this, multi-vacancy graphene (GN-MV), pristine graphene (GN), and 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-MPS) were employed as reinforcing materials to construct graphene sheet/epoxy resin interface systems. Molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to systematically examine the effects of temperature, oxygen concentration, and surface characteristics on the dynamic parameters of GRPC interfaces. The results reveal that the degree of interface separation increases with the number of oxygen molecules, exhibiting an initial rise followed by a decline, with the transition point influenced by the type of epoxy matrix curing system. Notably, this behavior is less sensitive to temperature variations. Interestingly, the GN-MV enhances the interfacial adhesion of GRPC, while GO-MPS significantly improves thermal-oxidative aging resistance by promoting a favorable shift in the failure mode of GRPC. The findings provide new insights and design strategies for developing high-durability GRPC and optimizing interface design.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yongfang Zhang, Xiang Yu, Zihan Gong, Yuwei Mi, Min Liu, Lei Wang, Suyuan Zeng
{"title":"Facile synthesis of g-C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 S-scheme heterojunction composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance in nitrogen fixation and contaminant degradation","authors":"Yongfang Zhang, Xiang Yu, Zihan Gong, Yuwei Mi, Min Liu, Lei Wang, Suyuan Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163100","url":null,"abstract":"g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Bi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>5</sub>Br<sub>2</sub> S-scheme heterojunctions were synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. Two-dimensional (2D) Bi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>5</sub>Br<sub>2</sub> nanostructures with dominantly exposed (10 − 1) facets were distributed on 2D g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> nanosheets, forming an inorganic/organic heterojunction interface. The S-scheme heterojunction effectively enhanced charge carrier separation and transfer while retaining the maximum redox potential of the semiconductors, significantly improving photocatalytic nitrogen fixation and contaminant degradation. For instance, BCN6 achieved an NH<sub>3</sub> production rate (<em>R</em><sub>N</sub>) of 151.9 μmol h<sup>−1</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>, which is approximately 2.8 and 3.4 times higher than pure Bi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>5</sub>Br<sub>2</sub> and g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, respectively, using high-purity nitrogen under simulated visible light. The reaction conditions for nitrogen fixation and contaminant degradation were systematically investigated. Notably, BCN6 reached an <em>R</em><sub>N</sub> value of 110.3 μmol h<sup>−1</sup> g<sup>−1</sup> with air as the nitrogen source under outdoor sunlight, demonstrating its practical potential. Similar results were observed in the degradation experiments of salicylic acid (SA) and Rhodamine B (RhB). Furthermore, the g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Bi<sub>4</sub>O<sub>5</sub>Br<sub>2</sub> photocatalysts exhibited excellent stability. This study provides a simple and effective strategy for constructing Bi-based inorganic/organic heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic activity.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"183 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tomasz Sochacki, Lutz Kirste, Kacper Sierakowski, Arianna Jaroszyńska, Rafal Jakiela, Michał Fijałkowski, Karolina Grabiańska, Marcin Zając, Julita Smalc Koziorowska, Artur Lachowski, Marcin Turek, Patrik Straňák, Kensuke Sumida, Michał Boćkowski
{"title":"Development of Semi-Insulating gallium nitride layers on native substrates by magnesium ion implantation and Ultra-High-Pressure annealing","authors":"Tomasz Sochacki, Lutz Kirste, Kacper Sierakowski, Arianna Jaroszyńska, Rafal Jakiela, Michał Fijałkowski, Karolina Grabiańska, Marcin Zając, Julita Smalc Koziorowska, Artur Lachowski, Marcin Turek, Patrik Straňák, Kensuke Sumida, Michał Boćkowski","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163155","url":null,"abstract":"In the presented research, we explore the possibility of modifying the electrical properties of ammonothermal gallium nitride substrates through ion implantation of magnesium and ultra-high-pressure annealing (UHPA). The goal is to achieve a semi-insulating gallium nitride template on a highly conducting gallium nitride substrate. The substrates are implanted with magnesium ions to create a reservoir of magnesium atoms near the surface. By annealing the samples at high temperatures (∼1450 °C), the aim is to achieve magnesium doping by diffusion from the implanted region. Secondary ion mass spectrometry reveal that the diffusion of magnesium extended up to 12 µm towards the bulk of the sample with a constant concentration of 2–3 × 10<sup>18</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>. High-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements confirm that the high structural perfection of ammonothermal gallium nitride substrates was restored after the UHPA, and the implantation-induced damage was removed from the crystals. Transmission electron microscopy is used to observe defects in the crystal structure at the atomic level. The segregation of magnesium isn’t observed, indicating a high rate of magnesium activation after annealing according to literature. To assess the electrical properties of the implanted and annealed samples, Hall measurements is performed. The results show successful fabrication of a semi-insulating layer.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Selective epitaxial growth of silicon induced by localized surface plasmon","authors":"Jin Hu, Jin Qin, Yongsen He, Zhikun Lia","doi":"10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2025.163167","url":null,"abstract":"Localized surface plasmons (LSPs) can drive a variety of chemical reactions. However, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) encompasses additional processes, such as byproduct desorption and atomic diffusion. It remains uncertain whether the atomic ordering can be achieved through LSPs-induced CVD. Here, we achieve selective epitaxial growth of silicon from silane by utilizing femtosecond laser excitation to induce intense LSP effect. A model has been proposed wherein plasmonic hot electrons facilitate the desorption of hydrogen and potentially accelerate the silicon atoms diffusion during silicon crystal growth.","PeriodicalId":247,"journal":{"name":"Applied Surface Science","volume":"34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}