Reconstruction of Centre for Nanodiagnostics started in March 2022.
New space will be used for installation of FIB-SEM system Thermofisher Scios 2.
Author: Mario Kotlár
Ag-modified LiMn2O4 cathode for lithium-ion batteries: Coating functionalization
ABBAS, Somia M. – HASHEM, Ahmed M. – ABDEL-GHANY, Ashraf E. – ISMAIL, Eman H. – KOTLÁR, Mário – WINTER, Martin – LI, Jie – JULIEN, Christian M.
In Energies [Open access]. Vol. 13, iss. 19 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.3390/en13195194
Abstract
In this work, the properties of silver-modified LiMn2O4 cathode materials are revisited. We study the influence of calcination atmosphere on the properties of the Ag-coated LiMn2O4 (Ag/LMO) and highlight the silver oxidation. The effect of the heat treatment in vacuum is compared with that in air by the characterization of the structure, specific surface area, Li transport properties and electrochemical performance of Ag/LMO composites. Surface analyses (XPS and Raman spectroscopy) show that the nature of the coating (~3 wt.%) differs with the calcination atmosphere: Ag/LMO(v) calcined in vacuum displays Ag nanospheres and minor AgO content on its surface (specific surface area of 4.1 m2 g−1), while Ag/LMO(a) treated in air is mainly covered by the AgO insulating phase (specific surface area of 0.6 m2 g−1). Electrochemical experiments emphasize that ~3 wt.% Ag coating is effective to minimize the drawbacks of the spinel LiMn2O4 (Mn dissolution, cycling instability, etc.). The Ag/LMO(v) electrode shows high capacity retention, good cyclability at C/2 rate and capacity fade of 0.06% per cycle (in 60 cycles).
Collapse Mechanism in Few-Layer MoS2 Langmuir Films
BODÍK, Michal – DEMYDENKO, Maksym – SHABELNYK, Tetiana – HALAHOVETS, Yuriy – KOTLÁR, Mário – KOSTIUK, Dmytro – SHAJI, Ashin – BRUNOVÁ, Alica – VEIS, Pavel – JERGEL, Matej – MAJKOVÁ, Eva – ŠIFFALOVIČ, Peter
In Journal of Physical Chemistry C. Vol. 124, iss. 29 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c02365
Abstract
Recent advances in the liquid-phase exfoliation enabled large-scale production of two-dimensional (2D) materials, including few-layer graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. The exfoliated flakes of 2D materials allow cost-effective deposition of continuous films for various applications ranging from optoelectronics to lubrication technology. The self-assembly of 2D materials on water subphase and subsequent transfer of such a Langmuir film onto a solid substrate offers an unprecedented layer quality in terms of spatial homogeneity as it proceeds in thermodynamic equilibrium. However, while the formation of conventional organic molecular Langmuir films has been widely studied, the application of the Langmuir technique to rigid inorganic 2D materials is still rather unexplored. Here, we study the underlying mechanism behind the formation and collapse at the critical surface pressure of the Langmuir film composed of few-layer MoS2 flakes. The in situ wide-angle X-ray scattering measured in real time and other supportive techniques applied ex situ after the film transfer onto a Si/SiO2 substrate were employed. We identify all principal compression stages up to the Langmuir monolayer collapse and beyond, relying on the texture, surface pressure, and elastic modulus temporal evolution. The results obtained and the conclusions drawn can be extended to a large family of the inorganic Langmuir films of other 2D materials to optimize the deposition process for envisaged application.
A bioconjugated MoS2 based nanoplatform with increased binding efficiency to cancer cells
KÁLOSI, Anna – LABUDOVÁ, Martina – ANNUŠOVÁ, Adriana – BENKOVIČOVÁ, Monika – BODÍK, Michal – KOLLÁR, Jozef – KOTLÁR, Mário – KASAK, Peter – JERGEL, Matej – PASTOREKOVÁ, Sylvia – ŠIFFALOVIČ, Peter – MAJKOVÁ, Eva
In Biomaterials Science. Vol. 8, iss. 7 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9BM01975H
Abstract
We evaluate the application of surfactant-free liquid-phase exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets as a nanoplatform for a cancer detection and treatment system equipped with an antibody–antigen based recognition element. Employing antigen–antibody binding, we increased the probability of the endocytosis of MoS2 nanosheets into CAIX expressing cells by 30%. The nanosheets are functionalized with a specific antibody M75, which forms an antigen–antibody complex with CAIX. The bioconjugation of MoS2 nanosheets involves biocompatible components with low cytotoxicity, verified in the tested cell lines by fluorescence-based cell viability assay. The cellular internalization is quantified by flow cytometry, while the internalization is confirmed by label-free confocal Raman imaging. Raman measurements show increased lysosomal activity in the proximity of the internalized nanoplatforms.
GaAs1-xBix growth on Ge: anti-phase domains, ordering, and exciton localization
PAULAUSKAS, Tadas – PACEBUTAS, Vaidas – GEIZUTIS, Andrejus – STANIONYTE, Sandra – DUDUTIENE, Evelina – SKAPAS, Martynas – NAUJOKAITIS, Arnas – STRAZDIENE, Viktorija – CECHAVICIUS, Bronislovas – ČAPLOVIČOVÁ, Mária – VRETENÁR, Viliam – JAKIELA, Rafal – KROTKUS, Arunas
In Scientific Reports. Vol. 10, iss. 1 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58812-y
Abstract
The dilute bismide alloy GaAs1-xBix has drawn significant attention from researchers interested in its fundamental properties and the potential for infrared optoelectronics applications. To extend the study of bismides, molecular-beam heteroepitaxy of nominally 1.0 eV bandgap bismide on Ge substrates is comprehensively investigated. Analysis of atomic-resolution anti-phase domain (APD) images in the direct-epitaxy revealed a high-density of Ga vacancies and a reduced Bi content at their boundaries. This likely played a key role in the preferential dissolution of Bi atoms from the APD interiors and Bi spiking in Ge during thermal annealing. Introduction of GaAs buffer on offcut Ge largely suppressed the formation of APDs, producing high-quality bismide with single-variant CuPtB-type ordered domains as large as 200 nm. Atomic-resolution X-ray imaging showed that 2-dimensional Bi-rich (111) planes contain up to x = 9% Bi. The anomalously early onset of localization found in the temperature-dependent photoluminescence suggests enhanced interactions among Bi states, as compared to non-ordered samples. Growth of large-domain single-variant ordered GaAs1-xBix films provides new prospects for detailed analysis of the structural modulation effects and may allow to further tailor properties of this alloy for optoelectronic applications.
Effect of the doping of PC61BM electron transport layer with carbon nanodots on the performance of inverted planar MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells
SUBAIR, Riyas – GIROLAMOC, Diego Di – BODIK, Michal – NÁDAŽDY, Vojtech – LI, Bo – NÁDAŽDY, Peter – MARKOVIČ, Zoran – BENKOVIČOVÁ, Monika – CHLPÍK, Juraj – KOTLÁR, Mário – HALAHOVETS, Yurily – ŠIFFALOVIČ, Peter – JERGEL, Matej – TIANE, Jianjun – BRUNETTI, Francesca – MAJKOVÁ, Eva
In Solar Energy. Vol. 189, (2019)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2019.07.088
Abstract
The doping effect of carbon nanodots (CNDs) in the PC61BM electron-transport layer on the performance of inverted planar MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) having two different kinds of the hole-transport layer, namely organic PEDOT:PSS and inorganic NiOx, was investigated. The CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite layer was deposited in air at 35% humidity. An average 11% and 12% enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was achieved for 1 wt% CNDs doping in the PSCs with PEDOT:PSS and NiOx, respectively. This improvement is attributed to high electron density of CNDs resulting in a triple increase of the electrical conductivity of the PC61BM layer and passivation of the perovskite/PC61BM interface that is reflected by an increase of the open-circuit voltage. In line with this, parallel resistance and fill factor of the PSCs are also improved. Moreover, the energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed additional free-charge carriers in the PC61BM layer generated under illumination that were detected via the polaron states formation in the band gap with positive effect on the short-circuit current. All these factors contribute to the PCE improvement. Stability tests of the PSC with PEDOT:PSS under a continuous 24 hour 1.5 AM illumination showed a five times smaller final PCE decrease for the 1 wt% CNDs doping of the PC61BM layer comparing to the undoped counterpart. The passivation effect of CNDs, namely electron filling the traps formed by the photo-dimerization and photo-oxidation of PC61BM molecules, is responsible for this remarkable improvement of the short-term stability.
Covalent Diamond–Graphite Bonding: Mechanism of Catalytic Transformation
Semir Tulić, Thomas Waitz, Mária Čaplovičová, Gerlinde Habler, Marián Varga, Mário Kotlár, Viliam Vretenár, Oleksandr Romanyuk, Alexander Kromka, Bohuslav Rezek, Viera Skákalová
ACS Nano, 2019, 1344621-4630
doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b00692
Abstract
Aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy of the atomic structure of diamond–graphite interface after Ni-induced catalytic transformation reveals graphitic planes bound covalently to the diamond in the upright orientation. The covalent attachment, together with a significant volume expansion of graphite transformed from diamond, gives rise to uniaxial stress that is released through plastic deformation. We propose a comprehensive model explaining the Ni-mediated transformation of diamond to graphite and covalent bonding at the interface as well as the mechanism of relaxation of uniaxial stress. We also explain the mechanism of electrical transport through the graphitized surface of diamond. The result may thus provide a foundation for the catalytically driven formation of graphene–diamond nanodevices.
Tailored Langmuir-Schaefer Deposition of Few-Layer MoS2 Nanosheet Films for Electronic Applications
KALOSI, Anna – DEMYDENKO, Maksym – BODÍK, Michal – HAGARA, Jakub – KOTLÁR, Mário – KOSTIUK, Dmytro – HALAHOVETS, Yurily – VÉGSÖ, Karol – ROLDAN, Alicia Marin – MAURYA, Gulab Singh – ANGUŠ, Michal – VEIS, Pavel – JERGEL, Matej – MAJKOVÁ, Eva – ŠIFFALOVIČ, Peter
In Langmuir. Vol. 35, iss. 30 (2019)
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b01000
Abstract
Few-layer MoS2 films stay at the forefront of current research of two-dimensional materials. At present, continuous MoS2 films are prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. Herein, we present a cost-effective fabrication of the large-area spatially uniform films of few-layer MoS2 flakes using a modified Langmuir–Schaefer technique. The compression of the liquid-phase exfoliated MoS2 flakes on the water subphase was used to form a continuous layer, which was subsequently transferred onto a submerged substrate by removing the subphase. After vacuum annealing, the electrical sheet resistance dropped to a level of 10 kΩ/sq, being highly competitive with that of CVD-deposited MoS2 nanosheet films. In addition, a consistent fabrication protocol of the large-area conductive MoS2 films was established. The morphology and electrical properties predetermine these films to advanced detecting, sensing, and catalytic applications. A large number of experimental techniques were used to characterize the exfoliated few-layer MoS2 flakes and to elucidate the formation of the few-layer MoS2 Langmuir film.
An elevated concentration of MoS2 lowers the efficacy of liquid-phase exfoliation and triggers the production of MoOx nanoparticles
In Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. Vol. 21, iss. 23 (2019)
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9CP01951K
Abstract
It is generally accepted that liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) enables large-scale production of few-layer MoS2 flakes. In our work, we studied in detail few-layer MoS2 oxidation in the course of standard LPE in a water/ethanol solution. We demonstrate that an increase of the initial MoS2 concentration above a certain threshold triggers a pronounced oxidation and the exfoliation process starts to produce MoOx nanoparticles. A subsequent decrease of the water pH along with an increased content of SO42− suggests an oxidation scenario of few-layer MoS2 oxidation towards MoOx nanoparticles. Moreover, the lowered pH leads to agglomeration and sedimentation of the few-layer MoS2 flakes, which significantly lowers their production yield. We employed a large number of physico-chemical techniques to study the MoS2-to-MoOx transformation and found a threshold value of 10 mg ml−1 of the initial MoS2 concentration to trigger this transformation.
Tailoring the interparticle distance in Langmuir nanoparticle films
BENKOVIČOVÁ, Monika – HOLOS, Ana – NÁDAŽDY, Peter – HALAHOVETS, Yurily – KOTLÁR, Mário – KOLLÁR, Jozef – ŠIFFALOVIČ, Peter – JERGEL, Matej – MAJKOVÁ, Eva – MOSNÁČEK, Jaroslav – IVANČO, Ján
In Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. Vol. 21, iss. 18 (2019)
Abstract
The ability to control the interparticle distance in self-assembled arrays of nanoparticles plays an important role in a large number of applications, which require tunable electronic and photonic properties. Importantly, practical applications in real devices rely on arrays satisfying more stringent requirements of lateral homogeneity controlled over a large scale. Herein, the interparticle distance in ordered nanoparticle assemblies was controlled by varying the nanoparticle effective size via the molecular chemical nature and chain length of the ligand. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were functionalized by three types of ligands, namely (i) a mixture of oleic acid/oleylamine (OA/OAm), (ii) poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) and (iii) polystyrene (PS), while two different molar masses of PBA and PS were used. The polymeric ligands with narrow dispersity and bearing phosphonic chain-end groups were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization. Functionalization of the IONPs with polymeric ligands was achieved using a ligand exchange method. Both the hydrodynamic diameter and size distribution of the nanoparticles in colloidal solution were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The mean interparticle distances in Langmuir–Schaefer monolayers prepared on solid substrates were assessed by means of the pair correlation function calculated from the atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. Furthermore, the lateral ordering, homogeneity, and interparticle distances averaged over a mesoscopic scale of the ordered monolayers were studied by the grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) technique. We demonstrate that the (nanoparticle) centre-to-centre distance in the ordered assemblies constituted by the IONPs with the core diameter of about 6 nm can be varied from 7.6 to about 12 nm with the resulting interparticle gap change by a factor of about 4.