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Hybrid cross-linked chitosan/protonated-proline:glucose DES membranes with superior pervaporation performance for ethanol dehydration
PublicationThis work explores a protonated L-proline:glucose (molar ratio 5:1) deep eutectic solvent (DES) in fabricating biopolymer membranes utilizing chitosan (CS). Initially, the miscibility of CS and DES to prepare homogeneous dense blend membranes has been investigated. Different techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, contact angle (CA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and swelling...
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Plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence from TiO2 and TeO2 thin films doped by Eu3+ for optoelectronic applications
PublicationIn this work we study the luminescence properties of europium-doped titanium dioxide and tellurium oxide thin films enhanced by gold plasmonic nanostructures. We propose a new type of plasmon structure with an ultrathin dielectric film between plasmonic platform and luminescent material. Plasmonic platforms were manufactured through thermal annealing of the gold thin film. Thermal dewetting of gold film results in spherical gold...
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Facile synthesis and characterization of graphene and N-doped graphene by CVD method from liquid precursors for promising electrode materials
PublicationIn this study, high-quality and few-layered graphene was synthesized using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method from liquid sources. Two different liquid carbon sources, pyridine, and benzene, were used and deposited on nickel foam under heat conditions using a bubbler in a quartz tube. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis confirmed the crystalline properties of graphene and N-doped graphene, demonstrating the high...
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Structurally well-defined functionalized polyolefins and graft copolymers thereof as bitumen modifiers
PublicationHere we demonstrate the application of hydroxyl-functionalized propylene-based copolymers, poly(propylene-co-1-hexene-co-10-undecen-1-ol) (FPP) and poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) graft copolymers derived thereof, poly(propylene-co-1- hexene-graft-styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (FPP-g-SMA) as bitumen modifiers. The FPP samples were synthesized via solution copolymerization, while FPP-g-SMA products were obtained via transesterification...
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Merging Proline:Xylitol Eutectic Solvent in Crosslinked Chitosan Pervaporation Membranes for Enhanced Water Permeation in Dehydrating Ethanol
PublicationThe scope of this research aims at merging a new deep eutectic mixture (DES) into a biopolymer-based membrane for a pervaporation application in dehydrating ethanol. Herein, an L-proline:xylitol (at 5:1) eutectic mixture was successfully synthesized and blended with chitosan (CS). A complete characterization of the hybrid membranes, in terms of morphology, solvent uptake, and hydrophilicity, has been conducted. As part of their...
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The Effect of C45 Carbon Black-Phosphomolybdic Acid Nanocomposite on Hydrogenation and Corrosion Resistance of La2Ni9Co Hydrogen Storage Alloy
PublicationIn this paper, we analysed the influence of corrosion processes and the addition of a carbon black-heteropoly phosphomolybdic acid (C45-MPA) nanocomposite on the operating parameters of a hydride electrode obtained on the basis of the intermetallic compound La2Ni9Co. The electrochemical properties of negative electrodes for NiMH batteries were studied using galvanostatic charge/discharge curves, the potentiostatic method, and electrochemical...
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The optimization of CuxO microwires synthesis for improvement in photoelectrochemical performance
PublicationOne of the most important challenges in the fabrication of CuxO microstructures via the electrochemical method is formation of long, regular and well-packed microwires with good adhesion on the Cu substrate and to achieve better photoelectrochemical properties, which can be potentially applied in solar-driven water splitting and CO2 conversion to light hydrocarbons. In this paper, Cu2O photoelectrode has been fabricated by direct...
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Lanthanide-organic-frameworks modified ZnIn2S4 for boosting hydrogen generation under UV–Vis and visible light
PublicationNovel Ln-MOF with microrods shape were successfully combined with ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) microsphere and used for photocatalytic hydrogen generation under UV–Vis and visible light. The Ln-MOFs/ZIS system comprises lanthanide-carboxylate coordination networks (Tm and Gd as metal ions, and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) as the organic linker) deposited on ZnIn2S4 microspheres. Effect of the amount of ((Tm,Gd)-BTC) (1, 5, 10 wt%) on...
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The influence of photointercalaction and photochromism effects on the photocatalytic properties of electrochemically obtained maze-like MoO3 microstructures
PublicationMolybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) thin films with oriented crystalline facets were synthesised by anodization of Mo foils. The obtained samples were exposed to UV–Vis illumination in aqueous electrolytes providing different cations. The morphology and structure of modified samples were investigated. The effect of photointercalated alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+) on optical and structural properties was studied using UV–vis and Raman...
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Problems and challenges associated with estimating the emissions of organic compounds from indoor materials
PublicationFor several years intensive research has been carried out with the aim of developing a database of the types and amounts of pollutants released from indoor materials to the indoor environment. The paper discusses in detail basic problems and challenges encountered when estimating the emissions of chemical compounds released from of indoor materials. Factors affecting the validity of data obtained by using two different types of...
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Physico‐Mechanical Properties and Flammability of PUR/PIR Foams Containing Expandable Graphite Core‐Shell Composite Particles
PublicationIn this work, polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) foams were modified by two types of expandable graphite (EG) core-shell composite particles. The pulverized EG core-shell composite particles were prepared during emulsion polymerization using methyl methacrylate or glycidyl methacrylate for the synthesis of the polymeric shells (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)), and then the obtained EG_PMMA...
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Influence of Natural Conditions on the Imaging of the Bottom of the Gdańsk Bay by Means of the Side Scan Sonar
PublicationThe interest in underwater resources is the reason for the development of modern hydroacoustic systems, including side sonars, which find numerous applications such as: research of seabed morphology and sediment characteristics, preparation of sea sediment maps, and even in special cases of biocenoses such as sea grass meadows, detection of specific targets at the bottom such as shipwrecks, mines, identification of suitable sites...
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The influence of reinforcement on load carrying capacity and cracking of the reinforced concrete deep beam joint
PublicationThe paper presents the results of experimental research of the spatial reinforced concrete deep beam systems orthogonally reinforced and with additional inclined bars. Joint of the deep beams in this research was composed of the longitudinal deep beam with a cantilever suspended at the transversal deep beam. The cantilever deep beam was loaded throughout the depth and the transversal deep beam was loaded at the mid-span by longitudinal...
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Two kinds of oxygen vacancies in lithium titaniate doped with copper as detected by EPR
PublicationLithium titanate (Li1+xTi2-xO4) doped with Cu2+ ions was synthesized by sol-gel processing method. The structure and morphology are characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Spin Hamiltonian parameters describing Zeeman and hyperfine interaction for 63Cu2+ ions were obtained from EPR spectra simulations. The spectra...
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A Novel Method of Endotoxins Removal from Chitosan Hydrogel as a Potential Bioink Component Obtained by CO2 Saturation
PublicationThe article presents a new approach in the purification of chitosan (CS) hydrogel in order to remove a significant amount of endotoxins without changing its molecular weight and viscosity. Two variants of the method used to purify CS hydrogels from endotoxins were investigated using the PyroGene rFC Enzymatic Cascade assay kit. The effect of the CS purification method was assessed in terms of changes in the dynamic viscosity of...
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Chitin and derivative chitosan-based structures — Preparation strategies aided by deep eutectic solvents: A review
PublicationThe high molecular weight of chitin, as a biopolymer, challenges its extraction due to its insolubility in the solvents. Also, chitosan, as the N-deacetylated form of chitin, can be employed as a primary material for different industries. The low mechanical stability and poor plasticity of chitosan films, as a result of incompatible interaction between chitosan and the used solvent, have limited its industrialization. Deep eutectic...
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Synthesis and structural properties of (Y, Sr)(Ti, Fe, Nb)O3−δ perovskite nanoparticles fabricated by modified polymer precursor method
PublicationThe yttrium, iron and niobium doped-SrTiO3 powders have been successfully fabricated by a modified low–temperature synthesis method from a polymer complex. The usage of strontium hydroxide precursor instead of conventional strontium nitrate or strontium carbonate provides to the possibility of significant decrease of annealing temperature. It allows to prepare a material with sphere-shape grains of nanometric size (15–70 nm). The...
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Characterization and properties of LDPE/(ground tire rubber)/crosslinked butyl rubber blends
PublicationIn recent years, interest in used rubber recycling, mainly focusing on the utilization of end-of-life tires, has heightened. This interest, is owing to the activities related to environmental protection and economic factors, which both stimulate companies to reuse the high-quality rubber present in ground rubber scrap. In this study, the application of crosslinked butyl rubber in thermoplastic compositions of low-density polyethylene...
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Ordered TiO2 nanotubes: the effect of preparation parameters on the photocatalytic activity in air purification process
PublicationVertically ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were synthesized by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in glycerol, ethylene glycol and water-based electrolytes. The effect of electrolyte composition, anodization voltage, ultrasonic treatment and calcination time on the morphology of the resulting thin films, as well as on their photocatalytic activity in toluene removal, used as a model volatile organic compound, was investigated. Toluene,...
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Enhancing the Separation Performance of Chitosan Membranes Through the Blending with Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Pervaporation of Polar/Non-Polar Organic Mixtures
PublicationThis study explores the development of chitosan-based membranes blended with three distinct deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the pervaporation separation of methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. DESs were selected for their eco-friendly properties and their potential to enhance membrane performance. The chitosan (CS) membranes, both crosslinked and non-crosslinked, were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical composition,...
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The characterization of collagen‑based scaffolds modified with phenolic acids for tissue engineering application
PublicationThe aim of the experiment was to study the morphology of collagen-based scaffolds modified by caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid, their swelling, and degradation rate, as well as the biological properties of scaffolds, such as antioxidant activity, hemo- and cytocompatibility, histological observation, and antibacterial properties. Scaffolds based on collagen with phenolic acid showed higher swelling rate and enzymatic...
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Synthesis, microstructure and electrical properties of nanocrystalline calcium doped lanthanum orthoniobate
PublicationThe single phase lanthanum orthoniobate with tetragonal structure has been synthesized by the means of mechanosynthesis method. The studies have shown the crystal structure of La0.98Ca0.02NbO4 depends on the synthesis stage. The samples were predominantly in the tetragonal phase with a trace amount of the monoclinic phase. The SEM studies of morphology and microstructure have shown nanocrystallinity of the materials. The Raman...
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Tailoring Electro/Optical Properties of Transparent Boron-Doped Carbon Nanowalls Grown on Quartz
PublicationCarbon nanowalls (CNWs) have attracted much attention for numerous applications in electrical devices because of their peculiar structural characteristics. However, it is possible to set synthesis parameters to vary the electrical and optical properties of such CNWs. In this paper, we demonstrate the direct growth of highly transparent boron-doped nanowalls (B-CNWs) on optical grade fused quartz. The effect of growth temperature...
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The Influence of Substitution of a Phosphorus-Containing Polyol with the Bio-polyol on the Properties of Bio-based PUR/PIR Foams
PublicationIn this work, effects of incorporating of a phosphorus-containing polyol into rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate foams’ formulations developed with use of two different bio-based polyols, derived from crude glycerol or liquefied cellulose were examined. The bio-polyol derived from crude glycerol was synthesized via two-step process from crude glycerol and castor oil, whereas the bio-polyol derived from liquefied cellulose was...
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Segmented bio-based polyurethane composites containing powdered cellulose obtained from novel bio-based diisocyanate mixtures
PublicationA considerable number of research works focus on the positive influence of cellulose on the properties of polymer-based composites and their wide range of application possibilities. The present work is focused on the synthesis of novel bio-based polyurethane (bio-PU) composites filled with powdered cellulose (microcellulose, MC) in an amount of 5 wt.%. Bio-PU composites were synthesized via a non-solvent prepolymer method. First,...
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High resolution optical and acoustic remote sensing datasets of the Puck Lagoon
PublicationThe very shallow marine basin of Puck Lagoon in the southern Baltic Sea, on the Northern coast of Poland, hosts valuable benthic habitats and cultural heritage sites. These include, among others, protected Zostera marina meadows, one of the Baltic’s major medieval harbours, a ship graveyard, and likely other submerged features that are yet to be discovered. Prior to this project, no comprehensive high-resolution remote sensing...
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Gelatin and gelatin/starch-based films modified with sorbitol for wound healing
PublicationGelatin-based films modified with sorbitol were produced from gelatin solution or gelatin/starch blends using a simple and low-cost solvent casting method, and subsequently, their physicochemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties were characterized. This work focused on developing and optimizing a biopolymeric blend to improve the pure biopolymers’ properties for potential biomedical applications such as wound dressing....
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Composite Materials Based on Silicon Oxycarbide as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
PublicationIn this work, the properties of binary SiOC/graphite and SiOC/tin, as well as ternary SiOC/graphite/tin obtained from various preceramic precursors are described. During the first step, the materials were synthesized using various techniques such as sol-gel and hydrosilylation. To prevent sedimentation and agglomeration of graphite particles during the gelation stage without using surfactants and thickeners, a new gelation technique...
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Effect of sisal fiber filler on thermal properties of bio-based polyurethane composites
PublicationThis work is mainly focused on study of thermal and thermomechanical properties of obtained bio-based polyurethane (coded as bio-PU) composites via using different types of bio-components (bio-glycol, modified soybean oil and sisal fiber) in the procedure. The chemical structure, morphology and mechanical properties were also investigated and described in this manuscript in order to know more perfect characterization of produced...
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Study of the effect of thermally reduced graphene oxide on the physical and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams
PublicationFlexible polyurethane foams were obtained from a two-component system via the one-step method. The foams were modified with thermally reduced graphene oxide added in the amount equal to 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 wt%. The morphology, static and dynamic properties, and thermal stability of modified foams were determined. The application of carbon filler resulted in the visible increase in the cell size, apparent density and rigidity of...
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The influence of nanostructures size on V2O5 electrochemical properties as cathode materials for lithium ion battery
PublicationIn this paper, V2O5 nanostructures with a size depending on the annealing temperature are successfully synthesized by a sol-gel method. The crystal structure and morphology of samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SEAD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Electrochemical testing such...
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Precipitation and Transformation of Vaterite Calcium Carbonate in the Presence of Some Organic Solvents
PublicationIn this paper, the production of CaCO3 particles via the carbonation route in the reaction of CaCl2 and CO2, using NH3 as a promoter of CO2 absorption, was studied. The solvents used as the reaction media for CaCO3 precipitation were aqueous solutions of methanol, isopropanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in a concentration range of 0–20% (v/v). It was found that the presence of an organic additive influenced the precipitation...
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Structure, Mechanical, Thermal and Fire Behavior Assessments of Environmentally Friendly Crude Glycerol-Based Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foams
PublicationIn this work, rigid polyisocyanurate foams were prepared at partial substitution (0–70 wt%) of commercially available petrochemical polyol, with previously synthesized biopolyol based on crude glycerol and castor oil. Influence of the biopolyol content on morphology, chemical structure, static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties, thermal stability and flammability was investigated. Incorporation of...
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Electrodes consisting of PEDOT modified by Prussian Blue analogues deposited onto titania nanotubes – Their highly improved capacitance
PublicationIn this work we present the outstanding energy storage of prepared inorganic-organic heterojunction where hydrogenated ordered titania nanotubes (H-TiO2NT) were modified by the hybrid made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (pEDOT) and iron hexacyanoferrate centres (Fehcf, Prussian Blue). The material TiO2NT/pEDOT:Fechf was obtained electrochemically by means of: anodization, hydrogenation and finally, electropolymerization of...
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Interfacial adhesion evaluation in (low-density polyethylene)/elastomer blends
PublicationLow-density polyethylene (LDPE) with different elastomers at a ratio of 50/50 wt% blends was prepared by using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Three kinds of elastomers were used: ground tire rubber (GTR), partially crosslinked butyl rubber (KalarVR ), and styrenebutadiene- rubber block copolymer (SBS; KratonVR ). For better characterization of interaction between polyethylene and elastomer, influence of the type of elastomer on...
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Novel fused pyran derivatives induce apoptosis and target cell cycle progression in anticancer efficacy against multiple cell lines.
PublicationNitrogen-based heterocycles such as pyrazole, imidazole, 1,2,4-triazole, benzimidazole, and benzotriazole substituted fused pyran derivatives (6a–e, 8a–e, 10a–e, 12a–e,&14a–e) have been synthesized and tested for their in vitro anticancer efficacies against MCF7, A549, and HCT116 cancer cell lines. Among the compounds, 6e, 14b, and 8c were identified as the most potent against MCF7, A549, and HCT116, with IC50 values of 12.46 2.72...
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Sustainable Strategy for Algae Biomass Waste Management via Development of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers Composites
PublicationThis work concerns the waste management method of algae biomass wastes (ABW). For this purpose, we prepared bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (bio-TPU) composites. Algae biomass wastes are derived from algal oil extraction of Chlorella vulgaris and from biomass of Enteromorpha and Zostera marina. ABWs were used in the bio-TPUs composites as a filler in the quantity of 1, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. The bio-based composites...
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Studies on the Combined Impact of Starch Source and Multiple Processing on Selected Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Blends
PublicationThermoplastic starch (TPS)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blends compatibilized with polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were prepared from various native starches (potato, maize and waxy maize) and subjected to multiple extrusion cycles. Source of starch has significant impact on its composition, hence properties of obtained TPS and their blends with EVA. Higher content of amylopectin in waxy maize starch, comparing to...
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Effect of Semiconductor Element Substitution on the Electric Properties of Barium Titanate Ceramics
PublicationThe investigated ceramics were prepared by a solid-state reaction from simple oxides and carbonates with the use of a mixed oxide method (MOM). The morphology of BaTi0.96Si0.04O3 (BTSi04) ceramics was characterised by means of a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that Si+4 ion substitution supported the grain growth process in BT-based ceramics. The EDS results confirmed the high purity and expected quantitative composition...
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Synthesis and Physicochemical Characteristics of Chitosan-Based Polyurethane Flexible Foams
PublicationThe use of shrimp waste to obtain chitosan (Ch) is an essential issue, considering a circular economy, waste management, and its application to environmentally friendly materials. In this study, northern prawn shells were utilized to obtain Ch, which could then be used for synthesizing chitosan-based polyurethane (PUR+Ch) foams with different Ch concentration. The chemical structure, morphology, hardness, thermal properties, viscoelastic...
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Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Cancer Therapy
PublicationMOFs exhibit inherent extraordinary features for diverse applications ranging from catalysis, storage, and optics to chemosensory and biomedical science and technology. Several procedures including solvothermal, hydrothermal, mechanochemical, electrochemical, and ultrasound techniques have been used to synthesize MOFs with tailored features. A continued attempt has also been directed towards functionalizing MOFs via “post-synthetic...
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Optimization of boron-doping process of titania nanotubes via electrochemical method toward enhanced photoactivity
PublicationIn this work, we were focused on the development of the electrochemical approach resulting in a stable boron doping of titania nanotubes. The doping procedure concerns anodic polarization of as-anodized titania in a H3BO3 solution acting as n boron precursor. The series of attempts were taken in order to elaborate the most beneficial doping conditions. The parameters of electrochemical doping allowing to obtain boron-doped titania...
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Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells based on Ti/TiO2 nanotubes photoanode and Pt-free and TCO-free counter electrode system
PublicationFlexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are getting more attention compared to standard glass covered DSSCs due to their unique commercial applications (e.g. tents or sail surfaces) and the possibility of rolling up into a small, portable device. In this work, titania nanotubes (TiO2 NT) modified with titania nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) were photoelectrochemically characterized as an anode for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells....
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Synthetic lipopeptides as potential topical therapeutics in wound and skin care: in vitro studies of permeation and skin cells behaviour
PublicationSeveral Gly-His-Lys analogues were obtained to investigate their antimicrobial properties. Three lipophilic analogues with the structure numbering 1b, 2b, 4b, exhibit significant effect against bacteria and were selected for in vitro evaluation of skin cells behaviour. In the present studies, an in vitro model of wound repair, proliferative cell staining, and tracking of living cells were used. Cell proliferation and cell migration,...
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Photocatalytical properties of maze-like MoO3 microstructures prepared by anodization of Mo plate
PublicationIn this work, we present a simple method of the formation of MoO3 microstructures via an electrochemical anodization of Mo plate carried out under varied conditions. The morphology, composition and structure of samples were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The band gap energy was estimated using the Kubelka–Munk function and was found to be 2.87 eV. Finally, the photocatalytic activities of MoO3 samples were...
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Structural and physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber/GTR composites devulcanized by microwaves: Influence of GTR source and irradiation time
PublicationGround tire rubber from car and truck was modified using microwave irradiation at variable time. The irradiated ground tire rubber was used as filler in composites based on natural rubber. The composites, with high content of ground tire rubber, were prepared using an internal batch mixer and subsequently cross-linked at 160℃. The influence of the ground tire rubber source (car/truck) and irradiation time on structure, physico-mechanical...
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Fabrication and Significant Photoelectrochemical Activity of Titania Nanotubes Modified with Thin Indium Tin Oxide Film
PublicationOrdered titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) modified with indium tin oxide (ITO) films were obtained via magnetron sputtering, in which ITO plate was used as a target, onto the as-anodized titania support followed by the calcination process. The morphology of fabricated material with deposited oxide was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopies were utilized to characterize crystalline phase...
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Origin and fate of nanoparticles in marine water – Preliminary results
PublicationThe number, morphology and elemental composition of nanoparticles (<100 nm) in marine water was investigated using Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Preliminary research conducted in the Baltic Sea showed that the number of nanoparticles in seawater varied from undetectable to 380 (x102) cm-3. Wind mixing and density barriers (thermocline) had a significant impact...
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Corrosion process monitoring by AFM higher harmonic imaging
PublicationThe atomic force microscope (AFM) was invented in 1986 as an alternative to the scanning tunnelling microscope, which cannot be used in studies of non-conductive materials. Today the AFM is a powerful, versatile and fundamental tool for visualizing and studying the morphology of material surfaces. Moreover, additional information for some materials can be recovered by analysing the AFM's higher cantilever modes when the cantilever...
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Evolution of Ag nanostructures created from thin films: UV–vis absorption and its theoretical predictions
PublicationAg-based plasmonic nanostructures were manufactured by thermal annealing of thin metallic films. Structure and morphology were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). SEM images show that the formation of nanostructures is influenced by the initial layer thickness as well as the...