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Purpose: The main purpose of this publication is to bring closer co-precipitation method of magnetic particles synthesis. Procedure of examining and characterisation of those materials was also shown. Design/methodology/approach: During the work, the properties and possible biomedical application of the material produced were also examined. Surface morphology studies of the obtained particles were made using Zeiss's Supra 35 scanning electron microscope and S/TEM TITAN 80-300 transmission electron microscope. In order to confirm the chemical composition of observed layers, qualitative tests were performed by means of spectroscopy of scattered X-ray energy using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The Raman spectra of the samples were measured with a InVia Raman microscope by Renishaw. Magnetic properties of hematite nanoparticles were made using VSM magnetometer. Findings: Using VSM magnetometer proved that obtained material is mixture of ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic domain. Practical implications: Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) has been gaining an incrementally increasing interest of scientists in the biomedical areas. Presented materials can be used in the hyperthermia phenomena which can be used in precise cancer treatment. Originality/value: Specific magnetic properties which determinate obtained material to be well for hyperthermia phenomena.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are promising alternatives to silicon-based solar cells due to their compatibility with flexible substrates and their ability to work under low-light conditions. The performance of these solar cells mainly depends on the sensitizer structure. Sensitizers based on synthetic dyes typically exhibit the best conversion efficiency; however, they have many problems such as scarcity of metals, lengthy purification steps, high synthesis costs, and high environmental impact. Natural dyes extracted from plants have been proposed as alternatives due to their nontoxicity, facile preparation, and low production cost, although they have lower efficiencies. This study used a life cycle assessment (LCA) metohodology to investigate the environmental performances of DSSCs based on natural sensitizers. We fabricated three DSSCs based on natural dyes, obtained from the juice, pomace, and leaves of black chokeberries, and another with synthetic N719 sensitizer. The results showed that the photovoltaic module containing synthetic N719 dye had the lowest environmental impact among all analyzed impact categories. Among the modules containing natural dyes, cells with chokeberry juice dyes had the highest environmental performance.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) which present promising low-cost alternative to the conventional silicon solar cells mainly due to comparatively low manufacturing cost, ease of fabrication and relatively good efficiency. One of the undesirable factor in DSSCs is the electron recombination process that takes place at the transparent conductive oxide/electrolyte interface, on the side of photoelectrode. To reduce this effect in the structure of the solar cell, a TiO2 blocking layer (BL) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was deposited. Design/methodology/approach Scanning electron microscope, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to evaluate the influence of BL on the photovoltaic properties. Electrical parameters of manufactured DSSCs with and without BL were characterized by measurements of current-voltage characteristics under standard AM 1.5 radiation. Findings The TiO2 BL prevents the physical contact of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and the electrolyte and leads to increase in the cell’s overall efficiency, from 5.15 to 6.18%. Higher density of the BL, together with larger contact area and improved adherence between the TiO2 layer and FTO surface provide more electron pathways from TiO2 to FTO which facilitates electron transfer. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that the introduction of a BL into the photovoltaic device structure is an important step in technology of DSSCs to improve its efficiency. Moreover, the ALD is a powerful technique which allows for the highly reproducible growth of pinhole-free thin films with excellent thickness accuracy and conformality at low temperature.

The article describes biomaterials and surgical instruments, in particular surgical cutting tools. In addition, the functions of coatings and the layer vapor deposition methods are described. In the experimental component of the study, zinc oxide thin film was deposited on the surgical knife blades by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with a varying number of cycles. The structures of the deposited thin films were investigated using a Raman spectrometer and the surface topography of the samples was examined using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion of the thin films was tested using the micro-scratch method. The corrosion resistance was also tested. Surgical instruments coated with non-allergenic metal oxide coatings, containing metal structures that reduce the growth of bacteria, could significantly decrease the risk of undesirable reactions of the body during and after surgery.

Purpose: The article presents the results of research on titanium dioxide synthesized by a sol-gel method that is an easy process enabling the control of the shape and size of particles The purpose of this article is to examine titanium dioxide nanoparticles and thin films deposited by an atomization method. Design/methodology/approach: Titanium dioxide sol was synthesized by using titanium isopropoxide as a precursor. Optical properties were measured by a UV-Vis spectrometer. Structural studies were performed by Raman spectroscopy. Qualitative analysis was performed by the EDS. Surface morphology of nanoparticles and thin films was performed by the SEM technique. Findings: The sol-gel method allows the formation of uniform nanoparticles and thin films of titanium dioxide. The atomization method is a successful method for the deposition of sol to the surface of substrates. Research limitations/implications: The next step in the research will be to investigate the obtained thin films in dye-sensitized solar cells as a semiconductive layer. Practical implications: Unique properties of produced titanium dioxide nanostructural materials have caused the interest in them in such fields as optoelectronics, photovoltaics, medicine and decorative coatings. Originality/value: Titanium dioxide thin films and nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method and then deposited by the atomization method.

An important element that allows the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) photovoltaic assemblies to achieve high efficiency is the photoelectrode. In this kind of solar devices photoanode is mostly in the form of a meso-porous oxide layer composed of nanostructures with attached dye molecules through bonds between the hydroxyl group of the oxide material and the carboxylic group in the dye structure. It is responsible for the separation of charge carriers, which plays the most important role in the photovoltaic effect. The used dyes should be characterized by: higher dye excitation energy than the edge of the oxide semiconductor, the wide absorption spectrum, presence of groups that allow permanent bonding to the surface, resistance to photodegradation and photocorrosion, lower level of the basic state than the redox potential of the electrolyte allowing dye regeneration, thermal and electrochemical stability. Nowadays the most commonly used dyes are ruthenium, osmium, copper, iridium complexes as well as porphyrins and phthalocyanines. The work involved the production of two types of photoelectrodes, containing TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanoparticle/nanowire. The nanowires of TiO2 have been produced with use electrospinning method. The both photoelectrodes have been obtained by screen printing method ensuring dimensional accuracy and repeatability of production. In order to determine the properties of photoanodes, topographical studies were performed using atomic force microscope (AFM), allowing through RMS Ra roughness coefficients determination to quantify of surface of the electrodes, qualitative studies of chemical composition using Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), X-ray structural studies, and investigations of optical properties in the wavelength range 200 to 800 nm. The I-V characteristics of dye sensitized solar cells were measured using PV Test Solutions Tadeusz Zdanowicz Solar Cell I-V Tracer System and Keithley 2410 source meter under Standard Test Conditions (AM 1.5, 100 W/m2). The research confirmed that the use of selected method of producing TiO2 nanowires and the method of photoelectrode production allows to obtain a large specific surface area as well as homogeneity of the electrodes. Investigations of optical properties indicate good absorption of the dye used to the semiconductor TiO2 layer, both composed of nanoparticles and the nanoparticle/nanowire system. Obtained cell efficiency results at 4.5–5% make photovoltaic structures promising from the point of view of further development and further application.

Purpose: The main purpose of this publication is to bring closer method of synthesis and examining basic properties of TiO2, ZnO and NiO nanoparticles (NPs), and investigate their possible biomedical application. Design/methodology/approach: Nanopowders were made with sol-gel method. Surface morphology studies of the obtained materials were made using Zeiss's Supra 35 scanning electron microscope and the structure using S/TEM TITAN 80-300 transmission electron microscope. In order to confirm the chemical composition of observed nanopowders, qualitative tests were performed by means of spectroscopy of scattered X -ray energy using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) method was used to analyse the particle size distribution using the AntonPaar Litesizer 500 nanoparticle size analyser. Changes in particle size distribution at elevated temperatures were also observed. The TiO2, ZnO and NiO NPs with spherical shape were successfully produced by sol-gel method. Findings: The diameter of the as prepared nanoparticles does not exceed 25 nm which is confirmed by the TEM analysis. The highest proportion among the agglomerates of the nanoparticles has been shown to show those with a diameter of 80 to 125 nm. The qualitative analysis of EDS confirmed the chemical composition of the material. Practical implications: Nanoparticles (NPs) has been receiving an incrementally increasing interest within biomedical fields researchers. Nanoparticles properties (physical, chemical, mechanical, optical, electrical, magnetic, etc.) are different from the properties of their counterparts with a larger particle size. Originality/value: The nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel method which allows the particle size to be controlled in a simple way.

This paper presents application examples of atomic layer deposition method (ALD) adopted for production of multifunctional thin films for various usage such as passive, antireflection and transparent conductive films. First part of this paper introduces the mechanism of ALD process, in the rest of it, aluminum oxide (as passive and antireflection) and zinc oxide (as antireflection and transparent conductive) ALD thin films are presented. In the literature one can find reports on the use of the Al2O3 layer as passivating and ZnO layers as a transparent conductive oxide in diodes, polymeric and dye sensitized solar cells. In this article, the ALD layers were tested for their use in silicon solar cells, using their good electrical and optical properties. For examination of prepared thin films characteristics, following research methods were used: scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, X-ray diffractometer, ellipsometer, UV/VIS spectrometer and resistance measurements. By depositing a layer thickness of about 80 nm, the short-circuit current on the surface of the solar cell was increased three times while reducing the reflection of light. In turn, by changing the deposition temperature of the ZnO thin film, you can control its electrical properties while maintaining high transparency. The obtained results showed that the ALD method provide the ability to produce a high quality multifunctional thin films with the required properties.

The use of thin films in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices is aimed at improving the physical properties of the substrate material. The modification of the surface of the silicon substrate is thus one of the greatest challenges in research on photovoltaic materials, in order to achieve even greater efficiency or better adapt their properties depending on the application. The technologies of applying layers vary depending on the effect to be obtained and the material from which the layer is formed. In practice, the most common method is chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition, and the most commonly applied optical materials are SiO2, TiO2 and Si3N4.This paper presents the results of investigations on morphology and optical properties of the prepared aluminium oxide thin films. Thin films were prepared with use of sol-gel spin coating method. Surface morphology studies were carried out using an atomic force microscope. To characterize the surface of the thin films, 3D images and histograms of the frequency of individual inequalities were made. In order to characterize the optical properties of Al2O3 thin films, the reflectance and light transmission tests were performed using a spectrophotometer. Optical constants were determined using a spectroscopic ellipsometer. Results and their analysis show that the sol-gel method allows the deposition of homogenous thin films of Al2O3 with the desired geometric characteristics and good optical properties. Uniform, continuous thin layers with a roughness not exceeding a few nanometres were deposited. Their deposition enabled to reduce the reflection of light from the polished substrate below 15% in a wide range (425-800nm) while maintaining high transparencies (over 90%). The obtained results causes that mentioned thin films are good potential material for optics, optoelectronics and photovoltaics.

The comprehensive investigation results of the influence of ZnO thin films deposition parameters on their structure, mechanical and optical properties are presented in the paper. Zinc oxide layers were prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. For the evaluation of morphology and structure of the ZnO films, both scanning and transmission electron microscopy was used. Transparency test was carried out using UV/VIS spectroscopy. The atomic concentration of the particular elements of ZnO layer was calculated from the XPS measurements. Chemical analysis was extended to measurements of micro and nanostructure of ZnO layer with the use of TOF-SIMS spectrometry. The Oliver-Pharr method was used to measure the instrumental hardness, while the scratch test was performed to study the layers adhesion to the surface. The uniform structure of the investigated coatings without any visible delamination was observed. Despite the very low thickness, the layers demonstrated a good adhesion to the substrate. The results showed that the temperature of ALD process significantly affects the structure and transparency of ZnO thin films. The number of ALD cycles is also crucial regarding transparency.

One of the important research directions in the field of photovoltaics is integration with construction. The integration of solar cell systems with a building can reduce installation costs and help optimize the used space. Among the few literature reports on photovoltaic roof tiles, solutions with silicon and thin film solar cells dominate. An interesting solution may be the application of dye-sensitized solar cells. In addition to their interesting properties, they also have aesthetic value. In the classic arrangement, they are constructed using glass with a transparent conductive layer (TCL). This article describes replacing a classic glass counter electrode with an electrode based on a ceramic tile and nickel foil. First, a continuous and homogeneous fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin film was developed so that the above-mentioned substrate could be applied. The atomization method was used for this purpose. Then, nanocolloidal platinum paste was deposited as a catalytic material using the screen printing method. The electrical parameters of the manufactured DSSCs with and without a counter electrode tile were characterized by measuring their current–voltage characteristics under standard AM 1.5 radiation. A dye-sensitized solar cell integrated with ceramic tiles and nickel foil was produced and displayed an efficiency of over 4%. This solution makes it possible to expand their construction applications. The advantage of this solution is full integration with construction, while simultaneously generating electricity. A dye-sensitized solar cell was built layer-by-layer on a ceramic tile and nickel foil.

Magnesium alloys have been investigated as temporary biomaterials for orthopedic applications. Despite their high osseointegration and mechanical (bone-like) properties, Mg alloys quickly degrade in simulated physiological media. Surface coatings can be deposited onto Mg alloys to slow the corrosion rate of these biomaterials in chloride-rich environments. TiO2 films show high potential for improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. This article presents the structural observations and corrosion behavior of TiO2 thin films deposited onto a MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloy using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Surface morphologies were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman analysis of the deposited TiO2 films was also carried out. The corrosion behavior of the uncoated alloy and the alloy coated with TiO2 was measured in Ringer&rsquo, s solution at 37 &deg, C using electrochemical and immersion tests. The microscopic observations of the TiO2 thin films with a thickness of about 52.5 and 70 nm showed that the surface morphology was homogeneous without visible defects on the TiO2 surface. The electrochemical and immersion test results showed that the thin films decreased the corrosion rate of the studied Mg-based alloy, and the corrosion resistance was higher in the thicker TiO2 film.

The main goal of carried out tests were the impact of physicochemical properties of surface layers on the course of processes taking place on the surface of implants made of metallic biomaterials used in the bone system. As a precursor of ZnO, diethylzinc (DEZ) has been used, which reacted with water enabling the deposition of thin films. The chamber temperature was as follows—T = 200°–300 °C. The number of cycles was 500, 1000, and 1500. In the first stage, pitting corrosion test was carried out. Corrosion resistance has been tested under conditions simulating tissue environment. Moreover, the created layers were tested using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The conducted electrochemical tests showed the beneficial effect of the ZnO layer on the substrate made of 316 LVM steel, as evidenced by the obtained parameters describing the corrosion resistance. Furthermore, tests were performed on mechanical properties (scratch test), surface morphology (SEM and AFM method), and physical properties (wettability and thickness layers) for samples with different surface treatments. The investigations of the surface morphology of the applied ZnO layer using the ALD method showed a tendency to inherit the substrate independently of the used application parameters. On the other hand, the tests of adhesion to the substrate showed that the number of cycles of the application process has a fundamental impact on the adhesion of the applied layer to the substrate. Summarizing tests have clearly shown that the number of cycles and temperature in the case of the ZnO coating is significant and positively influences the increase of electrochemical, mechanical, and physical properties of layers.

The main goal of the carried out tests was to analyze the influence of the surface modification of a substrate by depositing composite ZnO layers by the Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) method. The samples were subjected to preliminary surface modification consisting of being sandblasted and electropolished. A ZnO layer was applied to the prepared substrates by the ALD method. As a precursor of ZnO, diethylzinc (DEZ) was used, which reacted with water, enabling the deposition of the thin films. The chamber temperature was as follows: T = 100&ndash, 300 &deg, C. The number of cycles was 500 and 1500. As part of the assessment of the physicochemical properties of the resulting surface layers, the tests of chemical composition of the layer, pitting corrosion, impedance corrosion, adhesion to the metal substrate, morphology surface, and wettability were carried out. On the basis of the obtained research, it was found that a composite ZnO layer deposited onto a substrate previously subjected to the electrochemical polishing process has more favorable physicochemical properties. Moreover, an influence of temperature and the number of cycles of the deposition process on the obtained properties was observed, where the ZnO layer was characterized by more favorable properties at a temperature of 200&ndash, C at 1500 cycles of the deposition process.

Purpose: The article concerns the development of completely new groups of composite materials that can be used to produce functional replacements for damaged bones or teeth. Design/methodology/approach: A selective laser sintering was used to produce the reinforcement of those materials from titanium and its Ti6Al4V alloy in the form of skeletons with pores with adjustable geometric features. The matrix of those materials is either air or crystallised from the liquid AlSi12 or AlSi7Mg0.3 alloys condition after prior vacuum infiltration or human osteoblast cells from the hFOB 1.19 (Human ATCC - CRL - 11372) culture line. Findings: The porous material may be used for the non-biodegradable scaffold. After implantation into the body in the form of an implant-scaffold one, it allows the natural cells of the patient to grow into the pores of the implant, and it fuses with the bone or the appropriate tissue over time. The essential part of the implant-scaffold is the porous part inseparably connected with the core of solid materials. Into pores can grow living cells. Research limitations/implications: Biological-engineering composite materials in which natural cells were cultured in the pores in the laboratory next are combined as an artificial material with the natural cells of the patient in his/her body. Practical implications: The hybrid technologies of the all group of those materials were obtained and optimised. Numerous structure research was carried out using the most modern research methods of contemporary materials engineering, and mechanical tests and biological research involving the cultivation of natural cells were realised. Originality/value: The results of the research indicate the accuracy of the idea of implementing a new group of biological-engineering materials and the wide possibilities of their application in regenerative medicine.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to synthesized NiO nanostructures by sol-gel method and characterized them for use in dye sensitized solar cells. For this purpose, a paste prepared from nanoparticles was prepared and screen printed on a glass substrate with the FTO layer. Design/methodology/approach: Nickel oxide nanoparticles was synthesized with participation of nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate and citric acid. The prepared nanopowder has been subjected to structural analysis using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images were taken with a Zeiss Supra 35. Qualitative studies of chemical composition were also performed using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The structure of nickel oxide was investigated by X-ray crystallography. An average crystallite size were calculated using Scherrer method and Williamson-Hall analysis. Light harvesting efficiency LHE was calculated from measured absorbance. Findings: The uniform nickel oxide nanoparticles with spherical shape were successfully produced by sol-gel method. The diameter of the as prepared nanoparticles does not exceed 25 nm which is confirmed by the XRD and TEM analysis. The light harvesting efficiency of the electrode in the entire studied range it’s over 90%. Therefore the NiO can be an attractive alternative to the most commonly used TiO2. Research limitations/implications: The next step in the research will be to investigate the ZnO/NiO composite on the properties of the photoelectrode of dye sensitized solar cell. Practical implications: The unique properties of produced NiO nanostructural materials have caused their interest in such fields as medicine, transparent electronics and photovoltaics. Originality/value: The NiO nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel method and then effectively used in the photoanode of dye sensitized solar cell.

Purpose: The publication aims to find the relationship between the proliferation of surface layers of living cells and the deposition of thin atomic layers deposition ALD coatings on the pores internal surfaces of porous skeletons of medical and dental implant-scaffolds manufactured with the selective laser deposition SLS additive technology using titanium and Ti6Al4V alloy. Design/methodology/approach: The extensive review of the literature presents the state-of-the-art in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. General ageing of societies, increasing the incidence of oncological diseases and some transport and sports accidents, and also the spread of tooth decay and tooth cavities in many regions of the world has taken place nowadays. Those reasons involve resection of many tissues and organs and the need to replace cavities, among others bones and teeth through implantation, more and more often hybridized with tissue engineering methods. Findings: The results of investigations of the structure and properties of skeleton microporous materials produced from titanium and Ti6Al4V alloy powders by the method of selective laser sintering have been presented. Particularly valuable are the original and previously unpublished results of structural research using high-resolution transmission electron microscope HRTEM. Particular attention has been paid to the issues of surface engineering, in particular, the application of flat TiO2 and Al2O3 coatings applied inside micropores using the atomic layers deposition ALD method and hydroxyapatite applied the dip-coating sol-gel method, including advanced HRTEM research. The most important part of the work concerns the research of nesting and proliferation of live cells of osteoblasts the hFOB 1.19 (Human ATCC - CRL - 11372) culture line on the surface of micropores with surfaces covered with the mentioned layers. Research limitations/implications: The investigations reported in the paper fully confirmed the idea of the hybrid technology of producing microporous implants and implant-scaffolds to achieve original Authors’ biological-engineering materials. The surface engineering issues, including both flat-layered nonorganic coatings and interactions of those coverings with flat layers of living cells, play a crucial role. Originality/value: Materials commonly used in implantology and the most commonly used materials processing technologies in those applications have been described. Against that background, the original Authors' concept of implant-scaffolds and the application of microporous skeleton materials for this purpose have been presented.

Purpose: The article presents the results of research on ZnO nanopowder prepared using sol-gel method that is the easy process enabling us to control shape and size of particles The purpose of this article is to synthesized ZnO nanostructures by sol-gel method and characterized them for use in dye sensitized solar cells. Design/methodology/approach: Zinc oxide nanopowder was synthesized by using zinc acetate dehydrate as a precursor. The prepared nanopowder has been subjected to structural analysis using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images were taken with a Zeiss Supra 35. Qualitative studies of chemical composition were also performed using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). The structure of zinc oxide was investigated by X-ray crystallography The absorbance of zinc oxide layers with and without dye were measured by Thermo Scientific Evolution 220 spectrophotometer equipped with a xenon lamp in the wavelength range from 190 nm to 1100 nm. Findings: Sol-gel method allows the formation of uniform nanoparticles of zinc oxide. The nanoparticles have been successfully used in photoelectrode of dye sensitized solar cell. The light harvesting efficiency of the electrode it remains in a wide spectral range above 85%, which gives better results than in the case of titanium dioxide. Research limitations/implications: The next step in the research will be to investigate the ZnO/NiO composite on the properties of the photoelectrode of dye sensitized solar cell. Practical implications: he unique properties of produced ZnO nanostructural materials have caused their interest in such fields as medicine, transparent electronics and photovoltaics. Originality/value: The ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel method and then effectively used in the photoanode of dye sensitized solar cell.

The important research direction in surface engineering and photovoltaics is the development of new materials that can replace the previously used expensive films. A prospective compound is zinc oxide (ZnO), characterized by optical and electrical properties similar to ITO and a lower production cost. One of the key factors influencing the properties of the ZnO thin films is the technique and parameters of their production. The comprehensive investigation results of the influence of ZnO thin-films deposition process temperature on their structure, optical properties, and adhesion are presented in the paper. ZnO films were deposited by the magnetron sputtering method. The structural characteristics of the tested films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, while the optical properties of the films were studied by the UV/VIS spectroscopy. Thickness and adhesion measurements of the obtained films were performed using the spectroscopic ellipsometry technique and the scratch test, respectively. The obtained research results showed the influence of the deposition process temperature on the morphology, crystallite size and adhesion of the thin films to the substrate. The effect of process temperature on optical properties, the value of the optical bandgap and crystal structures were analyzed and described. The results of this work have a meaning for the development of surface engineering and may serve as a clue in future studies in the field of modern photovoltaic structures.

Biodegradable materials and byproducts from fruit processing have great potential to improve food quality. Chitosan films as natural biopolymers can serve as carriers of active compounds such as polyphenols to provide their sustained release to food during storage and may protect them from oxidation or spoilage. This study assesses the usefulness of the application of chokeberry pomace extracts in the development of innovative biopolymer chitosan films with increased antioxidant properties. Active food packaging films based on chitosan with the addition of fraction 2 isolated on a LiChroprep RP-18 column from chokeberry pomace extract were developed. The effects of fraction 2 incorporation at different levels on the physical and chemical properties of chitosan films were investigated. The chitosan films with extracts showed better antioxidant properties than the control sample. The chokeberry extracts enhanced both the UV–vis light barrier and water vapour barrier properties of chitosan films and reduced their oxygen permeability.

The nanocatalyst for the carbon oxide methanation process is used, among others, in environmental protection, chemical industry, and renewable energy sources. The use of a suitable catalyst allows a chemical reaction to be carried out between unreacted gaseous substrates. The most frequently studied monometallic catalysts are: Ni, Ru, Rh, Pt, Au, Cu, Fe. Bimetallic nanocatalysts are equally popular. Their catalytic properties differ from those of pure component metals. Numerous studies indicate a positive effect in catalysts containing particles: Au-Ag, Au-Pt, Au-Pd, Pd-Ni, Pd-Cu. A review of the literature indicates that examples of the use of metal nanoparticles of spherical shape deposited on a nickel substrate in the methanation process are known, but so far no attempt has been shown in publications to produce a catalyst based on gold nanoparticles with developed surface in the form of spiky (nanourchins, nanostars) on a nickel base as presented in the article. Gold nanourchins are deposited on a nickel substrate in the form of a nickel molecular mesh. The prepared nanocatalyst has been subjected to structural analysis using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) images were taken with a Zeiss Supra 35. Qualitative studies of chemical composition were also performed using the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). Based on the TEM results, the appearance of the X-ray diffraction pattern was computer modelled. A nanocatalyst was obtained with a high coverage of the nickel molecular mesh surface with gold nanoparticles not exceeding 50 nm in diameter.

Dye sensitized solar cells consisting of a sandwich structure have been a topic outspread in the science for above twenty years and they start a new development trend in obtaining energy from the sun. One the examined aspects of their application is building-integrated photovoltaics. Despite the fact that the higher efficiency of energy conversion was obtained with this type of substrate, glass, due to the cost of production and energy consumption, is disadvantageous in the case of production on an industrial scale. The article presents the possibility of replacing a classic glass substrate with an counter electrode based on a building ceramic tile material. A dye sensitized solar cell was built layer by layer on the tile. A method of atomization was used to deposit fluorine doped tin oxide. After that, a thin layer of platinum was printed. It does not require the use of high temperatures, complicated devices and high costs. Scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the influence of the transparent conductive oxide layer on the photovoltaic properties of counter electrode tile. Electrical parameters of as prepared DSSCs with and without ceramic tile were characterized by measurements of current-voltage characteristics under standard AM 1.5 radiation. A dye sensitized solar cell integrated with building ceramic tile material was prepared successfully, which efficiency was over 4%.

This paper presents the study of repetitive corrugation process influence on the strengthening of annealed alloy. Based on the results of mechanical properties of deformed sample, it has been found that the microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and apparent elastic limit are significantly increased in relation to annealed sample. Examination on transmission electron microscopy confirmed the effect of intensive plastic deformation on structure fragmentation in the nanometric scale. This work confirmed the possibility of using the repetitive corrugation process to increase mechanical properties of CuCr0.6 alloy.

In this paper, new cost-effective platinum-free and flexible counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were reported. The ITO/PET CEs were produced using graphene films synthesized by CVD method and graphene flakes with addition PEDOT: PSS or PEDOT: PSS/PVP. The influence of mechanical stress arising from the bending of a flexible substrate on morphology, resistance of CEs as well as electrical properties of DSSCs was analyzed. The testing of these electrodes in DSSCs have demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of up to 3.95% to compare with the power conversion efficiency of 4.39% for DSSC with a standard Pt-based CE. After 100 bending cycles the electrodes demonstrated power conversion efficiency in range the 2.37–3.23% to compare with the power conversion efficiency of 2.08% for DSSC with a standard Pt-based CE. HRTEM investigation confirms the crystallographic structure of graphene. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of replacing expensive platinum in DSCC by using graphene-based counter electrode.

Purpose: of this research was examination Al2O3 thin film obtained with two different method, by sol-gel and ALD, and comparison the surface morphology and structure of deposited thin films. The films deposited on the monocrystalline silicon were tested for their suitability for use in silicon solar cells. Design/methodology/approach: Trimethylaluminum (TMA) was used as a precursor of Al2O3 which is reacted with water enabled the deposition of thin films by ALD method. By the sol-gel method the aluminium tri-sec butoxide (TBA) was used as a precursor to obtain Al2O3 thin films. The aluminium oxide solutions prepared by sol-gel method were deposited by spin coating technique. Examination of the structure and morphology of the surface of the Al2O3 thin films deposited by sol gel and ALD method were performed using atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope. For the analysis of surface topography deposited thin films atomic force microscope XE-100 from Park Systems was used. Qualitative analysis of the chemical composition was carried out using an energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS). The detailed structural studies were conducted using a Titan 80-300 scanning-transmission electron microscope S/TEM from the FEI Company. Detailed research on the structure of the deposited Al2O3 thin films were performed. The HRTEM images and diffraction SAED were recorded. Findings: The small atoms clusters of a width less than 20 nm were documented. The thin film deposited by spin-coating technique on silicon substrate with 3000 rpm is characterized by RMS and Ra values of, respectively, 0.26 and 0.2 nm. RMS was defined as rough mean square parameter and Ra was defined as the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile from the mean line. An analysis of the frequency histograms of irregularities of the thin film obtained by the spin coating on a silicon substrate at 3000 rpm shows that a large part of them does not exceed 0.5 nm, and the single irregularities reach up to 2.2 nm. When comparing the AFM pictures with the thin films deposited by ALD technique and spin-coating it has been found that the thin films obtained on polished silicon substrates are similar in morphology. The EDS spectra shows the characteristic for oxygen (0.525 keV) and aluminum (1.486 keV) reflections derived from the thin film. In Al2O3 thin film obtained by ALD method the occurrence of α phase of aluminum oxide with a hexagonal structure was identified, just like in the case of thin film deposited by sol-gel. Practical implications: Known aluminium oxide properties and the possibility of obtaining a uniform thin layer show that it can be good material for different application. Precise description of the properties of Al2O3 is very important, since this material is one of the most frequently used in catalyst industry, in medicine, electronics and photovoltaics, as well as a protective layer. The Al2O3 thin film can act as passive and anti-reflective layer simultaneously in silicon solar cell. Using this thin film can simplify the technology of manufacturing silicon solar cells Originality/value: The paper presents researches of aluminium oxide thin films deposited by sol-gel and atomic layer deposition method on monocrystalline silicon.

Titanium dioxide thin films have been deposited on silicon wafers substrates by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. There optical parameters were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry and UV/VIS spectroscopy. A material with a refractive index of 2.41 was obtained. Additionally, in a wide spectral range it was possible to reduce the reflection from the silicon surface below 5%. The Raman spectroscopy method was used for structural characterization of anatase TiO2 thin films. Their uniformity and chemical composition are confirmed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).

This article presents the results of a research on the effects and properties of the potassium iodide additive onto the structure of the MEH-PPV polymer material, in its aspect of application in the dye-sensitized solar cell. Changes in MEH-PPV surface morphology were researched through increasing of the potassium iodide content measured by scanning electron microscope. The increased content of potassium iodide also led to increased electrical conductivity measured by the Keithley meter. The electrical properties of the dye-sensitized solar cell were also studied, in which the liquid electrolyte was replaced with a thin layer of polyelectrolyte, based on MEH-PPV and potassium iodide.

The comprehensive investigation results of the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the Al 2 O 3 thin films deposited on hot work tool steel substrate are presented in the paper. Aluminium oxide layers were prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) method in temperature 150, 225 and 300 °C. The uniform structure of the investigated coatings without any visible delamination was observed as a result of measurements performed with the use of scanning electron microscope. Combined SEM, AES and ToF-SIMS studies confirmed presumed chemical composition of the layers. Despite the very low thickness (∼200 nm) the layers demonstrated an excellent adhesion to the substrate, as well as a high hardness and corrosion resistance. The best mechanical properties and corrosion resistance exhibit the layers deposited at 300 °C. The excellent properties of the ALD thin films make them suitable for various engineering and industrial applications.

The influence of the carbon nanotubes counter electrode deposited on the FTO glass substrates on the structure and optoelectrical properties of dye-sensitized solar cells counter electrode (CE) was analysed. Carbon materials have been applied in DSSC s in order to produce low-cost solar cells with reasonable efficiency. Platinum is a preferred material for the counter electrode because of its high conductivity and catalytic activity. However, the costs of manufacturing of the platinum counter electrode limit its use to large-scale applications in solar cells. This paper presents the results of examining the structure and properties of the studied layers, defining optical properties of conductive layers and electrical properties of dye-sensitized solar cells manufactured with the use of carbon nanotubes.Such counter electrodes are promising for the future fabrication of stable, low-cost and effective dye-sensitized solar cells.

The influence of the graphene-based counter electrode on the structure, optical properties and electrocatalytic activity of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSCC) was analysed. The graphene and reduced graphene oxide were deposited by CVD and spin-coating method on the FTO glass substrate, respectively. HRTEM investigation confirms the crystallographic structure of graphene. The investigated layers show flat transmittance spectra across the visible and near-infrared region. The charge transfer resistance of the graphene-based film was analysed by electrochemical impedance measurement. The obtained results show the possibility of replacing expensive platinum in DSCC by using graphene-based counter electrode.

Electroluminescence imaging (EL) is a widely used technique to evaluate the quality of the electrical contacts of solar cells. This paper investigates the ability to detect problems after the metallization process for front and back contacts. For the back contact formation process we investigate cells which had direct contact with the furnace belt. This fact is crucial because contact between, the printed aluminum and the belt could determine the inhomogeneity of the back contact. For front contact the series resistance distribution for the quick process at different belt speeds and peak temperatures is determined. The series resistance of samples was also measured using the method called the Corescan. In both cases, a detailed description of the process parameters, especially the temperature distribution characteristics, are presented. The EL method is non-destructive and gives a greater resolution of images, which allows a more precise evaluation of electrode imperfections after the metallization process. The Corescan method gives detailed potential jump values which are proportional to the contact resistance.

New conjugated polymers with perylene diimides (PDI) as pendant groups were synthesized and deposited on glass substrates by the spin coating. The resulting thin films were characterized by UV–vis, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and profilometry. It was shown that PDI photosensitizers retain its photoactivity after covalent immobilization and the formed layers can be applied as efficient and environmentally stable source of singlet oxygen, 1O2, as tested with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) specific trap. Additionally, α-terpinene heterogeneous photooxidation was studied as the practical use of singlet oxygen generated by this novel PDI-based materials. The use of such heterogeneous source of singlet oxygen can be beneficial for the fine chemicals synthesis, due to simplified products isolation and purification step.

The following paper presents the possibility of formation of Pt nanowires, achieved by a three-step method consisting of conformal deposition of a carbon nanotube and conformal coverage with platinum by physical vapour deposition, followed by removal of the carbonaceous template. The characterization of this new nanostructure was carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

The investigations discussed in the article concern the creation of a new generation of original hybrid microporous high-strength engineering materials ensuring the development of original hybrid constructions of a new generation of personalised implant-scaffolds and tissue scaffolds. The most important is to develop an original hybrid technology of fabrication of a new generation of custom implant-scaffolds and tissue scaffolds using skeleton titanium or Ti6AlV4 alloy microporous materials manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS). They exhibit porosity and the related mechanical properties dependent on the manufacturing conditions, including mainly laser power, laser beam diameter and distance between laser beams and distance between laser remelting paths. In order to ensure conditions for the nesting and proliferation of living tissues in the micropores of the created porous microskeletons, tests were performed of the deposition of the internal surface of micropores with TiO2 and Al2O3 layers by ALD technology supporting the growth of living tissues in a microporous bonding zone with scaffolds or implant-scaffolds created from engineering materials.

The paper presents the possibility of using Al2O3 antireflection coatings deposited by atomic layer deposition ALD. The ALD method is based on alternate pulsing of the precursor gases and vapors onto the substrate surface and then chemisorption or surface reaction of the precursors. The reactor is purged with an inert gas between the precursor pulses. The Al2O3 thin film in structure of the finished solar cells can play the role of both antireflection and passivation layer which will simplify the process. For this research 50×50 mm monocrystalline silicon solar cells with one bus bar have been used. The metallic contacts were prepared by screen printing method and Al2O3 antireflection coating by ALD method. Results and their analysis allow to conclude that the Al2O3 antireflection coating deposited by ALD has a significant impact on the optoelectronic properties of the silicon solar cell. For about 80 nm of Al2O3 the best results were obtained in the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm reducing the reflection to less than 1%. The difference in the solar cells efficiency between with and without antireflection coating was 5.28%. The LBIC scan measurements may indicate a positive influence of the thin film Al2O3 on the bulk passivation of the silicon.