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Women in Materials Science
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Women in Materials Science

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 13514

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marilena Carbone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: nanoparticles with electrochemical and biomedical applications; tattoo inks: determination of the composition and removal; surface science: molecules on semiconductors for detection purposes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Women in science have demonstrated excellence from the breakthrough impact of Maria Skłodowska-Curie to the Nobel prize winners, Maria Levi-Montalcini, and most recently, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier.

On a larger scale, however, though with due exceptions, gender balance in science worldwide tends to be unfavourable towards women, in terms of employment, carrier perspectives, fund raising, and overall visibility. This Special Issue is intended to give a voice to women in materials science and to all those, men and women, who support gender equality in science. Research and review papers and critical papers are welcome for this Special Issue of “Women in Materials Science” in the following topics of interest:

  • Sustainable materials;
  • Self-healing/flexible materials;
  • Innovation materials;
  • Materials for energy;
  • Biomaterials and materials for medicine;
  • Surface and interfaces materials;
  • New life and new approaches in the reusage of materials.

Prof. Dr. Marilena Carbone
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4084 KiB  
Article
Thermal Stability of Sputtered Tungsten Nitrides for Solar Thermal Applications
by Anna Castaldo, Emilia Gambale and Laura Iemmo
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10208; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122010208 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
In this work, tungsten nitrides sputtered at different powers supplied to a W target (300 W, 500 W, 700 W) and proposed for solar thermal applications as part of solar absorbers, as active and robust materials for capacity energy storage and as plasma-facing [...] Read more.
In this work, tungsten nitrides sputtered at different powers supplied to a W target (300 W, 500 W, 700 W) and proposed for solar thermal applications as part of solar absorbers, as active and robust materials for capacity energy storage and as plasma-facing materials were annealed in vacuum at medium-high temperatures (470 °C, 580 °C) and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM, micro-Raman, FTIR, UV–VIS–-NIR, sheet, surficial energy and wetting angle measurements. From the overall set of analyses, some important modifications and differences between samples after annealing emerged (which will be useful for selecting them for specific applications) and have been correlated to sputtered W metallic clusters’ ability to adsorb, form complexes with and react with the strong N2 triple bond under the various plasma conditions of a reactive sputtering process. In particular, the 300 W film of poor crystalline quality as deposited, after annealing released entrapped nitrogen and retained its W2N structure up to a temperature of 580 °C. Despite there being no phase transition, there was an increase in sheet resistance, which is detrimental because the preservation of metallic character is an important requisite for the proposed applications. The 500 W film had a stable crystalline structure and a metallic character unmodified by increasing temperature. The 700 W film, whose structure as deposited was almost amorphous, underwent the most severe modification after annealing: crystallizing, disproportioning and giving rise to a composite and porous nature (W + WNx) not ideal for spectrally selective coating applications, but useful for tailoring capacitive energy storage devices, or for catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (as an alternative to platinum) in alkaline water electrolysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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17 pages, 3672 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Influence of Carbon Nanotube Diameter and Surface Modification on the Anchorage of L-Asparaginase
by Raquel O. Cristóvão, Rita A. M. Barros, João G. Pinho, Lília S. Teixeira, Márcia C. Neves, Mara G. Freire, Joaquim L. Faria, Valéria C. Santos-Ebinuma, Ana P. M. Tavares and Cláudia G. Silva
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8924; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12178924 - 05 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2101
Abstract
L-asparaginase (ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1) is an amidohydrolase enzyme known for its anti-cancer properties, with an ever-increasing commercial value. Immobilization has been studied to improve the enzyme’s efficiency, enabling its recovery and reuse, enhancing its stability and half-life time. In this work, the effect [...] Read more.
L-asparaginase (ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1) is an amidohydrolase enzyme known for its anti-cancer properties, with an ever-increasing commercial value. Immobilization has been studied to improve the enzyme’s efficiency, enabling its recovery and reuse, enhancing its stability and half-life time. In this work, the effect of pH, contact time and enzyme concentration during the ASNase physical adsorption onto pristine and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs, respectively) with different size diameters was investigated by maximizing ASNase relative recovered activity (RRA) and immobilization yield (IY). Immobilized ASNase reusability and kinetic parameters were also evaluated. The ASNase immobilization onto f-MWCNTs offered higher loading capacities, enhanced reusability, and improved enzyme affinity to the substrate, attaining RRA and IY of 100 and 99%, respectively, at the best immobilization conditions (0.4 mg/mL of ASNase, pH 8, 30 min of contact time). In addition, MWCNTs diameter proved to play a critical role in determining the enzyme binding affinity, as evidenced by the best results attained with f-MWCNTs with diameters of 10–20 nm and 20–40 nm. This study provided essential information on the impact of MWCNTs diameter and their surface functionalization on ASNase efficiency, which may be helpful for the development of innovative biomedical devices or food pre-treatment solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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11 pages, 1908 KiB  
Article
Uncovering the Use of Fucoxanthin and Phycobiliproteins into Solid Matrices to Increase Their Emission Quantum Yield and Photostability
by Lília M. S. Dias, Gabriela Kovaleski, Lianshe Fu, Tânia R. Dias, Inês P. E. Macário, Sandra F. H. Correia, Joana L. Pereira, João A. P. Coutinho, Sónia P. M. Ventura and Rute A. S. Ferreira
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5839; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12125839 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1696
Abstract
In the search for a better and brighter future, the use of natural luminescent renewable materials as substitutes for synthetic ones in the energy field is of prime importance. The incorporation of natural pigments (e.g., xanthophylls and phycobiliproteins) is a fundamental step in [...] Read more.
In the search for a better and brighter future, the use of natural luminescent renewable materials as substitutes for synthetic ones in the energy field is of prime importance. The incorporation of natural pigments (e.g., xanthophylls and phycobiliproteins) is a fundamental step in a broad spectrum of applications that are presently marred by their limited stability. The incorporation of bio-based luminescent molecules into solid matrices allows the fabrication of thin films, which may dramatically increase the range of applications, including sustainable photovoltaic systems, such as luminescent solar concentrators or downshifting layers. In this work, we incorporated R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), C-phycocyanin (C-PC), and fucoxanthin (FX) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and studied their optical properties. It was found that the emission and excitation spectra of the phycobiliproteins and FX were not modified by incorporation into the PVA matrix. Moreover, in the case of FX, the emission quantum yield (η) values also remained unaltered after incorporation, showing the suitability of the PVA as a host matrix. A preliminary photostability study was performed by exposing the solid samples to continuous AM1.5G solar radiation, which evidenced the potential of these materials for future photovoltaics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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19 pages, 42696 KiB  
Article
Optical Studies in Red/NIR Persistent Luminescent Cr-Doped Zinc Gallogermanate (ZGGO:Cr)
by Maria S. Batista, Joana Rodrigues, Maria S. Relvas, Júlia Zanoni, Ana V. Girão, Ana Pimentel, Florinda M. Costa, Sónia O. Pereira and Teresa Monteiro
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12042104 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1842
Abstract
Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (ZGGO:Cr)-persistent phosphor, with a molar fraction, x, of x = 0.1, doped with a 0.5% molar of chromium, was synthesised via solid-state reaction at 1350 °C for 36 h. X-ray diffraction measurements and Raman spectroscopy [...] Read more.
Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (ZGGO:Cr)-persistent phosphor, with a molar fraction, x, of x = 0.1, doped with a 0.5% molar of chromium, was synthesised via solid-state reaction at 1350 °C for 36 h. X-ray diffraction measurements and Raman spectroscopy evidence a single crystalline phase corresponding to the cubic spinel structure. Room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) and afterglow decay profiles were investigated using above and below bandgap excitation. In both cases, persistent PL was observed for almost 8 h, mainly originating from a Cr3+ defect, the so-called N2 optical centre. RT PL excitation and diffuse reflectance allow identification of the best pathways of Cr3+ red/NIR emission, as well as estimation of the ZGGO bandgap energy at 4.82 eV. An in-depth investigation of the observed luminescence at 15 K and temperature-dependent PL under site-selective excitation reveals the spectral complexity of the presence of several optically active Cr3+ centres in the ZGGO host that emit in almost the same spectral region. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the R-lines’ intensity indicates the existence of thermal populating processes between the different optical centres. Such observations well account for a wide distribution of defect trap levels available for carrier capture/release, as measured by the persistent luminescence decay, from which the carriers are released preferentially to the N2 Cr3+-related optical centre. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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16 pages, 14900 KiB  
Article
Toxicological Profiling of Onion-Peel-Derived Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres Using In Vivo Drosophila melanogaster Model
by Vinay S. Bhat, Avinash Kundadka Kudva, Harshitha Venkatesh Naik, Reshmi G., Shamprasad Varija Raghu, Paola De Padova and Gurumurthy Hegde
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031528 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
Toxicological profiling of the novel carbon materials has become imperative, owing to their wide applicability and potential health risks on exposure. In the current study, the toxicity of mesoporous carbon nanospheres synthesized from waste onion peel was investigated using the genetic animal model [...] Read more.
Toxicological profiling of the novel carbon materials has become imperative, owing to their wide applicability and potential health risks on exposure. In the current study, the toxicity of mesoporous carbon nanospheres synthesized from waste onion peel was investigated using the genetic animal model Drosophila melanogaster. The survival assays at different doses of carbon nanoparticles suggested their non-toxic effect for exposure for 25 days. Developmental and behavioral defects were not observed. The biochemical and metabolic parameters, such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein level, triglyceride level, and glucose, were not significantly altered. The neurological toxicity as analyzed using acetylcholinesterase activity was also not altered significantly. Survival, behavior, and biochemical assays suggested that oral feeding of mesoporous carbon nanoparticles for 25 days did not elicit any significant toxicity effect in Drosophila melanogaster. Thus, mesoporous carbon nanoparticles synthesized from waste onion peel can be used as beneficial drug carriers in different disease models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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Review

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16 pages, 1933 KiB  
Review
NiO-Based Electronic Flexible Devices
by Marilena Carbone
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 2839; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12062839 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2262
Abstract
Personal, portable, and wearable electronics have become items of extensive use in daily life. Their fabrication requires flexible electronic components with high storage capability or with continuous power supplies (such as solar cells). In addition, formerly rigid tools such as electrochromic windows find [...] Read more.
Personal, portable, and wearable electronics have become items of extensive use in daily life. Their fabrication requires flexible electronic components with high storage capability or with continuous power supplies (such as solar cells). In addition, formerly rigid tools such as electrochromic windows find new utilizations if they are fabricated with flexible characteristics. Flexibility and performances are determined by the material composition and fabrication procedures. In this regard, low-cost, easy-to-handle materials and processes are an asset in the overall production processes and items fruition. In the present mini-review, the most recent approaches are described in the production of flexible electronic devices based on NiO as low-cost material enhancing the overall performances. In particular, flexible NiO-based all-solid-state supercapacitors, electrodes electrochromic devices, temperature devices, and ReRAM are discussed, thus showing the potential of NiO as material for future developments in opto-electronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Materials Science)
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