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Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials
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Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 23534

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Grzegorz D. Sulka

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30 - 387 Krakow, Poland
Interests: nanomaterials synthesis; thin films and nanotechnology; electrochemistry; electroanalysis; photoelectrochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last few decades, the development and use of thin films and nanostructured materials to enhance physical and chemical properties of materials have been common practice in the field of materials science and engineering. The progress and improvement which have recently been made in tailoring the unique properties of thin films and nanostructured materials, such as high surface area to volume ratio, surface charge, structure, anisotropic nature and tuneable functionalities, allow expanding the range of their possible applications from mechanical, structural, and protective coatings to electronics, energy, sensing, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine. Since these materials have demonstrated remarkable applicable potential, I believe that the topic is timely and relevant.

This Special Issue of Molecules will attempt to cover recent advances in electrochemical synthesis, characterization, and applications of diverse thin films and nanostructured materials. Potential topics related to thin films and nanostructured materials include but are not limited to:

  • Electrochemical synthesis;
  • Electrochemical characterization;
  • Control and understanding of structure–property relationships;
  • Functional materials and devices;
  • Materials for energy conversion and storage;
  • Biomediacal applications;
  • Electrochemical sensors and electrocatalytic materials. 

I kindly invite you to submit contributions in the form of high-quality short communications, original research articles, and review papers.

Prof. Dr. Grzegorz D. Sulka
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. Molecules 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 2700 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.

Keywords

  • Thin films
  • Nanostructured materials
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrochemical methods
  • Photoelectrochemisty
  • Energy conversion
  • Energy storage
  • Functional materials
  • Biomaterials
  • Electrochemical sensors
  • Electrocatalysts

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

12 pages, 317 KiB  
Editorial
Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials
by Grzegorz Dariusz Sulka
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4040; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28104040 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2308
Abstract
In the last few decades, the development and use of thin films and nanostructured materials to enhance physical and chemical properties of materials has been common practice in the field of materials science and engineering. The progress which has recently been made in [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, the development and use of thin films and nanostructured materials to enhance physical and chemical properties of materials has been common practice in the field of materials science and engineering. The progress which has recently been made in tailoring the unique properties of thin films and nanostructured materials, such as a high surface area to volume ratio, surface charge, structure, anisotropic nature, and tunable functionalities, allow expanding the range of their possible applications from mechanical, structural, and protective coatings to electronics, energy storage systems, sensing, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine. Recent advances have also focused on the importance of electrochemistry in the fabrication and characterization of functional thin films and nanostructured materials, as well as various systems and devices based on these materials. Both cathodic and anodic processes are being extensively developed in order to elaborate new procedures and possibilities for the synthesis and characterization of thin films and nanostructured materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 5223 KiB  
Article
Nanocapsule of MnS Nanopolyhedron Core@CoS Nanoparticle/Carbon Shell@Pure Carbon Shell as Anode Material for High-Performance Lithium Storage
by Peng Yang, Yongfeng Yuan, Dong Zhang, Qiuhe Yang, Shaoyi Guo and Jipeng Cheng
Molecules 2023, 28(2), 898; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28020898 - 16 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
MnS has been explored as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, but low electronic conductivity and severe volume change induce low reversible capacity and poor cycling performance. In this work, the nanocapsule consisting of MnS nanopolyhedrons confined [...] Read more.
MnS has been explored as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, but low electronic conductivity and severe volume change induce low reversible capacity and poor cycling performance. In this work, the nanocapsule consisting of MnS nanopolyhedrons confined in independent, closed and conductive hollow polyhedral nanospheres is prepared by embedding MnCO3 nanopolyhedrons into ZIF-67, followed by coating of RF resin and gaseous sulfurization/carbonization. Benefiting from the unique nanocapsule structure, especially inner CoS/C shell and outer pure C shell, the MnS@CoS/C@C composite as anode material presents excellent cycling performance (674 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 300 cycles; 481 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 300 cycles) and superior rate capability (1133.3 and 650.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 4 A g−1), compared to the control materials (MnS and MnS@CoS/C) and other MnS composites. Kinetics measurements further reveal a high proportion of the capacitive effect and low reaction impedance of MnS@CoS/C@C. SEM and TEM observation on the cycled electrode confirms superior structural stability of MnS@CoS/C@C during long-term cycles. Excellent lithium storage performance and the convenient synthesis strategy demonstrates that the MnS@CoS/C@C nanocapsule is a promising high-performance anode material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 5236 KiB  
Article
Thin Polymer Films by Oxidative or Reductive Electropolymerization and Their Application in Electrochromic Windows and Thin-Film Sensors
by Ibeth Rendón-Enríquez, Alex Palma-Cando, Florian Körber, Felix Niebisch, Michael Forster, Michael W. Tausch and Ullrich Scherf
Molecules 2023, 28(2), 883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28020883 - 16 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
Electrically conducting and semiconducting polymers represent a special and still very attractive class of functional chromophores, especially due to their unique optical and electronic properties and their broad device application potential. They are potentially suitable as materials for several applications of high future [...] Read more.
Electrically conducting and semiconducting polymers represent a special and still very attractive class of functional chromophores, especially due to their unique optical and electronic properties and their broad device application potential. They are potentially suitable as materials for several applications of high future relevance, for example flexible photovoltaic modules, components of displays/screens and batteries, electrochromic windows, or photocatalysts. Therefore, their synthesis and structure elucidation are still intensely investigated. This article will demonstrate the very fruitful interplay of current electropolymerization research and its exploitation for science education issues. Experiments involving the synthesis of conducting polymers and their assembly into functional devices can be used to teach basic chemical and physical principles as well as to motivate students for an innovative and interdisciplinary field of chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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24 pages, 5418 KiB  
Article
Interaction of Bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-Disulfide and Polyethylene Glycol on the Copper Electrodeposited Layer by Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry
by Robert Mroczka, Agnieszka Słodkowska, Agata Ładniak and Agnieszka Chrzanowska
Molecules 2023, 28(1), 433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28010433 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
The interactions of the functional additives SPS (bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-disulfide) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of chloride ions were studied by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV). The PEG, thiolate, and chloride surface coverages were estimated and [...] Read more.
The interactions of the functional additives SPS (bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-disulfide) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of chloride ions were studied by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV). The PEG, thiolate, and chloride surface coverages were estimated and discussed in terms of their electrochemical suppressing/accelerating abilities. The conformational influence of both the gauche/trans thiolate molecules, as well as around C-C and C-O of PEG, on the electrochemical properties were discussed. The contribution of the hydrophobic interaction of -CH2-CH2- of PEG with chloride ions was only slightly reduced after the addition of SPS, while the contribution of Cu-PEG adducts diminished strongly. SPS and PEG demonstrated significant synergy by significant co-adsorption. It was shown that the suppressing abilities of PEG that rely on forming stable Cu-PEG adducts, identified in the form C2H4O2Cu+ and C3H6OCu+, were significantly reduced after the addition of SPS. The major role of thiolate molecules adsorbed on a copper surface in reducing the suppressing abilities of PEG rely on the efficient capture of Cu2+ ions, diminishing the available copper ions for the ethereal oxygen of PEG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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Graphical abstract

30 pages, 7711 KiB  
Article
Studies of Bis-(Sodium-Sulfopropyl)-Disulfide and 3-Mercapto-1-Propanesulfonate on/into the Copper Electrodeposited Layer by Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry
by Robert Mroczka, Agnieszka Słodkowska and Agata Ładniak
Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8116; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27238116 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1456
Abstract
Interactions of functional additives SPS (bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-disulfide), MPS (3-Mercapto-1-Propanesulfonate), and Cl accumulated and incorporated on/into a copper electrodeposited layer were studied using time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV). It was shown that the Cl and MPS surface coverage [...] Read more.
Interactions of functional additives SPS (bis-(sodium-sulfopropyl)-disulfide), MPS (3-Mercapto-1-Propanesulfonate), and Cl accumulated and incorporated on/into a copper electrodeposited layer were studied using time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV). It was shown that the Cl and MPS surface coverage is dependent on the applied overpotential and concentration of Cl, SPS, or MPS in the solution. Detailed discussion on the mechanism of yielding CH2SO3−, C3H5SO3−, CuSC3H6SO3−, and CuS− fragments and their assignment to the gauche or trans conformation was proposed. The mechanism of the process of incorporation and re-adsorption of MPS on/into a copper surface under electrochemical conditions without and with chloride ions and its impact on electrochemical properties was proposed. Moreover, it was shown that the presence of chloride ions, the ratio gauche/trans of MPS molecules, as well as the ratio chloride/thiols demonstrate a high impact on the accelerating abilities. Comparative studies conducted under open circuit potential conditions on the nitinol and copper substrate allowed for the identification of specific reactions/interactions of MPS, or SPS and Cl ions on the nitinol and copper surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 11171 KiB  
Article
A Bioinspired Peptide in TIR Protein as Recognition Molecule on Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of E. coli O157:H7 in an Aqueous Matrix
by Jose Luis Ropero-Vega, Joshua Felipe Redondo-Ortega, Yuli Juliana Galvis-Curubo, Paola Rondón-Villarreal and Johanna Marcela Flórez-Castillo
Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26092559 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2552
Abstract
Currently, the detection of pathogens such as Escherichia coli through instrumental alternatives with fast response and excellent sensitivity and selectivity are being studied. Biosensors are systems consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules that exhibit remarkable properties such as simplicity, portable, affordable, user‑friendly, and deliverable [...] Read more.
Currently, the detection of pathogens such as Escherichia coli through instrumental alternatives with fast response and excellent sensitivity and selectivity are being studied. Biosensors are systems consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules that exhibit remarkable properties such as simplicity, portable, affordable, user‑friendly, and deliverable to end‑users. For this, in this work we report for the first time, to our knowledge, the bioinformatic design of a new peptide based on TIR protein, a receptor of Intimin membrane protein which is characteristic of E. coli. This peptide (named PEPTIR‑1.0) was used as recognition element in a biosensor based on AuNPs‑modified screen‑printed electrodes for the detection of E. coli. The morphological and electrochemical characteristics of the biosensor obtained were studied. Results show that the biosensor can detect the bacteria with limits of detection and quantification of 2 and 6 CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, the selectivity of the system is statistically significant towards the detection of the pathogen in the presence of other microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This makes this new PEPTIR‑1.0 based biosensor can be used in the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of E. coli in aqueous matrices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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15 pages, 51199 KiB  
Article
Bioactivity Performance of Pure Mg after Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation in Silicate-Based Solutions
by Yevheniia Husak, Joanna Michalska, Oleksandr Oleshko, Viktoriia Korniienko, Karlis Grundsteins, Bohdan Dryhval, Sahin Altundal, Oleg Mishchenko, Roman Viter, Maksym Pogorielov and Wojciech Simka
Molecules 2021, 26(7), 2094; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26072094 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2647
Abstract
The biodegradable metals, including magnesium (Mg), are a convenient alternative to permanent metals but fast uncontrolled corrosion limited wide clinical application. Formation of a barrier coating on Mg alloys could be a successful strategy for the production of a stable external layer that [...] Read more.
The biodegradable metals, including magnesium (Mg), are a convenient alternative to permanent metals but fast uncontrolled corrosion limited wide clinical application. Formation of a barrier coating on Mg alloys could be a successful strategy for the production of a stable external layer that prevents fast corrosion. Our research was aimed to develop an Mg stable oxide coating using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in silicate-based solutions. 99.9% pure Mg alloy was anodized in electrolytes contained mixtures of sodium silicate and sodium fluoride, calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), contact angle (CA), Photoluminescence analysis and immersion tests were performed to assess structural and long-term corrosion properties of the new coating. Biocompatibility and antibacterial potential of the new coating were evaluated using U2OS cell culture and the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, strain B 918). PEO provided the formation of a porous oxide layer with relatively high roughness. It was shown that Ca(OH)2 was a crucial compound for oxidation and surface modification of Mg implants, treated with the PEO method. The addition of Ca2+ ions resulted in more intense oxidation of the Mg surface and growth of the oxide layer with a higher active surface area. Cell culture experiments demonstrated appropriate cell adhesion to all investigated coatings with a significantly better proliferation rate for the samples treated in Ca(OH)2-containing electrolyte. In contrast, NaOH-based electrolyte provided more relevant antibacterial effects but did not support cell proliferation. In conclusion, it should be noted that PEO of Mg alloy in silicate baths containing Ca(OH)2 provided the formation of stable biocompatible oxide coatings that could be used in the development of commercial degradable implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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11 pages, 2057 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Supporting Electrolyte on Chloroform Reduction at a Silver Electrode in Aqueous Solutions
by Anna M. Brudzisz, Agnieszka Brzózka and Grzegorz D. Sulka
Molecules 2021, 26(3), 525; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26030525 - 20 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2106
Abstract
Herein, we report, for the first time, a comparative study on the electrocatalytic reduction of chloroform on silver in different aqueous supporting electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed at a wide range of scan rates and concentrations of CHCl3 using 0.05 M [...] Read more.
Herein, we report, for the first time, a comparative study on the electrocatalytic reduction of chloroform on silver in different aqueous supporting electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed at a wide range of scan rates and concentrations of CHCl3 using 0.05 M NaClO4, NaH2PO4, and Na2HPO4 as supporting electrolytes. We observed that a type of supporting electrolyte anion strongly influences both the potential as well as the current density of the chloroform reduction peak, mainly due to the presence of OH− in an alkaline Na2HPO4 solution, which is a specifically interacting anion. Moreover, the highest sensitivity of the Ag electrode toward CHCl3 reduction was observed in a neutral NaClO4 aqueous solution. It was found that the electroreduction of chloroform at the silver surface occurs via a concerted mechanism regardless of the type of the studied supporting electrolyte. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

29 pages, 13048 KiB  
Review
Nanostructure Analysis of Anodic Films Formed on Aluminum-Focusing on the Effects of Electric Field Strength and Electrolyte Anions
by Sachiko Ono
Molecules 2021, 26(23), 7270; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26237270 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
In this review, the research conducted by the authors on anodic oxide films on aluminum is described, paying particular attention to how the electric field strength, as a factor other than voltage, controls the nanostructures and properties of the films. It will also [...] Read more.
In this review, the research conducted by the authors on anodic oxide films on aluminum is described, paying particular attention to how the electric field strength, as a factor other than voltage, controls the nanostructures and properties of the films. It will also be indicated what factors contribute to the formation of defects, which, in contrast to the ideal or model film structure, contains a significant number of defects in the film. In addition to electrochemical measurements, the films were examined with a variety of advanced instruments, including electron microscopes, to confirm the “reality of film nanostructure” from a slightly different angle than the conventional view. The following topics on anodic films formed in four types of major anodizing electrolytes are discussed: pore initiation process, steady-state porous structure, sealing mechanism, the relationship between cell parameters and voltage/electric field strength, amount and depth of anion incorporation, electrolyte types, radial branching of pores, atypical pore structures, defect formation mechanism, self-ordering, Al coordination number, and the creation of α-alumina membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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26 pages, 4269 KiB  
Review
Incorporation of Ions into Nanostructured Anodic Oxides—Mechanism and Functionalities
by Anna M. Brudzisz, Damian Giziński and Wojciech J. Stępniowski
Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6378; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26216378 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3626
Abstract
Anodic oxidation of metals leads to the formation of ordered nanoporous or nanotubular oxide layers that contribute to numerous existing and emerging applications. However, there are still numerous fundamental aspects of anodizing that have to be well understood and require deeper understanding. Anodization [...] Read more.
Anodic oxidation of metals leads to the formation of ordered nanoporous or nanotubular oxide layers that contribute to numerous existing and emerging applications. However, there are still numerous fundamental aspects of anodizing that have to be well understood and require deeper understanding. Anodization of metals is accompanied by the inevitable phenomenon of anion incorporation, which is discussed in detail in this review. Additionally, the influence of anion incorporation into anodic alumina and its impact on various properties is elaborated. The literature reports on the impact of the incorporated electrolyte anions on photoluminescence, galvanoluminescence and refractive index of anodic alumina are analyzed. Additionally, the influence of the type and amount of the incorporated anions on the chemical properties of anodic alumina, based on the literature data, was also shown to be important. The role of fluoride anions in d-electronic metal anodizing is shown to be important in the formation of nanostructured morphology. Additionally, the impact of incorporated anionic species, such as ruthenites, and their influence on anodic oxides formation, such as titania, reveals how the phenomenon of anion incorporation can be beneficial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials)
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