M. Mahbubur Rahman

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure studies of Cr1-xMxN coatings

M. Mahbubur Rahman, Alex Duan, Zhong-Tao Jiang, Zonghan Xie, Alex Wu, Amun Amri, Bruce Cowie, Chun-Yang Yin

Chemical bonding states and solar selective characteristics of unbalanced magnetron sputtered TixM1−x−yNy films

Transition metal nitride TixM1−x−yNy (M = Al or AlSi) based thin films are evaluated as solar selective surfaces by correlating their spectral selective features with their crystal structure and chemical bonding state including mechanical strength. Ti0.5N0.5, Ti0.25Al0.25N0.5, and Ti0.25Al0.2Si0.05N0.5 films were synthesized on AISI M2 steel substrates via closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering technology. These were investigated using XRD, SEM, XPS, UV-Vis, FTIR and nanoindentation techniques. Analysis of the optical properties showed the solar absorptance, in the visible range, of the TixM1−x−yNy films improved significantly from 51% to 81% with AlSi-doping and an increase of solar absorptance of up to 66% was recorded from films doped with Al. Moreover, the Al doping can reduce the thermal emittance in the infrared range from 6.06% to 5.11%, whereas doping with AlSi reduces the emittance to ca. 3.58%. The highest solar selectivity of 22.63 was achieved with TiAlSiN films. Mechanical studies showed enhanced hardness by ∼32%; enhanced yield strength by ∼16% and enhanced plastic deformation by ∼110% of Al and AlSi doped TiN matrix.

Investigation of the post-annealing electromagnetic response of Cu–Co oxide coatings via optical measurement and computational modelling

The optical frequency response and changes to the dielectric and optical parameters due to annealing temperature variation (200–500 °C) of sol–gel derived CuCoOx thin film coatings were investigated. The optical constants such as absorption coefficient, band-gaps, Urbach energy, complex refractive index, complex dielectric constants, optical dispersion parameters, and energy loss functions were determined from reflectance data analysis recorded in the ultraviolet to near-infrared (190–2200 nm) range. The absorption coefficient and the broadening of absorption edge (steepness parameter), energy band-gaps, Urbach energy, loss tangent and energy loss functions decreased with the increase in annealing temperatures. The refractive index displayed normal dispersion behaviors at higher frequency with the maximum value at a temperature of 500 °C. First-principles simulations, density functional theory (DFT+U) as implemented in the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP), based on a cluster structure of Cu0.5Co2.5O4 system, optimized the crystalline structure and calculated the electronic structure of the framework. The calculated density of states (DOS) and associated absorption coefficient and dielectric constant results reasonably support the experimental findings.

Penetration maximisation of residential rooftop photovoltaic using demand response

The increasing penetration of roof-top photovoltaic system has highlighted immediate needs for addressing power quality concerns, especially where PV generation exceeds the household demand. This study proposes an approach for optimal implementation of demand response in residential sector to eliminate voltage violations, especially during high PV generation periods. The proposed approach uses a load flow sensitivity method to optimise the demand response implementation location and size for PV penetration maximisation in distribution networks. The simulation results on IEEE 13-bus test system show that using the proposed approach every 1 kW of DR implementation increases PV penetration by 2 kW.

Optical and Morphological Characterization of BaSeThinFilms Synthesized via Chemical Bath Deposition

Barium selinide (BaSe) thin films were deposited onto glass substrate via chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The effect of deposition time on the thin film formation mechanism has been studied to understand the optimum conditions for synthesis process. The phase identification and surface morphology of thin coated films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively while the optical characterizations were conducted by means of ultraviolet visible (UV- Vis) spectroscopy. XRD study confirms the polycrystalline hexagonal structure of the thin films. The XRD peaks at 2θ =23.84° and 2θ = 23.86 o showed the preferential orientation along the (021) and (201)plane with deposition time 20 hours and 22 hours respectively, whereas the major peak at (111) was obtained with a deposition time of 24 hours. With the increase in deposition time up to 24 hours, the film gradually grew thicker along with the fine increase in the grain size. The direct optical band gap of the films was measured to be varied from 1.33 to 3.37 eV.

Experimental and predicted mechanical properties of Cr1−xAIxN thin films, at high temperatures, incorporating in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and computational modelling

Cr1−xAlxN coatings, synthesised by an unbalanced magnetic sputtering system, showed improved microstructure and mechanical properties for ∼14–21% Al content. In situ SR-XRD analysis indicated various crystalline phases in the coatings that included: CrN, AlN, α-Cr with small amounts of AlO2 and Al2O3 over the 25–700 °C range. Al doping improves resistance to crystal growth, stress release and oxidation resistance of the coatings. Al doping also enhances the coating hardness (H) from 29 to 42 GPa, elastic modulus (E) from 378 to 438 GPa and increased the resistance to deformation. First-principles and quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA) studies on bulk CrN and AlN were incorporated to predict the thermo-elastic properties of Cr1−xAlxN thin film coatings in the temperature range of 0–1500 °C. The simulated results at T = 1500 °C give a predicted hardness of H = ∼41.5 GPa for a ∼21% Al doped Cr1−xAlxN coating.

Influence of reaction gases on the structural and optical characteristics of Ce-oxide thin film coatings

P is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by abnormal differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes, angiogenesis and infiltration of inflammatory cells that secrete Th1 and Th17 associated cytokines in the skin lesion, such as TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-20. Although mRNAs that encode cytokines are short-lived mRNAs in eukaryotes, the premRNAs, which contain AU-Rich Elements (AREs) in their 3’-untranslated regions, are recognized and stabilized by Human Antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein, for post-transcription. Previous studies have suggested that HuR is involved in the stabilization of mRNAs in the psoriatic skin. HuR binds to and regulates IL-20 mRNA and relocalizes to the cytoplasm of psoriatic keratinocytes. Furthermore, HuR can bind numerous transcripts involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Therefore, HuR may be a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis. In the present study, we tested several novel oligopeptides that targeted the RNA binding site of HuR as therapeutic agents for psoriasis. A mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis was generated in BALB/c mice by daily topical application of IMQ cream on the ear from days 0 to 9. The mice were treated with oligopeptides from days 5 to 10. The pathological features of psoriasis were scored daily using the thickness gauge and clinical Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). We found that the oligopeptide JS-1 could significantly ameliorate psoriasis pathogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The oligopeptide affected the HuR downstream signaling pathway. Collectively, this study may provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.W are looking forward to the simple but strong method to enhance a sensitivity and responsibility of Graphene Oxide (GO) by forming a self-corrugated surface of GO. The self-corrugated surface was formed by the reaction of graphene oxide with Gallium chloride. The surface of GO is more corrugated with the concentration of gallium hydroxide during the dry of GO powder. The graphene oxide structure was distorted due to the three hydroxyl groups of gallium hydroxide. The properties of wrinkled GO were investigated by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscope, respectively. This self-corrugated GO have superior advantages over normal GO for a higher sensitivity and responsibility for sensor applications.I in developing alternative energy sources is increasing due to depletion of oil resources and global warming. Therefore, fuel cells, which are new energy conversion and storage devices with low emission of pollutants, are emerging as an alternative. The process of producing hydrogen as a fuel of fuel cells requires a great deal of cost. Therefore, researches are being studying on reforming catalysts for converting natural gas rich in reserved into hydrogen energy and for use in fuel cells. In general, a transition metal (Ni, Co, Cu) or a noble metal (Ru, Pd, Pt) is used as a methane steam reforming catalyst. The noble metal catalyst has excellent catalytic activity and resistance to carbon deposition. But it is becoming a stumbling block to commercialization due to expensive cost. Ni-based catalysts are less expensive than noble metals and have a simple manufacturing process, but the problem of degradation due to carbon deposition and grain growth is pointed out as a disadvantage. In this study, Ni/MgO composite reforming catalyst activated Ni catalyst by exsolution was manufactured to improve durability. The size and amount of precipitated Ni particles were controlled by the reducing temperature and time. The catalytic activity and durability of the catalysts prepared as above were evaluated. The conversion rate of methane was measured and evaluated in the temperature range of 250-750oC and methane:water vapor = 1:2 atmospheres with catalyst in fixed bed reactor. The microstructure and distribution of the produced catalyst were confirmed by XRD and SEM.A well-defined 3D bicontinuous network structure in nanoscopic regular array has attracted considerable attention because of its potential applications such as photonic crystals, meta-materials, energy devices and superconductor. In this study, the asymmetric polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) thin films on the two different substrate with highmolecular-weight were prepared to be exposed a neutral solvent vapor to generate a hexagonal (HEX) cylindrical morphology to long-range ordered Gyroid (GYR). The interfacial interaction by different substrate interaction induced the two distinct GYR, [211] and [111] planes, which were directed from cylinders, like the parallel and perpendicular orientation on the selective and neutral substrate, respectively. Moreover, we further performed coarse-grained simulations of a block copolymer model to provide the molecular mechanisms. Our results based on experiments and simulations suggest a simple route for the controlled and well-defined GYR structures.T Fe-Mo based double perovskites have attracted much attention in the field of materials science due to their multiverse fascinating physical properties which make them suitable candidates for several technological applications. In the present work, the Sr2-xNdxFeMoO6 (0.0≤x≤0.3) samples have been investigated for their structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties. Polycrystalline Sr2-xNdxFeMoO6 (0.0≤x≤0.3) samples were prepared by using the conventional solid-state reaction method. To achieve the target double perovskite phase and to minimize the undesirable secondary phases, the samples were sintered in a reducing atmosphere, created by a gas mixture of 5% H2/95% Ar. The structure, microstructure and phase purity of the samples were investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD study confirmed the formation of tetragonal structure with Fm3m space group in all the synthesized samples. The Arrott plots and magnetization measurements showed a second order of ferromagnetic phase transition in all the fabricated samples. All the samples went through a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition at the Curie temperature (TC). A magnetocaloric effect was calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change. The value of the Relative Cooling Power (RCP) was observed to decrease with the increasing Nd content. A significant variation in the magnetocaloric properties of the samples was observed with the increasing Nd concentration. This investigation suggests that Sr2-xNdxFeMoO6 samples can be used as potential magnetic refrigerants for magnetocaloric applications.Purpose: Vorinostat (SAHA) is the most representative histone deacetylase inhibitor and a widely used anticancer drug, SAHA is applied in the treatment of hematological malignancies and most solid tumors. SAHA is challenging due to poor water solubility, low bioavailability and rapid elimination of drugs in vivo. In this study, we will prepare SAHA-Pluronic F127 Nanoparticles and investigated whether this could improve drug solubility, the effect of sustained release and inhibitory effect on cancer cells.C nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite polymer targets (abbreviated as composite target) are proposed for use in the fabrication of plasma polymer fluorocarbon (abbreviated as PPFC) thin films using the mid-range frequency sputtering process. Large-area PPFC thin films were fabricated on roll-type PET substrate (polyethylene terephthalate, width 700 mm, thickness 100 μm) by a pilot-scale roll-to-roll sputtering system. The PPFC thin films exhibit an amorphous phase with a smooth surface and show a high water contact angle, optical transmittance and bendability. Mechanical property of PPFC thin films were studied using nanoindentation method and analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. As the carbon nanotube concentration in the composite target increases, a carbon cross-linked structure was formed which enhanced the film hardness and the modulus of the PPFC thin films.T monolayer graphene-Ag nanoparticles hybrids system is fabricated as the electro-optical coordinated controlled substrate of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Plasmon-exciton coupling interactions of this hybrid system are systemically investigated and applied in the field of surface catalytic reactions, manipulated by the electrooptical synergy. Our experimental results demonstrate that plasmon-exciton coupling interaction co-driven surface catalytic reactions can not only be controlled via plasmon-exciton coupling, but also by gate voltages and electric current (or bias voltage). The gate voltage can tune the Density of State (DOS) of hot electrons and electric current can make the hot electrons with higher kinetic energy. Both of them can significantly promote plasmon-exciton co-driven surface catalytic reaction. Our electro-optical device based on plasmon-exciton coupling can be potentially applied in the fields of sensor, catalysis, energy and environment.C thin film coatings present unique optical properties. In this study, structural, chemical bonding and optical properties of the thin films in relation to the composition of reaction gas via sputtering process were investigated. All the thin films exhibited a polycrystalline character with cubic fluorite-structure for cerium dioxide along (111), (200) and (222) orientations. XPS analysis revealed that two oxidation states of CeO2 and Ce2O3 are present in the films prepared at lower argon-oxygen flow ratios, whereas the films are totally oxidized into CeO2 as the aforementioned ratio increases. Optical parameters (α, ε1, ε2, n and k) derived from UV-Vis reflectance data indicate that the thin films have indirect optical band gaps in the range of 2.25-3.1 eV. Density Functional Theory (DFT+U) implemented in the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) has been employed to model some optical properties of CeO2 cluster at ground state. The simulated electronic Density of State (DOS) of the relaxed structure of CeO2 demonstrates a band gap, agrees well with the measured optical band gap. The experimental and calculated absorption coefficient (α), have analogous trends and to some extent a similar range of values in the wave length. All in all, our theoretical findings consistently support the experimental results.A neuronal growth underlies the prefrontal cortical (PFC) pathology of many neurodegenerative disorders. Current treatments are inadequate and commonly cause severe side effects. Importantly, conventional pharmacotherapy strategies have limited efficacy in treating PFC dis-regulation in neurodegenerative disorders. Electrical stimulation is a modern treatment method which can include electroconvulsive therapy, Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) and epidural stimulation, etc. Previous studied showed that the application of electrical stimulations promotes neuritis outgrowth resulted to inter neuronal networking. Wide range of metallic microelectrodes composed of gold, steel, platinum etc. have been previously utilized to perform electrical stimulation however, rigidity, incompatible mechanical properties, high initial impedance and low chargetransfer capacity limit their application. Graphene and its derivatives are an exciting class of materials, which are utilized in microelectrodes due to having excellent mechanical stability, electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, flexibility and ability to fabricate and scale up. This work develops three-dimensional (3D) flexible electrode composed of 3D printed Reduced Liquid Crystalline Graphene Oxide (rLCGO) on a polyurethane (PU) substrate. The flexible conducting electrode is used as Host Template for Human Neural Stem Cells (hNSCs) development during proliferation and differentiation. The application of electrical stimulation on hNSC using graphene/PU electrodes revealed promising results to improve neurites guidance through 3D printed lines and enhanced cell-cell communication and networking.P method is superior in the fabrication of ultra-high-temperature ceramics with the designable composition and structure, low sintering temperature and easy densifying process. In this study, three kinds of hybrid precursors for ZrC/C, ZrC/SiC and ZrC/SiBNC multinary ceramics were synthesized via radical polymerization. ZrC/C ceramic precursor was synthesized using Cp2Zr (CH2CH=CH2) as monomer ZrC/SiC or ZrC/SiBNC precursor is obtained by further adding low molecular weight polycarbosilane (LPCS) or polyborosilazane (LPBSZ) for copolymerization. By controlling the preparation procedure, these hybrid polymers can dissolve in most organic solvent, which is essential to construct CMCs in complicated shapes and large sizes. After pyrolyzing at 1400oC, the synthesized precursors can convert into Zr-containing multinary ceramics, with ZrC nanoparticles finely dispersed in C, SiC or SiBNC matrix depending on the hybrid polymer. All of the three Zr-containing multinary ceramics can remain finely phase distribution at 1600oC, especially for ZrC/C and ZrC/SiC multinary ceramics, which can have a stabilized microstructure and little mass loss (less than 1.5 wt%) up to 2000oC in inert atmosphere. As for ZrC/SiBNC, the introduction of ZrC phase can restrict the decomposition of SiBNC matrix at 1800oC. Although the SiC and SiBNC components improve the oxidation resistance of ZrC, the oxidation weight increase of these multinary ceramics at about 500oC is still up to 5%.W synthesized cationic, one-dimensional fibril assemblies formed from coil-sheet poly(L-lysine)-block-poly(Lthreonine) (PLL-b-PLT) block co-polypeptides as anticancer agents. The 1D fibril assemblies can efficiently interact with negatively charged cellular and mitochondrial membranes via electrostatic interactions, leading to cell necrosis through membrane lysis and apoptosis via the lytic effect of mitochondria. This effect is similar to that of one-dimensional drug carriers that exhibit enhanced cell penetration. Compared to free PLL chains, PLL-b-PLT fibril assemblies exhibited more selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, lower hemolytic activity, higher membranolytic activity and a different apoptotic pathway, which may be due to differences in the peptide-membrane interactions. The fibril assemblies significantly inhibited tumor growth, improved survival and suppressed tumor metastasis to the lung in C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic LL2 lung tumors. An additive antitumor activity was also observed when the tumor bearing mice were treated with PLL-b-PLT in combination with the common chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. Collectively, these results support the feasibility of using one-dimensional fibril assemblies as potential anticancer therapeutics.C Vapor Deposition (CVD) synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) was carried out in a self-assembled apparatus consisting of a hot tube furnace. Magnesium oxide supported iron catalyst samples, containing varied proportions of iron loadings were prepared using impregnation method and spread uniformly over copper strips. Ceramic boats were placed in the furnace so as to expose the catalyst-loaded copper strips to industrial gases such as nitrogen, methane and hydrogen. Usage of horizontal tube furnace instead of conventional CVD reactor not only reduced the cost but also added to the simplicity of the apparatus. Additionally, ceramic boats are at least 50% cheaper than the commonly used quartz boats. FESEM tests on the resultant samples revealed that the CNTs ranged between 19.78 nm and 30.36 nm in diameter, which validates the nanotube structures. We demonstrate that increasing the iron loading in the catalyst samples enhanced the probability of CNT formation: 0% iron loading yielded no CNTs, while increasing the loading to 6.5% gave way to formation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). This study opens up an economical route for the mass production of MWCNTs.H structured materials consist of a bimodal structure with a periodic or harmonic distribution of fine and coarse grains allowing optimum combination of high strength and ductility to be attained. Harmonic structured materials have potential in variety of applications, where high wear and corrosion resistance are required. Therefore, effect of harmonically distributed fine and coarse grains on the corrosion and wear behavior of a SUS304L austenitic stainless steel was studied and compared with a non-harmonic structured SUS304L and a conventional 304 stainless steel. The corrosion study was performed using linear, potentiodynamic and cyclic polarization techniques as well as salt fog exposure test for 30 days in 3.5% NaCl solution. Improved pitting corrosion resistance was found in case of the harmonic structured steel as compared to that of the non-harmonic and the conventional 304 stainless steel. Harmonically distributed fine grained structure, less porosity and higher fraction of passive α-FeOOH are attributed to the improvement in corrosion resistance of the harmonic structured steel. The wear study was performed using fretting wear tests at varying loads under ball-on-flat contact configuration. Coefficient of friction and wear volume were found to be minimum at intermediate normal load of 5 N, whereas maximum at 10 N in case of the harmonic stainless steel compared to other two steels. Harmonically distributed fine grained structure attributes to the higher wear rate of the harmonic structured steel because of hard and soft interaction of the ball with the harmonically distributed fine and coarse grains.A Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOECs) is an electrochemical device for producing hydrogen by electrolysis water vapor at a high temperature. SOEC is that they can operate reversibly as solid oxide fuel cells, producing electricity with high efficiency by consuming stored hydrogen. It can also be used in next-generation power generation and storage systems that produce hydrogen using surplus power. SOEC have disadvantage to provide high temperature/high-pressure water vapor to the hydrogen electrode and since oxygen is released very quickly at the air electrode, deterioration of cells and stacks is larger than SOFC and it is a stumbling block to commercialization. In this study, the effect of operating conditions on hydrogen electrode performance and deterioration of SOEC was investigated. To improve the durability of the hydrogen electrode the material technology for inhibiting oxidation of Ni/YSZ was studied. The polarization resistance and J-V characteristics are evaluated in both SOFC/SOEC. The partial pressure of water vapor is changed to 10, 30 and 50%. The change of voltage is observed under the condition of applying current density of 0.1 mA/cm2 to the cell. And the durability of the cell is evaluated by measuring the voltage change according to the SOFC-SOEC switching operation. In addition, to suppress the oxidation of the hydrogen electrode (Ni/YSZ) in a steam atmosphere, a composite hydrogen electrode was fabricated by applying anticorrosion technology and the possibility of oxidation suppression is examined.Methods: Morphology was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). 5 μl of freshly prepared micellar dispersions were placed on Formvar and allowed to dry for 5 min. To unveil the usefulness of such formulations concerning physical stability, formulations FM1-FM5 and meloxicam were dissolved in enteric and gastric medium. After 1 and 2 h we quantified meloxicam in gastric medium and after 3 and 4 h we quantified meloxicam in enteric medium. Quantification was performed using an UV spectrophotometer and absorbance taken at 363 nm. To determine encapsulation efficiency, FM1-FM5 was quantified immediately after preparation. Later on, micellar suspensions were centrifuged at 3000 g for 15 min using Amicon® Ultra 4 Centrifugal filter units, the supernatant was quantified and EE calculated based on the following equation: Finally, cytotoxicity of formulations was assessed in Caco-2 cells by Alamar Blue assay, performing a screening of crescent concentrations (0.625%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%) for each formulation.G Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis, mainly because standard treatment is not always effective enough in reaching tumor cells. Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is pointed out as one of great challenges in this field. Considering the negative charge of BBB surface and its restricted permeability to small compounds, positively-charged nanoparticles have been developed to facilitate the transport of drugs through the BBB. This work aimed at studying the interaction of different cationic surfactants used in Lipid Nanoparticle (LN) formulations with BBB, using atomistic simulations. Surfactants incorporating natural structural motifs, specifically serine, were chosen instead of the conventional synthetic surfactants, due to the lower cytotoxicity and higher biodegradability, thus being environmental friendly. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on 4 systems containing different serine-based surfactants, two of them are monomeric (16SerTFA and 12SerTFA) and the other two are dimeric ((12ser)2CON12 and (12ser)2N5), in a fully hydrated palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid model, intended to mimic cell membranes of both the BBB and tumor. The systems were evaluated in terms of effects induced by the surfactants in this type of membranes and rationalize the interactions at molecular level. The results showed an integration of all surfactants into the POPC membrane. Longer chain length surfactants tended to induce the highest membrane stabilization, as evidenced by 16serTFA. Conversely, the dimeric (12ser)2CON12 led to the greater disturbance in the membrane structure, probably due to bridging phenomena. This may anticipate a better BBB cross ability of LN containing (12ser)2CON12. Overall, this computational study suggests the viability of cationic serine-based surfactants as appealing compounds in LN formulations for targeted GBM therapy.

3d Transition Metal Oxide based Sol-gel Derived Coatings for Photothermal Applications

Photothermal devices require high performance solar selective materials for the surface of solar energy converters. A good solar selective surface exhibits high spectral absorptance in the visible range and low thermal emittance in the infrared to far-infrared range of the solar spectrum. 3d transition metal oxide based thin film coatings are explored as high solar selective material to be used in solar energy harvesting devices. Solar selectivity of such coatings depends on the deposition conditions, crystal structure, chemical composition, microstructural morphology, composition uniformity and stoichiometry. This report highlights and summarizes the optical properties and mechanical characteristics of some recently developed sol-gel dip- coating derived from CuxCoyOz transition metal oxides based solar selective surfaces thinfilms. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis spectrometer, FTIR spectrophotometer, nanoindentation and Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) techniques are utilized to realize various features involved in such coatings.

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure studies of Cr₁₋ₓMₓN coatings

M. Mahbubur Rahman, Alex Duan, Zhong-Tao Jiang, Zonghan Xie, Alex Wu, Amun Amri, Bruce Cowie, Chun-Yang Yin