Production Strategies of TiNx Coatings via Reactive High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering for Selective H2 Separation

This scientific work aims to optimize the preparation of titanium nitride coatings for selective H-2 separation using the Reactive High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering technology (RHiPIMS). Currently, nitride-based thin films are considered promising membranes for hydrogen. The first series of TiNx/Si test samples were developed while changing the reactive gas percentage (N-2%) during the process. Obtained coatings were extensively characterized in terms of morphology, composition, and microstructure. A 500 nm thick, dense TiNx coating was then deposited on a porous alumina substrate and widely investigated. Moreover, the as-prepared TiNx films were heat-treated in an atmosphere containing hydrogen in order to prove their chemical and structural stability; which revealed to be promising. This study highlighted how the RHiPIMS method permits fine control of the grown layer's stoichiometry and microstructure. Moreover, it pointed out the need for a protective layer to prevent surface oxidation of the nitride membrane by air and the necessity to deepen the study of TiNx/alumina interface in order to improve film/substrate adhesion

Growth Dynamics of Ultrathin Films of Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene Derivatives on Au(111): A Photoelectron Spectroscopy Investigation

: Ultrathin films of a stereoisomeric mixture of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene derivatives were grown by thermal evaporation in vacuum on Au(111), and they were studied in situ by photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray photons from a non-monochromatic Mg Kα conventional X-ray source and UV photons from a He I discharge lamp equipped with a linear polarizer were used. He I photoemission results were compared with density functional theory (DFT) calculations: density of states (DOS) and 3D molecular orbital density distribution. Au 4f, C 1s, O 1s, and S 2p core-level components suggest a surface rearrangement as a function of film nominal thickness, with the variation of the molecular orientation, from flat-laying at the initial deposition to tilted toward the surface normal at coverages exceeding 2 nm. Eventually, the DFT results were exploited in assigning of the valence band experimental structures. Moreover, polarization-dependent photoemission confirmed the tilted arrangement of the molecules, starting at 2 nm. A variation of the work function of 1.4 eV with respect to the clean substrate was measured, together with a valence band offset of 1.3 eV between the organic layer and gold

Surface Optimization of Commercial Porous Ti Substrates by EPD of Titanium Nitride

In this work, the infiltration of TiN powders by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in aqueous media was considered as alternative method to reduce the size craters and the roughness of commercial porous Ti substrates. Ti substrates can be used as suitable supports for the deposition of dense hydrogen separation TiNx-based membranes by physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. The influence of various EPD deposition parameters on surface morphology and roughness of TiN-infiltrated substrates were investigated in order to optimize their surface properties. The results suggest that a multi-step EPD procedure is an effective technique for reducing substrate surface defects of commercial porous Ti substrates which could then be successfully used as proper supports for the deposition of dense and defect-free TiNx layers, also aligning the thermal mismatch between the active layer and the porous substrate

The Impact of Lipid Corona on Rifampicin Intramacrophagic Transport Using Inhaled Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Surface-Decorated with a Mannosylated Surfactant

The mimicking of physiological conditions is crucial for the success of accurate in vitro studies. For inhaled nanoparticles, which are designed for being deposited on alveolar epithelium and taken up by macrophages, it is relevant to investigate the interactions with pulmonary surfactant lining alveoli. As a matter of fact, the formation of a lipid corona layer around the nanoparticles could modulate the cell internalization and the fate of the transported drugs. Based on this concept, the present research focused on the interactions between pulmonary surfactant and Solid Lipid Nanoparticle assemblies (SLNas), loaded with rifampicin, an anti-tuberculosis drug. SLNas were functionalized with a synthesized mannosylated surfactant, both alone and in a blend with sodium taurocholate, to achieve an active targeting to mannose receptors present on alveolar macrophages (AM). Physico-chemical properties of the mannosylated SLNas satisfied the requirements relative to suitable respirability, drug payload, and AM active targeting. Our studies have shown that a lipid corona is formed around SLNas in the presence of Curosurf, a commercial substitute of the natural pulmonary surfactant. The lipid corona promoted an additional resistance to the drug diffusion for SLNas functionalized with the mannosylated surfactant and this improved drug retention within SLNas before AM phagocytosis takes place. Moreover, lipid corona formation did not modify the role of nanoparticle mannosylation towards the specific receptors on MH-S cell membrane

Rapporto 2007. Quadro degli interventi di prevenzione, cura e riabilitazione sul consumo di droghe nella provincia di Rimini.

Report on the state of legal and illegal substances use in the territory of Rimini province.La relazione ? articolata in 3 parti. Nella prima - diffusione delle sostanze - vengono riportati gli ultimi dati relativi alla stima dei consumatori di sostanze psicotrope nella provincia di Rimini attraverso la sintesi di due indagini sulla popolazione generale (indagine Ipsad?) e sulla popolazione studentesca di et? 15-19 anni (indagine Espad-Italia?). Una seconda parte - attivit? dei servizi - in cui vengo descritte non solo le caratteristiche delle persone che accedono ai servizi per le dipendenze pubblici e privati, compresa il Carcere di Rimini, ma anche le risposte fornite in termini di cura e riabilitazione. Una terza parte - interventi sul territorio - in cui vengono descritte le attivit? sia di prevenzione sia di contrasto all\u27uso. Risulta particolarmente interessante una prima valutazione delle attivit? realizzata all\u27interno dei piani di zona dei comuni di Rimini e Riccione

Ceria-containing frit for luster in modern ceramic glaze

The main goal of this work was to study the formation of theluster effect in a glaze manufactured from a ceria-containingfrit. The glazes obtained under industrial firing were studied usingX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction at roomtemperature and high temperature, and scanning electron microscopywith energy-dispersion spectroscopy. The mechanismof the luster effect on the surface was explained. The resultsindicated that the glaze presents iridescent colors on the surface,mainly associated with the formation of a very thin layer ofCeO2 crystals.Moreover, the CeO2 crystals show a preferentialorientation and different dimensions. The CeO2 crystallizationon the glaze was also studied using a hot-stage X-ray technique

Lustre Ce-glazes: scientific aspects of materials having high aesthetic properties

Three frits conceived for high porosity single firing tiles containing different amounts of cerium oxide and their glazes were investigated. The glazes obtained under industrial firing were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanism of the lustre effect on the surface was explained. The results indicate that the glaze presents iridescent colours on the surface, mainly associated to the formation of a very thin layer of CeO2 crystals. Moreover, the CeO2 crystals present a preferential orientation and different dimensions