RESUMEN
Nontoxic all-inorganic perovskites are among the most promising materials for the realization of optoelectronic devices. Here, we present an innovative way to deposit lead-free, totally inorganic Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite from vapor phase. Taking use of a magnetron sputtering system equipped with a radiofrequency working mode power supply and a single target containing the correct ratio of CsI and BiI3 salts, it was possible to deposit a Cs3Bi2I9 perovskitic film on silicon and soda-lime glass. The target composition was optimized to obtain a stoichiometric deposition, and the best compromise was found with a mix enriched with 20% w/w of CsI. Secondly, the effect of post-deposition thermal treatments (150 °C and 300 °C) and of the deposition on a preheat substrate (150 °C) were evaluated by analyzing the chemical composition, the morphology, the crystal structure, and the optical properties. The thermal treatment at 150 °C improved the uniformity of the perovskite film; the one at 300 °C damaged the perovskite deposited. Depositing on a preheated substrate at 150 °C, the obtained film showed a higher crystallinity. An additional thermal treatment at 150 °C on the film deposed on the preheated substrate showed that the crystallinity remains high, and the morphology becomes more uniform.
RESUMEN
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a widely utilized process in various industrial applications, serving as a protective and hard coating. However, its presence in fields like fashion has only recently emerged, as electroplating processes had previously dominated this reality. The future looks toward the replacement of the most hazardous and toxic electrochemical processes, especially those involving Cr(VI) and cyanide galvanic baths, which have been restricted by the European Union. Unfortunately, a complete substitution with PVD coatings is not feasible. Currently, the combination of both techniques is employed to achieve new aesthetic features, including a broader color range and diverse textures, rendering de facto PVD of primary interest for the decorative field and the fashion industry. This review aims to outline the guidelines for decorative industries regarding PVD processes and emphasize the recent advancements, quality control procedures, and limitations.
RESUMEN
The new generation of solar cells aims to overcome many of the issues created by silicon-based devices (e.g., decommissioning, flexibility and high-energy production costs). Due to the scarcity of the resources involved in the process and the need for the reduction of potential pollution, a greener approach to solar cell material production is required. Among others, the solvothermal approach for the synthesis of nanocrystalline Cu-Sn-S (CTS) materials fulfils all of these requirements. The material constraints must be considered, not only for the final product, but for the whole production process. Most works reporting the successful synthesis of CTS have employed surfactants, high pressure or noxious solvents. In this paper, we demonstrate the synthesis of nanocrystalline kuramite by means of a simpler, greener and scalable solvothermal synthesis. We exploited a multianalytical characterization approach (X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electronic microprobe analysis (EMPA)) to discriminate kuramite from other closely related polymorphs. Moreover, we confirmed the presence of structural defects due to a relevant antisite population.
RESUMEN
Since their discovery, ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted a wide interest for their potential use as a medium for many chemical processes, in particular electrochemistry. As electrochemical media they allow the electrodeposition of elements that are impossible to reduce in aqueous media. We have investigated the electrodeposition of aluminium from 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ((Bmim)Cl)/AlCl3 (40/60 mol %) as concerns the effect of deposition parameters on the quality of the deposits. Thick (20 µm) aluminium coatings were electrodeposited on brass substrates at different temperatures and mixing conditions (mechanical stirring and sonication). These coatings were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, roughness measurements, and X-ray diffraction to assess the morphology and the phase composition. Finally, electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out with the intent to correlate the deposition parameters to the anti-corrosion properties.