Biography:

Florentina Maxim has her expertise in the Hydrothermal Synthesis and the Characterization of Nano Metal Oxides. She has completed her Doctorate in the “Morphology control of nano ferroelectric metal oxides” work carried out in the group of Professor Paula Vilarinho at University of Aveiro, Portugal in 2010. After several research fellowships for Electron Microscopy, she was leading the project for Young Independent Research Team funded by the Romanian National Foundation UEFISCDI. Since 2015, she is working as a Postdoctoral Scientist at Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland and her major research activities are in the field of advanced materials for energy harvesting from biomass (algae) by supercritical water processes.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: It is recognized that the great technological potential of the catalytic super critical water (SCW) gasification of biomass for biofuel production. However, an important issue related to the poisoning of the catalyst by sulfur (S) compounds remaining in the SCW phase is still to be solved. To design efficient S adsorbents at SCW conditions is a challenge since, the sorbent material, which is sought as metal oxide (MexOy), must be structurally stable and in the same time to be able to capture S from both inorganic and organic sources under SCW conditions. The purpose of this work is to design and obtain supported nano MexOy adsorbent materials for efficient desulfurization in SCW. Our previous results reported on the impact of sorbent geometry on the S adsorption in SCW.

Materials & Methodology: SCW impregnation of MexOy (ZnO, CuO, Mn2O4, Fe2O3) on activated carbon was performed in a continuous flow tubular reactor (Figure), also used for S sorption experiments. In situ neutron imaging (NI), molecular dynamics (MD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were the main techniques used to obtain fundamental knowledge on the phenomena taking place when different S species are adsorbed by MexOy in SCW.

Findings: The NI results, reporting on the S in SCW density profiles and flow patterns through the adsorbent were used for the validation of models applied in MD and CFD. The SCW desulfurization efficiency of different MexOy was established.

Conclusion & Significance: The findings of the present study are of great importance when the goal is to mitigate the deactivation of the catalyst by S from the foregoing biomass gasification by SCW.

Biography:

Noriko Kurose has her expertise in “Crystal growth engineering of nitride semiconductor using metal organic chemical vapor deposition to control the material properties”. She found an insulating material can be converted to conductive one by introducing nano via-holes spontaneously inside the insulator using a crystal growth technique and she has clarified the conversion mechanism. Her invention opens a way to fabricate various vertical devices on Si substrate and Si on chip devices. Actually, she has succeeded in fabricating a vertical UV-LED and a vertical UV sensor using her technology. In addition, she has succeeded in fabricating large area panel type micro plasma excited DUV light emitting devices with a size of more than two inches. She was invited to present her work in many international conferences.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The n-type aluminum gallium nitride (n-AlGaN) vertical field effect transistors on a Si substrate are promising devices for future super high power devices beyond Si, SiC and GaN devices which are currently being developed. The AlN buffer layer is indispensable for the growth of AlGaN epitaxial layer on the Si substrate. However, the AlN is an insulating material and we could not flow current through the buffer layer. We report formation of the conductive AlN buffer layer (hereafter v-AlN) and details of the formation mechanism of the v-AlN.

Methodology: The v-AlN is grown on the Si substrate using metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Al metal dots are grown on the substrate to form Al-Si alloy dots with successive growth of AlN buffer layer. Spontaneous nano size via-holes (hereafter via-holes) are formed in AlN buffer layer due to the surface energy difference of Si and Si-Al alloy. The n-AlGaN is grown on it to fill out the via-holes. The conductive AlN buffer layer with via-holes is formed.

Findings: We have converted the insulating AlN buffer layer to conductive one by forming cluster of via-holes in the buffer layer filled with n-AlGaN during the crystal growth. The size of the cluster and the density are controlled and are 0.2~1µm^Φ and 10⁷~10⁸/cm², respectively. The current flows through these clusters filled with n-AlGaN. The mirror like n-AlGaN epitaxial layer was successfully grown on it. It is confirmed that the vertical resistivity through the conductive AlN buffer layer was 0.2Ω/cm² which is about 10⁴ times smaller than that of conventional AlN.

Conclusion & Significance: We have succeeded in growing the conductive AlN buffer layer on the Si substrate. Our technique and findings open a way to make vertical high power AlGaN FETs, UV-LEDs, UV sensors on the Si substrate and to realize Si on chip devices.

Biography:

Yoshinobu Aoyagi has his expertise in nano technology and creation of advanced materials for developing new devices. His recent work is a discovery of anti-surfactant phenomena to create spontaneously GaN quantum dots even on the lattice matched substrate, for example GaN quantum dots on a GaN substrate which is impossible under common crystal growth condition. He has also succeeded in developing a new technology to fabricate a 3D photonic crystal, DUV LED, a large scale DUV light emitter of more than 2 inches size. Laser processing is also another main work. He also succeeded in pioneer works on laser induced atomic layer deposition and atomic layer etching at the beginning stage of the research. He published more than 500 articles in scientific journals and presented a lot of invited talks.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The n-type aluminum gallium nitride (n-AlGaN) vertical field effect transistors (FETs) are promising devices for future super high power FET electronics beyond Si, SiC and GaN devices. To realize n-AlGaN vertical FETs with carrier blocking layer to concentrate the current flow into the vertical channel region, the local p-type AlGaN formation is indispensable. So far, to realize this local p-type layer, crystal regrowth technique with lithography is carried out but this process is complicated and reduces the crystal quality. To precede local carrier type conversion from n-type to p-type without any crystal regrowth method, the carrier blocking layer can be easily produced without any crystal damages.

Methodology: We used an excimer laser (193 nm) as an irradiation source for material engineering. The irradiation system has a scanning system of the sample to control the irradiation area and an in-situ monitoring system to observe the material surface during the laser irradiation. The material characteristics are observed using Hall effects, Kelvin probe and optical microscope measurement.

Findings: We found the insulating or n-type as grown Mg-doped GaN (Mg: GaN) was converted to p-type GaN (p-GaN) under a proper laser irradiation condition only at the specific local area of the laser irradiation. The lateral resolution for transition from the Mg: GaN to p-type was about 1 µm. The surface has no damage under the irradiation.

Conclusion & Significance: A new technique has been established. This has achieved local activation of Mg: GaN to p-type GaN using the laser irradiation co-operated with in-situ observations of the surface during the laser processing. Using this method, local activation of carriers with the lateral resolution of about 1 µm is possible, thus establishing the potential for fabricating local p-GaN carrier blocking layer and vertical high power devices without using any other fabrication techniques such as crystal regrowth.

Biography:

Ankita Ghatak is a Post-doctoral Fellow and has her expertise in growth of nanostructured binary as well as complex oxides. She has grown aligned 1-D nanostructured binary oxide which has a strong influence in the field of applications. She also has her on expertise on microstructural analysis of complex oxide nanostructures that has provided up a new field of research from technological point of view. Her interface analysis of complex materials with substrates has opened a challenging field in the device fabrication process. She in her publications has tremendously contributed about the benefit of creating atomically sharp interfaces that will enhance the future device performances.

Abstract:

Barium titanate (BaTiO₃) is a very attractive material in the field of electroceramics and microelectronics due to its good electrical properties. Its high dielectric constant and low loss characteristics make BTO an excellent choice for many applications, such as capacitors, multilayer capacitors (MLCs) and energy storage devices. In more recent activities, the focus has shifted on growth of thin BTO films with thickness ≤200 nm and preferably even thinner like 100 nm. It is desirable to have thin films of BTO grown on (Pt/Si) that can act as a super capacitor if the relative permittivity is more than 100. However, the growth of thin BTO film (~100 nm) with acceptable dielectric and ferroelectric properties has not been adequately addressed to and the method to grow such a film has not been standardized either. We report a simple method to restore the perovskite phase in the top surface/sub-surface region of a thin film (~100 nm) of barium titanate (BTO) fabricated by pulsed laser deposition on a platinized silicon (Pt/Si) surface and thus enhance its dielectric and ferroelectric properties. Phase evolution, surface morphology with local chemical composition of BTO films have been studied as a function of laser fluence. Investigations using X-ray diffraction (XRD), grazing-angle incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and depth resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that even after achieving a good phase formation there can be a presence of non-perovskite TiO₂ phase at the surface and subsurface in such films that degrades its dielectric and ferroelectric response. The restoration of the degraded top layer was done by a combination of low energy Ar plasma treatment followed by an annealing process that enhances Ba content.

Biography:

Dr. Barnali Ghosh Saha), is now a Scientist-E, (Associate Professor) in the Department fo Condensed Matter Physics and Material Sciences and  Head of the department of Technical Research facility programme. She is a member of Indian Physics Association. She got Ph.D degree in Physic award in 1998. She got a research Award in Woman Scientist  programme in 2003 and 2008 from “Department of Science and Technology, Government of India”.  Currently Dr. Barnali Ghosh (Saha)’s  researches focus on  experimental condensed matter Physics and Nano Science and nanotechnology, Physics of transition metal oxides mainly perovskite oxides. She is also working on fabrication of single nanowire based devices using different lithographic techniques like, e-beam and focused ion beam techniques and transport measurement on single nanowire. She also does cross sectional transmission electron microscopy related work using focused ion beam based techniques.

Abstract:

In recent years, the organic/inorganic halide perovskites are emerging material and have attracted significant attention because of its various important application potentials like solar cells and other optoelectronic applications. Sensors based on thin films of different materials are widely used for various hazardous gas detection. These sensors with proper electrical readout, if made sensitive enough can even be used for non-invasive diagnosis of disease using the technique of breath analysis. While there are many electrical readout sensors that can detect hazardous gas typically with concentration ≥10 ppm, there are not too many visual (color change type) sensors that can easily detect hazardous gas with comparable sensitivity. Very recent developments of a visual color change-based sensor made using hybrid perovskite halide as working material led to detection of hazardous gas like ammonia with concentration <5 ppm with very high selectivity in room temperature. The low cost of the synthesis and the fact that it is made on a paper makes the sensor disposable. It is a low cost portable sensor for rapid, easy and selective detection of the atmospheric ammonia in open or closed environment by a simple color change effect, without the need for any other instruments. This visual sensor will be useful in places that can produce and emit ammonia gas in the environment such as food grain storage facilities, waste disposal sites and perishable materials storage facilities.

Biography:

Giovanni Perillo has completed his Graduation in Civil Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. He is a Professor at University of Naples Parthenope and Adjunct Professor at Wessex Institute of Technologies, New Forest (UK). He has been involved in several world-wide international research projects and he is an author of more than 100 scientific publications in varied fields of engineering. He is currently a member of several International Advisory and Scientific Committees. He is a Member of Editorial Board of the Journal of Energy Engineering Science and Journal of Hydrology Science from publishing group, New York, USA and Reviewer of Journal China-USA Business Review of Horizon Research Publishing. He also planned many high technical engineering projects. Since 1996, he is a member of National Geographic Society and a member of New York Academy of Sciences. He was also a Chairman of Italian National Environment Commission.

Abstract:

Catalysts based on the vanadia-titania system are widely used for the abatement of pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), in the exhaust gases of industrial plants. Their mechanism of operation is based on the catalytic reduction reaction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia (SCR). In this paper, two commercial catalysts based on the V-W-Ti system of very similar nominal composition were compared. The two samples were analyzed in the fresh state and after a period of operation in a waste gas plant of a waste to energy plant. The materials were first characterized from the chemical structural point of view through instrumental techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), IR spectroscopy (FTIR), SEM scanning electron microscopy observations with analysis EDS, measurement of pore size and specific surface area through nitrogen adsorption/desorption and BET techniques. Subsequently, the catalytic properties of the new and used catalysts in the NH3-SCR reaction were evaluated. The results of the analysis showed that the samples are both made of a titanium matrix in the form of anatase, reinforced with glass fibers used as a support for the active phases based on V and W. The percentages of vanadium are practically the same for both systems, while the tungsten percentage is very different. The specific surface also has very similar values ​​for the two fresh catalysts. The tests of catalytic activity, on the other hand, have given very different results particularly, for one of the two catalysts the performance decays much faster than the other. The kinetic measurements show that the decay is not due to a specific surface decrease but due to the presence of precipitates, but to a difference in initial activity between the two catalysts, linked to the different tungsten content.

Biography:

Roger Amade has his expertise in the synthesis of carbon nanostructures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition techniques on different substrates and their electrochemical characterization as electrodes for energy storage and production devices. In particular, his research is focused on the development of new nanostructures for supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries and microbial fuel cells. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics from University of Barcelona.

Abstract:

Electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) or supercapacitors exhibit higher specific capacitance than conventional electrolytic capacitors due to their increased surface area and short distance between positive and negative charges at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Because of their high electric conductivity, chemical inertness, thermal and mechanical stability, carbon-based electrodes are the preferred material of choice in supercapacitor applications. In particular, carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with a high specific surface area may increase the capacitance upto about 100 F/g. Recently, graphene nanowalls (GNWs) are being the focus of research in different areas due to their outstanding properties. GNWs can be described as self-assembled, vertically-standing, few-layered graphene sheet nanostructures. The growth mechanism of these nanostructures is still not clear, but recent results indicate that they grow virtually on every substrate that withstand the synthesis temperature (around 600ºC) without the need of a catalyst. Thus, this new material has promising features that may improve performance of energy storage devices like supercapacitors or lithium ion batteries. Surface functionalization of these nanostructures by means of plasma treatments or deposition of metal oxides may further improve their pseudo capacitance and electrochemical performance. This study explores the growth of GNWs and their super capacitive properties grown under different conditions, and compares the results with those obtained for CNTs.

Biography:

Kimihisa Yamamoto has completed his PhD in Polymer Chemistry at Waseda University, 1990. He joined as Professor in Department of Chemistry at Keio University, 1997. Currently, he is a Professor in the Chemical Resources Laboratory at Tokyo Institute of Technology since 2010. His present research interests are in developing supra–metallo molecules for nano synthesizers involving nanoparticles, sub nanoparticles and super atoms.

Abstract:

We show that tin chlorides, SnCl₂ and FeCl₃ complexes to the imines groups of a spherical poly (phenyl azomethine) dendrimer in a stepwise fashion according to an electron gradient with complexation in a more peripheral generation proceeding only after complexation in generations closer to the core has been completed. The metal assembly in a discrete molecule can be converted to a size regulated metal cluster with a size smaller than 1 nm as a molecular reactor. Due to the well-defined number of metal clusters in the sub nanometer size region, its property is much different from that of bulk or general metal nanoparticles. Dendrimers are highly branched organic macromolecules with successive layers or generations of branch units surrounding a central core. Organic, inorganic hybrid versions have also been produced by trapping metal ions or metal clusters within the voids of the dendrimers. Their unusual, tree like topology endows these nano meter sized macromolecules with a gradient in branch density from the interior to the exterior, which can be exploited to direct the transfer of charge and energy from the dendrimer periphery to its core. Here, we show that tin ions, Sn²⁺, complex to the imines groups of a spherical poly (phenyl azomethine) dendrimer in a stepwise fashion according to an electron gradient with complexation in a more peripheral generation proceeding only after complexation in generations closer to the core has been completed. By attaching an electron withdrawing group to the dendrimer core, we are able to change the complexation pattern, so that the core imines are complexed last. By further extending this strategy, it should be possible to control the number and location of metal ions incorporated into dendrimer structures, which might and uses as tailored catalysts or fine controlled clusters for advanced nano catalysts.

Biography:

Tiva Sharifi has completed her PhD in Material Science in Physics Department at Umeå University, Sweden. Her research has been mainly focused on the synthesis and understanding of the properties of doped carbon based materials for energy conversion reactions. She then moved to Ajayan Research Group at Rice University, Houston, TX and has completed her Post-doctoral research on the understanding and resolving of the properties of low-dimensional materials.

Abstract:

The voltage generated in thermoelectric materials can supply energy to any energy demanding system when there is a chance of either existence of temperature gradient or the possibility to generate it if it does not cause any malfunction for the system. Electro/photo catalytic reactions are good example of such systems. Thermoelectric materials can act as mini voltage generators to boost catalytic reactions and hence reduce/eliminate the external bias energy. In this case, thermoelectric material has a function similar to but conceptually different from the catalyst. As recently solar energy has been widely considered as a renewable energy resource to direct or indirectly power up the catalytic reactions, a temperature gradient could be naturally established and be utilized in the system. We have investigated the catalytic performance of nano structured tellurides (e.g., Bi₂Te₃ and Sb₂Te₃) which are among the most known thermoelectric materials. By optimizing the structure, morphology and size of thermoelectric materials, they are utilized in different catalytic reactions. We observe that with the effect of temperature gradient these catalytically inert materials will contribute to and facilitate the catalytic reactions including electrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen desorption.

Biography:

Toshihiro Miyata is a Professor at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT), Japan and a Researcher of the Optoelectronic Device System R&D Center at KIT. His interests focus on optoelectronic devices, especially solar cells using Cu2O. He has completed his BE degree in Electronics Engineering at KIT, 1987 and ME and Doctor of Engineering degrees at KIT in 1989 and 1992 respectively. During the period 1992 to 1993, he was a Visiting Scientist at the Micro Systems Technology Laboratory at MIT, USA.

Abstract:

Recently, substantially improved conversion efficiency has been reported in p-type Cu₂O sheet-based heterojunction solar cells with n-type oxide semiconductor thin films prepared by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. However, PLD has some disadvantages as a practical preparation method, such as low deposition rate, small deposition area and high cost. On the other hand, the electrochemical deposition (ECD) method is a deposition technique that has potential to solve these problems. This paper describes the fabrication of Cu₂O based heterojunction solar cells using n-type ZnO thin film prepared by the ECD method. The n-type ZnO thin film layer was prepared on a p-type Cu₂O: Na sheet using the following ECD process. Initially, a zinc nitrate aqueous solution was prepared with 0.22 M zinc nitrate and de-ionized water; after that, a 0.3 M HCl or 0.1 M KOH aqueous solution was added to adjust the pH. Next, a p-Cu₂O: Na sheet was immersed in the above solution. The photovoltaic properties were strongly dependent on the fabrication conditions of n-type ZnO thin films. For example; the current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of AZO/n-ZnO/p-Cu₂O: Na solar cells showed strong dependence on the pH of the zinc acetate aqueous solution, obtaining significant improvement with a pH value of 4.9 in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows typical J-V characteristics for AZO/n-ZnO/p-Cu₂O solar cells prepared under optimized deposition conditions, such as film thickness of the n-ZnO thin film. The same structure of a Cu₂O heterojunction solar cell using n-type ZnO thin films was prepared by PLD, and the J-V characteristics are also shown in Figure 2. It should be noted that the J-V characteristics of the AZO/n-ZnO/p-Cu₂O solar cells were the same as those when using the PLD method.

Biography:

Keigo Takeda has completed his PhD at Nagoya University and Postdoctoral studies at Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University. He is an Associate Professor at Meijo University since 2017. He has published more than 90 papers in reputed journals. His current research interests include Reaction mechanisms of reactive species in plasma processes for advanced materials synthesis, Fine Processing Technology and Biomedical Applications, etc.

Abstract:

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) composed of few layer graphenes standing vertically on the substrate have a maze like structure formed by a self-supporting network of wall structures. The 3-dimensional structure of CNWs would be useful as a nano platform for electrochemical applications such as sensing, energy conversion, etc., because of the conductive carbon structure with the large surface and the wide capability of surface modification including decoration with catalysts such as metal nanoparticles. For achieving the CNWs applications to such fields, control of CNWs morphologies including interspace between adjacent nano walls is crucial issue. In this study, we carried out the CNWs growth with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using CH₄/H₂/Ar mixture with emphasis on the surface morphology control of CNWs. The CNWs were grown on a SiO₂ film synthesized on a Si substrate by PECVD using inductively coupled CH₄/H₂/Ar plasma. Moreover, emission intensities of CH species (wavelength: 430 nm) and H atom (Balmer α line, wavelength: 656 nm) in the plasma were monitored by optical emission spectroscopy. To estimate the interspace between adjacent nanowalls, the average area surrounded by nanowalls was evaluated from the top view observation of grown CNWs observed by scanning electron microscope. From results, it is found that the behavior of average area change has a correlation with the [H]/[CH] emission intensity ratio in the CVD plasma with Ar/CH₄/H₂ mixture. It is considered that the balance between carbon precursors and etching radicals in the CVD plasma affect the nucleation in the initial growth stage of CNWs, therefore, the interspaces between adjacent walls changed as a function of the [H]/[CH] emission intensity which is relative density ratio of gas phase radicals. In our presentation, we report the effects of ion bombardment and catalytic metals on the nucleation of nano walls to achieve the control of space between adjacent walls.

Biography:

Dafna Knani is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology Engineering at ORT Braude College. Currently, she is the Head of MSc program in Biotechnology. She is an Organic Polymer Chemist. She has completed her Graduation in the Faculty of Chemistry at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. In the past, she worked for surgical bio-polymeric materials start-up company (developing adhesives for hard tissues) and as a Research Chemist and Project Leader at Israel Chemicals Ltd. Her current research focuses on “Molecular modeling of materials and biomaterials, especially simulation of systems used for controlled drug release and tissue engineering”.

Abstract:

Low molecular weight gelators are molecules capable of forming gels in which they are self-assembled into a physical 3D network of fibers, held together by non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals forces and π−π-interactions. The organic gelator 1,3 (R):2,4(S)-dibenzylidene-D-sorbitol (DBS) self-organizes to form a 3-D network at relatively low concentrations in a variety of nonpolar organic solvents and polymer melt. DBS could be transformed into a hydrogelator by introduction of hydrophilic groups, which facilitate its self-assembly in aqueous medium. In this work, the self-assembly of DBS and its derivatives was investigated by molecular modeling. A dynamic molecular simulation was carried out using atomistic and quantum tools included in the Material Studio 8.0 (by Biovia) software. Various properties (cohesive energy density, mixing energy, radial distribution function) were calculated to illustrate the interactions that govern the self-assembly of the examined compounds. The results of the simulation indicate that the interaction between DBS-COOH molecules is stronger than DBS-CONHNH₂ and DBS and its water compatibility is highest. Therefore, DBS-COOH seems to be a better hydrogelator than DBS-CONHNH₂ and DBS. Intermolecular H-bonding interactions are formed between the three molecules as pure substances and they dramatically decrease in the presence of water. In contrast, the intra-molecular interactions increase in water. This result indicates that in aqueous environment the molecular structure tends to be more rigid and fixed in the preferred conformation. Due to H-bonds, DBS and its derivatives form a rigid structure which might explain their tendency to create nanofibrils. In order to obtain effective hydrogelators, fine-tuning of the balance between the hydrophilic (soluble) and hydrophobic (insoluble) parts is essential.

Biography:

Vignesh N has majored in the field of nanotechnology specializing in design and development of nanomaterials. Based on this background he is now involved in the research and development work of multiple products which are based on nanotechnology. Backed by dozens of trials, his perseverance finally paid off as he was  able to tailor specific experimental parameters for several nanomaterials which have already made their way to the market. With this research work, it is paving the way for a future with nanotechnology in it.

Abstract:

Induction plasma technology (IPS) is the new way of producing high purity nano-powders at an industrial scale, all this made possible by TEKNA Company, the leading producer of nanomaterial synthesizing machines. Not only being a means of producing high purity powders, IPS is known for having a clean heat source which lacks induced contaminants assuring high grade products. This complex technology is based on utilizing high voltage being passed through a coil with a conductor placed in between the coil to produce high amount of heat at the conductor due to the effect of electromagnetic induction. With flowing gas being used as the conductor, it will reach high temperature extremes due to ionization or the gas into a plasma. The most common gases used in this system include Argon, Hydrogen and Oxygen as carriers.

The IPS machine uses micron sized powders as the feed which is then carried carried through the system by a carrier gas commonly being Argon which are then together heated up to extreme temperatures producing ionized metal oxides which are then subjected to a quenching gas which ensures homogenous nucleation. Several parameters are to be closely calculated and followed to ensure the desired nanoparticle size outcome. These include:

•           Temperature

•           Feed dispersion

•           Gas composition

•           Quenching gas

•           Feed rate

•           Carrier gas

•           Feed rate

•           Carrier gas temperature

•           Torch temperature

•           Raw material

Extensive research in induction plasma has made the technology better and more efficient than ever before in synthesis of nanomaterials.

Biography:

Clément Genet is a PhD Student at University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier and Research Associate at CIRIMAT laboratory and Amphenol Socapex Company. He has obtained his Engineer’s degree in Materials Science at ESIR, France and has a specialization with his Master’s degree in Materials Science for Aeronautics and Aerospace at University of Toulouse, France. He has experience in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials and coating for more particularly anticorrosion properties in aeronautic field.

Abstract:

The goal of this study is to develop an innovative coating in accordance with the environmental regulations REACH and RoHS. Innovation will consist in an original approach of the sol-gel process implementation. Compared to the current plating’s, environmental unfriendly processes due to hazardous chemicals to health and environment, this innovative liquid process is very interesting to work on many different substrates. The formulation is designed according to the required properties of the coating, throughout an appropriate surface structuration. The originality of the approach is to develop a formulation with an adequate choice of precursors and fillers which bring simultaneously anticorrosion and electrical conductivity. The literature provides many sol-gel formulations, and the most suitable for complex shape parts are composed of both organic and inorganic precursors. They are named organic inorganic hybrid (OIH) sol-gel coating-1. Coating flexibility and anticorrosion properties are some of the properties provided by an OIH coating. In our study, organic and inorganic precursors are selected towards anticorrosion properties. Inhibitor is also added to sol-gel matrix-2 to improve the corrosion resistance. Some works have been performed on the influence of different fillers on the electrical properties of the polymer matrix-3, but the innovative study here is to combine the anticorrosion and electrical properties in a coating prepared by sol-gel route. To bring electrical properties to sol-gel coating, different fillers are taking on and studied. Influence of fillers natures, form factors and quantities are evaluated to find an optimum composition. Electrical, viscosity and hydrophobic characterization are accomplished to file fillers in function of their behavior in the sol-gel matrix. Structural and microstructural characterizations are performed by 3D optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical interaction between the sol-gel coating and the substrate is also deeply characterized and specially the durability of materials under corrosive conditions by coupling salt spray test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, nano scratch and nano indentation.

Biography:

Tahmineh Forati has completed her PhD in Biomaterials Engineering at Islamic Azad University, Sciences and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran in 2014. She has completed her MSc in Biomaterials in 2009, followed by BSc in Material Science and Engineering at the same university. Currently, she is working as a Research Assistant at Concordia University, Canada. Her international experience includes various programs, contributions and participation in different countries for diverse fields of study. Her research interests reflect in her wide range of publications in various national and international journals.

Abstract:

Water vapor condensation is frequently used as an effective method of transferring heat using drop-wise condensation on non-wetting surfaces demonstrating enhanced heat transfer when compared to film-wise condensation. The aim of this study is to develop hierarchical surface morphologies on superhydrophobic coatings with high water repellency and mobility using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The novelty of this work lies in the processing of the plasma sprayed copper/graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) composite coatings. Retention of the GNPs was made successful by controlling the plasma power and particle injection angle to minimize the temperature and consequently prevent the combustion of GNPs. Several coatings were developed with different surface morphologies. By isolating the effect of surface chemistry using a stearic acid treatment the significance and effect of the achieved morphologies on the wetting behavior of the coatings were investigated. Experimental results demonstrated that coatings produced by the APS process showed excellent water repellency and water mobility: water contact angles as high as 162° as well as water sliding angles less than 1° were achieved due to the hierarchical roughness attributed to the submicron size particles in the feedstock. Moreover, results indicated that Cu/GNPs is a promising surface coating to promote dropwise condensation of water in industrial conditions due to its robust chemical stability with the potential for scalable applications while maintaining low thermal resistance.

Biography:

Amir Elsaidy  had graduated from military technical college, Egypt (chemical engineering branch).  He has  experience in preparations and developments in the field of chemical engineering and energetic materials by creating new pathways for improvements .My interesting's are in preparation and spectral performance evaluation of these materials. These materials were developed by granulation and subsequent pressing & their Spectral performance was conducted.

Abstract:

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) can be employed as carriers for superthermite particles via coating or encapsulation. This study reports on the synthesis of copper oxide coated CNTs and CNFs via electroless plating which offer metallization with uniform distribution layer of copper. The copper coated CNTs and CNFs were annealed at 250°C to obtain copper oxide coated CNMs. The developed hybrid CNMs were characterised with TEM which demonstrated uniform coating with CuO particles. XRD diffractograms demonstrated highly crystalline CuO particles superimposed on the surface of CNMs. CuO coating can act as an effective oxidizer for aluminium particles in superthermite applications. The developed CuO-coated CNMs  were effectively dispersed in isopropyl alcohol with aluminium particles (100 nm) using ultra sonic probe homogenizer. The developed hybrid nanothermite materials were effectively integrated and dispersed into molten TNT. Whereas CuO-coated CNFs/Al binary mixture demonstrated an increase in shock wave strength by 6.5 % using kast test; CuO-coated CNTS/Al binary mixture demonstrated an increase in destructive effect of TNT by 15.5 %. The superior performance of CuO-coated CNTs was ascribed to the fact that CNTs can offer extensive interfacial surface area of 700 m2/g. Consequently it could act as an ideal carrier for highly energetic particles.

Biography:

Uliana Pinaeva has completed her Master’s degree in Applied Physics at the ENS de Cachan. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in the Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés at the Ecole Polytechnique. Her research interest focuses on “Functionalization of polymers by means of radiation grafting technique for heavy-metal ions extraction and their following analysis by voltammetry”.

Abstract:

Being a greatest earth’s resource, water should be preserved. Its pollution effects on all living beings due to accumulation of toxic elements. Therefore, the needs of water quality monitoring are necessary to prevent potential contamination disasters. Currently, tolerable limits are in a few μg/L that requires sensitive, environmentally friendly, fast and on site instruments, which are able to analyze heavy metal concentrations in water. To fit the requirements, we are developing a portable electrochemical device based on the functionalized membrane electrodes. These membrane electrodes are made of track-etched functionalized nanoporous poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes of 9 μm thickness covered with gold layers of 35 nm thickness on each side. To create nanoporous membranes, PVDF films were irradiated by swift heavy ions. Chemical etching reveals ion tracks into nanopores. For sub-micron pore diameters, the reactivity of remaining radicals formed during irradiation was found sufficient to initiate free-radical polymerization of vinyl (or allyl) monomers. This method allows any selective polymer issued from radical polymerization to be grafted onto pore walls of PVDF membranes. For instance, poly (acrylic acid) has shown a high selectivity toward Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, poly (4-vinylpyridine) toward Hg²⁺. Recently developed bis [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] phosphate (B2MP) grafted inside the nanopores of PVDF membranes were found efficient for pre-concentration of UO₂²⁺ from aqueous solutions. EPR, FESEM, FTIR were used to study radical content, morphology of the surface and presence of functional groups inside the nanopores. Voltammetry was used to demonstrate the sensitivity of such functionalized membrane electrodes in trace level. A first generation prototype exhibiting its own potentiostat, software and set of membrane electrode pads have been developed.