PetroMat

In the present work, the fabrication and characterization of non-curling, free-standing TiO2 nanotube membranes and their integration in front-side illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells are reported. Vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of a titanium foil. Nanotube membranes were detached from the metallic foil, transferred and bonded on transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide/glass substrates employing a TiO2 sol as a binder.

Vertically oriented arrays of TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) are fabricated by fast and facile, thus easily up-scalable, anodic oxidation of a titanium foil followed by rapid thermal annealing. The structural/morphological characterization shows the formation of well defined one-dimensional nanotube carpets, while the X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the pure anatase crystalline structure of the thermal treated samples.

The fabrication and characterization of TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays and their integration in front-side illuminated Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) are reported. Vertically oriented TiO2 NTs were obtained by anodic oxidation of titanium foil and not-curling free-standing NT membranes were easily separated from the metal without the formation of cracks. Stoichiometry, crystalline phase and morphology of the films were investigated, evidencing the formation of a highly ordered 1D NT array, with a pure anatase crystalline structure.

This paper investigates the key factors associated to the realization of a hand exoskeleton to be embedded in an astronaut's EVA glove, in order to overcome the stiffness of the pressurized space suit. An overview regarding the main constraints related to the realization of a hand exoskeleton for EVA suits is provided, as well as a preliminary concept analysis of possible solutions in terms of mechanical structure, actuators and sensors.

È descritto un giunto articolare (1) per esoscheletro di una articolazione (A) interposta tra almeno due capi ossei (F1, F2) comprendente almeno una prima forcella (3a) calzata assialmente lungo almeno un primo tale capo osseo (F1), almeno una seconda forcella (3b) calzata assialmente lungo almeno un secondo tale capo osseo (F2) ed almeno un mezzo di articolazione (5) interposto tra tale prima forcella (3a) e tale seconda forcella (3b) ed avente asse di rotazione sostanzialmente coassiale con un asse di rotazione di tale articolazione (A), almeno un componente di snodo (5a; 5b) di tale mezzo d

Sponge-like nanostructured ZnO layers were successfully employed as photoanodes for the fabrication of highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. The sponge-like ZnO layers were obtained by room temperature radio-frequency magnetron sputtering deposition of metallic zinc, followed by thermal oxidation treatment in an ambient atmosphere. The porous films show a 3D branched nanomorphology, with a feature similar to natural coral.

Highly multibranched gold nanostars were obtained by a room-temperature synthesis assisted by deep-eutectic solvents (DES). The concentration of the ascorbate ions and the presence of water in the solution were found to both have a profound influence on branch formation. A growth mechanism of the nanostar is therefore proposed from the analysis of the particle dimensions, the aspect ratio of their protuberances, and the gold crystal size. These spiky nanoparticles would find an application as conductive filler in polymeric piezoresistive composites, based on a tunneling conduction mechanism.

An innovative gel-casting process was developed in order to obtain macro porous ceramics scaffolds of hydroxyapatite to be used in regenerative medicine for bone tissue reconstruction. Mechanical investigation was carried out on different formulations of dense hydroxyapatite samples in order to evaluate the effect of the gel casting process parameters on the density, the elastic modulus, the tensile and the compressive strength. The fracture critical stress intensity factor (KIC) was also evaluated by means of microhardness measurements.

Biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds can provide a convenient support for stem cell differentiation leading to tissue formation. Porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds are clinically used for applications such as spinal fusions, bone tumors, fractures, and in the replacement of failed or loose joint prostheses. The incorporation of small amounts of silicon within hydroxyapatite lattice significantly improves HAp solubility and rate of bone apposition, as well as the proliferation of human osteoblasts in vitro.

Calcium phosphate-based materials should show excellent bone-bonding and cell-mediated resorption characteristics at the same time, in order to be employed for bone replacement. In this perspective, pure (HAp) and silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si-HAp, 1.4% wt) porous cylinders were prepared starting from synthesized powders and polyethylene spheres used as porogens, and investigated as supports for osteoblast and osteoclast progenitor differentiation.