Titanium oxide filled polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers have been prepared via a simple electrospinning technique. The combination of good TiO₂properties with its high surface area leads these nanofibers into having a vast applicability such as cosmetics, scaffolds for tissue engineering, catalytic devices, sensors, solar cells, and optoelectronic devices. The structural and chemical properties of the prepared samples have been studied. The presence of the TiO₂phase on the nanofibers was confirmed. An anatase to rutile transformation was observed at 600°C. Regarding the thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), the TIP decomposition and the PVP evaporation at 225°C were verified.

The present work aims to study the impact of O and N addition on Cr-sputtered coatings on plastic (polycarbonate, PC) used in automobile parts, as a promisor alternative for auto part metallization, while eliminating the usage of toxic hexavalent chromium. The coatings were deposited using DC magnetron sputtering from a single pure Cr target in a reactive atmosphere (N₂ and/or O₂). The deposition of the coatings was performed maintaining the total pressure constant and close to 1 Pa by tuning Ar pressure while reactive gases were added. The target current density was kept at J_W = 20 mA·cm⁻². Structural characterization revealed a mixture of α-Cr, δ-Cr, β-Cr₂N, and CrN crystalline structures as well as amorphous oxides. The coating hardness ranged from 9 GPa for the CrON coating to 15 GPa for the CrN coating. All deposited coatings showed a particularly good interface adhesion; adjusting the amount of O and N made it possible to tune the optical properties of the Cr-based coatings as desired. The promising results open future industrialization of sputtered Cr-based coatings for automotive industries.

We aim at developing hexavalent chromium-free coatings for frequently touched decorative parts. Cr(N,O) and multilayered CrN/CrO coatings were deposited by means of reactive magnetron sputtering. All samples presented good adhesion to the substrates enhanced by an epoxy layer designed to enhance PVD coating adhesion. Similar substrates are found in the automotive industry and can be used in appliances where a metallic finish is desired by the consumer. Corrosion behavior was induced, using artificial sweat to simulate long exposure to human touch for 96 h. In potentiodynamic polarization tests, the coatings were revealed to be nobler than the substrate alone. Cr displayed a non-existent passivation region, while gCrN exhibited a quick passivation of the surface and its respective breakdown and several current fluctuations, indicating the occurrence of pitting, which was confirmed by SEM micrography after the corrosion. Regarding EIS results, all films depicted a diminution of impedance modulus (|Z|) after 96 h, which indicates a diminution of corrosion resistance against artificial sweat. Nitride films exhibited the worst anticorrosive features. On the other hand, Cr and CrO exhibited the highest |Z| values. These results are corroborated by low the corrosion rates of both coatings. The equivalent electrical circuit allows us to confirm oxide formation in the outermost layer of the films due to electrolyte/surface interaction, indicating a self-protecting mechanism. Nitride films showed the lowest values and less corrosion resistance, confirming the results obtained in polarization potentiodynamic tests. The coatings developed in this work, namely Cr and CrO, showed a promising corrosion resistance behavior that could endure a lifetime of frequent human touch in various decorative applications either automotive or general appliances.

This study investigates the properties of LiCoO₂ coatings as cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, focusing on the effects of annealing on their structural, morphological, chemical, vibrational, and electrochemical characteristics. The LiCoO₂ coatings were deposited on silicon and glass substrates using RF magnetron sputtering at 100 W and subsequently annealed at 600 °C for 1 h. The films were characterized before and after annealing using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Annealing improved the crystallinity of LiCoO₂, which is critical for enhancing lithium-ion diffusion. Furthermore, an XPS analysis revealed a layered structure with a Li-rich outer layer and a Co-rich underlayer, indicating a more uniform distribution of Li and Co, along with increased oxygen content. Additionally, the annealing process refined the microstructure of the LiCoO₂ coating, positively impacting its electrochemical performance. A comparative analysis of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) results demonstrated a significant improvement in the charge/discharge capacity post-annealing. This study successfully highlights the beneficial effects of annealing on LiCoO₂ thin-film cathodes, offering valuable insights for developing more efficient and sustainable lithium-ion batteries through sputter-deposition processes.