Francisca Araújo

Ms. Francisca Araújo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 July 2025 in Gels
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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FAFrancisca Araújo
Francisca Araújo
SMSolange S. Magalhães
Solange S. Magalhães
Bruno MedronhoBruno Medronho
Bruno Medronho
Alireza EivaziAlireza Eivazi
Alireza Eivazi
CDChristina Dahlström
Christina Dahlström
Luís AlvesLuís Alves
Luís Alves
Chitosan films with potential application in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a promising approach to replace non-biobased materials in these innovative devices. In the present work, chitosan with varying molecular weights (MW) and degrees of deacetylation was dissolved in aqueous acetic acid (AA) at different acid concentrations. It was observed that the MW had a greater influence on the viscosity of the solution compared to either the acid concentration or deacetylation degree. Gel formation occurred in high-MW chitosan solutions prepared with low AA concentration. Films prepared from chitosan solutions, through solvent-casting, were used to prepare TENGs. The power output of the TENGs increased with higher concentrations of AA used in the chitosan dissolution process. Similarly, the residual AA content in the dried films also increased with higher initial AA concentrations. Additionally, hot-pressing of the films significantly improves the TENG power output due to the decrease in morphological defects of the films. It was demonstrated that a good selection of the acid concentration not only facilitates the dissolution of chitosan but also plays a key role in defining the properties of the resulting solutions and films, thereby directly impacting the performance of the TENGs.