We demonstrate the implementation of a hybrid solar cell that comprises a surface nanostructured n-type Si and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate). The Si surface before deposition of the organic layer was nanostructured by using CsCl self-assembled nanoparticles as a hard mask and dry etching to form radial junction architectures and enhance light diffusion and absorption. ...

We introduce a new type of hybrid material: a nanostructured elastomer covered by a hard photoactive metal-oxide thin film resembling the exoskeleton of insects. It has extreme water repellency and fast self-recovery after damage. A new fabrication method for replicating high aspect ratio, hierarchical re-entrant aluminum structures into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented. The method is b...

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been extensively used as implant materials in orthopedic applications. Nevertheless, implants may fail due to a lack of osseointegration and/or infection. The aim of this in vitro study was to endow an implant surface with favorable biological properties by the dual modification of surface chemistry and nanostructured topography. The application of a nanostruct...

We describe high efficiency thin-film InP solar cells that utilize a periodic array of TiO2 nanocylinders. These nanophotonic resonators are found to reduce the solar-weighted average reflectivity of an InP solar cell to ~1.3%, outperforming the best double-layer antireflection coatings. The coupling between Mie scattering resonances and thin-film interference effects accurately desc...

1 Abstract— The special characteristics and singular properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films deposited by pulsed DC plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), such as hardness and wear resistance, are suitable for self assembly applications as protective coating and as nanostructured surfaces. In this master thesis project, nanostructured DLC surfaces will be designed and cha...

Tailoring the polymer-metal interface is crucial for advanced material design. Vacuum deposition methods for metal layer coating are widely used in industry and research. They allow for installing a variety of nanostructures, often making use of the selective interaction of the metal atoms with the underlying polymer thin film. The polymer thin film may eventually be nanostructured, too, in ord...

It is well known that injection of glass fibre–reinforced plastics (GFRP) causes abrasive wear in moulds’ cavities and runners. Physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings are intensively used to improve the wear resistance of different tools, also being one of the most promising ways to increase the moulds’ lifespan, mainly when used with plastics strongly reinforced with glass fibres. This work...

This paper investigates mechanisms of enhanced light absorption exhibited by ultrathin Si solar microcells integrated with a periodically nanostructured, semitransparent metallic reflector. This backside reflector comprises periodic nanoscale relief features formed by soft-imprint lithography with a thin (~35 nm) coating of Au. The work shows that microcells placed in direct contact above the n...

This paper presents the application of the Taguchi experimental design in developing nanostructured yittria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings by plasma spraying process. This paper depicts dependence of adhesion strength of as-sprayed nanostructured YSZ coatings on various process parameters, and effect of those process parameters on performance output has been studied using Taguchi's L16 orth...

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has good chemical and biomechanical properties that are excellent for biomedical applications. However, PEEK exhibits hydrophobic and other surface characteristics which cause limited cell adhesion. We have investigated the potential of Ar plasma treatment for the formation of a nanostructured PEEK surface in order to enhance cell adhesion. The specific aim of this s...