Optical and Electrochemical Properties of a Nanostructured ZnO Thin Layer Deposited on a Nanoporous Alumina Structure via Atomic Layer Deposition

Abstract

This study explores the optical and electrochemical properties of a ZnO coating layer deposited on a nanoporous alumina structure (NPAS) for potential multifunctional applications. The NPAS, synthesized through an electrochemical anodization process, displays well-defined nanochannels with a high aspect ratio (~3000). The ZnO coating, achieved via atomic layer deposition, enables the tuning of the pore diameter and porosity of the NPAS, thereby influencing both the optical and electrochemical interfacial properties. A comprehensive characterization using photoluminescence, spectroscopy ellipsometry and impedance spectroscopy (with the sample in contact with NaCl solutions) provides insights into optical and electrochemical parameters, including the refractive index, absorption coefficient, and electrolyte–ZnO/NPAS interface processes. This research demonstrates potential for tailoring the optical and interfacial properties of nanoporous structures by selecting appropriate coating materials, thus opening avenues for their utilization in various technological applications.

Impact of ZrO2 Content on the Formation of Sr-Enriched Phosphates in Al2O3/ZrO2 Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Several processing techniques are employed to obtain nanostructured alumina oxidebased nanocomposites, including traditional methods such as sol-gel, chemical vapor deposition, precipitation, and mixing oxides using ball milling, among others. Currently, advancements in the field of nanotechnology involve various processing technologies, such Materials 2024, 17, 1893 2 of 14 as the fabrication of functional materials using galvanostatic anodic oxidation, atomic layer deposition, electrospinning, and plasma processing, among others [4][5][6][7]. Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 nanocomposites, for example, have a high mechanical and wear resistance when compared to other ceramic biomaterials [8][9][10].…”