Federico Cesano

Bio: Federico Cesano is an academic researcher from University of Turin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Carbon nanotube & High-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The author has an hindex of 30, co-authored 90 publications receiving 2279 citations.

Photoactive tio2 films on cellulose fibres: synthesis and characterization

Abstract: The preparation of photoactive fibres has been successfully developed by depositing and grafting TiO 2 nanoparticles on cellulose fibres by using a sol–gel method at low temperature (∼100 °C)—designed for practical applications. The original and treated fibres have been characterized by several techniques (SEM, HRTEM, FTIR, Raman, UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, and TGA). The TiO 2 nanoparticles, 3–5 nm in size, have been found to form a homogeneous thin film on the fibre surface, which shows efficient photocatalytic properties when exposed to solar-like light. The photocatalytic activity, tested by measuring the degradation of adsorbed methylene blue (MB) and of a heptane-extracted bitumen fraction (BF) containing a mixture of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons, is fully maintained upon several numbers of impregnation–photodegradation cycles. The fibre structure is not altered upon light exposure. The TiO 2 film is firmly anchored and the photocatalytic activity is retained even after 20 washing cycles. This preparation technique can be also applied to new fabrics to create self-cleaning and UV irradiation protection properties in them.

Cotton textile fibres coated by au/tio2 films: synthesis, characterization and self cleaning properties

Abstract: Au/TiO 2 cotton nanocomposite textile was prepared at low temperature (∼100 °C) by sol–gel and photodeposition process designed for practical applications. The Au/TiO 2 nanoparticles have been found to form a homogeneous thin film on the fibre surface and to show efficient photocatalytic properties upon exposure to solar light. Stains cleaning measurements showed that the gold/TiO 2 -coated cotton fibres possess photocatalytic activity higher than that of TiO 2 -cotton fibres. For this reason the produced composite cotton fibres display high potential and commercial importance for visible light self cleaning properties. The original and treated fibres have been characterized by several techniques (SEM, HRTEM, FTIR, Raman, UV–vis spectroscopy and XRD).

Thickness of multiwalled carbon nanotubes affects their lung toxicity.

Abstract: Two samples of highly pure multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) similar in hydrophobicity and surface reactivity were prepared with similar length, <5 μm, but markedly different diameter (9.4 vs 70 nm). The samples were compared for their cytotoxic activity, uptake, and ability to induce oxidative stress (ROS production and intracellular GSH depletion) in vitro in murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S). The in vivo toxicity was evaluated by measuring biochemical (LDH activity and total proteins) and cellular responses in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) after intratracheal instillation in rats. Both samples were internalized in MH-S cells. However, thin MWCNTs appeared significantly more toxic than the thicker ones, both in vitro and in vivo, when compared on a mass-dose basis. The data reported herein suggest that the nanotube diameter is an important parameter to be considered in the toxicological assessment of CNTs.

Zinc Oxide-From Synthesis to Application: A Review.

Abstract: Zinc oxide can be called a multifunctional material thanks to its unique physical and chemical properties. The first part of this paper presents the most important methods of preparation of ZnO divided into metallurgical and chemical methods. The mechanochemical process, controlled precipitation, sol-gel method, solvothermal and hydrothermal method, method using emulsion and microemulsion enviroment and other methods of obtaining zinc oxide were classified as chemical methods. In the next part of this review, the modification methods of ZnO were characterized. The modification with organic (carboxylic acid, silanes) and inroganic (metal oxides) compounds, and polymer matrices were mainly described. Finally, we present possible applications in various branches of industry: rubber, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, textile, electronic and electrotechnology, photocatalysis were introduced. This review provides useful information for specialist dealings with zinc oxide.

Fabrication of Single‐ and Multilayer MoS2 Film‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors for Sensing NO at Room Temperature

Abstract: Single- and multilayer MoS(2) films are deposited onto Si/SiO(2) using the mechanical exfoliation technique. The films were then used for the fabrication of field-effect transistors (FETs). These FET devices can be used as gas sensors to detect nitrous oxide (NO). Although the single-layer MoS(2) device shows a rapid response after exposure to NO, the current was found to be unstable. The two-, three-, and four-layer MoS(2) devices show both stable and sensitive responses to NO down to a concentration of 0.8 ppm.

Self-Cleaning Applications of TiO2 by Photo-Induced Hydrophilicity and Photocatalysis

Abstract: Self-cleaning materials have gained considerable attention for both their unique properties and practical applications in energy and environmental areas. Recent examples of many TiO2-derived materials have been illustrated to understand the fundamental principles of self-cleaning hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Various models including those proposed by Wenzel, Cassie-Baxter and Miwa-Hashimoto are discussed to explain the mechanism of self-cleaning. Examples of semiconductor surfaces exhibiting the simultaneous occurrence of superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic domains on the same surface are illustrated, which can have various advanced applications in microfluidics, printing, photovoltaic, biomedical devices, anti-bacterial surfaces and water purification. Several strategies to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic self-cleaning property have been discussed including doping with metals and non-metals, formation of hetero-junctions between TiO2 and other low bandgap semiconductors, and fabrication of graphene based semiconductor nano-composites. Different mechanisms such as band-gap narrowing, formation of localized energy levels within the bandgap and formation of intrinsic defects such as oxygen vacancies have been suggested to account for the improved activity of doped TiO2 photocatalysts. Various preparation routes for developing efficient superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic patterns have been reviewed. In addition, reversible photo-controlled surfaces with tuneable hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and its technological applications are discussed. Examples of antireflective surfaces exhibiting self-cleaning properties for the applications in solar cells and flat panel displays have also been provided. Discussion is provided on TiO2 based self-cleaning materials exhibiting hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties and their utilities in water management, antifouling applications and separation of oil in water emulsions are discussed. In addition, ISO testing methods (ISO 27448: 2009, ISO 10678: 2010 and ISO 27447: 2009) for analysing self-cleaning activity and antibacterial action have also been discussed. Rapid photocatalytic self-cleaning testing methods using various photocatalytic activity indicator inks such as resazurin (Rz), basic blue 66 (BB66) and acid violet 7(AV7) for a broad range of materials such as commercial paints, tiles and glasses are also described. Various commercial products such as glass, tiles, fabrics, cement and paint materials developed based on the principle of photo-induced hydrophilic conversion of TiO2 surfaces have also been provided. The wide ranges of practical applications of self-cleaning photocatalytic materials suggest further development to improve their efficiency and utilities. It was concluded that a rational fabrication of multifunctional photocatalytic materials by integrating biological inspired structures with tunable wettability would be favorable to address a number of existing environmental concerns.