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Boukhoubza I, Matei E, Jorio A, Enculescu M, Enculescu I. Electrochemical Deposition of ZnO Nanowires on CVD-Graphene/Copper Substrates. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2858. [PMID: 36014723 PMCID: PMC9415633 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ZnO nanostructures were electrochemically synthesized on Cu and on chemical vapor deposited (CVD)-graphene/Cu electrodes. The deposition was performed at different electrode potentials ranging from -0.8 to -1.2 V, employing a zinc nitrate bath, and using voltametric and chronoamperometric techniques. The effects of the electrode nature and of the working electrode potential on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the ZnO structures were investigated. It was found that all the samples crystallize in hexagonal wurtzite structure with a preferential orientation along the c-axis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirm that the presence of a graphene covered electrode led to the formation of ZnO nanowires with a smaller diameter compared with the deposition directly on copper surface. The photoluminescence (PL) measurements revealed that the ZnO nanowires grown on graphene/Cu exhibit stronger emission compared to the nanowires grown on Cu. The obtained results add another possibility of tailoring the properties of such nanostructured films according to the specific functionality required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issam Boukhoubza
- Group of Nanomaterials and Renewable Energies, Laboratory of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 1796, Atlas Fez 30000, Morocco
| | - Elena Matei
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Anouar Jorio
- Group of Nanomaterials and Renewable Energies, Laboratory of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 1796, Atlas Fez 30000, Morocco
| | - Monica Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Preda N, Costas A, Sbardella F, Seghini MC, Touchard F, Chocinski-Arnault L, Tirillò J, Sarasini F. Hierarchical Flax Fibers by ZnO Electroless Deposition: Tailoring the Natural Fibers/Synthetic Matrix Interphase in Composites. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2765. [PMID: 36014630 PMCID: PMC9415689 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hierarchical functionalization of flax fibers with ZnO nanostructures was achieved by electroless deposition to improve the interfacial adhesion between the natural fibers and synthetic matrix in composite materials. The structural, morphological, thermal and wetting properties of the pristine and ZnO-coated flax fibers were investigated. Thus, the ZnO-coated flax fabric discloses an apparent contact angle of ~140° immediately after the placement of a water droplet on its surface. An assessment of the interfacial adhesion at the yarn scale was also carried out on the flax yarns coated with ZnO nanostructures. Thus, after the ZnO functionalization process, no significant degradation of the tensile properties of the flax yarns occurs. Furthermore, the single yarn fragmentation tests revealed a notable increase in the interfacial adhesion with an epoxy matrix, reductions of 36% and 9% in debonding and critical length values being measured compared to those of the pristine flax yarns, respectively. The analysis of the fracture morphology by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography highlighted the positive role of ZnO nanostructures in restraining debonding phenomena at the flax fibers/epoxy resin matrix interphase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Francesca Sbardella
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza-Università di Roma & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Carolina Seghini
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza-Università di Roma & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italy
- Département Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux, ENSMA, Institut PPRIME, CNRS—ENSMA—Université de Poitiers, 1 Av. Clément Ader, B.P. 40109, CEDEX, 86961 Poitiers, France
| | - Fabienne Touchard
- Département Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux, ENSMA, Institut PPRIME, CNRS—ENSMA—Université de Poitiers, 1 Av. Clément Ader, B.P. 40109, CEDEX, 86961 Poitiers, France
| | - Laurence Chocinski-Arnault
- Département Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux, ENSMA, Institut PPRIME, CNRS—ENSMA—Université de Poitiers, 1 Av. Clément Ader, B.P. 40109, CEDEX, 86961 Poitiers, France
| | - Jacopo Tirillò
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza-Università di Roma & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sarasini
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza-Università di Roma & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italy
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Socol M, Preda N. Hybrid Nanocomposite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications: A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1117. [PMID: 33925952 PMCID: PMC8145415 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Continuing growth in global energy consumption and the growing concerns regarding climate change and environmental pollution are the strongest drivers of renewable energy deployment. Solar energy is the most abundant and cleanest renewable energy source available. Nowadays, photovoltaic technologies can be regarded as viable pathways to provide sustainable energy generation, the achievement attained in designing nanomaterials with tunable properties and the progress made in the production processes having a major impact in their development. Solar cells involving hybrid nanocomposite layers have, lately, received extensive research attention due to the possibility to combine the advantages derived from the properties of both components: flexibility and processability from the organic part and stability and optoelectronics features from the inorganic part. Thus, this review provides a synopsis on hybrid solar cells developed in the last decade which involve composite layers deposited by spin-coating, the most used deposition method, and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation, a relatively new deposition technique. The overview is focused on the hybrid nanocomposite films that can use conducting polymers and metal phthalocyanines as p-type materials, fullerene derivatives and non-fullerene compounds as n-type materials, and semiconductor nanostructures based on metal oxide, chalcogenides, and silicon. A survey regarding the influence of various factors on the hybrid solar cell efficiency is given in order to identify new strategies for enhancing the device performance in the upcoming years.
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Preda N, Costas A, Beregoi M, Apostol N, Kuncser A, Curutiu C, Iordache F, Enculescu I. Functionalization of eggshell membranes with CuO-ZnO based p-n junctions for visible light induced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20960. [PMID: 33262424 PMCID: PMC7708484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biopolymers provide versatile platforms for designing naturally-derived wound care dressings through eco-friendly pathways. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a widely available, biocompatible biopolymer based structure features a unique 3D porous interwoven fibrous protein network. The ESM was functionalized with inorganic compounds (Ag, ZnO, CuO used either separately or combined) using a straightforward deposition technique namely radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The functionalized ESMs were characterized from morphological, structural, compositional, surface chemistry, optical, cytotoxicity and antibacterial point of view. It was emphasized that functionalization with a combination of metal oxides and exposure to visible light results in a highly efficient antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli when compared to the activity of individual metal oxide components. It is assumed that this is possible due to the fact that an axial p-n junction is created by joining the two metal oxides. This structure separates into components the charge carrier pairs promoted by visible light irradiation that further can influence the generation of reactive oxygen species which ultimately are responsible for the bactericide effect. This study proves that, by employing inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials (ESM and metal oxides) and fabrication techniques (radio frequency magnetron sputtering), affordable antibacterial materials can be developed for potential applications in chronic wound healing device area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Mihaela Beregoi
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Apostol
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Carmen Curutiu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Iordache
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
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Costas A, Florica C, Preda N, Kuncser A, Enculescu I. Photodetecting properties of single CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires with p-n radial heterojunction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18690. [PMID: 33122742 PMCID: PMC7596234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
CuO-ZnO core-shell radial heterojunction nanowire arrays were obtained by a simple route which implies two cost-effective methods: thermal oxidation in air for preparing CuO nanowire arrays, acting as a p-type core and RF magnetron sputtering for coating the surface of the CuO nanowires with a ZnO thin film, acting as a n-type shell. The morphological, structural, optical and compositional properties of the CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowire arrays were investigated. In order to analyse the electrical and photoelectrical properties of the metal oxide nanowires, single CuO and CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires were contacted by employing electron beam lithography (EBL) and focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID). The photoelectrical properties emphasize that the p-n radial heterojunction diodes based on single CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires behave as photodetectors, evidencing a time-depending photoresponse under illumination at 520 nm and 405 nm wavelengths. The performance of the photodetector device was evaluated by assessing its key parameters: responsivity, external quantum efficiency and detectivity. The results highlighted that the obtained CuO-ZnO core-shell nanowires are emerging as potential building blocks for a next generation of photodetector devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Costas
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
| | - Camelia Florica
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Andrei Kuncser
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Ionut Enculescu
- Multifunctional Materials and Structures Laboratory, Functional Nanostructures Group, National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Ilfov, Romania.
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Socol M, Preda N, Costas A, Borca B, Popescu-Pelin G, Mihailescu A, Socol G, Stanculescu A. Thin Films Based on Cobalt Phthalocyanine:C60 Fullerene:ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Obtained by Laser Evaporation. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E468. [PMID: 32150846 PMCID: PMC7153592 DOI: 10.3390/nano10030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was used to deposit hybrid nanocomposite thin films based on cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), C60 fullerene and ZnO nanoparticles. The inorganic nanoparticles, with a size of about 20 nm, having the structural and optical properties characteristic of ZnO, were chemically synthesized by a simple precipitation method. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles were dispersed in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution in which CoPc and C60 had been dissolved, ready for the freezing MAPLE target. The effect of the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the CoPc:C60:ZnO hybrid nanocomposite layers deposited by MAPLE was evaluated. The infrared spectra of the hybrid nanocomposite films confirm that the CoPc and C60 preserve their chemical structure during the laser deposition process. The CoPc optical signature is recognized in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra of the obtained layers, these being dominated by the absorption bands associated to this organic compound while the ZnO optical fingerprint is identified in the photoluminescence spectra of the prepared layers, these disclosing the emission bands linked to this inorganic semiconductor. The hybrid nanocomposite layers exhibit globular morphology, which is typical for the thin films deposited by MAPLE. Current-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the structures developed on CoPc:C60:ZnO layers reveal that the addition of an appropriate amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the CoPc:C60 mixture leads to a more efficient charge transfer between the organic and inorganic components. Due to their photovoltaic effect, structures featuring such hybrid nanocomposite thin films deposited by MAPLE can have potential applications in the field of photovoltaic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Socol
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.C.); (B.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Nicoleta Preda
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.C.); (B.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Andreea Costas
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.C.); (B.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdana Borca
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.C.); (B.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Gianina Popescu-Pelin
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (A.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Andreea Mihailescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (A.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriel Socol
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (G.P.-P.); (A.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Anca Stanculescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (A.C.); (B.B.); (A.S.)
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Lee WK, Hernández SC, Robinson JT, Walton SG, Sheehan PE. Fluorinated Graphene Enables the Growth of Inorganic Thin Films by Chemical Bath Deposition on Otherwise Inert Substrates. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:677-683. [PMID: 27977931 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemically modified graphenes (CMGs) offer a means to tune a wide variety of graphene's exceptional properties. Critically, CMGs can be transferred onto a variety of substrates, thereby imparting functionalities to those substrates that would not be obtainable through conventional functionalization. One such application of CMGs is enabling and controlling the subsequent growth of inorganic thin films. In the current study, we demonstrated that CMGs enhance the growth of inorganic films on inert surfaces with poor growth properties. Fluorinated graphene transferred onto polyethylene enabled the dense and homogeneous deposition of a cadmium sulfide (CdS) film grown via chemical bath deposition. We showed that the coverage of the CdS film can be controlled by the degree of fluorination from less than 20% to complete coverage of the film. The approach can also be applied to other technologically important materials such as ZnO. Finally, we demonstrated that electron beam-generated plasma in a SF6-containing background could pattern fluorine onto a graphene/PE sample to selectively grow CdS films on the fluorinated region. Therefore, CMG coatings can tailor the surface properties of polymers and control the growth of inorganic thin films on polymers for the development of flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Kyung Lee
- Chemistry Division, ‡Plasma Physics Division, §Electronics Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory , Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Sandra C Hernández
- Chemistry Division, ‡Plasma Physics Division, §Electronics Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory , Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Jeremy T Robinson
- Chemistry Division, ‡Plasma Physics Division, §Electronics Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory , Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Scott G Walton
- Chemistry Division, ‡Plasma Physics Division, §Electronics Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory , Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Paul E Sheehan
- Chemistry Division, ‡Plasma Physics Division, §Electronics Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory , Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
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Superhydrophobic (low adhesion) and parahydrophobic (high adhesion) surfaces with micro/nanostructures or nanofilaments. J Colloid Interface Sci 2015; 453:42-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Zhao M, Shang F, Lv J, Song Y, Wang F, Zhou Z, He G, Zhang M, Song X, Sun Z, Wei Y, Chen X. Influence of water content in mixed solvent on surface morphology, wettability, and photoconductivity of ZnO thin films. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2014; 9:485. [PMID: 25249823 PMCID: PMC4171712 DOI: 10.1186/1556-276x-9-485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ZnO thin films have been synthesized by means of a simple hydrothermal method with different solvents. The effect of deionized water content in the mixed solvents on the surface morphology, crystal structure, and optical property has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A large number of compact and well-aligned hexagonal ZnO nanorods and the maximal texture coefficient have been observed in the thin film, which is grown in the mixed solvent with x = 40%. A lot of sparse, diagonal, and pointed nanorods can be seen in the ZnO thin film, which is grown in the 40-mL DI water solution. The optical band gap decreases firstly and then increases with the increase of x. Reversible wettability of ZnO thin films were studied by home-made water contact angle apparatus. Reversible transition between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity may be attributed to the change of surface chemical composition, surface roughness and the proportion of nonpolar planes on the surface of ZnO thin films. Photocurrent response of ZnO thin films grown at different solvents were measured in air. The response duration of the thin film, which is grown in the solvent with x = 40%, exhibits a fast growth in the beginning but cannot approach the saturate current value within 100 s. The theoretical mechanism for the slower growth or decay duration of the photocurrent has been discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Fengjiao Shang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jianguo Lv
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
- National Laboratory for Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Ying Song
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Feng Wang
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Zhitao Zhou
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Gang He
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Xueping Song
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Zhaoqi Sun
- School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Yiyong Wei
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Chen
- National Laboratory for Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200083, China
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