Introduction: Nanoceramic materials are playing a pivotal role in advancing the development of high-performance coatings and thin films, significantly improving the performance and durability of cementitious composites and surface treatments. These materials, including nano-silica, nano-titania, and nano-alumina, have shown exceptional promise in enhancing key properties such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and environmental resilience. The incorporation of these nanoceramics into coatings has led to substantial improvements, making them an ideal solution for various industrial applications.

Methods: The addition of nano-silica to cementitious materials has been shown to increase compressive strength by up to 20%, primarily due to its pozzolanic activity, which facilitates the formation of additional cementitious compounds and refines the microstructure at the nanoscale. This refinement process results in a more compact and homogeneous material, enhancing its mechanical properties. Similarly, nano-titania and nano-alumina contribute significantly to reduced permeability and enhanced chemical resistance, improving the durability of coatings under harsh environmental conditions. These nanoparticles fill voids within the material matrix, refining the interfaces between particles and enhancing overall structural integrity.

Results: In recent studies, microstructural investigations have provided visual confirmation of these enhancements, showing denser, more uniform networks within the material. These improved structures not only contribute to the mechanical properties but also the longevity and environmental performance of the coatings, ensuring that they can withstand the effects of weathering, chemical exposure, and physical wear.

Conclusion: The integration of nanoceramic materials into coatings represents a significant breakthrough in surface engineering, offering new opportunities for creating sustainable and high-performance materials in the construction industry. Future research will focus on optimizing nanoparticle concentrations, assessing long-term durability and performance under real-world conditions, and evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of these advanced materials. With continued innovation, nanoceramics have the potential to revolutionize the field of coatings and surface treatments.

Introduction. Architectural coatings are crucial in contemporary eco-friendly design, as they protect the appearance of buildings, extend their service life, and enhance aesthetic appeal. However, traditional formulations often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. The field of nanotechnology offers an innovative approach to improve coating efficiency while minimising environmental impact. This study focuses on the development and application of nano-enhanced coatings, particularly those which are self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and heat-reflective. Additionally, it assesses their potential effects on the maintenance and operation of the structure by increasing durability and reducing resource consumption.

Methods. Our research concentrated on synthesising and characterising nanocomposites derived from silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and silver nanoparticles, which were integrated into both water- and solvent-based polymer matrices. The samples were subjected to laboratory evaluations that simulated real-world conditions, including UV exposure, thermal cycling, and prevalent microbial challenges. Performance metrics such as surface hydrophobicity, microbial inhibition, and thermal reflection coefficients were quantified through agar diffusion analysis and infrared spectroscopy.

Results. Preliminary results indicate that nano-enhanced coatings offer significant operational advantages compared to traditional systems. Self-cleaning formulations exhibit enhanced water-repellent properties, which reduce dirt accumulation and decrease cleaning intervals. Antimicrobial coatings have effectively decreased bacterial proliferation and biofilm formation, as demonstrated by standardised testing parameters. Furthermore, heat-reflecting options show reduced heat absorption, minimising cooling requirements in controlled simulations.

Conclusions. Using nanotechnology, architectural coatings can achieve excellent multifunctional performance while reducing resource consumption and pollutant emissions. The widespread use of nano-enhanced coatings can significantly improve the environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness of buildings and structures that do not require special care.

Introduction. Contemporary architectural approaches prioritise energy-efficient designs that focus on occupant comfort and sustainability. Glass facades and windows are integral to these efforts, providing ample natural light and maintaining visual coherence. However, uncontrolled solar radiation, glare, and poor insulation can undermine a building's thermal comfort and increase energy use. Recent advancements in thin-film coatings for architectural glass present innovative solutions for optimising daylight, regulating solar heat gain, and enhancing thermal efficiency.

Methods. This study investigated various commercially available and prototype thin-film coatings intended for use on architectural glass. Different deposition techniques were examined, including magnetron sputtering and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The samples underwent testing under controlled laboratory conditions to assess their optical transmission coefficients, reflection properties, and emissivity. Complementary testing in real-world room conditions further enhanced findings, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of daylight effectiveness, glare reduction, and their associated impact on internal temperature.

Results. The data obtained indicate that multilayer thin-film coatings can substantially enhance solar radiation control by reducing the transmission of infrared radiation by up to 50% while maintaining an improved transmission coefficient for visible light. Additionally, low-emission coatings effectively diminish heat transfer through glass, resulting in an approximately 20% increase in insulation performance compared to conventional uncoated glazing. Measurements of the interior revealed a notable reduction in glare and a more consistent indoor temperature, enhancing residents' comfort.

Conclusions. The findings indicate that thin-film coatings on glass serve as an effective solution for architects aiming to balance the benefits of natural light with thermal and visual comfort. These coatings support sustainable development goals and foster a healthier, conducive indoor environment by optimising solar radiation, mitigating glare, and enhancing insulation performance.

This study investigates the surface roughness and fractal characteristics of TiO₂ thin films deposited via DC reactive magnetron sputtering, using an Ar/O₂ gas mixture and varying sputtering powers. The films' surface morphology was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and topographic mapping. Roughness parameters such as Ra (average roughness), Rq (root mean square roughness), Rt (total height of the roughness profile), and Rz (peak-to-valley roughness) were quantified to assess the surface quality. Additionally, fractal analysis was conducted to evaluate the complexity of surface features across multiple length scales, using both "length-scale" and "area-scale" frameworks to explore hierarchical structures.
The key analyses were performed using MountainsMap® software, which enabled 3D surface reconstruction, fractal dimension evaluation, and advanced surface metrology. The TiO₂ thin films were deposited under various O₂ ratios and sputtering powers to explore the influence of these parameters on surface roughness and fractal characteristics.
This investigation combines both roughness and fractal metrics, offering a comprehensive framework for analyzing the interplay between deposition conditions and surface properties. The results provide valuable insights for tailoring TiO₂ thin films for use in applications such as photocatalytic devices, sensors, and other technologies that require precise control of surface topography, enhancing their functionality and performance.

Metal-based oxide semiconductors have garnered significant attention as promising materials for solar energy applications. Being composed of metal oxides, oxide semiconductors exhibit superior crystalline stability and lower toxicity compared to organic- and lead-containing perovskite crystals. Additionally, they possess advantageous optical properties, including high light absorption and a band gap width suitable for solar cell applications. Among oxide semiconductors, copper oxides are recognized as one of the most promising materials for p-type semiconductors, with a long history of research. Research and development of solar cells based on copper oxides is accelerating, and some with photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of more than 10% have been fabricated. For solar cells employing oxide semiconductors, sputtering and vacuum deposition methods are primarily utilized. On the other hand, a spin-coating method is widely applied in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells and has attracted attention as a simple and cost-effective thin-film deposition technique, which is necessary for future mass production. Although annealing at high temperatures is commonly used to form thin films of metal oxides, it is also important to reduce the annealing temperature to make this technology widely available. In the present study, copper oxide thin films were fabricated using the spin-coating method, and microstructural analyses were conducted. The successful formation of copper oxide thin films was confirmed, and the microstructures of the thin films were investigated.

With the global ageing population, the demand for innovative healthcare solutions for rehabilitating motor disabilities among the elderly is on the rise. Traditional healthcare facility-based rehabilitation is costly and time-consuming, limiting access to electrostimulation therapy for over 50% of the 2.4 thousand million potential beneficiaries. Dry electrodes, designed for extended use on sensitive skin, offer promise for monitoring surface electromyography and supporting muscular rehabilitation at home. These electrodes, which do not require conductive gels, improve patient comfort and reduce skin irritation in long-term biopotential recordings. Nevertheless, low impedance, stable electrochemical noise, flexibility, and biocompatibility are mandatory requirements for these electrodes. In this study, titanium–gold (Ti-Au) thin films were deposited on silicon and glass substrates using magnetron sputtering, and Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) was used to fully characterize them. The films were produced with gold compositions varying from 0 at.% to 44 at.%, growing in different geometries—conventional, inclined, and zigzag—using deposition angles ranging from 0° to 90°. The films' microstructure revealed a noticeable influence on the electrical properties of Ti-Au thin films, with electrical resistivity increasing by an order of magnitude at a deposition angle of 80° relative to the films prepared at 0° (conventional geometry). For the same deposition angle, no significant differences in electrical properties were observed between the inclined and zigzag geometries. This study intends to evaluate the influence of the chemical composition and the films’ growth geometry in terms of electrical properties, supporting the development of flexible Ti-Au thin film-based dry electrodes.

Polydopamine free-standing films form at the air–water interface through the self-assembly of dopamine oxidation products, creating large-scale, nanometer-thin films with remarkable mechanical properties and a two-dimensional structure. This experiment aimed to develop a PDA/rGO nanocomposite transferable onto almost any surface, offering potential for targeted functionalization. Our research revealed unexpected electronic and photonic effects arising from the distinctive structure and properties of the PDA films.

This approach utilized a novel one-pot synthesis method with boric acid as an antioxidant. The process led to the formation of 2D-like nanocomposite films of PDA and rGO. Their morphology was characterized using SEM and AFM, while their chemical composition was analyzed with UV-vis, Infrared, Raman Spectroscopy, and XPS. Boric acid enhances the mechanical properties of PDA and is crucial in reducing GO. This synthesis method harnessed the synergy of these processes, enabling the nanocomposite to be transferred onto various surfaces, creating possibilities for advanced photoelectronic applications.

The conductivity and light-interaction tests were noteworthy. Sensitive 4-Point Probe measurements revealed a decrease in the conductivity of PDA/rGO films under mild irradiation (white LED, UV light). Notably, these changes are reversible and quantifiable, attributed to structural and morphological alterations under light activation. Time-resolved reflectivity was employed to study the contraction and relaxation of the film during light on/off cycles. Unlike pure PDA, PDA/rGO films respond primarily to thermal expansion rather than moisture adsorption/desorption. This results in a significantly faster response compared to PDA, enabling the creation of expansive and contractive films through a simple synthesis process. Conductive AFM measurements revealed a complex electronic phase nanostructure, consisting of higher-conductivity domains surrounded by a nanocomposite polymer matrix with lower but notable conductivity.

These findings, although preliminary, open pathways for photoelectronic applications and offer insights into controlling the intermolecular interactions of PDA within composite materials.

This work introduces an innovative Pressure-Sensitive Paint (PSP) system based on solvent quenching mechanisms (SQ-PSP), tailored for precise aerodynamic testing in wind engineering applications. The SQ-PSP system enhances the capabilities of traditional PSP technology by employing a solvent to quench fluorescence, enabling accurate pressure distribution mapping on structural models tested in wind tunnels.

The system's polymer matrix incorporates luminescent pressure sensors that react dynamically to pressure changes, offering high sensitivity and stability. Validation tests demonstrated linearity in a pressure range from -500 hPa to +500 hPa, ensuring reliable performance across diverse aerodynamic scenarios. A key advantage of the SQ-PSP system is its ease of application and rapid data acquisition, making it a superior alternative to traditional pressure taps in terms of both efficiency and measurement precision.

Wind tunnel studies using architectural models confirmed the system's effectiveness, showing strong agreement with classical measurement methods in positive pressure ranges. However, challenges in capturing negative pressure variations highlight areas for further refinement. Despite these limitations, the SQ-PSP system presents significant potential as a cutting-edge tool for analyzing complex pressure distributions, contributing to the optimization of structural designs and improving urban wind comfort through enhanced aerodynamic modeling. Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Foundation for Polish Science under the Proof of Concept project (FENG.02.07-IP.05-0451/23), titled “Novel Polymer-Based Pressure Sensitive Paint Systems for Aerodynamic Testing to Enhance Predictions of Structural Impact on Atmospheric Phenomena and Urban Comfort.”

The micro-concentrator photovoltaic concept consists in miniaturizing asolar cell to the micrometer scale and using an optical concentrator to collect and focus sunlight onto the micro solar cells. As a result, this approach reduces the use of critical raw materials, while potentially reducing module costs and enhancing power conversion efficiency (PCE). Thin-film Cu(In,Ga)Se₂-based solar cells currently hold a record power conversion efficiency of 23.6% and 23.3% under concentrated illumination.

In this study, micro-holes with diameters of 200 and 250 μm were patterned into a SiO_x insulating matrix on a SLG/SiON/Mo substrate using photolithography [3]. A 1 µm thick Cu-In-Ga precursor was deposited by sputtering; this was followed by selenization at 480 ºC in a tube furnace to form CIGS micro-absorbers. One of the precursors underwent a thermal treatment at a nominal temperature of 450 ºC prior to selenization. The micro solar cells were completed with a CdS buffer layer deposited by chemical bath deposition and an i-ZnO/ZnO:Al window layer deposited by RF sputtering.

The Cu-In-Ga precursor exhibited a rough surface characterized by island-like grains, with CGI and GGI ratios of 0.75±0.04 and 0.24±0.03, respectively. The thermal treatment resulted in small areas of exposed Mo; however, both thermally treated and untreated micro-absorbers exhibited smooth surfaces after selenization. The treated CIGS micro-absorber exhibited improved elemental composition with a CGI ratio of 0.81±0.06, compared to 0.76±0.13 for untreated micro-absorber.

The annealed CIGS micro-cells display better overall performance, with higher average open-circuit voltage (V_oc). The best annealed CIGS micro-cell achieved a maximum PCE of 1.44%, with a V_oc and J_sc of 249 mV and 16.5 mA/cm². In contrast, the untreated CIGS micro-cells achieved a PCE of 0.47%, with a V_oc of 198 mV and a J_sc of 9.2 mA/cm², respectively.

Corrosion poses significant challenges to metals used in construction and machinery. This study evaluated the inhibitive effect of papaya (Carica papaya) leaf extract, obtained through Ultrasound–Microwave-Assisted Extraction (UMAE), as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel. Papaya (Carica papaya) leaves are rich in phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which form protective layers on metal surfaces and reduce degradation. UMAE, combining ultrasonic and microwave-assisted extraction, proved more efficient than conventional Soxhlet extraction, yielding 63.43% compared to 6.78%, while preserving bioactive compounds. Papaya (Carica papaya) leaf extract (PLE)-coated mild steel (MS) strips were immersed in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions (0.5 M, 1 M, 1.5 M) and monitored over various exposure times. Weight loss, corrosion rates, and inhibition efficiency were measured, with the lowest weight loss of 2.1798 g under four coatings of PLE after 336 hours and a peak efficiency of 97.63%. Characterization techniques such as SEM-EDX, FTIR, and UV-Vis confirmed the formation of corrosion-resistant barriers and identified key functional groups responsible for the PLE’s protective properties. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that PLE has a significant relationship with inhibition efficiency, with an F-value of 13.69035, p-value of 0.001638, and F crit less than the F-value. These findings position PLE as a promising, sustainable solution for corrosion prevention in industrial applications.