IT – Page 11 – TechConnect Briefs

Nanoscale tailoring of the surface properties of biomedical devices by layer-by-layer technique

Chiono V., Carmagnola I., Boccafoschi F., Gentile P., Tonda-Turo C., Del Pilar Camacho Leal M., Ballarini M., Ciardelli G., Politecnico di Torino, IT

The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is a versatile solvent-free process allowing the coating of surfaces with uniform ultrathin multilayered films to tailor surface properties and structure at the nanoscale. LbL approach is a promising tool to [...]

A comparative study over the photocatalytic activity of nanostructured TiO2 layers for air purifiers

Diamanti M.V., Del Curto B., Pedeferri MP., Cigada A., Politecnico di Milano, IT

The research presents an investigation over the efficiency of nanostructured TiO2 films as photocatalysts either in air purification systems or to be integrated in light devices, based on the exploitation of UV or Vis irradiation [...]

Rendering superhydrophobic laser-induced rough surfaces by transfering on them Teflon nanoparticles

Athanassioua A., Bayer I., Brandi F., Cingolani R., Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, IT

In this work we demonstrate the possibility to alter the wettability properties of silicon/SiO2 surfaces, by UV nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation, to render them initially superhydrophilic. By varying the laser fluence, it is possible to [...]

Selective Separation of Oil from Water via Superhydrophobic Magnetic Foams

Fragouli D., Bayer I., Bertoni G., Calcagnile P., Anyfantis G.C., Cingolani R., Athanassiou A., Italian Institute of Technology, IT

We demonstrate an inexpensive and very facile technique, of forming magneticaly actuated superhydrophobic/superoleophilic foams. Specifically, a simple commercial polyurethane foam is used as a substrate on which a small amount of toluene solution containing colloidal [...]

Magnetic Nano-Structures Growing by Laser Ablation Deposition

Allocca L., Bonavolontà C., Morone A., Valentino M., Verrastro M.F., Viggiano V., CNR, IT

Results of SmCo nanostructures growing by laser ablation deposition are presented. The magnetic nanostructures are deposited on Silicum (111) and on polymer makrolon substrates. The laser ablation magnetic nanostructures properties are performed using electron scanning [...]

Manifattura: The Making of an Italian Green Technology Park

Ratti C., Salvatori G., Martin B., Manifattura Domani, IT

Kengo Kuma & Associates and carlorattiassociati - walter nicolino & carlo ratti together with ARUP Italia have been developing the design of a master plan strategy for Manifattura Domani Srl – “Ex Manifattura Tabacchi” site, [...]

Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Oxidation on Nanosized Pt/Perovskites as Clean and Efficient Process for Organic Pollutants Removal from Wastewater

Sannino D., Isupova L.A., Ciambelli P., University of Salerno, IT

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton oxidation of organic compounds is an advanced oxidation process in wastewater treatment allowing to overcome the main drawbacks of homogeneous photo-Fenton process. In this work we compare the performances of honeycomb monolith structured [...]

Completion and Operation of the thermo-chemical water splitting sulfur iodine process in a lab scale plant for a continuous hydrogen production

Felici C., Caputo G., Liberatore R., Favuzza P., Giaconia A., Sau S., Lanchi M., Tarquini P., ENEA, IT

The ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) with the majors Italian Universities, within the framework of the national founded project TEPSI (Innovative Technologies and Processes for the Transition to [...]

Kitenergy: a radical innovation in wind energy generation

Fagiano L., Milanese M., Piga D., Politecnico di Torino, IT

This paper presents an innovative technology of high-altitude wind power generation, indicated as Kitenergy, which exploits the automatic flight of tethered airfoils (e.g. power kites) to extract energy from wind blowing between 200 and 800 [...]

New Process for Production of Bio-Diesel from Vegetable Oil

Caputo G., Giaconia A., Sau S., Felici C., Lanchi M., Tarquini P., ENEA, IT

NEW PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF BIO-DIESEL FROM VEGETABLE OIL Low-cost, high-capacity processes for the conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals are essential for expanding the utilization of carbon neutral processes, reducing dependency on fossil [...]