Publications

2021
L. G. P. Martins, et al., “Hard, transparent, sp3-containing 2D phase formed from few-layer graphene under compression,” Carbon, vol. 173, pp. 744-757, 2021. Publisher's VersionAbstract
Despite several theoretically proposed two-dimensional (2D) diamond structures, experimental efforts to obtain such structures are in initial stage. Recent high-pressure experiments provided significant advancements in the field, however, expected properties of a 2D-like diamond such as sp3 content, transparency and hardness, have not been observed together in a compressed graphene system. Here, we compress few-layer graphene samples on SiO2/Si substrate in water and provide experimental evidence for the formation of a quenchable hard, transparent, sp3-containing 2D phase. Our Raman spectroscopy data indicates phase transition and a surprisingly similar critical pressure for two-, five-layer graphene and graphite in the 4–6 GPa range, as evidenced by changes in several Raman features, combined with a lack of evidence of significant pressure gradients or local non-hydrostatic stress components of the pressure medium up to ≈ 8 GPa. The new phase is transparent and hard, as evidenced from indentation marks on the SiO2 substrate, a material considerably harder than graphene systems. Furthermore, we report the lowest critical pressure (≈ 4 GPa) in graphite, which we attribute to the role of water in facilitating the phase transition. Theoretical calculations and experimental data indicate a novel, surface-to-bulk phase transition mechanism that gives hint of diamondene formation.
J. N. B. Sales, et al., “Structural, optical, and magnetic evaluation of Co-, Ni-, and Mn-modified multiferroic BiFeO3 ceramics,” Ceramics International, vol. 47, no. 17, pp. 24564-24573, 2021. Publisher's VersionAbstract
Co-, Ni-, and Mn-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) ceramics were synthesized herein through a solid-state reaction. All doped BFO samples exhibit visible-light response, and the Co- and Ni-doped BFO samples present enhanced ferromagnetic order at room temperature. All doped samples show secondary phases in minor quantities. Optical spectra reveal two absorptions bands, indicating multiple electron transitions for BFO and its secondary phases. M − H hysteresis loops suggest enhanced ferromagnetism in the Co- and Ni-doped BFO samples because of magnetic spinel CFP and NFO phases, respectively, whereas changes in oxygen vacancies and Fe–O–Fe bond angle play minor roles in the ferromagnetic behavior.
M. V. Bessa, et al., “Electromechanical Modulations in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets: Implications for Environmental Sensors,” ACS Applied Nano Materials, vol. 4, no. 10, pp. 11305-11311, 2021. Publisher's Version
A. C. R. Souza, M. J. S. Matos, and M. S. C. Mazzoni, “Interplay between structural deformations and flat band phenomenology in twisted bilayer antimonene,” RSC Adv., vol. 11, pp. 27855-27859, 2021. Publisher's VersionAbstract
In this work we apply first principles calculations to investigate the flat band phenomenology in twisted antimonene bilayer. We show that the relatively strong interlayer interactions which characterize this compound have profound effects in the emergence and properties of the flat bands. Specifically, when the moiré length becomes large enough to create well defined stacking patterns along the structure, out-of-plane displacements take place and are stabilized in the regions dominated by the AB stacking, leading to the emergence of flat bands. The interplay between structural and electronic properties allows for detection of flat bands in higher twist angles comparable to other two-dimensional materials. We also show that their energy position may be modulated by noncovalent functionalization with electron acceptor molecules.
J. C. C. Santos, et al., “Topological vectors as a fingerprinting system for 2D-material flake distributions,” npj 2D Mater Appl, vol. 5, no. 1, 2021. Publisher's Version
D. N. N. Nicomedes, et al., “Comparison between hydroxyapatite/soapstone and hydroxyapatite/reduced graphene oxide composite coatings: Synthesis and property improvement,” Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, vol. 121, pp. 104618, 2021. Publisher's VersionAbstract
Economic viability and eco-friendliness are important characteristics that make implants available to the population in a sustainable way. In this work, we evaluate the performance of a low-cost, widely available, and eco-friendly material (talc from soapstone) relative to reduced graphene oxide as reinforcement to brittle hydroxyapatite coatings. We employ a low-cost and straightforward technique, electrodeposition, to deposit the composite coatings on the titanium substrate. Corrosion, wear, and biocompatibility tests indicate that the reduced graphene oxide can be effectively replaced by talc without reducing the mechanical, anticorrosion, and biocompatible composite coatings properties. Our results indicate that talc from soapstone is a promising material for biomedical applications.