Nano-engineered coatings and thin films: from design to applications

Following previous editions, we propose a symposium with the title “Nano-engineered coatings and thin films: from design to applications” to address aspects ranging from fundamental understanding of thin film growth using combined experimental and theoretical routes to coating design for applications in the areas of e.g., surface protection, durability, energy storage, conversion and saving.

Scope:

Extensive research in the areas of surface science and surface engineering over the last two decades has enabled knowledge-based design and development of thin films and functional coatings with attributes tailored to desired applications for e.g., surface protection, optics, catalysis, energy storage, conversion and saving, and interaction with environment. The increasing demand for new materials with combined innovative functionalities necessitates control of thin film microstructure and architecture at the nanoscale. Nano-engineering has, thus, become the cornerstone of contemporary material design and the aim of this symposium is to provide an overview and a forum for the exchange of information and expertise on the cutting-edge research, advanced technology and industrial applications of nano-engineered coatings and thin films. The Symposium will primarily focus on inorganic thin films and coatings and will encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Fundamentals principles, including modelling of vapor- and plasma-based thin film synthesis processes (PVD, CVD/ALD, hybrid processes, HiPIMS), thin film growth dynamics and atomic-scale processes by means of in situ growth monitoring, ex situ characterization, and computational modelling (both stochastic and deterministic).
• Design and Fabrication techniques, including novel approaches for design of self-organized nanostructures (e.g., metal-ceramic nanocomposites, supported nanoparticles on 2D crystals) using, e.g., cluster aggregation sources, glancing angle deposition, patterning processes and surface modification by ion beams.
• Characterization methods: advanced analytical and nanoscale techniques for characterizing the properties of nano-coatings and thin films, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, e.g., TEM, scanning-probe microscopies, x-ray-based techniques (GISAXS, XPS), in situ and operando studies to uncover structure-property relations under operating conditions.
• Functional coatings, including multilayers, metastable alloys, high-entropy alloys; hard, wear-resistant, and tribological thin films and coatings; thin films for photonic, microelectronic, and optical devices; thin films for catalytic and sensing applications; thin films for energy storage, saving and conversion, nuclear applications.
• Environmental impact and sustainability: novel coatings and surfaces for sustainable development, improved durability, green energy, including solar/thermal conversion, inorganic thin film thermoelectrics, photothermal and radiative cooling processes to enhance energy efficiency, material replacement of critical elements.

We invite for contributions giving the latest information on research and development in topics corresponding to one or more of the above-mentioned areas. We believe that fostering collaboration and dialogue among participants will not only enhance our understanding of the fundamental principles governing these materials but also accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.

Hot topics to be covered by the symposium:

• Fundamentals and modelling of vapor-based thin film synthesis processes, including ab-initio, multiscale and AI-based simulations
• Thin film growth dynamics and atomic-scale processes
• Vapor- and plasma-based synthesis of self-organized nanostructures, multilayers, metastable alloys, or multi-principal element materials
• Plasma-based surface modification/functionalization
• Stress generation and evolution during thin film growth
• Nanoscale mechanical testing, plasticity in confined systems
• Low-dimensional materials and structures
• High-end nanoscale microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques, including in situ and operando techniques
• Hard, wear-resistant, and tribological thin films and coatings.
• Thin films for energy storage, saving and conversion
• Thin films for photonic, plasmonic, electronic, and catalytic and sensing applications
• Sustainable surface engineering