Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO and ZnO/Cu Coatings for Fresh Food Packaging Application Adriana Lordi, Regina Del Sole, Fabio Palumbo, Alberto Perrotta, Francesco Fracassi, et al. Polymers, 2026 Active antimicrobial films based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were developed through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and plasma sputtering to obtain ZnO (≈15 nm) and ZnO/Cu (≈18 nm) coatings. Surface characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed zinc in ZnO form and copper as Cu2O/CuO, while mass spectrometry quantified approximately 10 µg/cm2 of Zn in both samples and about 130 ng/cm2 of Cu in the ZnO/Cu films. The antimicrobial performance of the coatings was evaluated on burrata cheese and turkey fillets stored under refrigeration, assessing microbial growth and sensory quality over time. The films exhibited different effects depending on food type and the initial contamination levels. On burrata cheese, PET-ZnO moderately extended the shelf life by inhibiting Pseudomonas spp., while PET-ZnO/Cu further enhanced preservation. Cheese packaged with PET-ZnO/Cu remained acceptable for over 21 days compared to 19–20 days for the controls. More pronounced effects were observed in turkey fillets, characterized by a higher initial contamination. In control samples, Staphylococcus spp. rapidly proliferated, leading to spoilage within one day. Both active films significantly delayed microbial growth and sensory decay, with PET-ZnO/Cu providing the best performance, extending acceptability beyond two days compared to less than one day for the controls.
Nanoengineering of Chitosan Sponges Via Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO for Water Remediation Technologies Sara Lotito, Domenico Cignolo, Jennifer Gubitosa, Gianni Barucca, Paolo Mengucci, et al. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 2025 Low‐cost, millimeter‐thick chitosan‐based sponges are engineered with zinc oxide (ZnO) using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create a multifunctional nanocomposite for the potential application in water remediation and self‐regeneration via solid‐state photocatalysis. Initially, non‐porous chitosan films served as control samples to study the ZnO growth mechanism and its impact on the biopolymer's optical and chemical properties. Subsequently, porous chitosan sponges are engineered to further explore the photocatalyst growth and infiltration into the porous matrix. The characterization of the chitosan/ZnO hybrid material is performed using spectroscopic ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis, photoluminescence, and infrared spectroscopy, analyzing the effect of varying the number of ALD cycles, resulting in different ZnO thicknesses in the range of 5–30 nm on the chitosan matrix. A reaction‐limited growth model is found and strong interactions between ZnO and chitosan amino groups significantly enhance the stability in water and impart photocatalytic features. Adsorption tests using Direct Blue 78 dye demonstrated high removal efficiency, with capacities up to 2000 mg g−1, surpassing pristine chitosan sponges, which degrade in water. Electrostatic interactions between dye sulfonate groups and protonated chitosan amino moieties are identified as key to this performance. Preliminary photocatalytic experiments using Naproxen confirms the ZnO‐coated sponges' ability to degrade pollutants, showcasing ALD as a key technology for producing bio‐based, photoactive materials for sustainable water treatment.
Bacterial-Polyhydroxybutyrate for Biocompatible Microbial Electrodes Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Dario Lacalamita, Rosa Maria Matteucci, Jefferson Honorio Franco, Rossella Labarile, et al. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2024 The development of bioelectrochemical systems requires careful selection of both their biotic and abiotic components to obtain sustainable devices. Herein, we report a biophotoelectrode obtained with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer, which purple non-sulphur bacteria produce as an energy stock under specific environmental conditions. The electrode was obtained by casting a mixture composed of PHB and carbon fibers in a 3:2 mass ratio. Following, the composite material was modified with polydopamine and thermally treated to obtain a hydrophilic electrode with improved electrochemical behavior. The bio-based electrode was tested with metabolically active cells of Rhodobacter capsulatus embedded in a biohybrid matrix of polydopamine. The system achieved enhanced catalytic activity under illumination, with an 18-fold increase in photocurrent production compared to biophotoelectrodes based on glassy carbon, reaching a current density of 12 ± 3 μA cm−2, after 30 min of light exposure at +0.32 V. The presented biocompatible electrode provides a sustainable alternative to metal-based and critical raw material-based electrodes for bioelectrochemical systems.
Plasma-Driven Atomic-Scale Tuning of Metal Halide Perovskite Surfaces: Rationale and Photovoltaic Application Alberto Perrotta, Sara Covella, Francesca Russo, Fabio Palumbo, Antonella Milella, et al. Solar Rrl, 2023 The effective defect passivation of metal halide perovskite (MHP) surfaces is a key strategy to simultaneously tackle MHP solar cell performances enhancement and their stability under operative conditions. Plasma‐based dry processing is an established methodology for the modification of materials surfaces as it does not present the disadvantages often associated with wet treatments. This is becoming a fine tool to reach precise atomic‐scale engineering of the MHP surfaces. Herein is reported a comprehensive picture of the interaction between different plasma chemistries and MHP thin films. The impact of Ar, H2, N2, and O2 low‐pressure plasmas on MHP optochemical properties and morphology is correlated with the performance of photovoltaic devices and rationalized by density functional theory calculations. Strong morphological modifications and selective removal of the uppermost methylammonium moieties are deemed responsible for nonradiative surface defects suppression and higher solar cell performances. Ellipsometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies shine light on the subtle modifications induced by the different plasma environments, paving the way for the more effective engineering of plasma‐based (deposition) processing. Notably, for O2 plasma treatment, deep‐state traps induced by the formation of IO4− species are demonstrated and rationalized, highlighting the challenges in optimizing O2 plasma‐based solutions for MHP‐based devices.
Humidity Responsive Reflection Grating Made by Ultrafast Nanoimprinting of a Hydrogel Thin Film Stefan Cesnik, Alberto Perrotta, Alessandro Cian, Massimo Tormen, Alexander Bergmann, et al. Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 2022 The response time of state‐of‐the‐art humidity sensors is ≈8 s. A faster tracking of humidity change is especially required for health care devices. This research is focused on the direct nanostructuring of a humidity‐sensitive polymer thin film and it is combined with an optical read‐out method. The goal is to improve the response time by changing the surface‐to‐volume ratio of the thin film and to test a different measurement method compared to state‐of‐the‐art sensors. Large and homogeneous nanostructured areas are fabricated by nanoimprint lithography on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) thin films. Those thin films are made by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). To the author's knowledge, this is the first time nanoimprint lithography is applied on iCVD polymer thin films. With the imprinting process, a diffraction grating is developed in the visible wavelength regime. The optical and physicochemical behavior of the nanostructures is modeled with multi‐physic simulations. After successful modeling and fabrication a first proof of concept shows that humidity dependency by using an optical detection of the first diffraction order peak is observable. The response time of the structured thin film results to be at least three times faster compared to commercial sensors.
The second life of coffee can be even more energizing: Circularity of materials for bio-based electrochemical energy storage devices Paolo Stufano, Alberto Perrotta, Rossella Labarile, Massimo Trotta MRS Energy and Sustainability, 2022 Coffee is among the most drunk beverages in the world and its consumption produces massive amounts of waste. Valorization strategies of coffee wastes include production of carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. In the linear model adopted so far, its consumption is associated with huge amounts of waste and spent coffee grounds. These wastes, instead, are very interesting secondary raw materials for several circular economy concepts. Nano-structured porous carbon materials obtained by coffee waste are emerging as active materials for electrochemical energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. The major results achieved in the last decade in this high-value exploitation strategy of coffee wastes are summarized to suggest a new sustainable use of coffee waste in the empowerment of the ongoing transition toward a green, electrified, and happier coffee-drinking society. Graphical abstract
Study on porosity in zinc oxide ultrathin films from three‐step mld zn‐hybrid polymers Richard Berger, Martin Seiler, Alberto Perrotta, Anna Maria Coclite Materials, 2021 Deriving mesoporous ZnO from calcinated, molecular layer deposited (MLD) metal-organic hybrid thin films offers various advantages, e.g., tunable crystallinity and porosity, as well as great film conformality and thickness control. However, such methods have barely been investigated. In this contribution, zinc-organic hybrid layers were for the first time formed via a three-step MLD sequence, using diethylzinc, ethanolamine, and maleic anhydride. These zinc-organic hybrid films were then calcinated with the aim of enhancing the porosity of the obtained ZnO films. The saturation curves for the three-step MLD process were measured, showing a growth rate of 4.4 ± 0.2 Å/cycle. After initial degradation, the zinc-organic layers were found to be stable in ambient air. The transformation behavior of the zinc-organic layers, i.e., the evolution of the film thickness and refractive index as well as the pore formation upon heating to 400, 500, and 600 °C were investigated with the help of spectroscopic ellipsometry and ellipsometric porosimetry. The calculated pore size distribution showed open porosity values of 25%, for the sample calcinated at 400 °C. The corresponding expectation value for the pore radius obtained from this distribution was 2.8 nm.
Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO and ZnO/Cu Coatings for Fresh Food Packaging Application A Lordi, R Del Sole, F Palumbo, A Perrotta, F Fracassi, M Roggio, ... Polymers 18 (6), 751 , 2026 2026
Physical and Chemical Parameters Driving the Direct Blue-78 Adsorption from Water Using Chitosan/ZnO Hybrid Sponges Engineered via Atomic Layer Deposition J Gubitosa, D Cignolo, S Lotito, P Fini, A Milella, A Perrotta, P Cosma, ... ACS omega 10 (30), 33897-33909 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Nanoengineering of chitosan sponges via atomic layer deposition of ZnO for water remediation technologies S Lotito, D Cignolo, J Gubitosa, G Barucca, P Mengucci, M Striccoli, ... Advanced Materials Interfaces 12 (9), 2400831 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
(Invited) Progresses on Plasma Processing of Halide Perovskite Materials for Photovoltaic Applications S Covella, V Armenise, A Perrotta, F Palumbo, A Milella, F Fracassi, ... Electrochemical Society Meeting Abstracts 245, 1090-1090 , 2024 2024
Bacterial-polyhydroxybutyrate for biocompatible microbial electrodes LD de Moura Torquato, D Lacalamita, RM Matteucci, JH Franco, ... Journal of The Electrochemical Society 171 (5), 055502 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Plasma‐Driven Atomic‐Scale Tuning of Metal Halide Perovskite Surfaces: Rationale and Photovoltaic Application A Perrotta, S Covella, F Russo, F Palumbo, A Milella, V Armenise, ... Solar RRL 7 (18), 2300345 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
(Invited) Plasma Processes on Metal Halide Perovskite Interfaces for Photovoltaic Applications A Listorti, S Covella, A Perrotta, F Russo, F Palumbo, A Milella, ... Electrochemical Society Meeting Abstracts 243, 1342-1342 , 2023 2023
Humidity responsive reflection grating made by ultrafast nanoimprinting of a hydrogel thin film S Cesnik, A Perrotta, A Cian, M Tormen, A Bergmann, AM Coclite Macromolecular Rapid Communications 43 (19), 2200150 , 2022 2022 Citations: 11
The second life of coffee can be even more energizing: Circularity of materials for bio-based electrochemical energy storage devices P Stufano, A Perrotta, R Labarile, M Trotta MRS Energy & Sustainability 9 (2), 443-460 , 2022 2022 Citations: 11
Cu seed step coverage evolution with target lifetime for long-throw self ionized physical vapor deposition chambers E Pegoraro, A Perrotta, G Lorito, L Bertarelli, BN Bozon, D Deyo, ... Microelectronic Engineering 256, 111717 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Study on porosity in zinc oxide ultrathin films from three-step MLD Zn-hybrid polymers R Berger, M Seiler, A Perrotta, AM Coclite Materials 14 (6), 1418 , 2021 2021 Citations: 4
Deposition of ion-conductive membranes from ionic liquids via initiated chemical vapor deposition M Kräuter, M Tazreiter, A Perrotta, AM Coclite Macromolecules 53 (18), 7962-7969 , 2020 2020 Citations: 12
Fast optical humidity sensor based on nanostructured hydrogels S Cesnik, AM Coclite, A Perrotta, A Cian, M Tormen, A Bergmann Nanoengineering: Fabrication, Properties, Optics, Thin Films, and Devices … , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Initial growth and crystallization onset of plasma enhanced-atomic layer deposited ZnO A Perrotta, J Pilz, R Resel, O Werzer, AM Coclite Crystals 10 (4), 291 , 2020 2020 Citations: 12
ZnO thin films grown by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition: material properties within and outside the “atomic layer deposition window” J Pilz, A Perrotta, G Leising, AM Coclite physica status solidi (a) 217 (8), 1900256 , 2020 2020 Citations: 38
Initiated chemical vapor deposition of crosslinked organic coatings for controlling gentamicin delivery G Decandia, F Palumbo, A Treglia, V Armenise, P Favia, F Baruzzi, ... Pharmaceutics 12 (3), 213 , 2020 2020 Citations: 15
Interlink between Tunable Material Properties and Thermoresponsiveness of Cross-Linked Poly( N -vinylcaprolactam) Thin Films Deposited by Initiated Chemical … F Muralter, A Perrotta, O Werzer, AM Coclite Macromolecules 52 (18), 6817-6824 , 2019 2019 Citations: 20
Opto-chemical control through thermal treatment of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposited ZnO: An in situ study A Perrotta, J Pilz, A Milella, AM Coclite Applied Surface Science 483, 10-18 , 2019 2019 Citations: 23
On the transformation of “zincone”-like into porous ZnO thin films from sub-saturated plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition A Perrotta, J Pilz, S Pachmajer, A Milella, AM Coclite Beilstein journal of nanotechnology 10 (1), 746-759 , 2019 2019 Citations: 13
Polarized Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the texture of synthesized MoS 2 V Vandalon, A Sharma, A Perrotta, B Schrode, MA Verheijen, AA Bol Nanoscale 11 (47), 22860-22870 , 2019 2019 Citations: 31
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Atomic layer deposition for perovskite solar cells: research status, opportunities and challenges V Zardetto, BL Williams, A Perrotta, F Di Giacomo, MA Verheijen, ... Sustainable Energy & Fuels 1 (1), 30-55 , 2017 2017 Citations: 280
Solution-based electrical doping of semiconducting polymer films over a limited depth VA Kolesov, C Fuentes-Hernandez, WF Chou, N Aizawa, FA Larrain, ... Nature Materials 16 (4), 474-480 , 2017 2017 Citations: 184
Low-temperature plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition of silicon nitride moisture permeation barrier layers AM Andringa, A Perrotta, K de Peuter, HCM Knoops, WMM Kessels, ... ACS applied materials & interfaces 7 (40), 22525-22532 , 2015 2015 Citations: 103
Metal-organic covalent network chemical vapor deposition for gas separation ND Boscher, M Wang, A Perrotta, K Heinze, M Creatore, KK Gleason Wiley Blackwell , 2016 2016 Citations: 49
Tuning of material properties of ZnO thin films grown by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition at room temperature J Pilz, A Perrotta, P Christian, M Tazreiter, R Resel, G Leising, T Griesser, ... Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A 36 (1) , 2018 2018 Citations: 48
On the role of nanoporosity in controlling the performance of moisture permeation barrier layers A Perrotta, ERJ van Beekum, G Aresta, A Jagia, W Keuning, ... Microporous and mesoporous materials 188, 163-171 , 2014 2014 Citations: 46
Analysis of nanoporosity in moisture permeation barrier layers by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy A Perrotta, SJ García, JJ Michels, AM Andringa, M Creatore ACS applied materials & interfaces 7 (29), 15968-15977 , 2015 2015 Citations: 44
Strategies for drug encapsulation and controlled delivery based on vapor‐phase deposited thin films A Perrotta, O Werzer, AM Coclite Advanced Engineering Materials 20 (3), 1700639 , 2018 2018 Citations: 43
ZnO thin films grown by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition: material properties within and outside the “atomic layer deposition window” J Pilz, A Perrotta, G Leising, AM Coclite physica status solidi (a) 217 (8), 1900256 , 2020 2020 Citations: 38
Growth regimes of poly (perfluorodecyl acrylate) thin films by initiated chemical vapor deposition A Perrotta, P Christian, AOF Jones, F Muralter, AM Coclite Macromolecules 51 (15), 5694-5703 , 2018 2018 Citations: 35
Polarized Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the texture of synthesized MoS 2 V Vandalon, A Sharma, A Perrotta, B Schrode, MA Verheijen, AA Bol Nanoscale 11 (47), 22860-22870 , 2019 2019 Citations: 31
Different response kinetics to temperature and water vapor of acrylamide polymers obtained by initiated chemical vapor deposition P Salzmann, A Perrotta, AM Coclite ACS applied materials & interfaces 10 (7), 6636-6645 , 2018 2018 Citations: 31
Ellipsometric porosimetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization for moisture permeation barrier layers A Perrotta, SJ García, M Creatore Plasma Processes and Polymers 12 (9), 968-979 , 2015 2015 Citations: 30
Water resistant ethylene/acrylic acid plasma-deposited coatings BR Pistillo, A Perrotta, R Gristina, G Ceccone, M Nardulli, R d'Agostino, ... Surface and Coatings Technology 205, S534-S536 , 2011 2011 Citations: 30
Opto-chemical control through thermal treatment of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposited ZnO: An in situ study A Perrotta, J Pilz, A Milella, AM Coclite Applied Surface Science 483, 10-18 , 2019 2019 Citations: 23
Interlink between Tunable Material Properties and Thermoresponsiveness of Cross-Linked Poly( N -vinylcaprolactam) Thin Films Deposited by Initiated Chemical … F Muralter, A Perrotta, O Werzer, AM Coclite Macromolecules 52 (18), 6817-6824 , 2019 2019 Citations: 20
Characterization of nano-porosity in molecular layer deposited films A Perrotta, P Poodt, FJF van den Bruele, WMMEKM Creatore Dalton Transactions 47, 7649-7655 , 2018 2018 Citations: 20
Thickness-dependent swelling behavior of vapor-deposited smart polymer thin films F Muralter, A Perrotta, AM Coclite Macromolecules 51 (23), 9692-9699 , 2018 2018 Citations: 19
Mesoporous ZnO thin films obtained from molecular layer deposited “zincones” A Perrotta, R Berger, F Muralter, AM Coclite Dalton Transactions 48 (37), 14178-14188 , 2019 2019 Citations: 16
Near room-temperature direct encapsulation of organic photovoltaics by plasma-based deposition techniques A Perrotta, C Fuentes-Hernandez, TM Khan, B Kippelen, M Creatore, ... Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 50 (2), 024003 , 2017 2017 Citations: 16
