2026
[Paper]
New publication. On the origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in STO/Co/X (X = Pd, Pt) sputtered films [M. Hassan, S. Laureti, I. Bergenti, F. Spizzo, L. Del Bianco, L. Gnoli, G. Barucca, A. Ullrich, A. Mezzi, M. Albrecht and G. Varvaro, Applied Surface Science 730 (2026) 166261. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2026.166261 ]
Magnetic characterization is combined with an in-depth analysis of the structural, microstructural, and chemical properties of the interfacial regions, to systematically investigate the key factor determining the room temperature PMA stabilization in Co/X (X = Pd, Pt) thin films deposited on STO(111) and STO(100) substrates. Experimental findings reveal a pronounced dependence of PMA on the STO surface orientation and the nature of the capping layer. We demonstrate that PMA originates from a combination of Co–O hybridization at the STO/Co and Co/Pd interfaces, as well as 3d–4d(5d) orbital hybridization between Co and Pd(Pt). Notably, robust PMA at or near room temperature is achieved on the polar STO(111) surface due to SrO₃⁴⁻ terminations promoting Co–O hybridization. By thoroughly examining both the bottom and top interfaces of the cobalt layer, our research provides new insights into the factors governing PMA stabilization, offering a clear pathway toward the optimized design of STO/Co-based devices for low-power spintronic applications.
[Paper]
New publication. Magnetically recoverable swellable magnetite/SOMS hybrid nanocomposites for rapid adsorption of organic dyes from water [L. Maccarino, I. Sidane, G. Barucca, S. Slimani, L. Marchese, D. Peddis and C. Bisio, Dalton Transactions (2026). DOI: 10.1039/D6DT00137H ]
The study presents the synthesis and characterization of innovative hybrid nanocomposites (Mag-SOMS) combining 9 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles, synthetized by co-precipitation method, with swellable organically modified silica (SOMS). Two different routes were used to tailor the magnetic cores and investigate the influence of morphology on performance. Structural, spectroscopic, and magnetic analyses confirm that the magnetite phase keeps its properties after integration of the SOMS. The resulting materials exhibit exceptional adsorption performance toward Rhodamine B, achieving over 99% removal within 10 minutes, comparable to pure SOMS but with the added advantage of magnetic recoverability. The adsorption process is mainly governed by the SOMS component through electrostatic interactions, π–π stacking, and swelling-enhanced porosity. Importantly, the materials can be easily separated from water using an external magnetic field and reused over multiple cycles without loss of efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of Mag-SOMS as efficient, reusable adsorbents for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation applications.
Supported by ‘‘Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition NEST’’ project (code PE0000021), adopted by the ‘‘Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca (MUR),’’ according to attachment E of Decree No. 1561/2022, and the “NODES Project – Nord Ovest Digitale E Sostenibile” (code ECS_36e CUP C13C22000420001).
[Paper]
New publication. Magnetism of nanostructured hematite: from cultural heritage to fundamental properties [S. Slimani, A. Martinelli, A. Omelyanchik, M. Abdolrahimi, E. Castagnotto, P. Maltoni, S. Laureti, G. Barucca, N. Yaacoub, F. Locardi, A. Ramzan, L. Gaggero, M. Ferretti and D. Peddis, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 28 (2026) 3963. DOI: 10.1039/D5CP03945B ]
The data demonstrate that all zeolites synthesized from waste-derived raw materials are effective in removing OFL from polluted aqueous solutions. Moreover, the adsorbed antibiotic can be efficiently extracted and quantified using different assisted extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UsAE, ~50% recovery), conventional microwave-assisted extraction (MwAE, exceeding 80% recovery), and magnetic hyperthermia-assisted extraction (MhAE, ~60% recovery). These findings suggest that the investigated synthetic materials are promising candidates for the quantitative determination of OFL in polluted water. The practical applicability of these materials is further enhanced by their magnetic properties, due to the high content of magnetic nanoparticles, which facilitate rapid and easy separation of the sorbents from treated solutions. Moreover, all regenerated materials after UsAE, MwAE, and MhAE treatments show improved OFL removal efficiency (91–96%) compared to untreated samples, confirming their potential for reuse in water remediation. Finally, the investigated materials were found to be non-toxic to Daphnia magna at the concentrations applied in the removal experiments, supporting their environmental safety. Preliminary investigations on unconventional contaminants, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), reveal a removal trend consistent with that observed for OFL. This suggests that the synthesized zeolites and associated extraction methods hold significant potential for the removal and recovery of a broad range of emerging contaminants from polluted waters.
Support from Project code PE0000021, Concession Decree No. 1561 of 11.10.2022, adopted by “Ministero dell'Universitá e della Ricerca (MUR)”, according to attachment E of Decree No. 1561/2022, Project title “Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition-NEST”.
[Paper]
New publication. Upcycled materials for water treatment and emerging contaminant recovery: a preliminary study on waste-derived magnetic zeolites [C. Belviso, V. Bonadeo, M. Mancinelli, M. Abdolrahimi, A. Lascialfari, F. Brero, A. Martucci, G.D. Gatta, M.Parolini, D. Peddis, A. Lettino, F. Cavalcante, L. Gigli, F. Maraschi and M. Sturini, Royal Society of Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1039/d5dt02472b]
This work presents a comprehensive magnetic and morpho-structural investigation of geologically extracted, laboratory-synthesized (by auto-combustion sol–gel method) and commercially purchased α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. All samples underwent thermal treatments, designed to reproduce color changes typical of hematite pigments in archaeological contexts. The possibility of differentiating the origin of hematite nanostructures based on their magnetic behavior is demonstrated through a combination of DC magnetization measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Interestingly, low-temperature NPD analysis suggests a possible coexistence of weakly ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases in distinct domains below the Morin transition. These results provide a description of how the synthesis route and thermal annealing affect the structural and magnetic properties of hematite nanostructures.
Support from Project code PE0000021, Concession Decree No. 1561 of 11.10.2022, adopted by “Ministero dell'Universitá e della Ricerca (MUR)”, according to attachment E of Decree No. 1561/2022, Project title “Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition-NEST”.
