Average Crystallite Size Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Structural, morphological and electrical properties of hydrothermally synthesized cobalt disulfide (CoS2) nanoparticles

Cobalt disulfide (CoS2) is a highly sophisticated metal chalcogenide that has garnered significant attention due to its distinctive properties such as its electrical, optical, catalytic, and magnetic capabilities and potential for use in a range of applications. In this work, pure CoS2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the economical and facile hydrothermal method. The X-Ray diffraction (XRD) method was used to characterize the synthesized sample, confirming that it has a cubic crystal structure with space group P a −3. The Debye-Scherrer’s formula was implemented to determine the average crystallite size of nanoparticles and found to be 24.24 nm. Through the use of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), the morphology and effective grain size of the obtained sample was determined. FTIR spectrophotometry was used to examine the vibrational stretching of the various bonds in CoS2. UV-Vis spectroscopy is employed to measure the optical property of the sample. The optical bandgap calculated from the Tauc Plot is around 1.90 eV reflecting the presence of photovoltaic properties in the sample. The change in dielectric permittivity and loss have been observed for the sample in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 10KHz at different temperatures between 303K and 423K. The frequency-dependent electrical conductivity of CoS2 is also explained. The observations revealed the presence of unique electrical and structural properties in the synthesized sample.

Luminescent Eu3+ doped SrF2 nanoparticles for fluorescent detection of fertilizers

Luminescent Eu3+-doped SrF2 nanoparticles were synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis. Their surfaces were modified either by polyethylene glycol or mercaptopropionic acid to enhance their dispersibility in aqueous media and colloidal formation. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed single-phase cubic structure in both types of hydrophilic-modified Sr0.9Eu0.1F2 luminescent powders. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles is found to be ∼13 nm. Scanning electron microscopy of the representative PEG2000-modified sample revealed that particles form agglomerates composed of densely packed nanoparticles. The microstructure at a local level was investigated by transmission electron microscopy showing the presence of sphere-like nanoparticles with an average particle size of 12.5 nm and 14 nm for PEG-modified and MPA-modified Sr0.9Eu0.1F2, respectively. Both PEG2000 and MPA-modified Sr0.9Eu0.1F2 water dispersions show strong red Eu3+ emission under 405 nm excitation that is quenched in the presence of the primary NP fertilizer, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, NH4H2PO4. The limit of detection was calculated to be ∼19 mM for both hydrophilic-modified Sr0.9Eu0.1F2 luminescent nanoparticles.

Wet chemical synthesis and characterization of CuO nanoparticles and their application in pool boiling heat transfer

There are several ways to synthesis nanoparticles, including chemical, physical, and biological processes. In general, chemical approaches are thought to be the most effective for producing uniformly sized and stable nanoparticles. This study deals with the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) that could be used in pool boiling heat transfer in the form of nanofluid. The wet chemical synthesis method was used in order to prepare copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using precursor copper nitrate trihydrate (Cu(NO3)2⋅3H2O) and citric acid in a molar ratio of 5:1 in ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) solvent. The nanoparticles were identified using their stability, crystal size, and particle size. FTIR, XRD, and UV–Visible Spectroscopy all provide evidence that CuO-NPs exist. The typical nanoparticle size, as determined by Zetasizer, was 72.87 nm. The Scherrer formula was used to ascertain the average crystallite size of nanoparticles, which was determined to be approximately 19.82 nm. Positive findings from the stability test on nanoparticles were obtained, and their zeta potential was about –32.51 mV. According to morphological analyses by SEM, the synthesized CuO-NPs were made up of evenly dispersed spheroid-shaped particles that were agglomerated. The amount of reducing agent and calcination temperatures has a significant impact on the nanoparticle's size. The results of the experiment show that the addition of nanoparticles has a significant impact on the value of critical heat flux (CHF).

Synthesis, characterization and applications of cubic fluorite cerium oxide nanoparticles: A comprehensive study

Rare earth oxides are the most promising candidates for catalyst, environmental, biological, and medical uses. In this study, we report the synthesis, characterization, and applications of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs). CeO2 NPs were successfully synthesized by a simple and cost-effective chemical precipitation method. Several characterization techniques were employed to investigate the synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles. Structural properties of CeO2 NPs were analysed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The average crystallite size of NPs was calculated by using the Debye Scherrer formula. The atomic position and structural parameters of synthesized NPs were determined by rietveld refinement process of X-ray diffractogram. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) was used to confirm the chemical and elemental composition of the synthesized CeO2 NPs. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to determine the average particle size of the CeO2 NPs. The polycrystalline nature of CeO2 NPs was confirmed by the ring pattern obtained in selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was employed to identify defects in the sample. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study the optical properties and parameters of the CeO2 NPs, and the refractive index was calculated using various theoretical models. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized CeO2 NPs was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye at different catalyst doses under UV light irradiation. Additionally, the anticancer activity of the synthesized CeO2 NPs against human lung carcinoma cells was studied in detail.

Dispersion and Homogeneity of MgO and Ag Nanoparticles Mixed with Polymethylmethacrylate.

This study aims to examine the impact of the direct and indirect mixing techniques on the dispersion and homogeneity of magnesium oxide (MgO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). NPs were mixed with PMMA powder directly (non-ethanol-assisted) and indirectly (ethanol-assisted) with the aid of ethanol as solvent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to evaluate the dispersion and homogeneity of MgO and Ag NPs within the PMMA-NPs nanocomposite matrix. Prepared discs of PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposite were analyzed for dispersion and agglomeration by Stereo microscope. XRD showed that the average crystallite size of NPs within PMMA-NP nanocomposite powder was smaller in the case of ethanol-assisted mixing compared to non-ethanol-assisted mixing. Furthermore, EDX and SEM revealed good dispersion and homogeneity of both NPs on PMMA particles with ethanol-assisted mixing compared to the non-ethanol-assisted one. Again, the PMMA-MgO and PMMA-Ag nanocomposite discs were found to have better dispersion and no agglomeration with ethanol-assisted mixing when compared to the non-ethanol-assisted mixing technique. Ethanol-assisted mixing of MgO and Ag NPs with PMMA powder obtained better dispersion, better homogeneity, and no agglomeration of NPs within the PMMA-NP matrix.

Fabrication of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Eucalyptus tereticornis seed extract and their characterisation

Abstract The green approach is a simple and efficient method for generating metal oxide nanoparticles. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles gained prominence due to their unique biodegradation, microbe growth inhibition, and non-toxicity properties. The seed extract of Eucalyptus tereticornis was used to make magnesium oxide nanoparticles in this research. Using X-ray diffraction data, the average crystallite size of nanoparticles is estimated to be about 10 nm. Face-centered cubic structured magnesium oxide nanoparticles have a spherical surface morphology, as seen in transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. Fourier transform infra-red spectra are used to identify functional groups involved in the stabilization and reduction of precursor salt. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are employed for a variety of applications including temperature dehydrating agents, high-grade ceramic materials, optoelectronic fields, and bio-medical studies such as antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Synthesis, characterization, and the influence of energy of irradiation on optical properties of ZnO nanostructures

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by the sol–gel method for optoelectronics, photonic, and medical applications. The as-synthesized NPs are irradiated with lasers with wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm in an attempt to improve the particles' structural and functional properties. The NPs are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, atomic force microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The structural analysis shows that the particles have a polycrystalline hexagonal structure of the space group (P63mc). The average crystallite size of nanoparticles varies in the range of 13–15 nm after and before irradiation by a laser beam. The morphological characterization revealed the formation of agglomerates of NPs in the range of 42–46 nm A shift is observed in the absorption spectra after irradiation with a laser beam. This shift is due to the effect of irradiation on the sample’s electronic structure. This effect is confirmed by a decrease in the bandgap energy. The optical parameters are also deduced and discussed. The irradiation of ZnO nanoparticles by laser beams of wavelength 1064 nm and 532 nm decreases the size of the crystallites which increases their antibacterial activity. The biological activity of the NPS and in improving the efficacy of antibiotics are tested and analyzed. Results emphasized the positive role of ZnO-NPs in the above-mentioned application.

Antibacterial and photocatalytic activity of undoped and (Ag, Fe) co-doped CuO nanoparticles via microwave-assisted method

Nanoparticles (NPs) are miniature materials ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The NPs have unique chemical and physical properties due to their shape, size and high surface area. This research paper gives a detailed summary of the synthesis, characterization and applications of undoped and (Ag, Fe) co-doped CuO NPs with a diverse concentration of Fe (0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 M) at a constant concentration of Ag (0.02 M). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) results revealed average crystallite size of NPs varies in the range 13.10-24.98 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the morphology of pure synthesized CuO NPs and Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) recognized the presence of Ag, Fe elements in the CuO lattice. The particle size obtained by transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images was found in the range 19.73-21.47 nm. Cu-O bond stretching of NPs was also confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) techniques. The values of direct and indirect band gap for CuO were found to be 1.41-1.54 eV and 0.69-1.51 eV respectively. Antibacterial activity for synthesized NPs tested against gram-negative and gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. The photocatalytic properties of synthesized NPs were investigated by monitoring the methyl orange/methylene blue degradation in ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis).

Investigation on anneal-tuned properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for use in humidity sensors.

The effect of different annealing temperatures on structural, optical and magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles prepared using the coprecipitation technique has been investigated. With the increase in annealing temperature, crystallinity and average crystallite size of nanoparticles increased. The average crystallite size was found to be 5.55 nm, 6.62 nm and 32.9 nm for the samples annealed at 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of a cubic spinel structure. The optical direct and indirect bandgap energy decreased with an increase in annealing temperature. The saturation magnetization increased from 16.38 emu/g to 25.91 emu/g. The M–H curves depicted the magnetic phase transition from superparamagnetic to ferrimagnetic. The electrical properties were investigated using an impedance analyzer in the frequency range of 300 Hz to 1 MHz. The conduction properties showed enhancement with increased annealing. The humidity sensing properties were investigated in the range of 15–90% RH and revealed a strong dependence of adsorption capacity on the annealing temperature. Electrical conductivity improved with increased humidity. Excellent humidity sensitivity was observed for ferrites annealed at 700 °C attributed to increased crystallinity and reduced lattice strain making them a potential candidate for use in humidity sensors.

A new approach to optimize the synthesis parameters of TiO2 microsphere and development of photocatalytic performance

In this study, Titanium (IV) Oxide (TiO2) microspheres were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and Cerium Oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles in the ratios of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mol% were loaded onto these microparticles by surfactant-assisted (Pluronic 123) sol–gel method. The crystal properties and surface morphology of the synthesized TiO2–CeO2 hybrid photocatalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Bond structures and surface areas were examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, respectively. XRD patterns with (101) and (200) main planes show that nanoparticles have anatase TiO2 phase. Also, A1g, B1g and Eg Raman modes confirms anatase TiO2 phase. In addition, with CeO2 doping, while the average crystallite size of nanoparticles decreased, their surface area increased. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated by degradation of the methylene blue (MB) under UV light (λ = 365 nm). The results showed that the surface area and crystal structure of hybrid structure and interface interaction between TiO2 and CeO2 have a significant effect on photocatalytic performance. The 0.1% CeO2–TiO2 photocatalyst degraded almost 95% of the MB solution in about 60 min, while for TiO2 microspheres this value is around 80%. Also, we observed that 0.1% CeO2–TiO2 led to about 1.4 times higher reaction rate in comparison to TiO2. Results showed that the hybrid photocatalysts has a higher performance than bare TiO2 microspheres.

Dysprosium substituted nickel cobalt ferrite nanomaterials and their composites with reduced graphene oxide for photocatalysis

High-quality nanostructure of dysprosium substituted nickel–cobalt ferrite and their composite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were synthesized. The structuraland photocatalytic properties of prepared samples were studied. The XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the FCC spinel structure. The calculated average crystallite size of nanoparticles was around 7.8 nm. The bandgap energy of synthesized composition was found to be 2.27 eV. The uniform dispersion of nanoparticles on the graphene nanosheets were confirmed by the FESEM analysis. The photocatalytic efficiency of nanoparticles and their composites with rGO was studied for degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. It was found that nanocomposite exhibited high photocatalytic activity (72.7%) as compared to Dy+3 substituted Ni-Co ferrite nanoparticles (52.4%). This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the presence of graphene, which enhances the stability of nanocomposite and reduces the recombination of charge carriers.

Morphology-dependent structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures

Zinc oxide nanostructures with three different morphologies, namely, nanoparticles (NP), nanorods (NR) and nanosheets (NS) were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that all the ZnO nanostructures had hexagonal wurtzite structures. The average crystallite size of NP, NS, and NR was found to be 25, 27 and 35 nm, respectively. The morphology and size of nanostructures were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of zinc oxide nanostructures were investigated using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The optical band gap was found to be 3.26, 3.24 and 3.10 eV for NP, NS, and NR nanostructures, respectively. It was clearly observed from the PL spectrums that luminescence intensity was maximum for NP in the UV region and maximum for NS in the visible region. It is evident from the results that by changing the size and morphology of ZnO nanostructures, the optical properties can be tuned according to their desired applications.

Facile green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ulva lactuca seaweed extract and evaluation of their photocatalytic, antibiofilm and insecticidal activity

The bioactivity of semiconductor nanocomplexes has been poorly studied in the field of pesticide science. In this research, the synthesis of zinc nanoparticles was accomplished through new effortless green chemistry process, using the Ulva lactuca seaweed extract as a reducing and capping agent. The production of U. lactuca-fabricated ZnO nanoparticles (Ul-ZnO Nps) was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The U. lactuca-fabricated ZnO NPs were tested for their photodegradative action against organic dyes, as well as for antibiofilm and larvicidal activities. The UV visible absorbance spectrum of Ul-ZnO NPs exhibited the absorbance band at 325nm and TEM highlighted average crystallite sizes of nanoparticles of 10–50nm. Methylene blue (MB) dye was efficiently corrupted under sunlight in presence of Ul-ZnO NPs. Excellent bactericidal activity was shown by the Ul-ZnO Nps on Gram positive (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilis) and Gram negative (Escherichia coliand Proteus vulgaris) bacteria. High antibiofilm potential was noted under both dark and sunlight conditions. The impact of a single treatment with Ul-ZnO NPs on biofilm architecture was also analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) on both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Moreover, Ul-ZnO NPs led to 100% mortality of Aedes aegypti fourth instar larvae at the concentration of 50μg/ml within 24h. The effects of ZnO nanoparticle-based treatment on mosquito larval morphology and histology were monitored. Overall, based on our results, we believe that the synthesis of multifunctional Ul-ZnO Nps using widely available seaweed products can be promoted as a potential eco-friendly option to chemical methods currently used for nanosynthesis of antimicrobials and insecticides.

Role of SiO2 coating in multiferroic CoCr2O4 nanoparticles

Effect of silica (SiO2) coating concentration on structural and magnetic properties of multiferroic cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) nanoparticles have been studied. The nanoparticles with average crystallite size in the range 19 to 28 nm were synthesised by sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has verified the composition of single-phase cubic normal spinel structure of CoCr2O4 nanoparticles. The average crystallite size and cell parameter decreased with increasing SiO2 concentration. TEM image revealed that the shape of nanoparticles was non-spherical. Zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC) curves revealed that nanoparticles underwent a transition from paramagnetic (PM) state to collinear short-range ferrimagnetic (FiM) state, and this PM–FiM transition temperature decreased from 101 to 95 K with increasing SiO2 concentration or decreasing crystallite size. A conical spin state at Ts = 27 K was also observed for all the samples which decreased with decreasing average crystallite size. Low temperature lock-in transition was also observed in these nanoparticles at 12 K for uncoated nanoparticles which slightly shifted towards low temperature with decreasing average crystallite size. Saturation magnetization (Ms) showed decreasing trend with increasing SiO2 concentration, which was due to decrease in average crystallite size of nanoparticles and enhanced surface disorder in smaller nanoparticles. The temperature dependent AC-susceptibility also showed the decrease in the transition temperature (Tc), broadening of the Tc peak and decrease in magnetization with increasing SiO2 concentration or decreasing average crystallite size. In summary, the concentration of SiO2 has significantly affected the structural and magnetic properties of CoCr2O4 nanoparticles.

The Influence of Annealing Temperature on Structural Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Precipitation Method

In the present work, the precipitation method was applied to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of zinc nitrate and potassium hydroxide as precursor solutions. The influence of annealing temperature on the properties such as structural and morphological of zinc oxide nanoparticles were performed by X-ray diffraction technique, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of annealing temperature on the crystallite size of zinc oxide nanoparticles have investigated. The XRD results represented that the zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibits high crystallinity of hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles increased from 18 to 31 nm when the annealing temperature had increased. The morphology images show that the nanoparticles in this work were spherical in shape. Raman and FT-IR spectra confirm that the quality of Zn-O vibrational mode is stronger at higher annealing temperature.

Magnetic and Dielectric Investigations of Mn-Doped Ba Hexaferrite Nanoparticles by Hydrothermal Approach

A hydrothermal method followed by heat treatment was used to synthesize Mn-substituted Ba2Co2−x Mn x Fe12O22 nanoparticles with a nominal chemical composition of $$ 0 \le x < 1 $$ and step gap of 0.3. In this study, the effect of Mn substitution on Co2Y-type barium hexaferrite is investigated after employing x-ray diffraction for crystal structure, field emission scanning electron microscopy for morphology, energy dispersive analysis of x-ray spectroscopy for elemental composition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to confirm bond modes, and vibrating sample magnetometry for magnetic measurements. It was found that the sample at x = 0.9 is of particular interest due to its large coercivity and anisotropy. Later on, for x = 0.9, temperature-dependent magnetic analyses including hysteresis loops, zero-field-cooled, and field-cooled at a particular field of 100 Oe were performed. The decreasing trend in saturation magnetization with increase in temperature was estimated. On the other hand, first an increase and then decrease in coercivity values were observed. These loops also revealed dependence of coercivity on magneto-crystalline anisotropy and average crystallite size of nanoparticles. Dielectric measurements at x = 0.9 make it suitable for high frequency applications.

Synthesis and characterization of Fe0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 ferrite magnetic nanoclusters using simple thermal decomposition method

This paper presents experimental results regarding the effect of the quantity of solvent on formation of the Fe–Zn ferrite nanoparticles during thermal decomposition. A ternary system of Fe0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 has been synthesized by a thermal decomposition method using metal acetylacetonate in high temperature boiling point solvent and oleic acid. The X-ray diffraction study was used to determine phase purity, crystal structure, and average crystallite size of iron–zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles was increased from 13nm to 37nm as a result of reducing the solvent from 30ml to 10ml in a synthesis batch. The diameter of particles and morphology of the particles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Mid and far Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurement confirmed monophasic spinel structure of ferrite. Furthermore, the DC magnetic properties of the samples were studied using the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The largest Fe–Zn ferrite nanoparticles exhibited a relatively high saturation magnetization of 96emu/g. Moreover, Low-field AC susceptibility measurement indicated blocking temperature of nanoparticles around 170–200K.

Facile Synthesis of r-GO@Pd/TiO2 Nanocomposites and Its Photocatalytic Activity Under Visible Light.

Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped Pd/TiO2 (r-GO@Pd/TiO2) which exhibited high photocatalytic activity under visible light was synthesized from commercial chemicals. The classic sol-gel method and the Ar gas bubbling composition was used in the preparation of the catalyst. Furthermore, the best Pd-doping concentration in crystals, the wrapping concentration of r-GO over nanoparticles, and the optimal calcination temperature were investigated to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the hybrid catalyst. The experimental results showed that the catalytic efficiency of r-GO@Pd/TiO2 reached maximum value at the optimum synthesis conditions: 0.7 wt% Pd-doped TiO2 by sol-gel process, calcination temperature of 550 °C, 1 mg of GO for 100 .gram wrapped Pd/TiO2. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques were conducted to determine the nanostructure of the catalysts. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles was 14 nm with perfect dispersion of Pd dots and wraps of r-GO membrane. Methyl Blue was used as an organic dye model to test the ability in wastewater treatment of the catalysts. A comparison between different catalysts' characteristics was also studied. The r-GO@Pd/TiO2 showed a higher photocatalytic activity compared to Pd/TiO2 and commercial P25. Additionally, the complete dye reduction under visible light excitation indicated that wrapping r-GO round Pd/TiO2 improved the photocatalytic activity of catalysts. The determination of the stability of r-GO@Pd/TiO2 showed that its photocatalysis was persistent over several times of recycling examination. Therefore, r-GO@ Pd/TiO2 in wastewater treatment.

Structural and magnetic behavior of Ni/Mn co-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method

In this paper, the structural and magnetic behavior of Ni/Mn co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by co-precipitation method are presented. Powder X-ray diffraction data confirm the formation of a single phase wurtzite type of ZnO structure for all the synthesized Ni, Mn doped and co-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of NPs is found to be 26–38nm. FTIR and UV spectroscopic results confirm the incorporation of the dopant into the ZnO lattice structure. Photoluminescence intensity varies with doping due to the increase of oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, M-H curve demonstrates that the Ni/Mn co-doped ZnO NPs possess obvious ferromagnetic characteristics at room temperature. Our study enhances the understanding of the novel performances of transition metal co-doped ZnO NPs and also provides possibilities to fabricate spintronic devices.

Physicochemical Interaction of ZnO Fine Particles with 5‐Mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐Triphenylporphyrin

AbstractThis study deals with an investigation on the preparation and physicochemical interactions of ZnO nanoparticles with acid functionalized porphyrin [5‐mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin (CPTPP)] for photovoltaic applications in a detailed manner. Zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide were used as the starting materials for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles at 60 °C in an alcoholic medium. The freshly prepared fine particles were then functionalized with CPTPP. Both the virgin and pregnant ZnO particles were characterized by using UV‐Visible spectrophotometry (UV), fluorescence emission (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The band gap energy obtained for ZnO particles, having a value of 3.47 eV, shows significant quantum confinement effect and enhanced photophysical activity. FTIR analysis of the doped ZnO nanostructures showed the presences of some chemical species. SEM analysis revealed a clear change in the surface morphologies of undoped ZnO. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles, calculated from XRD peaks, was found in the nano regime. The lattice parameters calculated for ZnO nanocrystals were also found in good agreement with those given in the literature. From the enhancement in the red shift of the UV‐Vis spectra, it is concluded that hybridization of acid functionalized porphyrin can cause a significant expansion in the total absorption region of ZnO semiconductor for photovoltaic applications.