Crystalline Size Research Articles

Study and Characterization of Copper and Titanium Oxides Nanostructures for Some Molecular and Biological Applications

In this work, Copper and Titanium nanocomposites (NPs) were prepared by mixture exchange process with ratios (25, 50 and 75 % CuO-TiO2). The biological activity was studied, and it was found that the concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL of 50 and 75 % CuO-TiO2 were the best concentrations, Low concentrations of the nanoparticle mixture at 25 µg/mL also stimulated the growth of symbiotic bacteria. The mixture of nanoparticles was easier to prepare and more effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. biochemical test and PCR were performed to confirm the identity of the studied bacteria. While isolating the bacteria, a new type of bacteria was detected and registered in the Global Gen Bank under accession No. OP942239. Surface and structure properties have been studied using FESEM, EDS analysis, XRD and FTIR respectively. It can be seen that the size and diameter of the nanocomposite increase with the weight ratio of CuO-TiO2. The aggregated CuO-TiO2 nanostructures with different ratios were transformed gradually into a uniform spherical shape. The average size of the CuO/TiO2 composite was found to be about 32.122, 29.865 and 27.607 nm at 25, 50 and 75 % CuO-TiO2 respectively. While the mean sizes of CuO and TiO2 were 25.35 and 34.38 nm respectively. The crystalline size decreases after the ion exchange process, which could be due to the diffraction peaks being broad in all the samples of Copper Titanate at the surface. Subsequently, adding Copper particles to the TiO2 film can improve the performance of the material. HIGHLIGHTSThe nanostructure CuO-TiO2 was created through various loading ratios. These NPs’ efficiency was calculated using a number of techniques, including FTIR, X-ray diffraction, EDS spectra, and FESEM. The observations indicate that molecular transition parameters play an essential role in determining the size, shape, and functionality of CuO- TiO2 NPs. The sharp peaks observed in the composites indicated higher crystallinity in CuO. In addition, two types of NPs have shown promising effects in inhibiting NPs aggregation and enhancing biological effects but the potential of these NPs against different bacteria may differ. Thus, further research and testing is needed to assess its efficacy and human health and environmental impact before considering its use. In conclusion, copper and titanium NPs have their distinct advantages in bacterial inhibition, and the choice between them should be based on specific conditions and environmentally friendly factors. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Synthesis and characterization of ternary nanocomposite based on Ag-Fe3O4/rGO for electrochemical application

In-situ synthesis of a ternary nanocomposite based on Ag-Fe3O4/rGO by utilizing Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a reducing agent has been carried out. The morphological, EDX, and structural analyses confirm the reduction of GO into rGO by forming crystalline Fe3O4 and Ag nanoparticles in the rGO matrix, with a crystalline size of 25.77 nm. Further, the FTIR, UV-Vis, and BET analyses confirmed the effective interaction between Fe3O4 and Ag nanoparticles in the rGO matrix, tunable bandgap, and a higher specific surface area. Various electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been performed in a 2 M KOH electrolyte to investigate its electrochemical performance. The synthesized ternary nanocomposite exhibits a specific capacitance of 493 Fg−1 at a current density of 1 Ag−1, with notable capacitive retention of 91.5% even after 10,000 cycles. This nontoxic technique provides a substitute pathway for the formation of graphene-based ternary nanocomposites with exceptional structural, morphological, optical, surface, and electrochemical properties. The ternary nanocomposite synthesized through this procedure displays an outstanding specific capacitance, cyclic stability, and corrosion resistance and hence the possibility of using nanocomposite as a promising electrode material can be explored for energy storage devices.

Synthesis of CuO/NaCuSO4 nanocomposite using an aqueous extract of Tribulus Terrestris and their structural, optical, morphology and dielectric studies

The development of an environment-friendly process for synthesizing nanoparticles in the field of bionanotechnology is growing day-by-day. Increasing drug resistance in microbes has compelled researchers to synthesize biologically active nanoparticles. In this study, we used Tribulus terrestris plant extract to synthesize CuO/NaCuSO4 nanocomposite. The synthesized samples were characterized through functional groups analysis of FTIR and morphological analysis of SEM. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultra-visible light absorbance analysis (UV–vis) were used to find the nanocrystalline nature and bandgap energy of the biosynthesized copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, respectively. In the metal oxide region of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy the copper oxide nanoparticles were confirmed at 523 cm−1 which showed the nature of plant extracts to control over the reduction and stabilizing of the nanoparticles. The Rietveld refinement analysis yielded unit cell compositions of 53.39% for CuO and 46.61% for NaCuSO4, respectively. The monoclinic structure of CuO was confirmed, and the crystalline size was calculated as 37 nm by XRD analysis. From UV–vis spectroscopy, the absorption peak was observed at 277 and 337 nm, revealing the presence of CuO nanoparticles. In fact, the cluster-like morphology patterns are captured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle sizes were observed around 102 nm. Finally, the dielectric properties of the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles have been examined and reported in detail.

Energy Efficiency of the Carbonate Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Microwave Heating Treatment and Its Effect on Material Characteristics

This work aimed to study the energy efficiency of the synthesis process of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) nanoparticles using microwave heating treatment and its effect on material characteristics. Microwaves can provide heat quickly, so it is expected to increase the efficiency of CHA synthesis through the heat provided. The CHA nanoparticles were synthesized using precipitation and heated using a microwave oven. The unheated and hydrothermal-heated precipitation methods were also conducted for comparison purposes. The microwave-heated precipitations were done at 270 W for 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 h, while the hydrothermal-heated precipitations were done at 100 °C for 1, 2, and 3 h. The CHA materials were characterized using an infrared spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer, and electron microscope. The X-ray diffractogram and infrared spectra confirmed that the synthesized materials had a hydroxyapatite crystal phase with a CO32− functional group in their spectra. Microscopic images revealed that the materials were nanometer-sized grain aggregates. The heat treatment and duration increased the material characteristics, i.e., crystallinity, crystallite, and grain size. The CHA with microwave heat treatment had the highest crystallinity and crystallite size. The electrical energy calculation revealed microwave heating had better energy efficiency than hydrothermal heating.

Exploiting Organometallic Chemistry to Functionalize Small Cuprous Oxide Colloidal Nanocrystals.

The ligand chemistry of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals mediates their solubility, band gap, and surface facets. Here, selective organometallic chemistry is used to prepare small, colloidal cuprous oxide nanocrystals and to control their surface chemistry by decorating them with metal complexes. The strategy is demonstrated using small (3-6 nm) cuprous oxide (Cu2O) colloidal nanocrystals (NC), soluble in organic solvents. Organometallic complexes are coordinated by reacting the surface Cu-OH bonds with organometallic reagents, M(C6F5)2, M = Zn(II) and Co(II), at room temperature. These reactions do not disrupt the Cu2O crystallinity or nanoparticle size; rather, they allow for the selective coordination of a specific metal complex at the surface. Subsequently, the surface-coordinated organometallic complex is reacted with three different carboxylic acids to deliver Cu-O-Zn(O2CR') complexes. Selective nanocrystal surface functionalization is established using spectroscopy (IR, 19F NMR), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM, EELS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Photoluminescence efficiency increases dramatically upon organometallic surface functionalization relative to that of the parent Cu2O NC, with the effect being most pronounced for Zn(II) decoration. The nanocrystal surfaces are selectively functionalized by both organic ligands and well-defined organometallic complexes; this synthetic strategy may be applicable to many other metal oxides, hydroxides, and semiconductors. In the future, it should allow NC properties to be designed for applications including catalysis, sensing, electronics, and quantum technologies.

Hydrogen Adsorption on PCN‐250(Fe) Metal Organic Framework: Temperature and Pressure Swings

AbstractThis manuscript is reporting hydrogen adsorption uptake of PCN‐250(Fe) metal organic framework (MOF) at temperature of 300, 126K, and pressure in between 6 and 10 bar. X‐ray diffraction spectrum of PCN‐250(Fe) confirms crystalline structure, however Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrum showing dominant bonding structure of COOH, N = N, and Fe─O functional groups. SEM images confirm surface morphology as an octahedrons of average crystalline size upto 50 µm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirms excellent thermal stability upto 450 °C. The hydrogen adsorption uptake of 0.80 wt% has been found at 126 K and pressure of 10 bar attributes adsorption occurs due to the structural and physical properties like topology, porosity, and presence of open metal sites as well as surface area. It is suggested that PCN‐250(Fe) as an adsorbent material offers as an intensive way of storing H2 at low temperature and at ambient pressure.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract and Evaluation of their Biological Activities

Abstract: Copper nanoparticles are gaining popularity due to their multifarious properties and use in medicine, industry, and research. An extract of Foeniculum vulgare seed is used to green synthesize copper nanoparticles. The produced NPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, X-ray Diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The absorption spectra at 570nm indicated the reduction of copper metal and the effective production of CuNPs. Its absorbance peak at 3345.3cm-1 and 1638.2cm-1 shows the existence of the N-H group and C=C stretching, as well as secondary amines (-NH-). CuNPs with a size range of 84-140nm were found to be spherical in SEM at 50kX magnification. XRD micrograph revealed a face-centered cubic structure with 19.97nm crystalline size. CuNPs showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Salmonella enterica ATCC14028, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, with ZOI ranging from 22 to 39mm. The results of the DPPH assay showed that CuNPs exhibit promising antioxidant properties, with an IC50 of 14.372 µg/ml. CuNPs had IC50 values of 4.341µg/ml for alpha-amylase and 3.37µg/ml for alpha-glucosidase, respectively. The IC50 of CuNPs from fennel seed extract was 4.1µg/ml, showing that CuNPs have anti-hyperlipidemic potential and can be utilized to treat hyperglycemia. This study found that green-synthesized CuNPs have numerous therapeutic applications in the medical and biotechnological domains.

The Effect of Power Rate Microwave Heating on Limestone Carbonated Hydroxyapatite Scaffold Using Gas Foaming Method

Microwave heating was used with a gas foaming method for fabricating limestone carbonated hydroxyapatite scaffold (SCHA). Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) was produced from limestone as a calcium source using the co-precipitation method. For further treatment, 0.6 gr CHA powder was mixed in 1 ml H2O2 solution as a blowing agent. The slurry-foam-like CHA was heated in a microwave with different levels of heating power from 180 W to 720 W. The SCHA samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystallinity and crystallite size were affected due to different rates of heating power in the microwave-assisted method. The increasing temperature decreased the crystallite size from 37.49 to 33.97(nm). However, other crystallinity trends were observed at 180 W because the lower power heating needed a longer time to be formed SCHA. The different power rates have an insignificant contribution to the morphology of the scaffolds.

Effect of annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of vacuum evaporated Cu13Se52Bi35 thin films

Thermal evaporation technique was used to prepare Cu13Se52Bi35 thin films. The asdeposited and annealed samples were investigated by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical transmission and reflection. The XRD showed that the as-deposited film is crystalline in nature, and the crystalline size of samples increased with increasing the annealing temperature. SEM images showed that the morphology of the sample changes with the annealing temperature. The direct transition of the optical band gap (Eg) of Cu13Se52Bi35 films was observed and the values of Eg decreased with increasing the annealing temperature. Other optical parameters were also investigated.

One-Pot Biopreparation of Trimetallic ZnO–MgO–CuO Nanoparticles: Enhanced Cytotoxicity, Antibacterial Activities and Molecular Docking Studies

Nowadays, metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs) are powerful tools for biological applications due to their distinctive features. Moreover, the biological efficacy of multimetallic NPs is more fascinating because of their structural modifications and synergistic effects. This study utilized the one-pot green route to fabricate trimetallic ZnO-MgO-CuO (ZMC) NPs employing a greener reducing agent from Artemisiaabyssinica leaf extract (AALE). The crystal structure, size, compositions, shapes, and external topology of ZMC NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–Visible (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy combined with selected area electron diffraction (TEM/HRTEM-SAED). The outcomes suggested that the bio-prepared ZMC NPs are highly crystalline and have hexagonal structures lattice with monoclinic symmetry and spherical morphology with average crystalline and particle sizes of 14.67 and 15.13 nm, respectively. Using MTT assay, the bio-prepared ZMC NPs demonstrated high inhibition percentage (94.37 ± 0.14 at 250 mg/mL) with an IC50 value of 24.83 mg/mL for MCF-7 cell lines. The in-vitro antibacterial potential of ZMC NPs has been evaluated against four bacterial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) strains and has demonstrated the highest inhibition zone (35 ± 0.03 mm) against the S. aureus strain and the lowest inhibition zone (31 ± 0.11) against the E. coli strain. Moreover, ZMC NPs have also shown strong molecular binding interactions with amino acids of estrogen receptor (ERα), S. aureus, and E. coli with binding energies of − 9.85, − 12.31, and − 6.04 kcal/mole, respectively.Graphical

SYNTHESIS OF NANO-SILICA FROM LOA KULU RICE HUSK USING THE SOL-GEL METHOD

Silica is a material that is widely found in nature and is able to withstand corrosion attacks from corrosive environments. However, this natural material must be extracted to obtain high purity silica. Simple sol-gel method is used to solve the extraction problem (nano-silica with high purity). The natural materials used in this research come from organic materials, namely rice husks from the local area (Loa Kulu area). The main objective of this experiment is studying the effect concentration of HCl for crystalline size. The synthesis of silica was carried out with the preparation of ashes, then mixed with NaOH 7M until a solution of sodium silicate was produced. Silicate sodium solution was pressed with HCl 2M to form a silica gel with pH 7, 5, and 3 then was dried to produce silica powder. Silica powder was then burned at a temperature of 1000°C to produce silica with a crystalline phase. Based on the experiment, silica powder before calcination has amorphous phase and at any pH variation, the crystallite size calculated with the Debye Scherrer approach does not show any change the crystallite size by the variation of the silica gel’s pH. In addition, silica powder calcinated at 1000°C has amorphous and cristobalite phases and showed changes in crystal size after calculated with Debye Scherrer’s approach.

Facile Green Synthesis of α-Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles: Its Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Sensing of Glucose and Uric Acid in an Acidic Medium

The nanocrystalline bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) was produced utilizing a green combustion process with Mexican Mint gel as the fuel. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) method proved the nanocrystalline nature and Bi2O3 nanoparticles (BONPs) in α phase and the average crystalline size of BONPs nanoparticles has been found to be 60 nm. The spherical-shaped structure with bright dot-like spots in the center of the selected area diffraction (SAED) is confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) in conjunction with the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) demonstrating the crystalline behavior of green NPs. The Kubelka-Monk function was used to analyze diffuse reflectance spectra, and the results revealed that BONPs have a band gap of 3.07 eV. When utilized to evaluate the photocatalytic capabilities of NPs, the direct green (DG) and fast orange red (F-OR) dyes were found to be activated at 618 and 503 nm, respectively. After 120 min of exposure to UV radiation, the DG and F-OR dyes’ photodegradation rate reduced its hue by up to 88.2% and 94%, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance techniques in 0.1 N HCl were used to efficiently analyze the electrochemical behavior of the produced BONPs. A carbon paste electrode that had been enhanced with BONPs was used to detect the glucose and uric acid in a 0.1 N HCl solution. The results of the cyclic voltammetry point to the excellent electrochemical qualities of BONPs. Bi2O3 electrode material was found to have a proton diffusion coefficient of 1.039 × 10−5 cm2s−1. BONP exhibits significant potential as an electrode material for sensing chemicals like glucose and uric acid, according to the electrochemical behavior.

Preparation and Thermoluminescence Properties of Polycrystalline Na2SO4/SiO2 composite

A sodium sulphate/silica (Na2SO4/SiO2) composite was prepared by a sol-gel procedure using a geode as the silica source. The prepared sample was characterized by XRD, XRF and IR techniques. The Na2SO4/SiO2 has an orthorhombic phase, and an average crystalline size is about 51 nm. Thermoluminescence characteristics of Na2SO4/SiO2 were studied at different parameters. The glow curve resulting from Na2SO4/SiO2 showed one clear peak between 150 oC to 200 oC, depending on the energy. The general peak structure of the TL glow curve remains unchanged as a result of repeated cycles of irradiation at various X–ray energies, and exhibits good linearity over the used exposure. There were no significant changes in the TL reading after ten times of reuse, and the fading was observed at 56% after 15 days of irradiation and after one month about 82.3% of the TL signal was lost, and the value of Zeff of Na2SO4/SiO2 was found to be 13.56.

Fabrication of and corrosion prevention mechanisms of tin oxide (SnO2) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for anodic protection of Zn metal surfaces

The hydrothermal approach was utilized to prepare SnO2 and rGO-SnO2 composite, and its physicochemical properties and corrosion resistance application are examined in this study. The results suggest that the SnO2, rGO-SnO2 composite exhibits a well-defined and uniform morphology, with SnO2 NPs homogeneously distributed and anchored on the rGO. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline tetragonal structure with 19.1 nm and 20.8 crystalline size. Further, the corrosion resistance application of the rGO-SnO2 composite is evaluated through electrochemical measurements, such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The composite-coated substrate is subjected to NaCl electrolyte using a Zn plate. The corrosion performance is compared with that of bare Sn and rGO-SnO2 counterparts to assess the synergistic effect of the composite which exhibits enhanced anticorrosion properties. The synergistic effect of Sn and rGO in the composite offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a promising material for various corrosion-prone applications. Overall, the findings contribute to developing novel and effective strategies for combating corrosion, ensuring the durability and reliability of materials in diverse industrial environments.
 KEY WORDS: Sn-rGO composite, Tafel plot, Corrosion protection, Surface analysis, Synergistic effect
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 445-456. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.12

Biosynthesis of Bt-Ag2O nanoparticles using Bacillus thuringiensis and their pesticidal and antimicrobial activities.

Nanosilver oxide exhibits strong antibacterial and photocatalytic properties and has shown great application potential in food packaging, biochemical fields, and other fields involving diseases and pest control. In this study, Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-Ag2O NPs). The physicochemical characteristics of the Bt-Ag2O NPs were analyzed by UV‒vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and zeta potential. The phis-chemical characterization revealed that the Bt-Ag2O NPs are in spherical shape with the small particle size (18.24nm), high crystallinity, well dispersity, and stability. The biopesticidal and antifungal effects of Bt-Ag2O NPs were tested against Tribolium castaneum, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The survival, growth, and reproduction of tested pests and molds were significantly inhibited by Bt-Ag2O NPs in a dose-dependent manner. Bt-Ag2O NPs showed higher pesticidal activities against T. castaneum than Bt and commercial Ag2O NPs. The LC50 values of Bt, Ag2O NPs, and Bt-Ag2O NPs were 0.139%, 0.072%, and 0.06% on day 14, respectively. The Bt-Ag2O NPs also showed well antifungal activities against A. flavus and P. chrysogenum, while it resulted a small inhibition zone than commercial Ag2O NPs did. In addition, A. flavus showed much more sensitive to Bt-Ag2O NP treatments, compared to P. chrysogenum. Our results revealed that Bt-Ag2O NPs synthesized using B. thuringiensis could act as pesticides and antifungal agents in stored-product fields. KEY POINTS: • Bt-Ag2O NPs could be synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). • The NPs showed a high degree of crystallinity, spherical shape, and small particle size. • The NPs also showed excellent insecticidal and antifungal activity.

ELSSIE: A compact stereo spectral imager for planetary surface morphology and composition

Here we describe the design, prototyping, testing, and simulations that were conducted to demonstrate the technology for a concept of the next generation landed planetary spectral imager, the Europa Lander Stereo Spectral Imaging Experiment (ELSSIE). The concept was developed originally for a Europa Lander mission, but the design is applicable, with simplifications, to any ocean world of the outer solar system or to non-icy bodies, including Enceladus, the Moon, Mars, or the surface of Ceres. ELSSIE's design consists of two subassemblies. A Sensor melds a high-resolution, 20-filter, 0.4–3.65 μm, adjustable-focus multispectral stereo imager with a 0.8–3.6 μm point spectrometer, sharing a radiation-shielded single Teledyne H2RG 2048 × 2048 pixel focal plane array (FPA). Each camera includes two 6-position filter wheels with 5 filters and a blank position, providing 10 bandpasses for each of the 2 stereo eyes, and uses 700 × 700 pixels of the FPA. The point spectrometer uses a 6 ×350 pixel strip of the FPA. The Sensor provides stereo and imaging/spectroscopic measurements of reflected light from visible to medium wave-infrared (MWIR) wavelengths to characterize surface morphology, search for pyroclastic plumes, search for organics, identify salts and possible biominerals, characterize crystalline vs. amorphous ice and ice grain sizes, and map the distributions of key phases. In addition to addressing important geologic questions, these measurements support selection of a site for in situ sampling and analysis. A Data Processing Unit (DPU) performs mitigation of radiation that penetrates the shielding using sets of same-filter image frames or spectra of a single spot by removing image spatial pixels with radiation hits, and coadding the remainder for the same spatial pixel, improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The DPU also performs onboard calibration of imager and spectrometer data, co-registration of multispectral images, and calculation of spectral index (“summary parameter”) images for efficient use of lander downlink. Co-registered multispectral image sets and spectra are retained onboard and can be downlinked upon query.

Investigations on anticancer activity of Eu3+ doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites against MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines: A structural and luminescence Perspective

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigate the role of Eu3+ doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites (Han: Eu3+) in the treatment of MCF7 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we explored the structural and luminescent properties of these nanocomposites. Han: Eu3+ were synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method, and their morphology and crystal structure were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in which the average crystalline size of Han: Eu3+ was found to be 25 nm, rendering them suitable for cellular uptake and targeted therapy. To gain insights into the luminescent properties of Han: Eu3+, their excitation and emission spectra were recorded using photoluminescence spectrometer. The characteristic red emission of Eu3+ ions was observed upon excitation, validating the successful doping of Eu3+ into the Han lattice, which was confirmed by the CIE chromaticity coordinate study. These luminescent properties of Han: Eu3+ hold promise for potential applications in bioimaging. To evaluate the efficacy of Han: Eu3+ in breast cancer treatment, MCF7 and 4T1 cell lines were exposed to varying concentrations of the nanocomposites. Cell viability assays revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, indicating the potential anticancer activity of Han: Eu3+. The findings of this study contribute to the expanding field of nanomedicine, bringing targeted breast cancer treatments and us closer to more effective.

Enhanced ultra violet photo detecting properties of La3+ ions doped NiO nanoparticles

In this work, we built photodetectors using NiO nanoparticles doped with La3+ ions to improve UV detection. The simple cubic phase of NiO systems has been shown using X-ray diffraction patterns. Recent years have seen increased interest in ultraviolet photodetectors research owing to its potential applications. For improved UV detection, we built La3+-doped nio nanoparticle photodetectors. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed NiO-containing simple cubic phase formation. The average crystalline size of pure, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % La3+-doped nio nanostructures is 6, 11, 13, and 17 nm. Dopant in specimens was verified by Raman spectrum. TEM pictures validated the morphology of Ni1-xLaxOnanospecimens, X = 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 %, where the dopant and concentration affected the morphology of NiO. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy data showed higher absorption for La3+ doping, with bandgap values of 3.51, 3.49, 3.46, and 3.42 eV for 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % doping. The photoluminescence spectrum showed that the intermediate energy level formed by La3+ trapped excited electrons, extending exciton life. La3+-doped NiO sensors showed increased conductivity and photocurrent in UV photodetection trials. The 3 % La3+-doped NiO photodetector showed 18 × 10−2 A W−1 responsivity, 9.1 × 109 Jones detectivity, and 52 % EQE.

Enhancement in the Electrocatalytic and Optoelectronic Performance of Cost-Effective Counter Electrode VO2 for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered significant attention in the scientific community for more than two decades due to their cost-effectiveness, convenient manufacturability, little toxicity, and straightforward preparation methodology. In this study, we present a cost-effective alternative to the platinum electrode for DSSCs, which serves as the counter electrode. The utilization of vanadium oxide nanoparticles as counter electrodes (CEs) in DSSCs has been the subject of research due to its enhanced stability, cost-effectiveness, and favorable photovoltaic characteristics. The device has been fabricated in configuration of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)||TiO2||ruthenium (II) dye (N719)||iodide—triiodide electrolyte||VO2 (counter electrode)||FTO and investigate their photovoltaic performance. The utilization of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has provided insights into the crystalline properties of VO2, indicating that it exists in a crystalline phase with a crystalline size measuring 43.19 nm and a lattice strain of 1.68 × 10−3. The utilization of a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) that is equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrum reveals a dense microstructure characterized by a uniform distribution of vanadium (V) and oxygen (O) across the whole surface. The Raman spectroscopic examination of VO2 reveals the existence of many Raman bands, thereby confirming the presence of the monoclinic phase. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were employed to investigate the catalytic activity of the CE toward the electrolyte. The photovoltaic performance of the manufactured device was examined by I–V measurement, revealing a notable open circuit voltage (Voc) and efficient power conversion efficiency when compared to the other materials that were evaluated.

Interactions of CdSe Nanocrystals with Cationic Proteins Extracted from Moringa oleifera Seeds

Even with significant developments in nanoscience, relatively little is known about the interactions of nanocrystal semiconducting materials with bio-macromolecules. To investigate the interfacial phenomena of cadmium selenide quantum dot (CdSe QD) nanocrystals with proteins extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds, different concentrations of cadmium selenide quantum dots–Moringa oleifera seed protein (CdSe–MSP) complexes were prepared. Respective CdSe QDs with hexagonal phase and crystalline size in the range of 4–7 nm were synthesized and labelled with the purified mesoporous MSP having a surface area of 8.4 m2/g. The interaction mechanism between CdSe QDs and MSP was studied using UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopies. The UV–Vis absorption spectra showed absorption bands of CdSe–MSP complexes at 546.5 nm. The fluorescence intensity of CdSe QDs was found to decrease with increasing concentration of MSP. The thermodynamic potentials ∆Hθ (−321.3 × 103 Jmol−1); ∆Sθ (156.0 JK−1mol−1) and ∆Gθ (−46.6 × 103 Jmol−1) were also calculated. The stability of the complex found is strongly influenced by electrostatics interaction and surface-bound complexation equilibrium attraction. This information can help to elucidate the surface characteristics of MSP and its potential interactions with other molecules or nanoparticles.