Crystalline Size Research Articles

Comparative Study of Green and Chemical Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Antibacterial Assay Against Fish Pathogens

Nanometals are widely used in industries like engineering, medicine and the environment; but their synthesis is often chemically prone to environmental contamination, high energy usage, and health issues. Green synthesis, which uses plant extracts instead of chemical agents, addresses these challenges by being more cost-effective, reducing pollution, and protecting both the environment and human health. In this study, two different SeNPs were synthesized where one from sodium selenite using Phyllanthus amarus leaf aqueous extract and another one is via chemical mediated SeNPs. The synthesized SeNPs were characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy and exhibited a peak at 264 nm and 265 nm for Gr- SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs; XRD, EDX revealed the atom percentage at 89.07% for Gr-SeNPs and for Ch-SeNPs at 78.45%. The electron microscopy results revealed that synthesized SeNPs morphology was spherical in shape. XRD reports explain the sharp peaks indicate the crystallinity of the nanoparticles the crystalline size of Gr-SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs are 32.13 nm and 33.41 nm. FT-IR spectrum results describe the information about the interaction between functional groups of phytochemicals in the leaf extract and the SeNPs. This study also proved the antibacterial potential of green SeNPs against common fish pathogens comparable to chemical SeNPs. Based on these results, it is confirmed that leaf extract capped SeNPs may have potential bio-medicinal applications when compared to chemical synthesized SeNPs.

Carbide assisted in-suit growth and formation mechanism of SiC nanowires on the surface of defined carbon fibers

The in-suit synthesis of SiC nanowires (SiCNWs) on carbon fibers (CFs) to produce SiC@C composites is pivotal due to their broad applications. However, it's challenging because most CFs have a microstructure unsuitable for SiCNWs nucleation. In this study, we introduced a series of carbide coatings on CFs to facilitate the growth of SiCNWs through a thermal evaporation process. It was observed that carbide coatings on CFs significantly enhance the nucleation of SiC, enabling the efficient production of SiCNWs@CF. These SiCNWs can grow directly on the carbide-coated CFs through heteroepitaxial nucleation. Carbide coatings with a cubic phase structure and a crystalline size of less than 50 nm are vital for SiCNWs formation. This carbides coating approach is beneficial not only for carbon materials but also holds potential for numerous other matrices.

Influence of Cu-ion doping in NiO NPs and their structural, morphological, optical and magnetic behaviors for optoelectronic devices and magnetic applications

NiO and Cu-ion doped NiO nanoparticles with various concentrations (0.01–0.04 M) have been effectively synthesized in the current investigation using chemical precipitation method. The following techniques were used to characterized the materials’ structural, morphological, elemental analysis, functional group, optical and magnetic properties: XRD, TEM, HR-TEM, SAED, SEM, EDX, FTIR, UV, PL and VSM. According to this Scherrer formula, the average crystalline sizes of the materials of pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO were determined to be 16.37 nm, 15.21 nm, 14.88 nm, 18.35 nm, and 10.88 nm, respectively. The HR-TEM images revealed that the d-spacing values about 0.24 nm, which coincides with the (111) plane of cubic NiO for pure and copper doped NiO nanoparticles. The SEM micrographs of Cu-doped NiO nanomaterials shows tiny agglomerated particles, while that of pure NiO nanoparticles shows spherical structure. Pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles have band gap values of 2.32 eV, 2.29 eV, 2.24 eV, 2.22 eV, and 2.27 eV, respectively. The Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles (0.01–0.03 M) at various concentrations can significantly reduce the band gap without significantly altering the structure, making them a potential material for creating optoelectronic devices. Copper was incorporated into NiO nanoparticles, which had a significant impact on the magnetic properties and changed the material from weakly ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic. In comparison to undoped NiO nanoparticles, the saturation magnetization and coercivity values of the 0.01 M and 0.03 M of Cu-doped nanoparticles is much higher. This outcome demonstrates that such Cu-doped NiO nanoparticles have promising magnetic applications.

Curcumin-ZnO conjugated nanoparticles confer neuroprotection against ketamine-induced neurotoxicity.

Nanotechnology and its application to manipulate herbal compounds to design new neuroprotective agents to manage neurotoxicity has recently increased. Cur-ZnO conjugated nanoparticles were synthesized and used in an experimental model of ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. Cur-ZnO conjugated nanoparticles were chemically characterized, and the average crystalline size was determined. Forty-nine adult mice were divided into seven groups of seven animals each. Normal saline was given to control mice (group 1). Ketamine (25 mg/kg) was given to a second group. A third group of mice was given ketamine (25 mg/kg) in combination with curcumin (40 mg/kg), while mice in groups 4, 5, and 6 received ketamine (25 mg/kg) plus Cur-ZnO nanoparticles (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg). Group 7 received only ZnO (5 mg/kg). All doses were ip for 14 days. Hippocampal mitochondrial quadruple complex enzymes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic characteristics were assessed. Cur-ZnO nanoparticles and curcumin decreased lipid peroxidation, GSSG content, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Bax levels while increasing GSH and antioxidant enzymes like GPx, GR, and SOD while increasing Bcl-2 level and mitochondrial quadruple complex enzymes in ketamine treatment groups. The neuroprotective properties of Cur-ZnO nanoparticles were efficient in preventing ketamine-induced neurotoxicity in the mouse brain. The nanoparticle form of curcumin (Cur-ZnO) required lower doses to produce neuroprotective effects against ketamine-induced toxicity than conventional curcumin.

Photocatalytic Efficacy and Degradation Kinetics of Chitosan-Loaded Ce-TiO2 Nanocomposite towards for Rhodamine B Dye

The recent advancement in the production of nanomaterials with novel architectures and functionality has allowed for the effective treatment of industrial wastewaters and contaminated soil and, in that view, the current study aimed to investigate the catalytic efficacy of biopolymer-loaded titanium nanocomposite. Therefore, Cerium (Ce)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) loaded chitosan nanocomposite was formed and studied its catalytic efficacy towards the degradation of an industrial dye pollutant. For the production of Ce-TiO2/chitosan nanocomposite, we followed the hydrothermal synthesis route and the formed nanocomposite was thoroughly analyzed for the crystallinity (using powdered X-ray diffraction, XRD), surface bonding, and nature (using Fourier transform infrared, FTIR spectroscopy), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), elemental composition (electron diffraction analysis by X-rays, EDAX), porosity (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, BET), and particles size in powdered form (transmission electron microscopy, TEM). Then the efficiency of synthesized nanocomposite was tested towards the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) dye by applying various parameters such as the irradiation time, solution pH, catalyst dosage, and the dye concentration. Further, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model was employed to investigate the kinetics of RhB degradation and provided a conceivable photocatalytic mechanism. It was indicated based on the catalyst mechanism that the modification of TiO2 nanoparticles with Ce and loading onto chitosan biopolymer may have accelerated the photocurrent transport due to an increase in the number of electrons and holes generated by the photon’s irradiation. In this way, the study has witnessed the excellent photocatalytic performance of Ce-TiO2/chitosan with 95% Rh B degradation as against the pure TiO2 nanoparticles thus stressing the importance of developing novel composite photocatalysts.

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from agro-waste garlic husk

Abstract The objective of this study was to test the antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) against bacterial pathogens by green synthesizing them from aqueous extracts of garlic husk. The synthesized Cu NPs were examined by UV-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy at (200–400 nm), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis. The findings supported the capping, reduction, and production of Cu NPs with an average crystalline size of 14 nm in the husk extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration technique (MIC test) was used to measure the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera) and Gram-negative (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) microorganisms. The lowest concentration required for inhibiting the growth of the bacterial strains ranged from 34.7 to 43.04 μg/ml. The above findings suggest that greenly synthesized Cu NPs made from garlic agro-waste may have potential uses in the realm of nanomedicine as an antibacterial drug in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections due to their superior antibacterial activity.

Anomaly in the relation between thermal conductivity and crystallinity of silicate glass-ceramics

Thermal conductivity is a key property of oxide glass, especially for building applications such as thermal insulation materials and windows or glazed facades. However, this property is difficult to be predicted since it depends on several factors such as the degree of order/disorder and porosity. Here, we report on the effects of crystallization, crystalline phase, and crystal size on the thermal conductivity of a melt-quenched silicate glass. These effects were studied by heat-treating the glass at the onset crystallization temperature for different durations to vary crystallinity in the samples. The results show a general increase in thermal conductivity with crystallinity and crystal size in the nano-range (<75 nm). The growth of devitrite and combeite phases in the glass has a great impact on the thermal conductivity. Interestingly, an anomaly of thermal conductivity is found, i.e., the thermal conductivity of the sample with a relatively low crystallinity of <15 % is reduced by >20 % compared to that of the pure glass phase. This may be attributed to the grain boundaries between amorphous and crystalline phases, which scatter the phonons and thus reduce the thermal conductivity. These results imply that nano-crystallization in window glass might be a useful way to reduce the heat loss from glazed facades in the building envelope.

CuO nanoparticles prepared by alcohol-assisted hydrothermal synthesis for gas-sensing application: effect of pH value

CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by alcohol-assisted hydrothermal method at various pH values, using sodium hydroxide as a precursor for pH control. The chemical composition, morphological and structural properties of the obtained CuO nanoparticles were investigated by the Raman and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and the X-ray diffraction. The results reveal that although the pH value does not affect the formation of the CuO phase, it strongly influences the crystalline size, the morphology, and the particle-agglomeration level of CuO. The differences in the morphology and the crystalline size of CuO nanoparticles are ascribed to various H+/OH- ratios of the growth solution. Meanwhile, with the optimized particle size, the CuO nanoparticles-based sensor can be used as a potential candidate for CO and/or H2 detection.

Ultrafine Graphite Scrap and Carbon Blocks Prepared by High-Solid-Loading Bead Milling and Conventional Ball Milling: A Comparative Assessment.

A comparison between the physical characteristics of graphite ultrafine particles and the properties of graphite blocks prepared from graphite scrap using bead and conventional ball milling techniques is presented. Industrial-scale bead milling was used to prepare graphite scrap with an initial particle size d50 of 24 μm in the ultrafine range of <10 μm. Bead milling can significantly reduce the production time of ultrafine graphite from graphite scrap from 72 h by ball milling to 10 min. Ultrafine graphite scrap prepared from both ball milling and bead milling yields particles with a similar morphology, with a minor difference in crystalline size La and stacking height Lc observed. Carbon blocks were fabricated from both techniques, yielding carbon blocks with an almost identical microstructure and block density. Blocks from bead milling have slightly higher flexural strength as well as comparable hardness and resistivity. The block's flexural strength, hardness, and resistivity were 68.37 MPa, 99, and 36.9 μΩ·m, respectively, in a bead-milled carbon block and 61.86 MPa, 95.5, and 38.6 μΩ·m, respectively, for a ball-milled carbon block. Bead milling can be applied for the preparation of ultrafine graphite particles and graphite blocks with production that is 9 times faster for the same ultrafine graphite particle output and final product quality.

Enhancement of Dielectric Response and Optical Bandgap Tuning with Improving Surface Morphology of Recyclable Polyvinyl Alcohol–CeO2 Polymer Nanocomposites

Motivated from the extraordinary properties of CeO2 nanomaterial, this article is directed toward the synthesis of recyclable polyvinyl alcohol–CeO2 polymer nanocomposite with variable wt% of CeO2 and investigating their improvements in structural, electrical, optical, and surface properties. The crystalline size and micro‐strain are measured using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data. Ultraviolet–visible–near‐infrared spectrophotometer is used to study the optical characteristics. Absorbance with redshift is found to enhance; while optical bandgap is reduced from 2.51 to 2.36 eV on increasing wt% of CeO2 nanofiller. The mechanism of reduction in bandgap is supported by the XRD analysis. Refractive index is found to vary from 2.54 to 2.59 and the range of Urbach energy varies from 1.19 to 0.42 eV on increasing the amount of nanofillers. Surface morphology, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity are also found to improve with increasing wt% of nanofiller. The dielectric constant is improved from 60 to 120 at 1.5 Hz. The rise in conductivity with increasing wt% of CeO2 and rising frequency is due to the enhancement of mobility of the charge carriers and ionic hopping mechanism in conduction process. Characterization outcomes suggest that the prepared composites can be claimed as useful in fabricating the flexible optoelectronic devices.

Biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles and experimental modeling studies on the removal of heavy metals from wastewater

Water pollution is a major global challenge due to the fast expansion of industrial activities and the increasing human population. Certain heavy metals can be exceedingly hazardous and contribute significantly to water contamination. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized using cyanobacteria extract to remove heavy metals (Cd and Pb) from the wastewater. To characterize the IONPs, several analytical techniques were employed such as Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed a SPR (surface plasmon resonance) peak at 348 nm and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectral analysis showed the OH, C–H and S=O functional groups which confirmed the biomolecules responsible for the biogenic synthesis and stability. The surface morphology of the biogenic IONPs was investigated using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) which reveled their nearly spherical or cubic shape. Additionally, XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis confirmed the crystallinity of IONPs, with a crystalline size measuring 18.21 nm. Effects of contact time, pH, initial metal ions concentrations, and IONPs dosage were studied on the adsorption of Cd and Pb ions. Different adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were applied to the experimental data. Pseudo second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models were well fitted to the adsorption of Cd and Pb onto the IONPs. Higher correlation coefficients (R2) values of Langmuir isotherm (R2: 0.990 for Cd and Pb adsorption) and Pseudo second-order kinetic (R2: 0.998 and 0.999 for Cd and Pb adsorption, respectively) were found, which indicated the favorable interaction between the metal ions and adsorbent. Langmuir isotherm calculated maximal adsorption capacities of 105.932 and 118.764 mg/g for Cd and Pb, respectively. Recyclability of IONPs was conducted and after five adsorption/desorption cycles, IONPs retained their adsorption efficiency with negligible decline. After five cycles, IONPs removal efficiency was up to 80.41 and 88.35 % for Cd and Pb, respectively. Results of this study indicate that cyanobacteria-mediated IONPs were efficient adsorbent for Pb and Cd removal from contaminated aqueous solution.

Sustainable fabrication of biogenic Fe–Zn nano core-shell and their photocatalytic efficiency against third generation antibiotics

The photocatalysis of third generation antibiotics was deliberated using biogenic iron oxide (FeO NPs) and iron-zinc (Fe–Zn) nano core-shell. Photocatalysts were prepared from aqueous extract of Adiantum incisum (Ai) by reacting with apposite salt solutions. FeO NPs were synthesized by mixing 5 % Ai extract with 5 mM FeSO4.7H2O at alkaline pH (50 °C). While Fe–Zn nano core-shell were synthesized by coating ZnO NPs on FeO NPs using successive reduction method. Synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles were substantiated by diverse surface plasmonic resonance peak of FeO NPs and Fe–Zn nano core-shell at explicit wavelength ranges. Band gap energy values, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis validates that coating was done efficaciously. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) recognized the role of plant phytochemicals in NPs reduction and stabilization. SEM-Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) analysis unveiled that FeO NPs and core-shell aggregates are orbicular in shape. Average crystalline size of FeO NPs and Fe–Zn nano core-shell obtained from XRD was 15.64 nm and 22.94 nm respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of Ampicillin, Levofloxacin and Ceftriaxone under UV and Sunlight displayed that Fe–Zn nano core-shell have high degradation capability than FeO NPs. Degradation potential was higher in UV than in sunlight. Maximum degradation of Ampicillin (74.4 %) was attained under UV light and (60.31 %) in sunlight followed by Levofloxacin. Degradation was further confirmed by conducting FTIR analysis and antimicrobial studies. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry detected Hexadecenoic acid as the main degradation product in nano treated Ampicillin and Levofloxacin.

Designing a Silymarin Nanopercolating System Using CME@ZIF-8: An Approach to Hepatic Injuries.

It is commonly known that silymarin, a phytoconstituent obtained from the Silybum marianum plant, has hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties. However, its low oral bioavailability and poor water solubility negatively impact its therapeutic efficacy. The goal of the present study was to determine the efficiency of the Cordia myxa extract-based synthesized zeolitic imidazole metal-organic framework (CME@ZIF-8 MOF) for increasing silymarin's bioavailability. A coprecipitation technique was used to synthesize the CME@ZIF-8 and polyethylene glycol-coated silymarin-loaded MOFs (PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8) and a complete factorial design was used to optimize them. The crystalline size of CME@ZIF-8 was 14.7 nm and the size of PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 was 17.39 nm. The loading percentage of the silymarin drug in CME@ZIF-8 was 33.5%. The optimized formulations were then characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, surface morphology, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and drug release in an in vitro medium. Additionally, a rat model was used to investigate the optimized formulation's in vivo hepatoprotective effectiveness. The synthesized silymarin-loaded CME@ZIF-8 MOFs were distinct particles with a porous, spongelike shape and a diameter of (size) nm. Furthermore, the designed silymarin-loaded PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 MOF formulation exhibited considerable silymarin release from the synthesized formula in dissolution investigations. The in vivo evaluation studies demonstrated that the prepared PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 MOFs effectively exhibited a hepatoprotective effect in comparison with free silymarin in a CCl4-based induced-hepatotoxicity rat model via ameliorating the normal antioxidant enzyme levels and restoring the cellular abnormalities produced by CCl4 toxication. In combination, biologically produced CME@ZIF-8 may promise to be a viable biologically based nanocarrier that can enhance the loading and release of silymarin medication, which has low solubility in water.

Phase variation of manganese oxide in the MnO@ZnO nanocomposite with calcination temperature and its effect on structural and biological activities

Having powerful antibacterial and antioxidant effects, zinc oxide and manganese oxide nanomaterials are of great interest. Here we have synthesized manganese oxide decorated zinc oxide (MZO) nanocomposites by co-precipitation method, calcined at different temperatures (300–750 °C) and studied various properties. Here the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite and phase change of the manganese oxide are observed with calcination temperature. The average crystalline size increases and the dislocation density and microstrain decrease with the increase in calcined temperature for the same structural features. The formation of composites was confirmed by XRD pattern and SEM images. EDAX spectra proved the high purity of the composites. Here, different biological properties change with the calcination temperature for different shapes, sizes and structures of the nanocomposite. Nanomaterial calcined at 750 °C provides the best anti-microbial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri (gram-negative), Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium (gram-positive) bacterial strain at 300 µg/mL concentration. The nanomaterial with calcination temperatures of 300 °C and 450 °C provided better antioxidant properties.

Sol-gel combustion synthesis of porous Mg2SnO4@SnO2 nanocomposites: A study on the structural parameters, optical properties, and electrochemical activity

In this work, a magnesium stannate-tin oxide nanocomposite (Mg2SnO4@SnO2) was prepared using the sol-gel combustion method. The physical properties of the products have been characterized by different analysis techniques. The XRD results revealed the combined structure of the cubic inverse spinel phase of Mg2SnO4 and the tetragonal phase of SnO2 with a mean crystalline size of 5.1 nm. The average grain sizes of SnO2 and Mg2SnO4@SnO2 from FESEM images were about 51.98 nm and 58.18 nm, and TEM images revealed that the size of nanoparticles were about 30–200 nm and 20−50 nm, respectively. The band gap energy of Mg2SnO4@SnO2 NPs was estimated to be about 3.9 eV. Results from FESEM and BET revealed the sample's sponge-like meso/macroporous morphology. PL spectra have revealed a blue emission. The optical constants of Mg2SnO4@SnO2 deposited on the glass substrate were determined using UV–Vis transmittance data and theoretical approaches. The electrochemical performances of the porous Mg2SnO4@SnO2 deposited on ITO-coated glass substrate and metal foam (Ni and Cu) substrates as particulate composites by doctor blade technique were compared by GCD, CV, and EIS analysis. The best performance is belonged to the Mg2SnO4@SnO2/Cu foam electrode with a specific capacitance of 675 Fg-1 at a current density of 1 Ag-1. Mg2SnO4@SnO2/Ni foam has a higher capacitance retention rate, which showed stability of 86.27 % over 5000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 10 Ag-1.

The implementation of ZnS–SnS BM NPs for phenanthrene degradation: An adsorptive photocatalyst approach and its toxicity studies in adult zebrafish

Phenanthrene is a persistent organic pollutant released by numerous industries. The purpose of the study is to construct a batch reactor for phenanthrene degradation using a bimetallic (BM) ZnS–SnS nanoparticle as a photocatalyst. ZnS–SnS BM NPs were used as a photocatalyst, employed from precursors Zinc acetate dihydrate and tin (II) chloride dihydrate, with crystalline cubic-shaped particle sizes. ZnS–SnS BM NPs were utilized in batch adsorption assays to assess the impact of phenanthrene degradation parameters on various PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) concentrations, pH levels, and irradiation sources. Adsorption kinetic and isotherm tests revealed that the pseudo-first order kinetic model, pseudo-second order kinetic model, and Langmuir isotherm model all fit effectively with the effective phenanthrene degradation using ZnS–SnS BM NPs. The degraded product were analyzed for GC-MS, revealing that organic pollutant phenanthrene was converted into harmless by-products like n-hexadecenoic acid, oleic acid, and octadecanoic acid. The toxicity of phenanthrene was observed to decrease with an increase in ZnS–SnS BM NPs concentration. ZnS–SnS BM NP concentration of 150 μg/mL, the zone of inhibition values was recorded highest zone of inhibition (19 ± 1.2 mm) against the strains S. epidermis followed by B. cereus and Clostridium spp. Further adult zebrafish were found to be less toxic to ZnS–SnS BM NPs after 96 h of exposure, with an LD50 of 100 μg/L. The toxicity escalated as concentrations increased. Behavior test showed normal swimming, learning, and memory in open tank and T-maze tests, while 100 μg/L showed pausing/frozen time in zebra fish therefore low doses are considered safe. Hence by employing ZnS–SnS BM NPs can be engaged in waste water treatment for PAH degradation.

Significantly enhanced crystallization of polylactide Ingeo 4032D by polyethylene ionomer

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most important biopolymer material due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processability. However, its widespread applications were significantly limited by its low crystallization rate. While adding small molecule organic nucleating agents became a commonly used method in enhancing the crystallization rate, these nucleating agents generally suffer from limited solubility, which caused compromised nucleation efficiency and undesirable product appearance due to their precipitation onto the surface of the PLA products overtime. Here we report an efficient method for improving the PLA crystallization performance by using polyethylene (PE) ionomer as an additive in the PLA/TMC300 (an organic nucleating agent) nucleation/crystallization process. The added ionomer led to enhanced crystallization rate and reduced crystalline grain size. The resulting PLA from crystallization with TMC300 and ionomer showed reduced glass transition temperatures, reduced contact angles, and enhanced elastic modulus without compromising the impact strength and elongation at break. A possible mechanism was proposed for the remarkable synergistic effects of ionomer and TMC-300 in modifying the PLA crystallization process with the ionomer playing the roles of both plasticizer (enhanced PLA chain mobility and crystallization rate) and compatibilizer (enhanced dissolution and dispersion of TMC300 in the PLA matrix). This work offered a promising strategy for crystallization and modification of PLA materials.

ZIF-67 hybridization and boron doping to enhance the photo-electrocatalytic properties of g-C3N4

Photo-electrocatalysis is a growing field, and cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) are attracting much interest because of their porous nature, high surface area, and malleable structure. This study investigated the photo-electrocatalytic properties of g-C3N4 and boron-doped-g-C3N4 when hybridized with cobalt-based MOF (ZIF-67). In this work, we describe the preparation of novel g-C3N4/ZIF-67 and B-g-C3N4/ZIF-67 composites by poly-condensation and co-condensation methods, respectively. ZIF-67 hybridization caused a decrease in the band gap energy of g-C3N4 due to changes in the crystalline structure and size. EIS results indicated that only B-g-C3N4/ZIF-67 showed a response to light irradiation. At the same time, both B-g-C3N4/ZIF-67 and g-C3N4/ZIF-67 demonstrated sufficient light response when the potential applied was increased to -1.2 V vs. NHE in LSV analyses. CO2 reduction to ethanol was performed for 3 hours at -1 V vs. NHE under continuous light irradiation and CO2 bubbling for each catalyst. Ethanol production rates were recorded as 10.024, 12.0168, 30.7230, and 32.1096 μmol/cm2.h for g-C3N4, B-g-C3N4, g-C3N4/ZIF-67, and B-g-C3N4/ZIF-67, respectively.

LnPO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles: Role of host lattices on physiochemical and luminescent properties

LnPO4:Eu3+ (Ln = La, Gd and Y) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared at low temperatures via a urea-based thermal decomposition method. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed a hexagonal single phase, high purity with an average crystalline size of 13.9, 14.89, and 18.7 nm for LaPO4:Eu, GdPO4:Eu, and YPO4:Eu NPs, respectively. Bandgap energies were calculated based on the measure absorption spectra are to be values 5.14, 5.03, and 4.90 eV for the LaPO4:Eu, GdPO4:Eu, and YPO4:Eu NPs, respectively. A comparative study suggested that the excitation and emission transitions were significantly higher in the GdPO4:Eu NPs and in comparison to the LaPO4:Eu and YPO4:Eu NPs. It implies the impact of the crystallinity, host lattice, and crystal symmetry, in which doped Eu3+-ion replaces the host cation and distorts the crystal symmetry.

Study of crystalline size and strain in rare earth doped Cu modified BZT

In three-dimensional cation-oxygen connections, rare earth replacement induces A-site vacancies and deformation, resulting in stochastic local strain with short range coherence. This will modify the electrical and conductive properties of Barium Zirconate Titanate (BZT). Therefore, to make different research on BZT based materials, the study of induced strain and structural modifications due to rare earth doping is necessary. In this context, the current study involves the synthesis of rare earth (Er/Ho) and Cu co-modified Barium Zirconate Titanate (BZT) through a conventional solid state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is utilized to gather data for structural analysis such as phase, space group, and lattice parameters for 0.98(BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3)-0.02(CuO:Er2O3) and 0.98(BaZr0.05Ti0.95O3)-0.02(CuO:Ho2O3). Moreover, from the XRD data, the induced strain and crystalline size for differently doped BZT samples have been analysed. In addition to this, Raman spectroscopy is used to authenticate the results obtained from XRD. A successful comparison has been carried out to assess the impact of doping elements and their concentrations on the structural characteristics of the base material BZT.