X-ray Diffraction Research Articles

Preparation and Gas-Sensitive Properties of SnO2@Bi2O3 Core-Shell Heterojunction Structure

The SnO2@Bi2O3 core-shell heterojunction structure was designed and synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and the structure and morphology of the synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Based on the conclusions from XRD and SEM, it can be observed that as the hydrothermal temperature increases, the content of Bi2O3 coated on the surface of SnO2 spheres gradually increases, and the diameter of Bi2O3 nanoparticles also increases. At a hydrothermal temperature of 160 °C, the SnO2 spheres are fully coated with Bi2O3 nanoparticles. This paper investigated the gas-sensitive performance of the SnO2@Bi2O3 sensor towards ethanol gas. Gas sensitivity tests at the optimal operating temperature of 300 °C showed that the composite prepared at 160 °C achieved a response value of 19.7 for 100 ppm ethanol. Additionally, the composite exhibited excellent response to 100 ppm ethanol, with a response time of only 4 s, as well as good repeatability. The excellent gas-sensitive performance of the SnO2@Bi2O3 core-shell heterojunction towards ethanol gas is attributed to its p-n heterojunction material properties. Its successful preparation contributes to the realization of high-performance heterostructure ethanol gas sensors.

The Effect of Alumina-Rich Spinel Exsolution on the Mechanical Property of Calcium Aluminate Cement-Bonded Corundum Castables

This study investigates the effect of the exsolution behavior of alumina-rich spinel on the formation and distribution of CA6 (CaAl12O19) in corundum castables bonded with calcium aluminate cement. In this study, alumina-rich spinel is substituted for tabular corundum in the same proportions and grain size. The matrices after curing were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The phase composition and microstructure of the matrices containing alumina-rich spinel were analyzed after firing at 1600 °C. These results showed that the addition of alumina-rich spinel significantly improved the mechanical strength of the castables. This improvement was attributed to the alumina produced by spinel exsolution during firing at 1600 °C, which reacted in situ with CA2 (CaAl4O7) to form CA6. CA6 connects the different particles and forms an interspersed interlocking structure within the spinel. The CA6-MA interspersed interlocking structure replaces part of the CA6-Al2O3 structure and significantly improves the mechanical strength of the castables.

Spectroscopic and Morphological Examination of Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd) Obtained by Glycine Nitrate Procedure

The glycine nitrate procedure (GNP) is a method that proved to be the easiest and most effective method for controlling the composition and morphology during the synthesis of Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd). This method of the combustion process achieves control of stoichiometry, homogeneity, and purity. Metal nitrates and glycine were mixed in the appropriate stoichiometric ratios to produce Co0.9R0.1MoO4 (R = Ho, Yb, Gd). The samples obtained by the mentioned method were further subjected to different characterization methods such as differential thermal analyses (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and nitrogen adsorption method. A high level of anisotropy of the shape and size of particles in the form of agglomerates was found. Also, there are noticeable differences in the microstructure and plate crystals. The color of the synthesized sample changes from darker to lighter shades after thermal treatments. There are pronounced changes in the dominant wavelength (nm) and color purity between the initial sample and the sample after heating (1100 °C) due to the concentration of Co.

Investigation of the effect of Si content on the structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of TiAlN/AlSi protective multilayers

Abstract Titanium aluminum nitride and aluminum silicon alloys (TiAlN/AlSi) or for simplicity (TAN/AS) bilayer system were deposited on glass and piston aluminum substrates by following three steps. First, AlSi films realized by thermal evaporation with different Si content (7, 10, 13, 22) %. Then, TiAl films were deposited on AlSi layers using a reactive DC magnetron sputtering system, and finally the realization of TAN/AS multilayers were done by nitriding via Direct Current Plasma Nitriding (DCPN) in a custom setup, with pure nitrogen gas. For each sample, the structural properties like phase’s formation and vibration modes were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, while AFM microscopy investigated surface topography. The mechanical and tribological properties in terms of hardness and friction coefficient were determined using the nanoindentation technique and tribometer. It has been found that all the coatings TAN/AS have crystalline structures with the presence of TiAlN, TiN, AlN, TiAl, and α-Al phases. Raman spectroscopy reveals the appearance of TO/LO, 2O, and 2TO/LO modes for all layers. AFM images show that the coatings have low roughness, Ra values decrease from 17.3 nm for 7 % Si to 5.5 nm for 13 % Si and increases to 9.9 nm at 22 % Si. The grain size exhibits a reversed behavior compared to that of roughness. The hardness and Young modulus reach their optimum values at 13 % Si with no respect to Hall–Petch law. The friction coefficient of TAN/AS coatings decreases with Si content and reaches its lowest value (<0.1) at 22 % Si as a potential protective layer.

Fabrication of MoS2@Fe3O4 Magnetic Catalysts with Photo-Fenton Reaction for Enhancing Tetracycline Degradation

Tetracycline (TCs) is widely used in the treatment of human and animal infectious disease. TCs gives rise to a growing threat to the human health and environment protection due to its overuse. Therefore, it is important to remove TCs contaminants from waste effluents. In this work, MoS2@Fe3O4 catalytic material was fabricated by the simple hydrothermal method, which was applied in the photo-Fenton system to degrade TCs. The crystal structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, chemical state, electrochemical properties, and separability of MoS2@Fe3O4 catalytic materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Furthermore, MoS2@Fe3O4 could degrade 98.6% of TCs within 60 min under the optimum reaction conditions (the catalyst dosage of 3 g/L, H2O2 concentration of 5 mmol/L, the initial TCs concentration of 50 mg/L, and the initial pH of 5), which was a significant increase compared with pure Fe3O4. MoS2 can accelerate the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle through electron transfer from Mo4+ to Fe3+, resulting in the improvement in the degradation efficiency of TCs. The quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results showed that OH• and photogenic hole h+ was the main active species in the photo-Fenton system. What is more, MoS2@Fe3O4 catalytic materials had remarkable stability and reusability, and can be handily regained via magnetic separation technology in a real scenario.

Comparative In Vitro Study of Sol–Gel-Derived Bioactive Glasses Incorporated into Dentin Adhesives: Effects on Remineralization and Mechanical Properties of Dentin

To overcome limitations of dentin bonding due to collagen degradation at a bonded interface, incorporating bioactive glass (BAG) into dentin adhesives has been proposed to enhance remineralization and improve bonding durability. This study evaluated sol–gel-derived BAGs (BAG79, BAG87, BAG91, and BAG79F) and conventional melt-quenched BAG (BAG45) incorporated into dentin adhesive to assess their remineralization and mechanical properties. The BAGs were characterized by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy for surface morphology. The surface area was measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to determine the crystalline structure of the BAGs. Adhesive surface analysis was performed after approximating each experimental dentin adhesive and demineralized dentin by using FE-SEM. The elastic modulus of the treated dentin was measured after BAG-containing dentin adhesive application. The sol–gel-derived BAGs exhibited larger surface areas (by 400–600 times) than conventional BAG, with BAG87 displaying the largest surface area. XRD analysis indicated more pronounced and rapid formation of hydroxyapatite in the sol–gel BAGs. Dentin with BAG87-containing adhesive exhibited the highest elastic modulus. The incorporation of sol–gel-derived BAGs, especially BAG87, into dentin adhesives enhances the remineralization and mechanical properties of adhesive–dentin interfaces.

Synthesis of P(AM/AA/SSS/DMAAC-16) and Studying Its Performance as a Fracturing Thickener in Oilfields

In order to solve the problems of long dissolution and preparation time, cumbersome preparation, and easy moisture absorption and deterioration during storage or transportation, acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), sodium p-styrene sulfonate (SSS), and cetyl dimethylallyl ammonium chloride (DMAAC-16) were selected as raw materials, and the emulsion thickener P(AM/AA/SSS), which can be instantly dissolved in water and rapidly thickened, was prepared by the reversed-phase emulsion polymerization method. DMAAC-16, the influence of emulsifier dosage, oil–water ratio, monomer molar ratio, monomer dosage, aqueous pH, initiator dosage, reaction temperature, reaction time, and other factors on the experiment was explored by a single-factor experiment, and the optimal process was determined as follows: the oil–water volume ratio was 0.4, the emulsifier dosage was 7% of the oil phase mass, the initiator dosage was 0.03% of the total mass of the reaction system, the reaction time was 4 h, the reaction temperature was 50 °C, the aqueous pH was 6.5, and the monomer dosage was 30% of the total mass of the reaction system (monomeric molar ratio n(AM):n(AA):n(SSS):n(DMAAC-16) = 79.2:20:0.5:0.3). X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy analysis were carried out on the polymerization products. At the same time, a series of performance test experiments such as thickening performance, temperature and shear resistance, salt resistance, sand suspension performance, core damage performance, and fracturing fluid flowback fluid reuse were carried out to evaluate the comprehensive effect and efficiency of the synthetic products, and the results show that the P(AM/AA/SSS/DMAAC-16) polymer had excellent solubility and excellent properties such as temperature and shear resistance.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, crystal structure and DFT investigation of the Cu(II) complex with mixed 2,2’-dimethylmalonate/2,2'-bipyridine ligands

In this study; a mixed ligand Cu(II) complex, [Cu(Me2mal)(bpy)(H2O)]∙H2O (Me2mal-2= Dimethylmalonate dianion, bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) was synthesized and characterized experimentally and theoretically by IR, UV and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with space group Pnnm. In the complex, the Cu center is coordinated by a Me2mal-2 dianion and a bpy molecule, and the N2O2 exhibits square-planar geometry. The axial position was occupied by the water molecule. The crystal packing of the complex is stabilized by O-H…O hydrogen bonds and  interactions. The contribution of hydrogen bonding and  stacking interactions to crystal packing was also investigated. Theoretical calculations using the DFT method were also carried out in this study. DFT (B3LYP/6-31G) and TD-DFT (B3LYP/LanL2DZ) calculation methods were used to obtain the geometric, vibrational and electronic properties of the synthesized complex and the obtained theoretical calculation results and experimental results are presented comparatively in this study.

Silver and Titanium Oxides Coated on g-C3N4 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Mixture of Brilliant Green-Congo Red Dyes and Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic Under Visible Light Irradiation

Silver and titanium oxides coated graphitic carbon nitride (Ag2O/TiO2/g-C3N4) nanocomposite was created by a single-step thermal polymerization. The Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), photoluminescence (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were within the numerous techniques used to characterize this nanocomposite. Both the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and the Tauc plot indicated that the Ag2O/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite had a lower electron-hole pair recombination rate and lower band gap energy. The coating of Ag2O and TiO2 on g-C3N4 was verified by TEM. The Ag2O/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite was used in the photocatalytic degradation of a Brilliant green (BG)-Congo red (CR) dye combination and ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic under visible light irradiation. According to the research, under visible light irradiation, the Ag2O/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalytic activity simultaneously degraded a mixture of BG-CR dyes, with BG (93%) and CR (85%) degrading percentages in 70 min and CIP (82%) degrading in 120 min. Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were primarily responsible for the degradation of BG and CR dyes under visible light irradiation, whereas holes and hydroxyl radicals were investigated as important oxidative species in the photocatalytic degradation of CIP utilizing the Ag2O/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite.Graphical

Mechanical properties of (Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19)x/(Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 composite impacted in seawater

In the present work, the effect of adding Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19 hard nanoparticles and the immersion in seawater for different durations (0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h) on the mechanical characteristics of the Bi, Pb-2223 superconductor phase were studied. A conventional solid-state reaction method was used to produce the (Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19)x/(Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 composites (0.00 ≤ x < 0.40 wt%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the primary phase formation of the tetragonal (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) studies were also carried out to demonstrate the microstructural analyses of the samples during seawater immersion. Compared to the pure (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase, SEM and EDX verified the improvement of the adsorption of seawater elements upon adding the nanoparticles. This resulted in faster grain size reduction in the (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase than in the pure sample before immersion. Vickers microhardness () Measurements were performed for 30 s at room temperature, with applied stresses ranging from 0.49 to 9.80 N after immersion in the seawater for different durations (0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h). For the sample with x = 0.04 wt%, values enhanced with percentages of 67.72% and 98.44%, before and after immersion in seawater for 24 h, respectively. This suggests that the mechanical properties of the (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase were enhanced by a small addition of these nanoparticles and the salts of seawater adsorbed on the sample’s surface. The modified proportional sample resistance (MPSR) model offered the most accurate theoretical analysis in the plateau limit region, before and after seawater immersions, with a less than 5% variance. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19 into the superconductor had a positive impact on several mechanical characteristics, including fracture toughness (K), yield strength (Y), and elastic modulus (E). All these mechanical parameter values followed the same trend, increasing with the increase in immersion time. However, they are at their height with the presence of 0.04 wt% of these nanoparticles. The toughness increased by 27.31% of the pure sample at this point. After that, when the immersion time rose from 0 to 24 h, this number increased by 42.59%.

Mining and industrial processing wastes of phosphate rocks in Egypt: potentiality of rare earth elements

Abstract Globally, Egypt ranked the eighth position in the production of phosphorus with about 5 million tons annually. Phosphate ore is considered one of the commonest sources of rare earth elements (REEs). Mining and industrial processes (beneficiation) of phosphate ore produce huge amounts of wastes in different sizes. The present study aims to evaluate the potentiality of the phosphate ore wastes as a source of rare earth elements (REEs). The study targeted some phosphate production sites in Egypt, including: Abu Tartur, West and East El-Sebaiya phosphate mines, in addition to the fertilizers factory in Assiut. The collected waste samples, during 2023, were analyzed in terms of mineralogical composition using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and chemical composition using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence). The results of chemical analysis recorded the highest concentrations of Y, Ce, La, Nd, Sc, Sm, U, and Th in Abu Tartur waste samples, while the lowest concentrations were recorded in the fertilizers factory waste samples. These wastes contain higher concentrations of REEs than the Algerian and USA wastes. Furthermore, an enrichment of the mostly environmental hazardous elements As, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Se are detected in Abu Tartur and West and East El-Sebaiya. Thus, the wastes from the industry and mining processing of phosphate represented a vital economic source for the production of REEs. The use of wastes for production of trace and rare earth elements represents an economic and environmental add value for phosphate industry.

Byproduct-based zeolite type A as absorbent material for decontamination of simulated radioactive wastewater

The secure disposal of radioactive wastewater, a waste from nuclear operations, presents a significant challenge due to the presence of hazardous radionuclides like cesium. The efficient removal of cesium, a major fission product with a long half-life and potent radiation, is crucial for environmental and human health protection. Zeolites, with their high ion exchange capacity and porous structure, offer a promising solution for cesium removal from wastewater. The potential to synthesize zeolites from abundant and cost-effective agro-industrial residues further enhances their appeal for sustainable wastewater treatment. The present study investigates the adsorption of cesium from simulated radioactive wastewater using zeolite type A synthesized from sugarcane bagasse ash, a readily available Brazilian byproduct. The synthesized zeolite was characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis techniques. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of high-purity zeolite A with excellent adsorption capacity for cesium. The structural integrity and thermal stability of the zeolite were maintained even after cesium adsorption, making it suitable for immobilization processes. The findings highlight the potential of zeolite synthesized from sugarcane bagasse ash as an effective and sustainable material for the treatment and removal of cesium from radioactive wastewater, contributing to environmental remediation efforts in the nuclear industry.

Green Synthesis of Eosin-Y Coated Silver Nanoparticles for Sensitive and Selective Fluorometric Detection of L-Dopa.

This study is to produce biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by utilizing aqueous extracts derived from Turnera Sublata (TS) leaves under visible light. Subsequently, these nanoparticles are coated with eosin-yellow (EY) to enhance sensitivity and selectivity in L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) detection. This method encompasses the deposition of metal onto the Ag NPs, resulting in the formation of EY-AgNPs. The crystalline, spherical nanoparticles, prepared as described, exhibit a particle size of 20nm. Different instruments were used to characterize them, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The spherical structured morphology and size of the EY-AgNPs has been confirmed through SAED and TEM studies. This study pioneered the integration of characteristic hydroxyl-Ag chemistry and specialized steric interference of organic pigment in luminescent AgNPs to develop a simple method for detecting dopa. The sensor's dynamic range and limit of detection were assessed. Experimental results revealed that green-emitting AgNPs shielded by interference from biogenic AgNPs and the strong affinity of hydroxyl-silver provided a high-sensitivity detection limit of 1.84 nM. Furthermore, a new green approach for sensor development using human serum albumin (HSA) assay demonstrated that organic dye on the surface of nanomaterials further enhances sensing properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of PVC/(Co3O4/CNT)@Au Semiconductor Nanocomposite for Enhanced Medium-Voltage Cable Insulation

Abstract This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel PVC/(Co3O4/CNT)@Au nanocomposite for enhanced medium-voltage cable insulation. The nanocomposite was developed by incorporating Co3O4 octahedron nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and gold nanoparticles (Au) into a polyvinyl chloride matrix. Compared to standard PVC insulation, the nanocomposite exhibited a 3% improvement in relative permittivity (increased from 2.34 to 2.41) and significantly enhanced field uniformity, as evidenced by simulation studies. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy confirmed the successful integration of nanofillers and highlighted their contributions to the composite’s properties. Optical characterization revealed a direct bandgap of 4.60 eV and an Urbach energy of 0.3674 eV, indicating a wide-bandgap semiconductor with moderate structural disorder. AC conductivity measurements demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior, while dielectric constant and loss analyses suggested the material’s potential for energy storage and insulation applications. The choice of Co3O4 and CNTs was guided by their synergistic impact on charge trapping, field grading, and thermal management, while Au nanoparticles enhanced charge transfer and local electric field distribution. These findings demonstrate the nanocomposite’s promise in addressing the limitations of traditional PVC insulation, offering improved dielectric performance, reliability, and durability for power transmission and distribution systems.&amp;#xD;

Neutral and ionic Co(II) metal-organic frameworks with 2-methylimidazole and trimesate: design and evaluation for molecule encapsulation and slow release.

Two Co(II) mixed-ligand metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on 2-methylimidazole and trimesate were synthesised at room temperature. The structure and properties of the two MOFs, named material Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron-1 and -2 (mDESY-1 and mDESY-2), were verified by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), SQUID magnetic susceptibility and N2 adsorption. The structural analysis indicates that mDESY-1 is a 3D ionic framework with 2-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium counterions residing in its pores, while mDESY-2 is a 2D neutral framework isostructural to ITH-1, with water as a co-crystallising solvent. PXRD data demonstrates that mDESY-1 exhibits better crystallinity than mDESY-2. Magnetic measurements indicate that both MOFs are paramagnetic with a weak ferromagnetic transition above room temperature. Although both structures suggest the presence of voids, N2 adsorption data confirms that these voids are not accessible in either MOF. Nevertheless, mDESY-1 was capable of encapsulating azobenzene during synthesis, which was observed via SCXRD. The encapsulated molecules were then slowly released in ethanol, with a release of up to 30 mg of azobenzene per g of MOF in a period of 60 days.

Pressure-Induced Dehydration and Reversible Recrystallization of Dihydrogen-Bonded Sodium Borohydride Dihydrate NaBH4·2H2O.

Sodium borohydride dihydrate (NaBH4·2H2O) forms through dihydrogen bonding between the hydridic hydrogen of the BH4- ion and the protonic hydrogen of the water molecule. High-pressure structural changes in NaBH4·2H2O, observed up to 11 GPa through X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectroscopy, were analyzed to assess the influence of dihydrogen bonds on its crystal structure. At approximately 4.6 GPa, certain dihydrogen bonds were broken, leading to the decomposition of NaBH4·2H2O into ambient pressure phase of NaBH4 (α-NaBH4) and ice VII. Upon further compression beyond 6.6 GPa, NaBH4 gradually transformed into its high-pressure phase, γ-NaBH4. During decompression, γ-NaBH4 reverted to α-NaBH4 at the pressure between 4.4 and 2.7 GPa and subsequently reacted with ice VII, resulting in the recrystallization of NaBH4·2H2O. This recrystallization, occurring during decompression from 4.4 to 2.7 GPa, is identical to the starting sample and can be termed "decompression-induced recrystallization", highlighting the strength of the dihydrogen bonds in NaBH4·2H2O. In addition, density functional theory calculations were used to evaluate the pressure dependence of hydrogen-hydrogen (H-H) distances in NaBH4·2H2O. As pressure increased, the number of dihydrogen bonds within the unit cell rose from seven at near-ambient pressure to 12 at approximately 4.5 GPa just before the dehydration, indicating that each hydrogen atom in the water molecule formed dihydrogen bonds with around three hydrogens from the BH4- ions just prior to dehydration. Such pressure tuning of dihydrogen bonds may lead to the creation of new energy storage materials.

Application of the aza-Wittig reaction for the synthesis of carboranyl Schiff bases, benzothiazoles and benzoselenazolines.

The aza-Wittig reaction was successfully applied to the synthesis of carboranyl-imines, which are difficult to obtain by classical methods. A variety of functionalized carboranyl Schiff bases was obtained proving the great scope of the methodology. All compounds were fully characterized, including the solid-state structures of six of them. The aza-Wittig reaction was modified to permit the synthesis in one step of carboranyl-benzothiazole and carboranyl-benzoselenazoline derivatives. The stability studies show that the carboranyl-imines and benzothiazole promote deboronation to the nido-derivatives, which is achieved by simple reaction with methanol or protic solvents. The structures of the nido-derivatives were also studied by X-ray diffraction. In contrast, the saturated derivatives, amine and benzoselenazoline, do not promote deboronation and are stable in protic solvents.

Fabrication, characterization and performance analysis of sol–gel dip coated SnO2 thin film

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) is widely utilized in various fields of electronics and optoelectronics, including touch-screen technology, thin-film solar cells, dye-synthesized solar cells (DSSC), and more. Yet, the costs associated with TCO films can be substantial, for instance, roughly 40% of the total expenses of the dye-synthesized solar cells are due to the use of this component. Therefore, fabricating TCO using Tin oxide (SnO2) using the sol–gel dip coating method is the central theme of this study. Where emphasis has been given to attaining high performance using locally available low-cost materials in Bangladesh. Moreover, to find out the electrical and optical properties of the fabricated SnO2 thin film UV spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), four-point probe measurement, and thickness measurement have been done. In addition, uniformity and cracks in the crystals, and morphological images have been observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A thin layer with a thickness of 144 nm and a resistivity of 2.27 Ω-cm has been created after 16 times dipping in sol–gel solution. The findings indicate that the thin films have an average transmittance of roughly 70% in the 300–1200 nm wavelength range. Furthermore, the outcome also reveals that the thin films’ average band gap is approximately 3.533 eV. The experimentally obtained data have been included in the simulation for performance analysis. As demonstrated by the simulation, by using this TCO, a maximum efficiency of 17.525% may be attained in a CdTe solar cell. If manufactured correctly, SnO2 TCO could potentially rival traditional FTO or ITO based TCOs in solar cell research.

Optimization of Mechanical Properties and Durability of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete by Nano CaCO3 and Nano TiC to Improve Material Sustainability

To meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials in modern construction projects, nanomaterials are widely used in concrete to improve its mechanical properties, durability, and environmental adaptability. The effects of different calcium carbonate nanoparticles (NC) and titanium carbide nanoparticles (NT) substitution rates (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) on the mechanical and durability properties of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) were analyzed by experimental studies. We also analyzed the evolution of the microstructure, chemical composition, and the evolution of functional groups of concrete by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results demonstrated that NC replacement of 0.5% and NT replacement of 1% was the optimal combination for the preparation of composite concrete. Compared to SFRC with 0% substitution for both NC and NT (CG), the 28-day compressive strength of NC0.5NT1 increased by 35.5%, the flexural strength increased by 26.5%, and the splitting tensile strength increased by 16.3%. The durability performance of SFRC has been significantly improved. After 150 freeze–thaw cycles, the quality loss rate of SFRC cured for 28 days decreased by 40.6%, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus increased by 7.7%. Microscopic analysis indicates that an appropriate amount of NC and NT replacing cement improves the hydration reaction process of SFRC, increases the content of chemically more stable C-S-H gel, but does not change the types of hydration products of the cement. NC and NT have a filling effect, improving the pore structure of concrete, which helps enhance the mechanical and durability performance of concrete. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the application of NC and NT as reinforcing particles for cementitious materials in sustainable building materials.

Enhanced Ciprofloxacin Ozonation Degradation by an Aqueous Zn-Cu-Ni Composite Silicate: Degradation Performance and Surface Mechanism

This study investigates the environmental significance of ciprofloxacin as an emerging contaminant and the need for effective degradation methods. The chemical coprecipitation method was used in this study to prepare the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate, serving as a heterogeneous ozonation catalyst. The catalytic activity was then evaluated by degrading ciprofloxacin (CIP). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) were used to characterize the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate. The catalyst had a high surface area (308.137 m2/g), no regular morphology, and a particle size of 7.6 µm and contained Si-O-Si, Ni-O-Si, and Zn-O-Si. The results showed that the CIP degradation and mineralization rates (pH 7.0, CIP 3.0 mg/L, Ozone 1.5 mg/L) were significantly enhanced in the presence of the Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate. The CIP and total organic carbon (TOC) removal rates were increased by 51.09% and 18.72%, respectively, under optimal conditions, compared with ozonation alone. The adsorption of Zn-Cu-Ni composite silicate, ozone oxidation, and ·OH oxidation synergistically promoted the efficient removal of CIP. This study provides valuable catalytic ozone technology for degradation of antibiotics in wastewater to reduce environmental pollution with potential practical applications.