Distinct Peaks Research Articles

Annealing temperature induced micro-structural, opto-electronic, electrical and fluorescence properties of the sol–gel synthesized CdO nanoparticles through the analytical study of vacancy-type defects

Cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized through the simple sol–gel route using cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and aqueous ammonium hydroxide as precursors. Synthesised products were annealed at different temperatures in the range of 250 °C–500 °C. The annealed samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–visible absorption (UV–Vis), room temperature Fluorescence (FL) measurements, Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopic measurements (PALS) and resistivity measurements. Through the utilization of XRD method, it was shown that the particle size varies from 15 nm to 35 nm and unit cell volume exhibit an increase, while the lattice strain decreases as the annealing temperature is raised. The interplanar distance reduces as temperature increases, and the presence of defects can explain the minimal fluctuation in lattice characteristics. There is an inverse relationship between lattice strain and dislocation density of the pristine CdO NPs. The Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis demonstrated a decrease in compressive lattice strain as particle sizes increased. The TEM and FESEM techniques were used to analyze the nearlyspherical morphological characteristics of CdO NPs, and thesize-related XRD results were further supported by the histogram plots from TEM. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the band gap energy drops from 4.02 eV to 3.33 eV as the particle size increases, which may be attributed to the quantum confinement effect and the presence of defect states in the energy band gap. The distinct emission peaks of CdO NPs are detected in the fluorescence spectra at the wavelengths 488 nm, 529 nm and 584 nm. These findings indicate a modest correlation between the emission bands and the energy band gap. The strength of the emission peaks has been amplified as the annealing temperature increases, indicating a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies with increase in annealing temperatures. PALS shows the concentration of vacancy-clusters are reduced with the increase in temperature, which justifies the decrease in resistivity (from ∼ 1 × 102 to 2 × 10−2 Ω cm) with rise in annealing temperature as measured by the standard four-probe method. These characteristics of the NPs can be utilized in various optoelectronic and energy storage applications.

Synthesis of Mn doped nanostructured zinc oxide thin films for H2 gas sensing

Thin films of zinc oxide and (ZnO:Mn) with 1% and 3% concentrations were created at 400 °C by spray pyrolysis. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation, ZnO films are polycrystalline and have a cubic structure with a distinct peak in one direction (101). The grain size increases as manganese content rise, from 12.66 nm to 14.66 nm. While the strain (ε) for ZnO reduced after manganese doping, it decreased from 27.36 to 23.63. Surface topography and nanostructure study reveal that as the manganese (Mn) content of ZnO films increased, cluster grain size, average roughness, and root mean square roughness (Rrms) all significantly reduced. SEM images show substantial morphological changes from flat islands to spherical nano-grains post-manganese via Mn content. The average transmittance was >70% in the visible area for Undoped ZnO and 1, 3% Manganese doping optical transmittance demonstrates exceptional optical transparency. When doping levels are increased by 1% or 3%, the absorption coefficient rises. The optical band gap widens in ZnO: Mn film for allowed direct transition has been decreased from (3.32 to 3.21) eV. Results illustrate that the films' refractive index and extinction coefficient decreases with increasing Mn Doped. Hydrogen gas decreases resistance in ZnO films, suggesting p-type behavior. Doping with 3% Mn increases resistance. Decreased sensitivity with higher Mn content after hydrogen gas exposure indicates increased electrical resistance in the film.

Cryogenic nonlinear microscopy of high-Q metasurfaces coupled with transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers

Abstract Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) demonstrate plenty of unique properties due to the band structure. Symmetry breaking brings second-order susceptibility to meaningful values resulting in the enhancement of corresponding nonlinear effects. Cooling the TMDC films to cryogenic temperatures leads to the emergence of two distinct photoluminescence peaks caused by the exciton and trion formation. These intrinsic excitations are known to enhance second harmonic generation. The nonlinear signal can be greatly increased if these material resonances are boosted by high-quality factor geometric resonance of all-dielectric metasurfaces. Here, we experimentally observe optical second harmonic generation caused by excitons of 2D semiconductor MoSe2 at room and cryogenic temperatures enhanced by spectrally overlapped high-Q resonance of TiO2 nanodisks metasurface. The enhancement reaches two orders of magnitude compared to the case when the resonances are not spectrally overlapped.

Investigate the biological activities of Lawsonia inermis extract synthesized from TiO2 doped graphene oxide nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were made by reacting graphene oxide (GO) with Lawsonia inermis leaf extract. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles composed of a variety of anatase phases. Initially, UV-vis spectroscopy was performed to confirm the biogenesis of TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles (NP's). Using SEM, the research showed that the biosynthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were mostly spherical, polydispersed, and of a nanoscale size. Because of the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) pattern, distinct and robust peaks of titanium (Ti) and oxygen (O) were observed, which were supportive of the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles. By using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, it was demonstrated that terpenoids, flavonoids, and proteins are involved in the biosynthesis and production of TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles. 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were conducted to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles. Additionally, the TiO2 doped GO NPs had enhanced antioxidant activity when compared with the TiO2 matrix. A series of pure TiO2 and TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles (5, 10, 50, and 100 mg/mL) solutions were investigated for their antibacterial activities. In the current study, zebrafish embryos exposed to pure TiO2 and TiO2 doped GO nanoparticles were toxic and suffered a low survival rate based on concentration. During photocatalysis, O2˙ and ˙OH radicals are rapidly produced because of the reactive species trapping experiment. It was estimated that pure TiO2 nanoparticles and those doped with GO were 80% effective in degrading methyl orange(MO) after 120 min, respectively. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The UV-vis absorption spectra showed a maximum absorbance peak at 290 nm. SEM, the pure TiO2 doped GO NPs exhibit agglomeration and spherical shape. When tested in zebrafish embryos, TiO2 NPs are toxic at high concentrations. GO nanoparticles showed better antioxidant activity. NPs exhibited concentration dependent antioxidative activity.

Novel Hybrid Copper-Based Electrode for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Lactic Acid Sensing in Milk Samples

A novel developed non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor was designed for the detection of lactic acid (LA) in perishable products, with a focus on monitoring milk spoilage. The sensor utilizes a hybrid copper-based electrode consisting of cuprous oxide (Cu2O), copper oxide (CuO), and copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2), which collectively contribute to enhanced performance through their synergistic effects. Cyclic voltammetric studies revealed distinct oxidation peaks associated with LA detection, highlighting the superior catalytic effect of the Cu2O/CuO/Cu(OH)2 electrode compared to CuO alone. Further optimization of the metal loading on the electrode surface led to improve LA sensing properties. The sensor exhibited a wide linear response range (0.25–7 mM), high sensitivity (817.66 μA·mM−1·cm−2), and a low limit of detection (0.25 mM). Selectivity tests indicated negligible interference from common dairy product constituents, while stability tests showed consistent performance over a 3 week storage period (100% stability). The practical usability of the sensor was demonstrated through the quantitative analysis of LA in pasteurized milk, with recovery values ranging from 99.7% to 106.9%, confirming the feasibility of the sensor for real sample analysis. The developed multiphase copper-based electrode presents a promising platform for the sensitive and reliable detection of LA within the dairy industry.

Dominant heat transfer mechanism with conical roughness in a cubical box in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection

In the present study, we numerically investigate the effect of Prandtl number on the heat transfer mechanism in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection inside a cubical box endowed with conical roughness elements. The Rayleigh number is kept fixed at Ra=108, while the Prandtl number (Pr) varies from 1 to 50. In contrast to the monotonic increasing trend of the Nusselt number (Nu∼Pr0.27) in the two-dimensional (2D) roughness explored previously [Sharma et al., “Influence of Prandtl number in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection over rough surfaces,” Phys. Rev. Fluids 7, 104609 (2022)], it assumes an invariant behavior (∼Pr0.012) for three dimensional (3D), though it is approximately 50% higher than its smooth counterpart. Flow intensity, measured in terms of Reynolds number (Re), drops with increasing Pr showing consistently lower magnitude for the 3D configuration. The addition of roughness elements is observed to disrupt the preferred orientation of large-scale circulation (LSC). The effect is predominant for lower Pr, where the roughness interferes most with the natural bias of LSC toward the diagonal planes of the cubical box. The analysis of plume statistics reveals that both coverage and intensity of plumes are augmented for the roughened cell. Increased homogeneity in the flow at higher Pr is reflected by the emergence of a more pronounced and distinguishable peak in probability density functions of temperature and velocity. Temporal spectra and variance data substantiate augmented intensity of fluctuations in the rough cell, while behavioral differences in the flow at different Pr are elucidated by using cross correlation of vertical velocity and temperature fluctuations.

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence of novel Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+ doped LaCa4O(BO3)3: Insights at low and room temperatures

This study explores the structural and optical qualities of LaCa4O(BO3)3 (LACOB) phosphors doped with Eu3+, Dy3+, and Tb3+ using a microwave-assisted sol-gel technique. It uncovers oxygen-related luminescence defects in LACOB, highlighting emission peaks at 489 and 585 nm for Dy3+, a distinct sharp peak at 611 nm for Eu3+ in the red spectrum, and a notable green emission for Tb3+ due to specific transitions. The photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicates that luminescence is optimized through precise doping, leveraging dipole interactions, and localized resonant energy transfer, which are influenced by dopant concentration and spatial configuration. Temperature studies show emission intensity variations, particularly noticeable below 100 K for Tb3+ doped samples, demonstrating the nuanced balance between thermal quenching and luminescence efficiency. This temperature dependency, alongside the identified optimal doping conditions, underscores the potential of these materials for advanced photonic applications, offering insights into their thermal behavior and emission mechanisms under different conditions.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of physical and chemical compatibilization on the properties of thermoplastic elastomers derived from natural rubber and polypropylene blends

The objective of this research was to improve the compatibility between Natural Rubber/Polypropylene NR/PP blends through physical and chemical compatibilization methods. The physical compatibilization involved the use of epoxidized natural rubber/maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (ENR50/PP-g-MA) as a dual compatibilizing agent (CA50), while the process of reactive compatibilization entailed chemically modifying NR and PP phases through the grafting maleic anhydride (MA). Several formulations were prepared by melt mixing using a Brabender plasti-corder. The effects of physical and chemical compatibilization on the technical properties were investigated. FTIR analysis revealed the emergence of two distinctive peaks corresponding to the CO group of MA grafted onto PP and NR chains. FTIR analysis has also confirmed the taking place of reactions between the polar functional groups of PP-g-MA and ENR50. The rheological properties indicated that the viscosity of the NR-g-MA/PP-g-MA is lower than those of the control blend and CA50-based NR/PP system. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical findings corroborated the improvement of interfacial adhesion between NR/PP phases, especially for the NR/PP/CA50 system. SEM examination demonstrated a more uniform dispersion of the PP phase in the CA50-based NR/PP, compared to the control blend and NR-g-MA/PP-MA. NR-g-MA/PP-g-MA exhibits greater miscibility and interaction potential compared to the control NR/PP, and less than NR/(ENR50/PP-g-MA)/PP system. DFT calculations further validate the effect of compatibilization methods on TPE blends. Specifically, Quantum molecular descriptors revealed the role of ENR50/PP-g-MA as an intermediary in facilitating compatibility between NR/PP. These findings indicate that the physical compatibilization method approach using ENR50/PP-g-MA as a dual compatibilizer is a potential compatibilizer for NR/PP.

Unveiling dual crystallization peaks in Zn2P2O7 glass: Insights into stability, nucleation, and growth kinetics

This study reports on the successful synthesis of Zn2P2O7 glass using the conventional melt-quenching method. The state of the material has been investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), to verify its amorphous and glassy state with the onset of two distinct crystallization peaks. These peaks were indicative of the transition to α-Zn2P2O7 and γ-Zn2P2O7 phases during the annealing process, a finding that was supported by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. This marked the inaugural occasion where the stabilization of both Zn2P2O7 phases from their respective annealed glassy state was achieved. The crystallization kinetics and associated parameters of Zn2P2O7 glass were deeply delved into, with various models including Kissinger, Ozawa, and the Matusita-Sakka approach. The applied models elucidate the mechanisms of growth and nucleation within the glass matrix. This kinetic study provided valuable insights into the crystallization process, revealing that α-Zn2P2O7 is both kinetically and thermally more stable than the γ-phase. However, it is less thermodynamically stable compared to the γ-phase. Besides, the study of phase transformations and crystallization kinetics was enhanced by the analysis of the Avrami index.

Monometallic heteroleptic complexes of Dy(III) ion incorporating β-diketone and ancillary moieties: Photophysical and electrochemical analyses

Several luminescent ternary dysprosium complexes were synthesized and examined using diketone ligand 1,3-diphenylprop-1,3-dione (DPD) and various auxiliary ligands. Spectroscopic analysis was carried out to determine the structural and photophysical features of Dy (III) complexes. IR and proton NMR spectroscopic studies suggested the bonding of chelating moieties to the metal ion through oxygen and nitrogen atom. The optical and electronic band gap is evaluated which proposed the conducting behaviour of dysprosium complexes. Upon excitation with UV radiation, three distinct emission peaks of the Dy (III) ion are appeared at about 485 nm (J = 15/2), 575 nm (13/2) and 664 nm (11/2) corresponding to the transitions of type 4F9/2 → 6HJ. The strongest emission peak obtained at ∼ 575 nm is responsible for yellow emission of Dy (III) complexes. The yellow to blue (Y/B) ratio estimated for the transition J = 13/2 / J = 15/2 were found to be in the range of 4.19 – 2.80. The quantum yield was also determined for the Dy (III) complexes which is as: Φ1 = 0.315, Φ2 = 0.261, Φ3 = 0.183, Φ4 = 0.157. The synthesized dysprosium complexes demonstrate luminescence lifetime in decreasing order i.e. 0.600 ms > 0.510 ms > 0.431 ms > 0.323 ms. Furthermore, the chromaticity coordinates also confirm their yellow luminous behavior. These newly synthesized complexes could be utilized for developing systems significant for lighting, OLEDs and displays due to their luminous features.

Quantitative assessment of full-width at half-maximum and detector energy threshold in X-ray imaging systems

BackgroundThe response function of imaging systems is regularly considered to improve the qualified maps in various fields. More the accuracy of this function, the higher the quality of the images. MethodsIn this study, a distinct analytical relationship between full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) value and detector energy thresholds at distinct tube peak voltage of 100 kV has been addressed in X-ray imaging. The outcomes indicate that the behavior of the function is exponential. The relevant cut-off frequency and summation of point spread function S(PSF) were assessed at large and detailed energy ranges. ResultsA compromise must be made between cut-off frequency and FWHM to determine the optimal model. By detailed energy range, the minimum and maximum of S(PSF) values were revealed at 20 keV and 48 keV, respectively, by 2979 and 3073. Although the maximum value of FWHM occurred at the energy of 48 keV by 224 mm, its minimum value was revealed at 62 keV by 217 mm. Generally, FWHM value converged to 220 mm and S(PSF) to 3026 with small fluctuations. Consequently, there is no need to increase the voltage of the X-ray tube after the energy threshold of 20 keV. ConclusionThe proposed FWHM function may be used in designing the setup of the imaging parameters in order to reduce the absorbed dose and obtain the final accurate maps using the related mathematical suggestions.

Synthesis, structural investigations, in vitro cytotoxicity, apoptotic activity, cell cycle analysis, and molecular modeling studies of nano‐sized Zn(II) Schiff base complex

A new novel tetradentate ligand, [(1E,1′E)‐N,N′‐(1,2‐phenylene)bis(1‐(5‐(2‐fluorophenyl)furan‐2‐yl)methanimine) (PFPFMI), and its nano‐sized [Zn(PFPFMI)Cl2].3H2O complex were synthesized. The geometry of PFPFMI and its Zn(II) complex was described through CHN analyses, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and mass spectral data tests. The spectral data of the nano‐sized [Zn(PFPFMI)Cl2].3H2O complex indicates that the PFPFMI ligand functions as a tetradentate (N2O2) coordination through two azomethine nitrogen groups (N) and two furan ring oxygen (O) atoms. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed using the molecular studio software to investigate the optimal geometry of PFPFMI and its [Zn(PFPFMI)Cl2].3H2O complex. The SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) analyses of the studied complex unveil distinct and strong diffraction peaks, indicating its crystalline nature and providing evidence of its nano‐sized particle sizes. Additionally, the inhibition zone diameter was used to assess the in vitro antimicrobial action of PFPFMI and the particular complex against Gram‐positive bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis, Gram‐negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Geotricum candidum, Syncephalastrum racemosum, and Candida tropicalis. The [Zn(PFPFMI)Cl2].3H2O complex exhibits higher activity than the ligand PFPFMI. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized [Zn(PFPFMI)Cl2].3H2O complex was explored using MCF7 (breast cancer), HCT116 (colon cancer), A549 (lung cancer), HePG‐2 (liver cancer), A375 (melanoma cancer), and normal lung fibroblast (WI38) cell lines. Based on IC50 and selective index (SI) values, it was shown that the complex exhibited higher potency against MCF7 cell lines. Moreover, the Zn(II) complex exhibited the ability to induce DNA damage in MCF7 cells, resulting in dose‐dependent cell apoptosis. Subsequent investigations revealed that complex 2 also induced cell cycle arrest in the G2 and S phases.

Wind tunnel investigations of an individual pitch control strategy for wind farm power optimization

Abstract. This article presents the results of an experimental wind tunnel study which investigates a new control strategy named Helix. The Helix control employs individual pitch control for sinusoidally varying yaw and tilt moments to induce an additional rotational component in the wake, aiming to enhance wake mixing. The experiments are conducted in a closed-loop wind tunnel under low-turbulence conditions to emphasize wake effects. Highly sensorized model wind turbines with control capabilities similar to full-scale machines are employed in a two-turbine setup to assess wake recovery potential and explore loads on both upstream and downstream turbines. In a single-turbine study, detailed wake measurements are carried out using a fast-response five-hole pressure probe. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in energy content within the wake, with distinct peaks for clockwise and counterclockwise movements at Strouhal numbers of approximately 0.47. Both upstream and downstream turbine dynamic equivalent loads increase when applying the Helix control. The time-averaged wake flow streamwise velocity and rms value reveal a faster wake recovery for actuated cases in comparison to the baseline. Phase-locked results with azimuthal position display a leapfrogging behavior in the baseline case in contrast to the actuated cases, where distorted shedding structures in the longitudinal direction are observed due to a changed thrust coefficient and an accompanying lateral vortex shedding location. Additionally, phase-locked results with the additional frequency reveal a tip vortex meandering, which enhances faster wake recovery. Comparing the Helix cases with clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, the latter exhibits slightly higher gains and faster wake recovery. This difference is attributed to Helix' additional rotational component acting in either the same or the opposite direction as the wake rotation. Overall, both Helix cases exhibit significantly faster wake recovery compared to the baseline, indicating the potential of this technique for improved wind farm control.

Changes in soil erosion caused by wildfire: A conceptual biogeographic model

Soil erosion rates after wildfire are strongly controlled by intrinsic properties such as topography, weather, climate, soil, and vegetation. These landscape and hydroclimatic properties are important in determining post-fire erosion rates; however, their influence on post-fire erosion and their interaction with the intensity of a wildfire remains uncertain. A key limitation in resolving this uncertainty is the lack of conceptual models and frameworks for organising data related to the geomorphic sensitivity of landscapes to wildfire. Our aim is to develop a framework for consolidating understanding of post-fire erosion in the context of hydroclimatic conditions which contribute to system states, for example soil and vegetation properties, and wildfire regime. The framework is developed around a simple conceptual model where the change in erosion due to wildfire is a product of change in runoff generation and sediment supply, which is strongly related to landscape net primary productivity (NPP). We hypothesised that geomorphic sensitivity to wildfire should vary as a unimodal humped relationship across a gradient of NPP, peaking at an intermediate level. To develop this framework and to test the hypothesis, we first review intrinsic soil and vegetation properties related to the supply and transport of sediment from burned and unburned hillslopes. Net primary productivity is systematically related to these intrinsic properties because it integrates many processes involved in soil and vegetation development. Empirical data indicate a trend in the change in surface runoff generation with NPP after wildfire, peaking at an NPP of approximately 15 Mg C ha−1 y−1. A simple model of fuel availability and soil heating are correlated with a similar “humped” trend in sediment supply. These results are consistent with our conceptual model, which indicates that sediment supply and runoff contribute towards a distinct peak in wildfire effects on erosion at an intermediate level of NPP. We propose that landscapes of intermediate NPP typically have the highest quantity of fuel available to burn, which cause large changes to the soil surface properties. Landscapes at intermediate NPP also tend to produce intrinsic soil and vegetation properties that promote erosion after wildfire. The interplay between these short and long-term landscape characteristics is strongest at intermediate levels of NPP. Our proposed biogeographic model of geomorphic sensitivity to wildfire was supported by erosion data from burned hillslope and zero-order catchments studies from a range fire-prone landscapes in Australia and North America. Our proposed conceptual model will help identify areas most vulnerable to post-fire erosion changes.

Exploring the peel ash of musa acuminate as a heterogeneous green catalyst for producing biodiesel from Niger oil: A sustainable and circular bio economic approach

Currently, biodiesel stands as a sustainable and renewable alternative to depleting fossil fuels like petro-diesel. The widespread adoption of biodiesel production holds promise for enhancing environmental quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting societal-economic development. In line with this, our research has focused on synthesizing biodiesel from the novel and edible seed oil of Niger oil, utilizing a green catalyst derived from the calcination of banana peel ash at 600 °C for 4 h. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Diffraction X-Ray (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to assess the catalytic activity of the catalyst. Under optimized reaction conditions a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 15:1, catalyst loading of 1% (wt.%), reaction time of 4 h, and temperature of 70 °C we achieved a commendable biodiesel yield of 92.30%. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis of the biodiesel revealed four distinctive peaks corresponding to methyl esters. Results from Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) confirmed the presence of methyl esters in the biodiesel sample. Additionally, the fuel properties of the biodiesel, including density (0.904 kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (4.56 cst), cloud point (3 °C), pour point (2.8 °C), and flash point (149 °C), complied with international ASTM D standards. In conclusion, Niger biodiesel emerges as a highly promising, eco-friendly, reusable, and cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production, thereby holding significant potential for advancing sustainable energy solutions.

A neutrino floor for the Migdal effect

Neutrino-nucleus scatterings in the detector could induce electron ionization signatures due to the Migdal effect. We derive prospects for a future detection of the Migdal effect via coherent elastic solar neutrino-nucleus scatterings in liquid xenon detectors, and discuss the irreducible background that it constitutes for the Migdal effect caused by light dark matter-nucleus scatterings. Furthermore, we explore the ionization signal induced by some neutrino electromagnetic and non-standard interactions on nuclei. In certain scenarios, we find a distinct peak on the ionization spectrum of xenon around 0.1 keV, in clear contrast to the Standard Model expectation.

Ameliorative delivery of docetaxel and curcumin using PEG decorated lipomers: A cutting-edge in-vitro/ in-vivo appraisal

The development of a PEG-decorated lipid-polymer hybrid system camouflaged with natural and synthetic chemotherapeutic moieties is an influential approach melding the biomimetic properties of long-circulating vesicles to utilize different mechanisms to dwindle the tumor growth. Therefore, a safe and efficient lipid-coated nano-particulate system (LCNPs) was proposed to investigate the in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo demeanors of such amalgamation.Docetaxel loaded PLGA nanoparticles (DTX-NPs) were prepared by solvent evaporation while curcumin liposomes were mapped out using the film hydration method. Physicochemical characterizations were executed in terms of size, surface morphology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In-vitro cytotoxicity was effectuated using MCF-7 cell line. Hemolysis, erythrocyte aggregation and acute in-vivo toxicity were carried out to establish the biocompatibility. The hydrodynamic diameters of samples were in the nano-range and corresponded to the findings of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The absence of distinctive peaks of DTX-NPs in FTIR and DSC analysis of LCNPs depicts the shielding of the lipid bilayer over the nanoparticle. Cytotoxicity induced by the LCNPs represented the efficient delivery of cargo to the tumor cells. LCNPs also exhibited the least toxicity under ex-vivo and in-vivo circumstances compared to free drugs. Additionally, histological studies showed no evidence of substantial necrosis. Additionally, histological studies showed no evidence of notable necrosis.

Synthesis and erudite insight into the structural, luminescence and thermal sensing characteristics of Sm3+ incorporated [formula omitted]-BaB2O4 novel phosphors

In this paper, we have presented the comprehensive characterization of red-light-emitting novel β-BaB2O4:xSm3+ (x = 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 mol%) phosphor samples synthesized by making use of solid-state reaction method. The XRD patterns verified the successful synthesis and in-depth analyses were carried out to explore the structural, luminescence, and thermal properties. Notably, the introduction of Sm3+ through doping did not result in any substantial alterations in the crystal structure. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibited 4 distinct peaks for 401 nm excitation. Out of these 4 peaks, the prominent peak was present at 601 nm, attributed to the magnetic dipole-allowed transition 4G5/2 → 6H7/2. The colorimetric analysis revealed the correlated color temperature (CCT) to be around 1700 K, accompanied by 99.9 % colour purity. The optimal doping concentration, before luminescence quenching, was identified as 1 mol%, with multipole-multipole interactions identified as the predominant quenching mechanism. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) studies on β-BaB2O4:1%Sm3+ confirmed characteristic peaks corresponding to Sm3+ transitions, revealing an ionic bonding nature between Sm3+ and the host. Also, the direct optical band gap was determined to be 5.62 eV. Furthermore, the optimized phosphor demonstrated exceptional temperature-dependent photoluminescent (TDPL) properties, exhibiting a negligible (∼5 %) decrease in emission intensity for prominent peaks even at 440 K. Overall, the phosphors displayed high activation energy, significant thermal stability, and thermal sensing properties, making them promising candidates for various optoelectronic applications.

Ratiometric fluorescence method comprising carbon dots and rhodamine 6G encapsulated in metal-organic framework microcubes for curcumin detection.

A ratiometric fluorescence method comprising carbon dots (CDs) and rhodamine 6G (Rh-6G) encapsulated in the microcubes of metal-organic framework (MOF-5) is introduced for the sensitive detection of curcumin (Cur) in condiments. CDs@MOF-5@Rh-6G, synthesized by the adsorption of Rh-6G on MOF-5 embedded with CDs, showed two distinct emission peaks at 435 and 560nm under excitation at 335nm, and could be used for Cur detection by ratiometric fluorescence. In the presence of Cur, the fluorescence of the CDs at 435nm (F435) was quenched by Cur owing to internal filtering and dynamic quenching effects, whereas the emission of Rh-6G at 560nm (F560) remained unchanged (335nm is the excitation wavelength, 435 and 560nm are the emission wavelengths, in which F435/F560 values are used as the output results). Under optimal conditions, a linear relationship was observed between the Cur concentration (in the range 0.1-5μmol/L) and F435/F560 value for CDs@MOF-5@Rh-6G, with a detection limit of 15nmol/L. Notably, the proposed method could accurately detect Cur in mustard, curry, and red pepper powders. Therefore, this study could improvethe quality control of food and facilitate the development of sensitive ratiometric fluorescence probes.

Oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and photoluminescence studies of zinc stannate (ZnSnO3/Zn2SnO4) nanoparticles synthesized via [formula omitted] mediated route

A groundbreaking method utilizing Aloebarbadensismiller gel to synthesize novel zinc stannate nanoparticles in two distinct phases, followed by calcination at 600 °C, has been developed. Structural, optical, and electrochemical analyses were meticulously conducted to explore the impact of phase variation. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of face-centered perovskite and inverse spinel cubic structures for ZnSnO3 and Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles respectively, with irregular sizes and shapes observed in both phases. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed their purity. Tauc’s plot revealed direct energy band gaps of 3.45 eV and 3.4 eV for ZnSnO3 and Zn2SnO4 respectively, with photoluminescence emission spectra displaying distinct peaks at 646 nm and 647 nm. The study identified higher defect levels in the inverse spinel structure. Notably, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited promising characteristics for light-emitting diodes and display technology, with color-correlated temperatures (6810 and 6695 K) suggesting their potential application. Furthermore, the nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable performance in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) studies, with low overpotentials (η10) in the range of 269 mV and 273 mV along with a minimal Tafel slope of 76 mV dec−1 and stable electrochemical behavior over 45 h at a current density of 20 mA/cm2, indicating their efficacy as electrocatalysts. The current work unveils the novel synthesis of zinc stannate nanoparticles through an Aloebarbadensismiller gel, a method that stands out for its eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. We delve into uncharted territory by investigating these nanoparticles’ oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and photoluminescence properties, shedding light on their potential applications in energy conversion and sensing technologies. This pioneering study contributes to the understanding of zinc stannate nanoparticles’ behavior, paving the way for transformative advancements in various fields.