Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Eco-Friendly Green Synthesis of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Characterization and Application

In recent years the nanoparticle design synthesis methods conducted by plants replaced the traditional chemical procedures of nanoparticles preparations. This study demonstrates the environmental kindly preparations of chromium oxide nano particles (Cr2O3-NPs) using leaf extract of Mentha pulegium plant. The obtained Cr2O3-NPs was characterized by Ultra Violet /Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDX) and X-ray diffraction studying. The presence of the Sharp peak at 462 nm in the Ultraviolet/Visible spectrum and the color changed by surface plasma resonance explains that Cr2O3-NPs is formed. The presence of oxygen and chromium in Cr2O3-nanoparticles is reported by EDX spectrum, which was found to consist of 32.57% Cr and 44.41% O, confirming the high purity of the Cr2O3-NPs powder. Since Scan Electron Microscope studying reported an irregular round morphology shape. In addition, X-ray diffraction studying suggested their crystalline feature by the characteristic peaks at 2θ= 24.3°, 33.5°, 36.2°, 41.5°, 50.3°, 54.8°, 63.4°, and 65.2°, respectively. The average crystallite size for Cr2O3-NPs was found to be 58 nm. The photo catalytic activity of green synthesized chromium oxide-NPs was also analyzed.

Exploration of aspartame as a green and sustainable corrosion inhibitor for T95 steel in 28 wt.% HCl at elevated temperatures: effect of sodium dodecylsufate and KI addition on performance

Acidizing is a vital oil well stimulation exercise but must be done with an effective corrosion inhibitor to reduce corrosion risk. It is, however becoming increasingly difficult to find a corrosion inhibitor that is ecologically compatible and effective in strong acids and high temperatures. In this scientific communication, aspartame (ASP), sodium dodecylsufate (SDS), and potassium iodide (KI) blend is presented as a highly efficient inhibitor for T95 steel in 28 wt.% HCl solution at 60–90 °C. The corrosion inhibition investigation was performed using weight loss and electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy [EIS] and potentiodynamic polarization [PDP]) techniques complemented by surface analysis of the corroded steel without and with the inhibitor using scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDX), and 3D optical profilometry (OP). ASP is an effective corrosion inhibitor for T95 steel in an acidizing environment. The inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with an increase in concentration and temperature. The additives (SDS and KI) enhanced the inhibitive performance of ASP due to synergistic effects, especially at 90 °C where an IE of 96% is tenable. Results from SEM/EDS and OP disclose apparent ASP-based inhibitor adsorption on the T95 surface and a high level of protection.

Analytical Investigation of Microcrystalline Wood Charcoal Reinforced Polyester Composites Using ED-XRF, FTIR and SEM-EDS Techniques

Various weight fractions (ranging from 0 to 30 wt percent, at 5 wt percent intervals) of microcrystalline wood charcoal powder (75µm) were used to generate polyester-based particle reinforced composites. The developed wood charcoal (WC) particles reinforced polyester matrix composites were successfully characterized quantitatively, qualitatively, and functionally using an energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDXRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM) enhanced with ancillary EDS for elemental identification capability and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). High peaks of Fe2O3 (3456cps/mA), CaO (4369cps/mA), CuO (2017cps/mA), ZnO (1646cps/mA) and Iron, calcium, copper, zinc were discovered in wood charcoal by EDXRF. The characteristics of reinforced polymer composites were found to be improved by these elements and oxides. The key elements revealed by EDXRF analysis were also validated by EDS elemental mapping. Due to the uniform distribution of the filler particles, SEM images showed that composites with microcrystalline wood charcoal reinforcement had strong interfacial adhesion and interlocking. According to FTIR functional analysis, interactions between the polyester matrix molecules and the microcrystalline wood charcoal fillers resulted in very slight alterations in the frequency bands of functional groups that are typically present in unsaturated polyester resin.

Green synthesis, characterization of gold nanoparticles using Gundelia tournefortii leaf extract, and its cytotoxic activities

The present study focused on the environmentally friendly preparation, characterization, and certain biological activities of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) made with the Gundelia tournefortii (kenger) leaf extract. The results from devices such as transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer, and Fourier scanning electron microscope reveal the structures of nanoparticles. After an hour, the greatest surface plasmon resonance was discovered at 532.15 nm. The mean cubic crystallite size was calculated using the powder x-ray diffraction model and was found to be 23.53 nm. It was noted that the produced Au-NPs had spherical forms and hexagonal dimensions and ranged in size from 5 to 40 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration and a colorimetric method for determining cell metabolic activity test, respectively, were used to investigate the suppressive effects of Au-NPs on the growth of pathogenic bacteria and healthy and cancer cell lines.

Preparation and Properties of Biocomposite Prepared from Waste Polystyrene and Prospopis africana Biochar

Introduction: In this study, the pods of Prospopis Africana were thermochemically converted into biochar and combined with polystyrene resin in varying proportions to form composites. Method: The composites were then characterized to determine their characteristics using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a Scanning electron microscope coupled with the energy dispersive X-ray Spectrophotometer (SEM-EDX), and a Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Result: The FTIR analysis confirmed the changing or shifting of several peaks in the polystyrene resin and biochar samples. The hardness test showed that incorporating the Prosopis africana biochar into the solvated polystyrene matrix reduced the latter's hardness and reduced the impact value. SEM analysis showed that the biochar was firmly embedded in the polystyrene matrix, showing good adhesion between the matrix and the filler. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that composites produced from Prosopis africana biochar filler and polystyrene resin matrix could be used as adsorbents and in the fabrication of materials requiring good electrical and thermal properties.

Functionalization of Sodium Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide/Sodium Magnesium Silicate Hydrate Nanostructures Using 2,3-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde as a Novel Nanocomposite for the Efficient Removal of Cd(II) and Cu(II) Ions from Aqueous Media

Cd(II) and Cu(II) ions cause many diseases in humans. Therefore, they should be removed from water sources using simple and cost-effective adsorbents. Consequently, sodium magnesium silicate hydroxide/sodium magnesium silicate hydrate nanostructures were synthesized and functionalized using 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde as a novel nanocomposite. Several instruments were used to characterize the synthetic products, such as an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), an N2 adsorption/desorption analyzer, a CHN elemental analyzer, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS), and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The functionalization of the nanostructures with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde led to the disappearance of the XRD peaks of the nanostructures and the presence of a broad XRD peak at 2θ = 32°. In addition, the FE-SEM images revealed that the nanostructures consisted of spheres, cubes, and irregular shapes with an average grain size of 115 nm, and the nanocomposite consisted of spherical conglomerates consisting of needle-like shapes. The anticipated morphology following the functionalization of the nanostructures with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde resulted from the presence of 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde on the backbones of the nanostructures. The EDS results showed that the nanostructures were composed of O, Na, Mg, and Si with weight percentages equal to 38.59%, 5.95%, 16.60%, and 38.86%, respectively. Additionally, the nanocomposite was composed of C, N, O, Na, Mg, and Si with weight percentages equal to 55.31%, 2.23%, 30.09%, 6.56%, 2.98%, and 12.83%, respectively. The synthesized nanostructures and nanocomposite samples were utilized for the efficient removal of cadmium and copper ions from aqueous media using the ion exchange and chelation adsorption procedures, respectively. Optimum conditions for removing the cadmium and copper ions were achieved at a pH, time, and temperature equal to 7.5, 80 min, and 298 K, respectively. The maximum uptake capacities of the synthesized nanostructures and nanocomposite samples toward cadmium ions were 89.44 mg/g and 155.04 mg/g, respectively, and the maximum uptake capacities of the synthesized nanostructures and nanocomposite samples toward copper ions were 103.73 mg/g and 177.94 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption processes were exothermic, chemical, and followed the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir equilibrium isotherm model.

Characterization, Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nephrolepis exaltata Aqueous Extract.

The use of non-toxic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) by an aqueous plant extract has proven to be a viable and environmentally friendly method. Therefore, the present investigation is based on the FeO NPs synthesis by means of FeCl3·6H2O as a precursor, and the plant extract of Nephrolepis exaltata (N. exaltata) serves as a capping and reducing agent. Various techniques were used to examine the synthesized FeO NPs, such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR studies were used to identify different photoactive biomolecules at 3285, 2928, 1415, 1170, and 600 cm−1 in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm−1, indicating the -OH, C-H, C-O, C-C, and M-O groups, respectively. The XRD examination exhibited crystallinity, and the average diameter of the particle was 16 nm. The spherical nature of synthesized FeO NPs was recognized by SEM images, while the elemental composition of nanoparticles was identified by an EDX spectrophotometer. The antiplasmodial activity of synthesized FeO NPs was investigated against Plasmodium parasites. The antiplasmodial property of FeO NPs was evaluated by means of parasite inhibitory concentration, which showed higher efficiency (62 ± 1.3 at 25 μg/mL) against Plasmodium parasite if compared to plant extracts and precursor. The cytotoxicity of FeO NPs was also assessed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under in vitro conditions. The lack of toxic effects through FeO NPs keeps them more effective for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications.

PHOTOCATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF BIOLOGICALLY SYNTHESIZED UNCOATED AND CALCIUM COATED ZnO NANOPARTICLES USING CUCUMBER JUICE

Uncoated ZnO and calcium-coated ZnO nanoparticles (Ca-ZnO) were biologically synthesized using cucumber juice as a reducing and capping agent. Cucumber belongs to Cucurbitaceae family, is rich in water content and possesses antioxidant activity. The chemical composition and morphology of the synthesized NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD)and FT-IR. The spherical as well as hexagonal-shaped ZnO nanoparticles were obtained in the size range of 4-70 nm. Coated and uncoated ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated for their photo degradability of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) dyes. They showed nearly 100% photodegradation of methylene blue in lesser time, however, showed minimum degradation of rhodamine B dye. Calcium coating over ZnO NPs enhanced their photocatalytic properties.

Microstructural characterization of white charcoal for rapid reduction of chemical oxygen demand and automatically adjust pH to neutral in wastewater treatment

Abstract The purpose of this study was to produce, characterize and apply white and black charcoal for wastewater treatment application. Characterization of charcoals, the results confirmed that white charcoal had higher thermal stability and carbon content than black charcoal. The other elemental analysis results showed that both black and white charcoal show the highest intensity of potassium content. The surface of black charcoal was rougher than the surface of white charcoal. The morphology from scanning electron microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrophotometer (SEM-EDS) images demonstrated white charcoal shows a highly porous material, especially coconut shell white charcoal with small holes connected to large holes. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) showed peak patterns of graphite. The specific surface area, total pore volume, and pore size of all charcoal were evaluated by the BET method. This result was a higher specific surface area of white charcoal than black charcoal. The coconut shell white charcoal had the highest specific surface area (458.80 m 2/g). All charcoals had an average pore size in the range from 1 to 2 nm, all charcoals had an average pore size in the range from 1 to 2 nm which was microporous materials. Both black and white charcoal were used as an adsorbent for the wastewater treatment from a chemistry laboratory building. The results indicated that white charcoal could neutralize the pH of wastewater after treatment in both acidity and alkalinity wastewater. After treatment, wastewater treated with white charcoal shows a higher level of %COD reduction than wastewater treated with black charcoal.

Characterization of Ultrafine Silica Prepared from Rice Husk Ash by Sol-Gel Method

Rice husk ash that is removed from the combustion process in a furnace has a potential for silica source through the sol-gel process. The experiment was conducted in different concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution of 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 % w/v in the preparation of the sodium silicate solution. For further observation, different pH values of the gel solution were also examined with values of 1 to 7. Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) has been used for size characterization of samples, while Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrophotometer (EDS) was used to determine the composition of the powder. The result shows that for all cases the silica products still contain carbon materials. The different pH values of the silica gel solution exhibit a different physical appearance of the gel. At pH values of 5 to neutral 7, the silica gel is completely formed, while in more acidic conditions there are only precipitates or none of both. Mostly, silica particles were in the size of micrometers with more than 90% in the range of 2-128 µm. The composition characterization showed different percentages of silica and the good result was found at 5.0% of sodium hydroxide solution with a gel solution pH of 7.

Functional and morphological characterization of hybrid particulate reinforced polyester composites

Functional and morphological characterization of wood charcoal/periwinkle shell (WC/PWS) particles hybrid reinforced polyester matrix composites was successfully developed. Characterization tools such as energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with EDS elemental detector were used to examine the composites developed. The EDXRF identified iron, copper, zinc, calcium and CaO, Fe2O3, CuO, ZnO as primary elements and oxide constituents of WC. Also, calcium, strontium, iron and CaO, SrO, Fe2O3 and Al2O3 as the basic elements and oxides contents of PWS. It is evident that these elements and oxides constituents influenced significantly the mechanical properties of reinforced polymer composites. The EDS mapping also confirmed the major elements identified by EDXRF analysis. Hybrid composites reinforced with 75/25 and 50/50 WC/PWS ratio show stronger interfacial bonding and interlocking due to even dispersion of the filler particles revealed by SEM images. The functional assessment revealed minor shifts in the frequency bands of functional groups present in the unreinforced polyester matrix largely due to interactions of the hybrid fillers with the matrix.

Effect of temperature on the morphological, structural and optical properties of electrodeposited Yb-doped ZrSe2 thin films

This work studies the effect of temperature on ytterbium-doped zirconium diselenide (Yb-ZrSe2) thin films synthesized via the electrochemical deposition method. The films were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDX), UV-1800 visible spectrophotometer, and a four-point probe system for their morphological, structural, elemental, optical, and electrical properties respectively. SEM images revealed ball-like clusters which transformed to nest-like clumps upon doping while XRD plots reveal polycrystalline films with diffraction peaks at (100), (211), (200), (201), (210), and (211) planes. EDX plots confirmed the deposition of basic elements while the optical results recorded good optical properties and band gap energy between 1.75–1.79 eV. The electrical result revealed improved electrical conductivity of the deposited samples at increasing temperatures. The films deposited find application in solar cell and optical devices.

Materials Characterization of Cobalt Antimonide Nanostructures as Thermoelectric Material

Cobalt antimonide (CoSb3) nanoparticles, a binary skutterudite structure, are synthesized by following solvothermal method using water as solvent. The solvothermally processed powders are annealed to remove the excess Sb to achieve single phase CoSb3 nanoparticles, and are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicating the formation of cubic phase of CoSb3. The structural analysis by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and the elemental composition of 1:3 for Co and Sb using energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDX) predicts formation of high purity crystalline CoSb3 nanoparticles. Morphology of the annealed CoSb3 powders observed using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates particle size of 50-100 nm. The ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy estimates an energy gap of 3 eV. The nanosized CoSb3 skutterudites are potential intermediate-temperature thermoelectric materials with further application in developing efficient thermoelectric modules.

CHARACTERIZATION OF CERIUM OXIDE-CHITOSAN NANOCOMPOSITE–MODIFIED SCREEN PRINTED CARBON ELECTRODE AND APPLICATION IN MELATONIN DETERMINATION

A simple and effective modification of the working screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE)surface has been developed with a mixture of chitosan biopolymer and nano cerium oxide at 1:1 compositionfor the detection of melatonin, a circadian rhythm regulation hormone. The fabricated electrode wascharacterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS),electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electro-oxidation behaviors ofmelatonin were extensively observed by differential pulse voltammetric(DPV) analysis. The experimentalresults demonstrated that the modified cerium oxide-chitosan screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE-Chi-CeO2) exhibited satisfactorily improvement in the electrochemical current sensitivity.Alinear calibrationcurve for melatonin was obtained in the concentration range from 0-10 µg/ml with a detection limit of 0.18µg/ml based on DPV measurement. Good selectivity was also obtained in an interference study with someother closely structural related compounds such as tryptophan and serotonin. Thus this modification strategywas proved to be a suitable tool for the simple, fast, sensitive and selective determination of melatonin.

Hot pressed pellets of thallium doped bismuth telluride alloys for thermoelectrics

ABSTRACTThallium doped bismuth telluride alloys (Bi2-xTlxTe3) are synthesized using solvothermal method, and pellets are formed using hot-press machine by applying 60 MPa pressure at 553 K temperature for 5 min. The X-ray powder diffraction for the as-synthesized Bi2-xTlxTe3 alloys indicates phase purity and crystallographic structures. Scanning electron microscopy indicates highly compact plate-like structures for hot-pressed pellets. The energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer predicts a stoichiometric ratio of 2:3 for Bi and Te in the Bi2Te3. The newly prepared Bi2-xTlxTe3 pellets could be utilized as an efficient material in thermoelectric devices for power generation from waste heat.

Mineralogical and Ash Geochemical Studies of Coal-mine Shale and its Hydrocarbon Potential: A Case Study of Shale from Makum Coalfield, Northeast India

ABSTRACT The mineralogy and geochemical studies of the coal-mine shale collected from the Tirap opencast coal-mine (Makum coalfield, Northeast India) are reported in this paper. Thermo-chemical conversion (pyrolysis) of coal-mine shale has been studied to see its hydrocarbon potential. A combined approach using X-Ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), thermogravimetry-derivative and differential thermogravimetric (TG-DTG and DTA) analysis is made to obtain new information on the mineralogical and geochemical studies of a coal-mine shale (CMS) sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis is performed to evaluate the quality of the liquid fraction (tar) obtained after pyrolysis at 600°C. The shale sample is dominated by quartz, clay minerals (kaolinite and illite), sulphate bearing phase like gypsum with minor proportion of anatase, probably as artifacts of the plasma-ashing process. GC-MS analysis illustrates the presence of highly oxygenated organic components (M.W. around 94-108) and high molecular weight (M.W. 256) cyclic sulphur (e.g. octathiocane with molecular formula S8) compounds along with the complex N-containing organic sulphur compounds (M.W. around 255-486) in the tar produced.

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-coated agrosorbents and their high benzene adsorption performance from aqueous solution

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-coated agrosorbents were successfully synthesized through firstly mercerization of raw banana trunk (Raw-BT) with alkali (M-BT) and finally coating with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (M-CTAB-BT). The characterization was done using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and a field emission scanning electron microscope. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller analysis was also conducted. The benzene adsorption performance of BT agrosorbents was improved by mercerization and surfactant coating according to the following order: Raw-BT (340.25 × 10−mmol/g) < CTAB-BT (382.41 × 10−3 mmol/g) < M-CTAB-BT (535.62 × 10−3mmol/g). The adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir and pseudo-second order (PSO) kinetic models with film diffusion as the rate-limiting step. The agrosorbent regeneration as well as comparison to literature data indicated the modified BT and thus the agrowaste biomass could be alternative agrosorbent precursors for removing benzene from aqueous solutions. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 305–317, 2018.

Gold nanoparticle induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells

The present study reports the chemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using sodium borohydride as a reducing and capping agent. The various temperatures and time intervals were investigated for controlled formation of AuNPs. The characterization of AuNPs was studied using UV-vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (Edx), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and results indicated that AuNPs were spheroid in shape and cubic lattice and face centered in nature with 29 nm in size. AuNPs have potential antimicrobial activity against selected human clinical pathogens. IC50 concentration of AuNPs was determined as 20 μg/ml against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines using MTT assay. The morphological and apoptosis effects of AuNPs on NSCLC were investigated using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA), rhodamine 123, and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method, and results indicated that AuNPs have potential anticancer activity against NSCLC cell lines. The anticancer activity of AuNPs is that it has less toxicity against human HBL100 normal cells. These anticancer potentials of AuNPs were compared with the standard drug cisplatin. Moreover, after 24 h exposure, AuNPs arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase in A549 cells. These findings suggested that AuNPs could act as a potential anticancer agent against lung cancer.

Structural characterization of the silk of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The present investigation was undertaken to obtain information about the structural and morphological properties of the silk of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) by means of the atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDX) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) techniques. AFM images show that the shapes of silken threads produced by both female and male mites are similar and have non-uniform cylindrical structure. In general, the appearance of silks produced by female mites is smoother than those of the male mites. In addition, it is determined that the silk threads produced by both female and male individuals have single and double stranded structure. There were differences in the thread dimensions of female and male which could depend on the body size of the mites. However, there is no statistically significant correlation between the body size of the mites and their thread dimensions. The silk material was found to consist predominantly of C, N and O elements and minor fractions of Al, P, Cl and K. The ATR-FTIR spectrum of the silk of two-spotted spider mite exhibited characteristic vibrational modes originating from amid groups, which were attributed to random coil and β-sheet molecular conformation in the protein structure of the silk of two-spotted spider mite. Understanding the features of the two-spotted spider mite silks may be of practical importance for the future studies related to biomaterial and material science.

Indium Tin Oxide conductive nanoparticles synthesized by sonochemical method

ABSTRACTThis work reports the synthesis of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) nanoparticles via sonochemical process at various calcination temperature using InCl3 and SnCl4·5H2O as starting precursors for In and Sn sources, respectively. The crystal structure properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, the size, shape and microstructure of the particles were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope and chemical composition was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray Spectrophotometer. The corresponding optical band gap was determined by diffuse reflectance spectra. The XRD results showed that the as-prepared powders were initially formed in amorphous phase and the crystalline structure of powders were obtained after calcination beyond specific temperature. The correlated reactions and mechanisms during sonochemical process responsible for ITO formation are suggested. The comparison between ITO powders prepared by sonochemical process and co-precipitation process is additionally carried out and the results show significant differences in their morphology and crystallite sizes of the particles.