Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

Studying the Crucial Physical Characteristics Related to Surface Roughness and Magnetic Domain Structure in CoFeSm Thin Films

This study investigated the effects of varying film thicknesses and annealing temperatures on the surface roughness and magnetic domain structure of CoFeSm thin films. The results revealed that as the film thickness increased, both the crystalline size and surface roughness decreased, leading to a reduction in coercivity (Hc) and improved magnetic contrast performance. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the presence of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and samarium (Sm) within the thin films. Notably, the 40 nm Co40Fe40Sm20 thin film annealed at 200 °C exhibited lower sheet resistance (Rs) and resistivity (ρ), indicating higher conductivity and a relatively higher maximum magnetic susceptibility (χac) at 50 Hz. These findings suggest that these films are well suited for low-frequency magnetic components due to their increased spin sensitivity. The 40 nm Co40Fe40Sm20 thin film, subjected to annealing at 200 °C, displayed a distinct stripe domain structure characterized by prominently contrasting dark and bright patterns. It exhibited the lowest Hc and the highest saturation magnetization (Ms), leading to a significant improvement in their soft magnetic properties. It is proposed that the surface roughness of the CoFeSm thin films plays a crucial role in shaping the magnetic properties of these thin magnetic films.

Isolation and characterization of quercetin from Prunus Serrulata leaf extract in the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Flavonoids and their derivatives have been known as reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles. These flavonoids are effective in the green synthesis of nanoparticles due to their environmentally friendly nature, low cost, and energy and time-saving assets. Generally, it is ignored which type of flavonoids were utilized in the synthesis of nanoparticles. This study presents the isolation and characterization of quercetin from Prunus Serrulata (P. Serrulata) leaf extract for the first time as the responsible reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs). The morphological characterization of the nanoparticles was performed by utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses, whereas flavonoid characterization was completed through Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR). By using optimized conditions as 3:1 (Fe+3 solution: Prunus serrulata leaf extract) mixing ratio, 10 mM Fe+3 precursor, pH 6, and 25 °C reaction temperature, the average particle sizes of synthesized Fe3O4 NPs were ∼ 40 nm with the spherical shape. R2. Some quantitative results need to be added in the abstract.

Biogenic synthesis of ZnO from Rubia cordifolia root extract: A study on sono-photocatalytic dye degradation and anti-bacterial assay

ZnO is a semiconductor metal oxide with unique antibacterial and photocatalytic properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticle is environmentally friendly procedure, imparting multiple properties to the nanoparticles (NPs). This study reports Rubia cordifolia root extract mediated ZnO NP synthesis. Synthesised NPs were analysed for antibacterial properties and sonication assisted photocatalytic dye degradation experiments were performed. Synthesised ZnO NPs were characterized employing UV-VIS spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and was compared with commercial grade ZnO. UV-VIS adsorption peak of NPs was found at 375 nm with a bandgap of 3.2 eV. The NPs reveals to have a crystalline size of 17.54 nm with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and clustered flakes with rose petal morphology were identified through XRD and SEM analysis respectively. The green ZnO possesses good antibacterial properties against both gram positive (Staphyllococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (E.coli). Study on the effectiveness of synthesised ZnO for ultrasound sonication-assisted photocatalysis over normal photocatalytic degradation were carried out through response surface methodology with face central composite design. The regression models (R2adj > 90 % and R2pred > 90 %) were confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and optimization was performed. The green ZnO nanoparticle was capable of degrading alizarine red up to 92.89 % and rhodamine B up to 89.95 % under optimal conditions and were also compared with commercial ZnO NPs. Reusability of the photocatalyst was confirmed by conducting 4 cycles of experiments at optimum condition.

Impact of rice straw biochar in association with inorganic fertilizers and Trichoderma harzianum on charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) of maize

Phytosanitary regulations concerning pesticide residues are among the most important problems faced by today's agricultural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to produce and characterize indigenously produced biochar from raw material based on rice straw. The biochar synthesized at 480°C, was used as amendment at different volumetric concentrations (3 and 6%), along with in-organic fertilizers for restricting the development of charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), in maize (Zea mays L.) The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of rice straw biochar showed micro-cracks, rough texture, and intricately formed pores, thus showcasing the complex and porous nature of the rice straw biochar resulting from the pyrolysis process. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed its carbonaceous composition (approximately 54%), with the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl, as well as trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and silicon. Maize grown in soil amended with 6% biochar showed significant reduction in shoot and root weights (51.72 and 74.11%, respectively) when compared to 3% biochar amended soil in the presence of M. phaseolina. Our results revealed that 3% rice straw biochar and Trichoderma harzianum proved most effective for the management of charcoal rot as indicated by lowest disease incidence and disease severity (40%, each). Maize showed variable degrees of defense mechanisms activation in response to soil biochar amendments. Biochar application rate of 6% did generally not improve the maize dry biomass production and tolerance to charcoal rot. These findings will surely help us understand biochar-induced changes in physiology of maize and possible activation of defense response against M. phaseolina

Establishment of a model for NaHCO3 inhibition of coal dust explosions and molecular dynamics experimental study

To establish a targeted explosion inhibition model for NaHCO3-Coal dust and explore the inhibition mechanism, experiments on the explosion inhibition of NaHCO3/coal premixed dust were conducted. Utilizing a 20L spherical combustion chamber, five sets of experiments with different particle sizes and concentrations of NaHCO3 were carried out to inhibit coal dust explosions. The explosion characteristics of coal dust and the evolution of the explosion flame under the coupled inhibition effect of NaHCO3 were measured. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and simultaneous thermal analysis were employed to analyze the changes in the elemental composition and thermal decomposition characteristics of substances before and after the explosion, revealing the molecular dynamics behavior in a high-temperature system. Experimental results indicate that, in the five orthogonal explosion inhibition experiments, an increase in the inhibitor concentration and a decrease in particle size lead to a significant coupled inhibition effect. Based on the experimental data, a targeted explosion inhibition model for NaHCO3-Coal dust was constructed, with a fitting goodness of 0.95. During the explosion inhibition process, NaHCO3 undergoes endothermic decomposition, leading to a reduction in the mass loss rate and heat release rate of coal dust. The carbon (C) content decreases, and the oxygen (O) content increases in the explosion residue, indicating the indirect involvement of C elements in the form of gaseous molecules (CO and CO2) in the explosion inhibition process. This reduces the oxygen concentration in the reaction system, achieving the inhibition of coal dust explosions.

Synthesis, Characterization and in-vitro Biological Studies of Curcumin decorated Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles

Selenium nanoparticles have drawn interest recently, due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics and potential usage in numerous applications, including medicine, electronics and catalysis. In this study, we employed Biancaea sappan (BS), often known as sappan wood or Brazilwood, which is a flowering tree that is endemic to Southeast Asia. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, this tree’s heartwood is frequently used in traditional medicine. Additionally, the wood is used to make natural dyes. In this study, we aim to develop an ecofriendly selenium nanoparticle using BS[Formula: see text] as a natural reducing agent and curcumin as a capping agent. The nanoparticles were synthesized using the green synthesis method and characterized using various techniques. Biocompatibility was evaluated using hemolytic assay and the bioactivity of the nanoparticles was assessed using anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. Selenium nanoparticles (BCSeN) were successfully synthesized using BS bark extract and functionalized with curcumin. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, confirming their morphology, crystallinity, functionalization, elemental composition, size and stability. In vitro, bioactivity studies revealed that the BCSeN exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. They also demonstrated notable antioxidant efficacy against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and were also found to have minimal hemolytic potential. Our findings highlight the potential of BCSeN as a promising candidate for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant applications. However, further in-depth analysis is required to fully understand their efficacy and toxicity.

The effect of borate on acellular bioactivity of novel mesoporous borosilicate bioactive glasses for tissue engineering

Four novel mesoporous borate-based 13–93 bioactive glass has been synthesized by a modified Stöber method. Thermogravimetric analysis, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda, nuclear magnetic resonance and Scanning Electron Microscope attached with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses were carried out to investigate the physicochemical properties, in-vitro acellular bioactivity, and the degradation rate of the bioactive glasses in simulated body fluid across a range of times up to 21 days. The characterization data indicates that the bioactive glasses are amorphous and possess mesoporous properties. Likewise, an increase in boron content reduced the surface area and pore volume of the bioactive glass series. The observed decline is attributed to borate units' smaller atomic radius than silicate. The ability to deposit a new apatite layer in the bioactive glasses depends on the borate concentration. As such, an increase in boron content resulted in a decrease in apatite formation. Additionally, the studies showed that bioactive glasses made of borate degraded more quickly than their silicate counterpart. Overall, borate-based 13–93 bioactive glasses were effectively synthesized, and the in-vitro results showed potential usage for these bioactive glasses in tissue engineering situations where it is desirable to control bone growth or delay the onset of bioactivity.

Striking effect of the iron stearate purity on the shape and size of maghemite nanoparticles

In general, the synthesis of maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) by thermal decomposition of commercially available iron stearate precursors, in the presence of oleic acid, yields spherical nanoparticles. However, we show in this article that the synthesis of NPs from commercially available precursors (Commercial grade and washed) results in the formation of uniformly monodisperse triangular or cubic NPs. Spherical NPs result only from the precursors synthesized in the laboratory. The detailed Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis performed on the commercial precursors (Commercial grade and washed) reveal the presence of impurities: sodium stearate and/or sodium chloride (NaCl). This result highlights the importance of iron stearate precursor origin (commercial grade or washed or home-made) in terms of reproducibility and growth of iron oxide NPs, giving rise to either monodisperse spherical, cubic, or triangular NPs. We emphasize that this finding majorly affects the development of NPs and also our understanding of the NP growth mechanisms, which can be biased if we do not account for this additional key parameter among all the ones involved in the colloidal synthesis. The formation of the triangular nanoparticles in the conditions we use has never been reported. Further, the formation of both cubic and triangular NPs has been discussed in terms of selective adsorption on the growing NP of sodium stearate, sodium, and chloride salts.

Enhanced conductivity and weakened magnetism in Pb-doped Sr2IrO4

Group IV element Pb has been selected as the dopant to dope at the Sr site of Sr2IrO4. It is exciting to find that the single-phase crystal structure could be maintained with a high Pb doping level of up to x = 0.3 in Sr2−x Pb x IrO4. The mapping data obtained from energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses give solid evidence that the Pb ions are uniformly distributed in the Sr2IrO4 matrix. The incorporation of Pb leads to a moderate depression of the canted antiferromagnetic ordering state. The electrical conductivity could be greatly enhanced when the Pb doping content is higher than x = 0.2. The present results give a fresh material base to explore new physics in doped Sr2IrO4 systems.

Synthesis of CoNi by Electrodeposition Technique and its Application as an Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting

Water splitting is regarded as a highly efficacious methodology for obtaining hydrogen, intending to be employed for the purpose of renewable fuel production. However, the performance of this technique is constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline environments and the oxygen evolution reaction, which leads to significant energy inefficiency and excessive potential requirements. To enhance the reaction kinetics and efficiency of water splitting, there exists a pertinent requirement for an electrocatalyst that exhibits commendable efficiency. The primary objective of this study is to construct a cobalt-nickel (CoNi) electrocatalyst that facilitates water splitting. The present study employs the technique of electrodeposition for its experimental procedures. The findings of the study indicated that the CoNi sample, as observed through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, exhibited a flattened, circular form and agglomeration. The EDX analysis yielded elemental composition results indicating a cobalt content of 20.51% and nickel content of 79.49% The X-ray diffractometer analysis reveals that the CoNi metal alloy has manifested a crystalline structure with a cubic configuration. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy found that the charge transfer resistance of CoNi with the electrolyte solution was 1.48 kΩ. The data collected from the chronoamperometry test indicates the presence of a consistent and unchanging electrical current. Additionally, the cyclic voltammetry test presented Epa and Epc values of 0.4469 V and 0.3037 V, respectively, leading to a calculated ∆E of 0.1432 V. The research findings establish that the CoNi alloy, synthesized via the electrodeposition technique, exhibited a performance-effective electrocatalyst that closely approached the desired outcome.

Significance of Zn Complex Concentration on Microstructure Evolution and Corrosion Behavior of Al/WS2.

Corrosion is a harmful processes which by definition is a chemical or electrochemical reaction between a substance (usually a metal) and the environment which leads to a change in the properties of the substance and has destructive effects. In this study, new composites consisting of Al/WS2/ZnTerp-2TH with 5 and 10 wt.% ZnTerp-2TH were prepared and the results were fully compared. Al/WS2 played the role of matrix and ZnTerp-2TH played the role of reinforcement. In other words, as a novelty to prevent the corrosion of Al/WS2, ZnTerp-2TH is designed and synthesized and showed good results when the corrosion ratio was reduced by the existence of ZnTerp-2TH. Furthermore, the NMR and mass analysis of ZnTerp-2TH were carried out, and the thermal properties, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, morphology, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and corrosion behavior of the composites were also discussed in detail. The crystal size values of composites were calculated by the modified Scherrer method 34, 26 and 27 nm for Al/WS2, Al/WS2/5 wt.% ZnTerp-2TH and Al/WS2/10 wt.% ZnTerp-2TH, respectively. The microstructural examination of the specimens showed that the reinforcing phase (ZnTerp-2TH) has a favorable distribution on the surface of Al/WS2 when it covers the cracks and holes. In addition, the corrosion investigation results showed that the addition of ZnTerp-2TH to Al/WS2 can improve the corrosion resistance when the Ecorr and Icorr values of Al/WS2/10 wt.% ZnTerp-2TH were recorded in tandem -724 mV/decade and 5 uA cm-2.

Analysis of the Impact of Electrochemical Properties of Copper-Doped Electrode Membranes on the Output Force of Biomimetic Artificial Muscles.

In this study, a biomimetic artificial muscle electroactive actuator was fabricated using environmentally friendly sodium alginate extract. Ultrasonic agitation was employed to embed ultrafine copper powder within a mesh-like structure formed by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), aimed at reducing the internal resistance of the composite electrode membrane and enhancing its output force performance. Focused gallium ion beam-scanning electron microscopy observations, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, and surface morphology imaging confirmed the successful incorporation of the ultrafine copper powder into the MWCNT network. Additionally, we designed and constructed an output force measurement apparatus to assess the output performance of biomimetic artificial muscles (BMAMs) doped with varying quantities of ultrafine copper powder. Electrochemical testing results demonstrated that the artificial muscles exhibited optimal performance when doped with a mass of 1.5 g, yielding a maximum output force of 6.96 mN, an output force density of 30.64 mN/g, and a peak average rate of 0.059 mN/s. These values represented improvements of 224%, 189%, and 222% compared to the electrode membrane without the addition of ultrafine copper powder, respectively.

Luminescence properties of ZrO2: Dy3+ phosphor for solid-state lighting applications

Herein, we report Dy3+-activated ZrO2 phosphors synthesized via the sol-gel technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized powder samples annealed at 900 °C were investigated. The monoclinic phase of the synthesized phosphor was confirmed by recording the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern. Ultraviolet–visible analysis was performed for the reflectance and bandgap measurements of the phosphors. Field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses were used to study the morphology and elemental composition of the phosphors, respectively. The distribution of ions in the undoped and Dy3+-doped samples was confirmed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) behavior of the synthesized phosphors was investigated by recording the excitation and emission spectra. When the synthesized phosphors were exposed to UV light at 353 nm, we observed characteristic blue and yellow Dy3+ PL emissions, corresponding to the transition 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2, respectively. Additionally, we observed low-intensity red and brown-red emission peaks corresponding to 4F9/2 → 6H11/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H9/2. These observations indicate that the non-aqueous sol-gel route, coupled with the suitable post-synthesis heat treatment, resulted in the development of a monophase (monoclinic) zirconia. This makes it a strong candidate for phosphor applications due to its high room temperature stability and efficient characteristic features of the monoclinic phase. These findings strongly suggest that Dy3+-doped ZrO2 can serve as a superior phosphor material for white light-emitting diode applications.

Bruch's Membrane Calcification in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: Comparing Histopathology and Clinical Imaging

To investigate the histology of Bruch's membrane (BM) calcification in pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and correlate this to clinical retinal imaging. Experimental study with clinicopathological correlation. Six postmortem eyes from 4 PXE patients and 1 comparison eye from an anonymous donor without PXE. One of the eyes had a multimodal clinical image set for comparison. Calcification was labeled with OsteSense 680RD, a fluorescent dye specific for hydroxyapatite, and visualized with confocal microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMs) were used to analyze the elemental and ionic composition of different anatomical locations. Findings on cadaver tissues were compared with clinical imaging of 1 PXE patient. The characteristics and topographical distribution of hydroxyapatite in BM in eyes with PXE were compared with the clinical manifestations of the disease. Analyses of whole-mount and sectioned PXE eyes revealed an extensive, confluent OsteoSense labeling in the central and midperipheral BM, transitioning to a speckled labeling in the midperiphery. These areas corresponded to hyperreflective and isoreflective zones on clinical imaging. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and TOF-SIMs analyses identified these calcifications as hydroxyapatite in BM of PXE eyes. The confluent fluorescent appearance originates from heavily calcified fibrous structures of both the collagen and the elastic layers of BM. Calcification was also detected in an aged comparison eye, but this was markedly different from PXE eyes and presented as small snowflake-like deposits in the posterior pole. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum eyes show extensive hydroxyapatite deposition in the inner and outer collagenous and elastic BM layers in the macula with a gradual change toward the midperiphery, which seems to correlate with the clinical phenotype. The snowflake-like calcification in BM of an aged comparison eye differed markedly from the extensive calcification in PXE. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Enhancing biochar properties through doping: A comparative study of sugarcane bagasse and chicken feather

This comparative study explores the production and characterization of biochar derived from a combination of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and chicken feathers (CF), with a doping strategy for each biomass in the other. Two biochars, SB92CF-BC (92% SB and 8% CF) and CF92SB-BC (92% CF and 8% SB), were produced using a top-lit updraft reactor, resulting in a yield of 34% and 27%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed characteristic functional groups in both biochars, with minimal impact from the doping process. Scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) analysis showed distinct morphological features, with SB92CF-BC exhibiting a smoother surface and CF92SB-BC displaying an irregular and rough morphology. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the presence of several elements in both biochars, with a higher nitrogen content in CF92SB-BC. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis demonstrated significant specific surface areas for both biochars, exceeding those reported for unmodified SB and CF biochars. The findings suggest potential synergistic effects resulting from the doping strategy. The study expands knowledge on biochar production from diverse biomass sources and highlights the potential for utilizing lignocellulosic and non-lignocellulosic biomass waste materials for sustainable biochar production.

Introducing of WO3@NiCo2O4/rGO ternary nanocomposites as active material for high-performance supercapacitor applications

The combined materials with synergistic effects and integrate of properties of each component can be widely used for high capacity and high-power density storage devices. In this study, synthesis, energy storage ability and characterization of the novel ternary WO3@NiCo2O4/rGO nanocomposites (NWG) as active electrode materials are studied. NWG nanocomposites as high-efficiency supercapacitors material which is perfect transferring ions/electrons are constructed with multiple-step synthesis for supercapacitor application for the first time. For this purpose, at first, intertwined nanosheets of NiCo2O4 was synthesized through the hydrothermal process, afterwards, WO3 nanostructures were fabricated on the surface of NiCo2O4 via sonochemical method and finally, NWG nanocomposites were synthesized during the mild hydrothermal conditions. Towards the studying the physicochemical properties of as-fabricated NWG nanocomposites, the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis were used. Also, the electrochemical behavior of innovative NWG nanocomposites as energetic electrode materials was investigated in two and three electrode configurations for high-performance supercapacitor application. Additionally, the synergetic effect between NiCo2O4, WO3 and rGO substrates in final product (NWG) was investigated based on cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic stability test. The well-designed NWG nanostructures with layered shape can acceleration the ion electrolyte diffusion and provided more redox active sites through energy storage process. The electrochemical results of the NWG nanocomposite electrodes represented a high specific capacity of 1211.75 F g−1 at a current density of 1.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the suggested electrode exhibited the great energy density of 11.92 Whkg−1, power density of 3000.8 Wkg−1 and excellent rate capability (91.51 % of capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Moreover, the specific capacitance of bare and binary nanocomposites i.e. NiCo2O4 and WO3@NiCo2O4 were investigated and compared with NWG at a current density of 2 A g−1. The results show that the specific capacitance of NWG ~1.5 times greater than NiCo2O4 and WO3@NiCo2O4 nanostructures [NiCo2O4 (498.33 F g−1), WO3@NiCo2O4 (580.33 F g−1) and NWG (917.67 F g−1)]. Remarkably, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) assembled by newly-designed NWG electrode as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode exhibited the good specific capacitance 37.2 mF g−1 at of 1.5 mA g−1. Also, the ASC device could provide energy density of 4.75 mWh kg−1 at the power density of 799.9 mWkg−1. This research recommends that NWG nanocomposites have an extraordinary potential for evolution of active electrode materials forthcoming supercapacitors in energy storage systems.

Viability and performance assessment of bipolar linear self-servo mechanism-based Maglev electrical discharge machining by processing Al-6062 alloy

The enhancement of process efficiency and eradication of basic setbacks of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process has paved the way for its technological advancement. The discharge irregularities observed during conventional EDM operation due to servo-feedback delay have been addressed by implementing a novel bipolar linear self-servo strategy in Maglev EDM. The paper evaluates the viability of the novel Maglev EDM and analyses its performance in machining aluminum (Al) 6062 alloy. The Maglev EDM uses a systematic combination of magnetic repulsive forces to attain tool positioning in the Z-direction, which serves as the servo gap control mechanism. Experiments were carried out on Al-6062 alloy by utilizing brass tools and surrounding air as dielectric. The voltage–current waveforms exhibited stable and uniform discharges devoid of the short-circuiting and arcing phenomenon. Material removal rate, specific energy, and centerline average surface roughness of 6.717 µg/s, 2.397 J/µg, and 3.735 to 4.507 µm were attained at a discharge power of 16.1 J/s, proving the operational viability of the Maglev EDM. The experimental results were further compared with data available in the previously reported literature. Resolidified layers, globules, lumps of debris, melted debris, micro-pores, micro-voids, micro-cracks, and craters were detected from field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis of the processed work surface. The existence of tool material in the processed surface by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis certified the material migration and surface alloying.

Exploring the potential of biogenic magnesium oxide nanoparticles for cytotoxicity: In vitro and in silico studies on HCT116 and HT29 cells and DPPH radical scavenging

Abstract The goal of this work was to assess the cytotoxicity, chemical characteristics, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity of green-synthesized MgO nanoparticles (MgO NPs) produced from pumpkin seed extract for their potential therapeutic implications in cancer treatment. The shape, chemical properties, and thermal stability of MgO NPs made with green synthesis were looked at with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis. Three cell lines, HCT-116, HT29, and Vero, were used to test the cytotoxicity of MgO NPs. The AlamarBlue® assay was used for HCT-116 and Vero cells, and the Neutral Red (NR) Uptake Assay was used for HT29 cells. A molecular docking study was done to find out how MgO nanoparticles and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a protein linked to cancerous cells growing out of control, interact. The morphological properties, size, aggregation, shapeless pores, and high surface-to-area volume ratio of biosynthesized MgO NPs were shown using SEM and TEM imagings. The elemental composition of Mg and O in green-synthesized MgO NPs was validated using EDX. The AlamarBlue® assay did not yield IC50 values for HCT-116 and Vero cells, suggesting minimal cytotoxicity in these cell lines. However, the NR Uptake Assay showed an IC50 of 164.1 µg/mL for HT29 cells, indicating a significant impact. The DPPH experiment revealed that MgO nanoparticles had high antioxidant activity, with a scavenging capacity of 61% and an IC50 of 170 μg/mL. In conclusion, MgO nanoparticles produced utilizing green chemistry demonstrated a wide range of biological features, including antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against three cell lines. According to molecular docking studies, these nanoparticles may interact with CDK2, a protein implicated in cancer cell growth. These findings emphasize MgO nanoparticles’ potential for cancer treatment. However, further study is needed to understand the underlying processes and investigate therapeutic applications.

A study on the effect of bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite-loaded Xanthan dialdehyde-based composite coatings for potential orthopedic applications

The most important challenge faced in designing orthopedic devices is to control the leaching of ions from the substrate material, and to prevent biofilm formation. Accordingly, the surgical grade stainless steel (316L SS) was electrophoretically deposited with functional composition of biopolymers and bioceramics. The composite coating consisted of: Bioglass (BG), hydroxyapatite (HA), and lawsone, that were loaded into a polymeric matrix of Xanthan Dialdehyde/Chondroitin Sulfate (XDA/CS). The parameters and final composition for electrophoretic deposition were optimized through trial-and-error approach. The composite coating exhibited significant adhesion strength of “4B” (ASTM D3359) with the substrate, suitable wettability of contact angle 48°, and an optimum average surface roughness of 0.32 µm. Thus, promoting proliferation and attachment of bone-forming cells, transcription factors, and proteins. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed a strong polymeric network formation between XDA and CS. scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis displayed a homogenous surface with invariable dispersion of HA and BG particles. The adhesion, hydrant behavior, and topography of said coatings was optimal to design orthopedic implant devices. The said coatings exhibited a clear inhibition zone of 21.65 mm and 21.04 mm with no bacterial growth against Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. Coli) respectively, confirming the antibacterial potential. Furthermore, the crystals related to calcium (Ca) and HA were seen after 28 days of submersion in simulated body fluid. The corrosion current density, of the above-mentioned coating was minimal as compared to the bare 316L SS substrate. The results infer that XDA/CS/BG/HA/lawsone based composite coating can be a candidate to design coatings for orthopedic implant devices.

Structural, optical, morphological, sun-light driven photocatalytic and antimicrobial investigations of Ag2S and Cu/Ag2S nanoparticles

This study focusses on the preparation of silver sulphide (Ag2S) and Cu-doped Ag2S (Cu/Ag2S) nanoparticles (NPs) by sol–gel method and demonstrated their photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that the prepared NPs are effectively crystallized in the polycrystalline single-phase monoclinic geometry of Ag2S. The optical bandgap is significantly reduced, and for both the sample the average grain size is observed to have narrowed from 42 nm to 23 nm. Both NPs were confirmed to be spherical nature as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis validated the presence of all necessary components at the expected concentrations in the obtained samples. Under the irradiation of sunshine, the photocatalytic properties of each sample were investigated for their ability to facilitate the photodegradation of a hazardous methylene blue (MB) dye in an aqueous solution. Cu/Ag2S sample possesses a profound photocatalytic reaction for the destruction of MB dye. Furthermore, the Cu-doped Ag2S NPs suppress the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In comparison to pure Ag2S NPs, Cu/Ag2S showed enhanced antibacterial activity against both the bacteria. Current study suggests that the Cu doped Ag2S NPs could be a promising material for wastewater treatment and antimicrobial agents.