Eu2O3 Nanoparticles Research Articles

Eco-friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles for enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing oxalis Corniculata leaf extract

An environmentally friendly synthesis of Nd³⁺-doped Eu₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) was developed using Oxalis Corniculata leaf (OCL) extract to enhance the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The as-synthesized NPs were annealed at 600 °C to improve their crystallinity. X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed high crystallinity and a sub-100 nm spherical morphology. Annealing reduced the NP size from ∼85 nm to ∼45 nm and decreased the bandgap from 4.97 eV to 4.62 eV, enhancing low-energy photon absorption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the chemical bonding environment, with a higher presence of dangling bonds in the as-prepared NPs compared to the 600 °C-annealed NPs, likely due to the OCL extract. Photoluminescence spectra confirmed strong red emission peaks at 580 nm and 612 nm, with a slight reduction in the full width at half maximum of the electric dipole transition after annealing. Integrating these NPs into TiO₂ matrices in DSSCs improved power conversion efficiency to 8.58%, outperforming both as-prepared NPs (6.88%) and bare TiO₂ cells (5.05%). This green synthesis approach offers a sustainable pathway for slightly enhancing performance of photovoltaic devices, with additional potential for UV-shielding applications when incorporated into PVA films.

XPS study of single phase formation of Eu2O3 nanoparticles for enhanced ferromagnetic ordering investigated with BMP and FCE models

The structural, optical, luminescence, electronic structure, and magnetic properties of the Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesised using chemical co-precipitation routewere investigated while being annealed at two distinct temperatures500 °C and 800 °C. For Eu2O3 nanoparticles, the average particle size estimated using the Scherer equation, Williamson Hall plot, and size-strain plot is in the range of 23–44 nm while sustaining the body centre cubic structure (BCC). With an annealing temperature of 800 °C, the impurity phases of Eu(OH)3 and EuO are no longer visible in the sample that was with whenannealed at 500 °C. The luminescence properties of such cubic structures were characterized by an intense red emission centred at 613 nm. With the help of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, the electronic structure of Eu2O3 nanoparticles is investigated. This revealed the formation of oxygen vacancies as well as the presence of the Eu cation in the two valence states + 2 and + 3. The Bound Magnetic Polaron Model and F Centre Exchange interaction, which establish long range magnetic ordering, are used to explain SQUID-VSM investigations that found clearly discernible ferromagnetic ordering in our samples at ambient temperature. The ferromagnetic ordering in these samples is explained by the creation of various complexes. It was observed that the synthesized Eu2O3 nanoparticles exhibit an efficient red-luminescence hence a potential candidate for application in lightings. The detailed outcomes of present study suggested the application of Eu2O3 nanoparticles as photocatalyst, optoelectronics and spintronics devices.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye by Iron-Doped Europium Oxide Nanoparticles.

As a wide-bandgap rare-earth oxide, Eu2O3 was often utilized as an auxiliary material of other photocatalysts because its photocatalytic performance was limited by the luminescence characteristics of Eu3+ and low light utilization. In this study, we improved the photocatalytic degradation performance of the Eu2O3 nanoparticles by doping with Fe cations. The Eu2O3 nanoparticles with different Fe-doping concentrations (1, 3, and 5%, noted as EF1.0, EF3.0, and EF5.0, respectively) were synthesized via chemical precipitation and calcination methods. It was found that doping could reduce Eu2O3's bandgap, which probably originated from the introduction of oxygen vacancies with lower energy levels than the conduction band of Eu2O3. Compared with the undoped Eu2O3 nanoparticles with a removal efficiency of 22% for degrading rhodamine B dye within 60 min, the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of EF1.0, EF3.0, and EF5.0 were demonstrated to be improved to 42, 48, and 33%, respectively, and EF3.0's performance was the best. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the doped samples was related to the oxygen vacancies acting as capture centers for electrons, such that the photogenerated electron-hole pairs were efficiently separated and the redox reactions on the surface of the nanoparticles were enhanced accordingly. Additionally, the enhanced light absorption and broadened spectral band further improved EF3.0's degradation efficiency.

New carbon-based voltammetric sensor modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with europium oxide to determine triclosan

Triclosan is used in hygiene products and cosmetics, due to its antimicrobial action. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020, there was an increase in the consumption of products composite also with TCS, such as hand antiseptics, alcohol gel and liquid soap, which means a risk of streams contamination higher. In this work, a new carbon-based voltammetric sensor modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) decorated with Eu2O3 nanoparticles, was developed to quantify TCS in water samples. Based on the electrochemical reaction of the TCS in the electro active area of the sensor, an analytical curve was obtained using the sensor with best analytical performance, it was successfully applied to assess the presence of TCS in water samples. By the results it can be noted an increase in the electrochemical area of the modified sensor and a decrease in the resistance to charge transfer, providing an increase in the sensitivity of the developed sensor, which proved to be very selective, accurate and easy to reproduce. The results show that the proposed voltammetric sensor has excellent catalytic activity with a wide detection range (3.8 × 10−7 and 1.8 × 10−5 mol L−1), and an ultrasensitive limit of detection (LOQ) and quantification (LOQ) (2.3 × 10−9 and 7.6 × 10−9 mol L−1, respectively). The proposed sensor was applied to determine TCS in groundwater and river. The recovery rates obtained were 97.5–102.2% for previously contaminated water samples. The results allow us to conclude that the developed sensor presents itself as an option for TCS detection.

Effect of Eu2O3@C composite catalyst on hydrogen storage performance of Mg96La3Ni alloy

This study successfully synthesized Eu2O3@C composite catalyst by an improved chemical blowing method. The Eu2O3 nanoparticles in this catalyst are highly dispersed within a porous carbon matrix, exhibiting a well-developed mesoporous structure, a large specific surface area, and a high density of defects. Eu2O3@C was mixed with the Mg96La3Ni alloy through ball milling, and the impact of varying amounts of Eu2O3@C on the hydrogen storage performance of Mg96La3Ni was comprehensively investigated. The results showed that Eu2O3@C markedly enhances the de/hydrogenation kinetics of Mg96La3Ni, with the most substantial impact noted at a Eu2O3@C content of 2 wt %. At 360 °C, 77.3 % of the maximum hydrogen capacity could be absorbed within 2 min, while only 1.4 min was required to release 3 % of hydrogen. Additionally, Eu2O3@C markedly decreased the dehydrogenation activation energy of the alloys to 106.3 kJ/mol and reduced the endothermic peak temperature to 347 °C, while leaving thermodynamic properties unaffected. The Mg96La3Ni–Eu2O3@C composite exhibits remarkable cyclic stability, retaining its hydrogen storage capacity throughout the cycling process. This study pioneers a novel strategy to elevate the performance of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials.

Surfactant-induced photocatalytic performance enhancement of europium oxide nanoparticles

Recently, rare earth (RE) elements and their oxides have been attracting more and more attention in the field of photocatalytic degradation. Due to the unique 4 f electronic structure and optical properties, the RE element, europium (Eu), together with its oxides, are often used for surface modification of other photocatalysts. Nevertheless, the photocatalytic degradation property of europium oxide has been rarely reported. In this study, we synthesized Eu2O3 nanoparticles via chemical precipitation and calcination processes, and performed surface modification by using surfactants as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Compared with pure Eu2O3 nanoparticles and those synthesized with PVP, photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesized with surfactant CTAB for degrading rhodamine B dye demonstrated to be improved by 16% and 12%, respectively. The ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra measurements indicate that CTAB can increase the bandgap of Eu2O3 due to the reduction of oxygen defects. Photoluminescence spectra demonstrate that the surfactant would affect the luminescence of Eu3+ and carrier redistribution of energy levels.

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of (MWCNTs)-COOH/Eu2O3 as an Efficient Reusable Catalyst

Modification of acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-COOH with Eu2O3 nanoparticles using Eu(NO3)3.6H2O, produced an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of some nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as quinoxalines. The products were identified by CHN analysis, NMR, and FT-IR spectra. On the other hand, synthesis of Eu2O3 nanoparticles and their conjugation on the surface of (MWCNTs)-COOH have been confirmed by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).

Structural and superconducting properties of low-density Bi(Pb)-2223 superconductor: Effect of Eu2O3 nanoparticles addition

This paper presented the result of the structural analysis of Europium, Eu nanoparticles addition in low-density Bi(Pb)-2223 superconductor. Polycrystalline bulks with nominal composition Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 samples where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt% were prepared via solid-state reaction method. Low-density samples were created by adding crystalline sucrose into mixed powders and burn at 400 °C for two hours. The samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for structural characterization while resistivity measurement was determined by using four-point probe method. Phase analysis by XRD indicated that both Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases coexist within the samples having a tetragonal crystal structure. As Eu concentration increases, the amount of Bi-2223 phase slightly decreased which signifies that Eu nanoparticles favour the growth of Bi-2212 phase. It was observed that the highest Tc and Jc values for the addition sample found at x = 0.2 wt%.

Synthesis and Characterization of Low Density Bi-2223 Cuprates Superconductor Doped Eu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Nanoparticles

Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2-xEuxCu3Oδ cuprates superconductor doped with Eu nanoparticles (x = 0.0000, 0.0025, 0.0200 and 0.0500) were synthesized through conventional solid state reaction method. Crystalline sucrose was added during pelletization and burn at 400°C for two hours to create low density sample. The effect of doping Eu2O3 nanoparticles on the structural and superconducting properties by means of critical temperature (Tc), critical current density (Jc), X-ray diffraction (XRD) together with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Alternating Current Susceptibility (ACS) were studied. Based on XRD analyses, the crystallographic structure has shown slightly changed from tetragonal to orthorhombic. The amount of 2223 phase gradually decreased with the increment of Eu concentration which indicates that Eu nanoparticles substitution favours the growth of 2212 phases. The resistivity measurements show that the highest Tcvalue for doped samples found at 90 K for x = 0.0025. The FESEM images showed that the plate-like grains become smaller and distributed randomly without specific alignment due to the increment of Eu concentration.

Ultrasmall Downconverting Nanoparticle for Enhanced Cerenkov Imaging

Cerenkov imaging provides an opportunity to expand the application of approved radiotracers and therapeutic agents by utilizing them for optical approaches, which opens new avenues for nuclear imaging. The dominating Cerenkov radiation is in the UV/blue region, where it is readily absorbed by human tissue, reducing its utility in vivo. To solve this problem, we propose a strategy to shift Cerenkov light to the more penetrative red-light region through the use of a fluorescent down-conversion technique, based upon europium oxide nanoparticles. We synthesized square-shape ultrasmall Eu2O3 nanoparticles, functionalized with polyethylene glycol and chelate-free radiolabeled for intravenous injection into mice to visualize the lymph node and tumor. By adding trimethylamine N-oxide during the synthesis, we significantly increased the brightness of the particle and synthesized the (to-date) smallest radiolabeled europium-based nanoparticle. These features allow for the exploration of Eu2O3 nanoparticles as a preclinical cancer diagnosis platform with multimodal imaging capability.

Potential applicability of polyethyleneimine PEI-coated Eu2O3 and Dy2O3 nanoparticles for contrast enhancement in computed tomography

Rare-earth metal oxide nanoparticles considered promising contrast agents for x-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the potential applicability of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Eu2O3 and Dy2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) for CT x-ray attenuation. Morphology and other physicochemical properties of prepared samples were systematically investigated using a range of characterization tools. Preliminary cytotoxicity experiments with L-929 fibroblastic cells suggested that both samples have no significant toxicity at concentrations below 100 μg ml−1. Clinical CT analysis shows that PEI@Eu2O3 NPs exhibit higher x-ray attenuation efficiency (∼8 HU mM−1) as compared to PEI@Dy2O3 NPs (∼5 HU mM−1).

Metal organic frameworks composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in flowing liquid and its fluorescent sensing of fatty alcohol with different branch chains

This work reports the metal organic frameworks composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in flowing liquid. Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and SEM were used to characterize its structure and morphology. The results show that the Eu2O3 nanoparticles with the average particle size of 3.08 nm are uniformly distributed among the crystal and the BET specific surface area of the composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] is 1087 m2/g. At 296 K, the adsorption capacities of C2H2 on composite are up to 117.3 cm3/g, which is larger than that of the compound [Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco]. The C2H6/CH4 selectivity of the composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] is 25.9 and much higher than that of some familiar MOFs materials. Moreover, the composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] can emit very intense characteristic fluorescence at 613 nm of Eu3+ ion under ultraviolet radiation and can be used for detecting of fatty alcohols with different branch chains in fluorescence sensing because of its fluorescence intensity at 613 nm is sensitive to fatty alcohol with different carbon chains. The luminescence based sensing mechanism of the composite Eu2O3@[Zn2(1,4-ndc)2dabco] was discussed.

Impact of Eu Nanoparticles Substitution for Ca Site in Bi(Pb)-2223 Cuprates Superconductor

The sample with nominal composition of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2-xEuxCu3Oy where x = 0.000, 0.0025, 0.020, 0.050 and 0.100 were synthesized through solid state reaction method. The effect of Eu2O3 nanoparticles doping on the superconducting and structural properties were studied by means of critical temperature, TC, critical current density, JC, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of 2223 phase gradually decreased with the increment of Eu concentration which indicates that Eu nanoparticles substitution at Ca site favours the growth of 2212 phases. The sample with higher porosity was found to be decreased in critical temperature, TC as well as critical current density, JC due to the lack of effective surface area for current flowing. The best superconducting properties were observed at x = 0.0025 substitutes into Ca site for Bi (Pb)-2223 host sample.

Survival and reduction in foodborne bacteria using methyl cellulose film doped with europium oxide nanoparticles.

The study validated the efficacy of methyl cellulose films doped with different concentration of Eu2O3 nanoparticles to inactivate foodborne pathogens. Eu2O3 nanoparticles were added to the methyl cellulose solution with different weight percentages (0.0, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 wt%). X‐ray diffraction patterns for the prepared films were studied. A significant lower count of E. coli, S. typhimurium, and S. aureus (p ≤ .05) inoculated in MC films doped with Eu2O3 nanoparticles compared with pure MC film could be achieved. The findings acquired verify the impact of prepared MC films doped with Eu2O3 nanoparticles on the test strains.

Synthesis, Characterisation and the photocatalytic performance of europium oxide/ceria nanocomposite

ABSTRACT Different loadings of europium were doped into commercial ceria nanoparticles by using europium nitrate solution followed by thermal treatment. The characterisation results showed a formation of Eu2O3 nanoparticles covering the ceria particles; moreover, the density of such cover is increased with europium loading. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples was evaluated in the photocatalytic decolourization reaction of methyl green under the illumination of UV black light with an average wavelength of 367 nm. The reaction rate of europium-doped ceria was 4.5–10 times higher compared to the neat ceria sample.

Enhancement the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors through composite formation with Eu-TUD-1

In the current article, two different functionalities were employed to enhance the photocatalytic performance of the two famous semiconductors; ZnO and TiO2, under UV light illumination. Eu3+ incorporated TUD-1 mesoporous material (Si/Eu ratio of 10) was wet deposited with ZnO and TiO2 with a mass ratio of 1 Eu-TUD-1: 1 ZnO or TiO2. The prepared composites were characterized by means of XRD, DR UV-Vis, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, EDX and HR-TEM. Characterization data confirmed the presence of Eu2O3 nanoparticles embedded in amorphous silica matrix that support the nanoparticles of commercial ZnO or TiO2. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared materials was examined in the decolourization reaction of methyl green (MG) dye under black light illumination with a wavelength centered at 367 nm and at ambient temperature. The activity of the prepared materials was almost 3.4-3.6 times higher than neat ZnO or TiO2 and almost 1.2-1.3 times higher than same composites without silica, under the same condition. The prepared composites were recycled successfully for four consecutive reaction without significant loss in the case of Eu-TUD-1/TiO2 composite and 18-20% of loss activity in the case of Eu-TUD-1/ZnO composite. Hence, the results suggest the application of prepared material as photocatalyst under UV illumination with strong adsorption affinity.

Fabrication of water soluble and luminescent Eu2O3 nanoparticles for specific quantification of aromatic nitrophenols in aqueous media

The current work deals with the synthesis of bare and surface modified Europium oxide (Eu2O3) nanoparticles in aqueous-media. The synthesized Eu2O3 possess intense fluorescence-emission-peak between 350 and 500 nm when excited at 338 nm. Due to the presence of surface-modification with (3-aminopropyltriethexoysilane) APTES, the synthesized Eu2O3 showed high-selectivity to detect aromatic nitro-compounds through quenched fluorescence emission. The emission-peak intensity of Eu2O3 was found to be quenched with increasing concentration of aromatic-nitro-compounds. Thereby, detection-limit of 4.6 μM, 0.9 μM and 0.12 μM was obtained for 2-nitrophenol (PNP), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The sensing aptitude of nanosensor was subsequently evaluated in spiked-water-samples, suggesting the effectiveness of sensor for assaying of nitro-compounds in real-samples.

Sensitive Determination of Terbutaline Using a Platform Based on Nanoparticles of Europium Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes

AbstractThis study presents a sensitive voltammetric determination of terbutaline (TER) on a platform based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and europium oxide nanoparticles (Eu2O3NPs) coated glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). An ultrasonic bath was performed for the preparation of composite material. The material was characterized by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction method (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Eu2O3NPs/CNTs/GCE system was assessed for the oxidation of terbutaline (TER). A broad oxidation peak was appeared at 0.71 V using a bare GCE. However, the voltammetry of TER has been improved at a GCE coated with CNTs and a well‐defined anodic peak exhibited at 0.61 V. Furthermore, the nanoparticles of Eu2O3 and CNTs coated GCE has greatly improved the electrochemical behaviour of TER and a sharp peak was appeared at 0.59 V. Cyclic voltammetry at Eu2O3NPs/CNTs/GCE also reveals a high catalytic effect for the oxidation of TER with an oxidation peak that is distinctly enhanced compared to GCE and CNTs/GCE. Eu2O3 nanoparticles were utilized to enhance the surface area of GCE and then improve the sensitivity of the procedure. The response of TER was linear over a concentration range of 2.0×10−8 M −9.5×10−6 M with an LOD of 3.7×10−9 M. Square wave voltammetric analysis of tablets by Eu2O3NPs/CNTs/GCE yielded a recovery of 99.2 % with an RSD% of 3.2. The modified electrode (EuO2NPs/CNTs/GCE) provides accuracy and precision to the analysis of samples.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of europium(III) oxide decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for detection of chloramphenicol in food samples

Herein, we describe an amperometric sensor for chloramphenicol (CAP) by using Eu2O3 nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide. A simple microwave-assisted synthetical route was employed to prepare Eu2O3 NPs@RGO. it's structure and properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction pattern, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscope, High resolution transmission electron microscope. The electrical conductivity and cyclic voltammetry studies indicated the Eu2O3 NPs@RGO modified electrode exhibited the best performance electrocatalytic sensing of CAP. An amperometric CAP sensor was found to be good sensitive and reproducible which able to detect concentration as low as 1.32 nM. The fabricated sensor worked well even applied in honey and fresh milk samples with appreciable recovery.

A comparative multi-assay approach to study the toxicity behaviour of Eu2O3 nanoparticles

Europium oxides (Eu2O3) nanoparticles are extensively employed in diverse areas ranging from bioimaging to chemical sensing. However, still there is significant lack of information regarding their toxic behaviour on humans and the environment. The endeavor of this work is to develop structural/toxicity correlations for bare and surface functionalized Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by low-temperature colloidal route. The detailed investigations revealed that Eu2O3 nanoparticles concentration have significant effect on the in vitro toxicity. On the basis of antibacterial, antimicrobial assays and assessment of the genotoxicity using Allium cepa and molecular studies on human blood DNA, it was discovered that surface modification of nanoparticles is an important parameter for reducing the toxicity of Eu2O3 nanoparticles. The phytotoxicity of the prepared nanoparticles has also been compared by the seed germination assay with wheat, green grams, and black chickpeas. The detailed results revealed the mechanism of Eu2O3 nanoparticles in vitro toxicity.