Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy Research Articles

Influence of 100 MeV 16O7+ ion irradiation on the structural, morphological, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of ferroelectric PVDF polymer

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), with β polymorph, is a versatile ferroelectric polymer in device fabrication. Its flexibility, lightweight, and ease of fabrication make it an alternative for electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) improved through swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. For the first time, we modified PVDF thin films for EMI-SE applications, exposing them to a 100 MeV oxygen ion beam at varying fluencies. Our analysis encompassed investigating structural study, bonding interactions, surface morphology, and elemental analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) respectively. Further, we measured dielectric response, cole-cole plot and EMI-SE in Ku-band (12–18 GHz) region using a vector network analyzer (VNA). The results revealed distinctive variations due to the deposition of 100 MeV oxygen ion beams, emphasizing the significant potential of irradiated PVDF thin films for EMI-SE applications. This study contributes to understanding the transformative impact of ion beam exposure on PVDF thin films and highlights their practical promise in emerging technological applications, particularly in EMI-SE.

Structural investigation, magnetic and DC electrical resistivity properties of Co0.5-xNixZn0.5Fe2O4 nano ferrites

The Ni2+ substituted Cobalt-Zinc nano ferrites, designated as Co0.5-xNixZn0.5Fe2O4 with x values ranging from 0.0 to 0.5, were synthesized using the sol–gel auto-combustion method. Various characterization techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), field-effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and DC electrical resistivity measurements, were employed to analyze the prepared samples. XRD analysis revealed a cubic spinel structure with a lattice constant ranging from 8.384 to 8.412 Å. FESEM examination indicated non-uniform-shaped spherical grains in the nanometer range for the synthesized samples. The FTIR spectra of the spinel ferrites revealed two distinctive bands, ν2 (580–592 cm−1) and ν1 (390–412 cm−1), which are the characteristics of spinel-structured ferrite nanomaterials. With progressive substitution (x varying from 0.0 to 0.5), the saturation magnetization (Ms) values exhibited a gradual decrease, starting from Ms = 60.97 emu/g (at x = 0.0) and reaching Ms = 38.79 emu/g (at x = 0.5). A discernible pattern was observed in coercivity (Hc), which rose from Hc = 115 Oe (at x = 0.0) to Hc = 920 Oe (at x = 0.5), with peak values determined through VSM analysis. Similar to semiconductors, the electrical resistivity experienced a decline with increasing temperature, indicative of a negative temperature coefficient.

A Simple Synthesis and Microstructure Analysis of Human Peptide LL-37@Gold Nanoparticles (Known as LL-37@AuNPs) Conjugates as Antimicrobials and Substances for Wound Healing.

The basis of the present study is a straightforward method involving fewer chemical species for conjugating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 designated as LL-37@AuNPs. Investigating the microstructure characteristics of the resulting materials and their potential as antibacterial and wound-healing substances are the main objectives of this study. Zeta (ζ) potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field effect scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry were used to analyze the physico-chemical properties of LL-37@AuNPs. The magnitude of LL-37's zeta potential and the LL-37@AuNPs show that the specimens are electrically stable and resistant to flocculation and coagulation. The surface plasmon resonance (RPS) of AuNPs, which is positioned at a wavelength of about 531 nm, was found to be unaffected by the presence of the LL-37 antimicrobial peptide. The FTIR data show the functional group characteristics of the LL-37@AuNPs vibration bands, and the XRD diffractogram confirms the formation of the LL-37@AuNPs conjugate nanocomposite. Based on FE-SEM and TEM data, the bulk of AuNPs were found to have a circular shape, with an average size of about 22.88 ± 8.21 nm. It was discovered that the LL-37@AuNPs had a good ability to inhibit S. aureus from growing. The wound-healing percentage reached 85% on day 12 of the trial, significantly greater than the results of the negative controls. LL-37@AuNPs(4) is the sample that had the highest percentage of wound healing between days 3 and 12. Moreover, sample LL-37@AuNPs(4) contains 0.45 µL of LL-37, whereas sample LL-37@AuNPs(2) contains 0.22 µL of LL-37. The faster wound-healing rate in LL-37@AuNPs(4) was believed to be due to a higher concentration of LL-37, which was able to stop S. aureus from developing while suppressing the inflammation surrounding the wound. The study's findings reveal that LL-37@AuNPs might be made using a straightforward process, making them a powerful antibacterial and therapeutic substance. However, before this discovery is applied in the field of medicine, a more thorough investigation is necessary.

Exploring the synergistic effects of La3+ substitution on dielectric performance of manganese cobalt ferrite: Implications for advanced electronic applications

La3+ substituted Mn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 ferrites were synthesized through sol-gel auto-combustion route. The impacts of varying doping concentrations (0.03, 0.06 and 0.09) were studied on synthesized samples' structural, optical, morphological, vibrational, and dielectric properties. The spinel cubic phase of synthesized samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis; increased La3+ concentration has altered the structural parameters of prepared ferrites. Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) shows a decrease in band gap with increasing concentration of La3+. Morphology has been reviewed by Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), and elemental composition was confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectra. In addition, M − O stretching bonds were verified employing Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Raman Spectroscopy shows five modes, further confirming the spinel structure. The XPS spectra verified the +2 oxidation state of Manganese. Finally, the dielectric constant, tangent loss, and AC (Alternating Current) conductivity were analyzed with temperature at several frequencies. The experimental results have unveiled intriguing findings: the dielectric constant exhibited its maximum value at the lowest frequency within the investigated range, and it demonstrated an increasing trend with the rising temperature at a specific frequency. Notably, introducing La3+ through substitution has led to a noteworthy enhancement in the dielectric constant, underscoring the novel impact of this dopant on the material's electrical properties. A positive correlation existed between AC conductivity and temperature; as the temperature increases, so does the AC conductivity. Also, it was found to be maximum at maximum frequency value for all samples. Additionally, it can be deduced that raising the La3+ concentration in crystal improves the dielectric characteristics of Manganese Cobalt ferrites.

Rapid adsorption and simultaneous photocatalytic effect of Ru doped flower like antimony tungstate

Ruthenium (Ru) doped antimony tungstate microflowers, prepared through hydrothermal process, have been investigated for simultaneous adsorption and photocatalysis. The pattern of evolution of microflower structures, however, can be tailored by the synthesis period. This change is observed from the field effect scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images. A possible mechanism behind this morphological change has been developed. An argument based on the zeta potential may be responsible for this distinct morphology due to the strong electrostatic interactions. The variation of a particular x-ray diffraction peak corresponding to the plane with variation of Ru doping percentage shows the decrease in crystallinity along the perpendicular direction to this plane. Besides, the optimum Ru doping percentage is evaluated on the basis of photocatalytic efficiency towards methylene blue (MB) degradation under visible light. The highest dye removal efficiency is observed for 2% Ru doped Sb2WO6 (SWO) adsorbing 97% of the MB dye followed by photocatalytic degradation of almost 64% of the remaining dye in 80 min. Furthermore, using different dyes, it is concluded that Ru–SWO showcases high adsorption toward the cationic dyes while it neither adsorbs the anionic dye nor displays photocatalytic degradation.

The Characteristic of Ph-Sensing of Potentiometric on Zinc Oxide and Aluminium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures

Numerous investigations have been conducted to increase the sensitivity and stability of metal oxide semiconductors as pH-sensing membranes. This paper will describe the pH sensing and characterisation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and aluminium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al) as potentiometric pH sensors. The hydrothermal technique was used to grow ZnO and ZnO:Al thin film nanostructures with doping concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 at% Al on the cleaned ITO substrates. The pH potentiometric sensing was performed in a wide pH range of 4-12 and produced sensitivity, including stability of the nanostructures. The prepared samples were also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field effect scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) to explore the influence of aluminium concentration on structural and morphology characteristics and then prepared as electrodes for pH sensing. From the XRD result, the sharp peaks and high peak intensities demonstrated well crystalline of the synthesized ZnO nanorods. Furthermore, the FESEM shows the growth of array nanorods perpendicular over the surface of ITO. The sensitivity of the pH sensor with 3 at% ZnO:Al exhibits higher sensitivity (43.80 mV/pH) and larger linearity (0.9507).

Synthesis and characterization of lead free multidoped ferroelectric material: (Bi0.85Nd0.15)(Fe0.5Ti0.5)O3

The Nd and Ti doped bismuth ferrite compound (Bi0.85Nd0.15)(Fe0.5Ti0.5)O3 has been synthesized through a solid state reaction method. Its various properties, such as structural, dielectric and ferroelectric features were thoroughly investigated. The XRD analysis confirms the phase formation with monoclinic symmetry of the compound. The field effect scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) micrograph/image shows the surface morphology and uniformly distributed grains over its surface. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) suggests the presence of all ingredients with appropriate purity (constituent elements are in well ratios of their atomic and weight percentage). Investigation of impedance and dielectric data was carried out in an extensive range of temperature and frequency. Prepared material data expose a significant improvement in the electrical and dielectric characteristics. Frequency dependent ac-conductivity diagram/plot of present material obeys Jonscher’s universal power law. The PE loop tracer study confirms the ferroelectric nature of the material. Present study offers several interesting features of the material for further device applications.

ZnO/CdS based high performance broadband photo-chargeable flexible supercapacitor

Photo-chargeable supercapacitors are attracting significant research interest as promising alternative to energy storage devices suitable for next-generation smart appliances. In this work, a heterojunction of cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods is obtained for designing a broadband photo responsive symmetrical supercapacitor. Ultraviolet (UV) absorption by ZnO and visible light interaction with the CdS nanoparticles in the heterostructure contribute synergistically to deliver UV to visible broad spectral response. The heterojunction formation is confirmed by field effect scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with elemental mapping. Areal capacitance was measured in both the dark and under illumination conditions using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge, supported by impedance spectroscopy. Enhancement of areal capacitance from the dark condition was observed between ∼238% to ∼1264% for different illumination in broad spectral range measured from the cyclic voltammetry measurements at a constant scan rate of 50 mV s−1 and achieved a highest capacitance value of ∼139 µF cm−2 under 475 nm visible light for the scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Moreover, the charge generation and storage mechanism under illumination were verified by phototransient response and open-circuit potential measurements. The excellent electrochemical performance observed by maintaining high efficiency (∼94.7%) with improved cyclic stability upto 5000 cycles. A good capacitance retention (∼90%) in bending mode when heterojunction applied in bendable devices provide broad future prospect for the metal oxide-sulphide interface in photo-chargeable smart devices.

Doping effect on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of YbMnO3 compound with non-magnetic Lutetium ion

The present study presents an analysis of the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of multiferroic YbMnO3 (YBO) due to Lu doping. YbMnO3 (YBO) and Yb0.85Lu0.15MnO3 (YBLu) were prepared using a conventional solid state reaction method. The investigation employed techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of both samples confirmed the growth of these samples in a polycrystalline single hexagonal phase having space group P63cm with no detectable impurities. The evaluation of crystalline parameters, such as lattice parameters, cell volume, specific bond lengths etc. has been carried out. The Lu-doped sample shows a minor reduction in cell parameters and cell volume which can be attributed to the smaller ionic radius of Lu3+. Lu doping in YBO results in slight shift in Raman Lines towards slightly frequencies which is the result of a small change in the average bond length. The effective magnetic moment of YBLu is found to decrease ∼6 % and the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature TN nearly remains the same because Lu3+ has zero magnetic moment. Both samples show ferri/ferromagnetic behaviour below 5 K due to the ordering of the Yb3+ lattice.

L-cysteine capped Fe3O4 nanoparticles-functionalized conductive carbon yarn as a flexible electrochemical biosensor for detection of L-phenylalanine

We explore the utilization of a conductive carbon yarn (CCY) as a flexible biosensing platform with the help of L-cysteine-capped Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) for amino acids, with L-Phenylalanine serving as a model analyte. The L-cys@Fe3O4 NPs are synthesized using a wet-chemical co-precipitation method, resulting in a pure cubic phase as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the functionalization of Fe3O4 NPs with L-cysteine. We used a hydrothermal technique to functionalize CCY to prepare L-cys@Fe3O4/CCY electrode. The L-cys@Fe3O4 NPs and L-cys@Fe3O4/CCY morphology are characterized using the Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Cyclic voltammetry technique is used for electrochemical detection of L-phenylalanine using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry (taken in 5 mM K4[Fe(CN)6] solution prepared with 1X PBS, pH = 7.4). The CCY-based sensor exhibits excellent linearity (R2 = 0.96) over a wide linear range from 10 μM to 100 μM, with a detection limit of 5.8 ± 0.5 μM and sensitivity of 0.02 ± 0.01 μA μM-1m−2 enabling sensitive detection of L-phenylalanine. The electrodes also exhibit excellent repeatability. We have performed a detection of L-Phe with a real sample and the analysis also suggests the applicability of the electrode. Thus, the L-cys@Fe3O4/CCY electrode demonstrates its potential as a flexible, highly efficient, and cost-effective sensing material, making it suitable for developing point-of-care biosensors.

Study Of Using Bentonite – Poly Ethylene Glycol Composite for Metal Removal from Water

Direct polymerization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in suspensions of Bentonite (Ben) was used for preparation of Ben-PEG composite. The prepared composite was characterized using field-effect scanning electron microscopy, surface area measurements, and X-ray diffraction. In the XRD pattern there is a change in peak intensity. But New peaks appeared. This may be due to high dispersion of particles of polymer in the Ben matrix or low concentration of the modifying agent. The crystallinity absence after loading the sorbent with cadmium and lead ions in the SEM measurement indicates that there was no crystalline phase after sorption. The optimal conditions for adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions were found to be a PEG content of 0.2 % and a contact time of 150 min. The sorption experiments were performed under different operating variables, including, pH, adsorbent dose and initial concentration of metals. For both Cd2+ and Pb2+, Adsorption parameters were determined using both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, but the experimental data were better fitted to the Langmuir equation than to Freundlich equation. The adsorption equilibrium was described by the Langmuir model, which confirmed the presence of saturated mono-layer of adsorbent molecules on the adsorbent surface, that the energy of adsorption is constant. The potential of Ben-PEG composite for the removal of cadmium and lead from aqueous solution was substantiated.

Fabrication and Characterization of Dielectric ZnCr2O4 Nanopowders and Thin Films for Parallel-Plate Capacitor Applications.

We report here the successful shape-controlled synthesis of dielectric spinel-type ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles by using a simple sol-gel auto-combustion method followed by successive heat treatment steps of the resulting powders at temperatures from 500 to 900 °C and from 5 to 11 h, in air. A systematic study of the dependence of the morphology of the nanoparticles on the annealing time and temperature was performed by using field effect scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and structure refinement by the Rietveld method, dynamic lattice analysis and broadband dielectric spectrometry, respectively. It was observed for the first time that when the aerobic post-synthesis heat treatment temperature increases progressively from 500 to 900 °C, the ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles: (i) increase in size from 10 to 350 nm and (ii) develop well-defined facets, changing their shape from shapeless to truncated octahedrons and eventually pseudo-octahedra. The samples were found to exhibit high dielectric constant values and low dielectric losses with the best dielectric performance characteristics displayed by the 350 nm pseudo-octahedral nanoparticles whose permittivity reaches a value of ε = 1500 and a dielectric loss tan δ = 5 × 10-4 at a frequency of 1 Hz. Nanoparticulate ZnCr2O4-based thin films with a thickness varying from 0.5 to 2 μm were fabricated by the drop-casting method and subsequently incorporated into planar capacitors whose dielectric performance was characterized. This study undoubtedly shows that the dielectric properties of nanostructured zinc chromite powders can be engineered by the rational control of their morphology upon the variation of the post-synthesis heat treatment process.

Effect of Ce3+ on structural, morphological, dc electrical resistivity and magnetic studies of Co nano ferrites

The sol-gel auto-combustion method produced rare earth Ce3+ substituted Cobalt ferrite nanomaterials, CoFe2-xCexO4 (x = 0.0, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12). An X-ray diffractometer, a Field effect scanning electron microscope, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, a DC electrical resistivity, and a vibrating sample magnetometer were used to investigate them. The structural, dc resistivity and magnetic properties were examined using standard techniques. XRD analysis revealed a cubic spinel structure in a single phase without any impurity phase for all the prepared samples. With increasing Ce3+ content, a decrease in crystallite size was observed according to Scherrer's formula. Grain size and surface morphology determined from FESEM analysis were 20 to 30 nm. The samples' cubic spinel ferrite properties may be seen in the FTIR data, which show two distinct absorption bands related to the octahedral site at 400 cm-1 and the tetrahedral site at 600 cm-1. FTIR also confirms the presence of Ce3+ in the crystal structure. As the Ce3+ content increases, the DC resistivity decreases, confirming the material's semiconducting nature and temperature increase in all the synthesized samples. The magnetic behaviour strongly influences the substitution of Ce3+ ions. The samples' paramagnetic properties are enhanced by saturation magnetization. The size of the particles affects their coercivity. For the use of nano cobalt ferrite particles in high-density recording media, the MS and HC can be modified.

Microwave-Assisted Biosynthesis of ZnO Using Sentul <i>(Sandoricum koetjape) </i>Peel Extract: Effect of Microwave Irradiation Power

Physical and chemical approaches for synthesizing ZnO have disadvantages, such as requiring high temperatures, expensive equipment, and dangerous substances. Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles has shifted its focus to the biosynthesis technique involving plant extracts in order to support ecologically friendly activities. In this study, biosynthetic ZnO nanoparticles were produced using Sentul (Sandoricum koetjape) peel extract under two distinct microwave irradiation powers (i.e., 360 W and 720 W) for three minutes. The effects of microwave irradiation power on the morphology and optical properties of ZnO were investigated. Prior to microwave irradiation, Sentul (Sandoricum koetjape) peel extract (20g/l) and zinc nitrate hexahydrate (0.2M) as a precursor were mixed homogeneously. Morphological, structural, and optical absorption of the samples were characterized using field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, respectively. Surprisingly, the surface morphology of ZnO displays geometric forms resembling flowers. Higher irradiation power resulted in uniformly smaller ZnO nano-flowers. The crystal structure of both ZnO samples is wurtzite with a hexagonal structure. Maximum light absorption occurs at 349 nm and 358 nm, respectively, for ZnO samples subjected to 360 W and 720 W of microwave radiation. However, the bandgap energies are 3.29 and 3.28 eV, which is significantly less than the bandgap energy of bulk ZnO. (3.37 eV). According to the results, it is possible to control the form and size of ZnO nanoparticles using microwave heating.

Photoluminescence Investigations and Band Gap Engineering in Environment Friendly ZnO Nanorods: Enhanced Water Treatment Application and Defect Model.

The inadvertent discharge of industrial effluents, mainly textile, contributes to the complex contamination load in water bodies. Textile dyes are the critical effluents and recalcitrant to traditional remediation procedures. Therefore, energy viable and environment friendly solutions are needed. In this study, we have synthesized zinc oxide nanorods (NRs) at various temperatures using modified thermal decomposition and evaluated its photocatalytic activities. Field effect scanning electron microscopy has confirmed rod-like morphology till TS = 500 °C and spherical morphology from TS = 600 °C onward. Photoluminescence spectra have shown a prominent defect peak in the synthesized ZnO, except for the NRs synthesized at 300 °C. Synthesized ZnO NRs and NPs have been employed to degrade crystal violet (CV) and congo red (CR) dyes. ZnO NRs have shown impressive photocatalytic performance with faster treatment time as compared to the earlier reports. Synthesis parameters are well correlated with the observed high efficiency and the band gap tailoring. Based on our findings, for the first time, we have proposed (i) defect model correlating synthesis parameters with defect states, (ii) systematic correlation of defect states with photocatalytic efficiency, and (iii) ZnO nanorods synthesized at 300 °C via an improved synthesis method as a promising photocatalytic solution to degrade the CV and CR dyes in contaminated water.

Investigation of photovoltaic response in Brownmillerite multiferroic KBiFe2O5 thin film

Brownmillerite structured Multiferroic KBiFe2O5 (KBFO) is a promising photoactive material for subsequent optoelectronic applications due to its smaller bandgap and intrinsic polarization. Herein, we reported the preparation, optical, and electrical properties of the KBFO thin film. The phase confirmation and structural properties of KBFO thin film prepared by a simple spin coating technique were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Raman Spectroscopy. The surface morphology as well as the thickness of the KBFO thin film deposited on FTO-coated glass, was identified by field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The bandgap of KBFO film was investigated by UV–Vis Spectroscopy and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy which extends the visible region compared to other conventional multiferroics. The evidence of photovoltaic response in KBFO device was explained based on Current-Voltage characteristics under dark as well as light illumination. In summary, the intrinsic polarization and photo absorption properties in KBFO could be regarded the material as a suitable candidate for ferroelectric photovoltaic applications.

Growth and Exploration of Inorganic Semiconductor Electron and Hole Transport Layers for Low-Cost Perovskite Solar Cells

The perovskite exhibited outstanding performance and was a promising alternative material for a low-cost, high power conversion efficiency (PCE) solar cell application. To avoid the high-cost organic materials as electron transport layers (ETL) and hole transport layers (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), here introduce the inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials ZnS and CuS work as an ETL and HTL, respectively. In this work, we selected chalcogenides such as zinc sulfide (ZnS) and copper sulfide (CuS) as the 2-electron and hole transport layers and utilized them for perovskite solar cell application. For the proposed cell structure FTO/ZnS/perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3)/CuS/Ag, the deposition of layers has been achieved via different techniques such as thermal evaporation, spin coating and doctor blade, respectively. X-ray diffraction and Field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural and morphological properties of the prepared samples. UV-Visible spectrophotometer and current density-voltage curve were used to measure the optical and electrical parameters of the deposited layers, respectively. From the J-V characteristics, for the proposed and fabricated PSCs, the estimated PCE is about 0.28 %, open-circuit voltage (VOC) = 0.29 V, and short-circuit current density (JSC) = 3.96 mA/cm2. The results are good and the inorganic nanomaterial layers used in this study are promising for future studies. HIGHLIGHTS In this study, chalcogenide materials such as zinc sulphide (ZnS) as the electron transport layer and cadmium sulfide (CdS) as the hole transport layer in solar perovskite cell applications were investigated Use easy and simple deposit methods such as chemical bath deposition and doctor blade method The possibility of using chalcogenide materials in the field of perovskite solar cells, although the efficiency of the obtained cell is very small, is an indication of the response of such materials in the application of perovskite solar cells GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Influence of current density on constant current electric field enhanced aluminum induced crystallization of amorphous silicon thin films

In this study, electric field-enhanced aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin films was investigated considering various current densities. Constant electric currents of 4, 5, and 6 A were applied to assess the Joule heating characteristics during specific durations (40, 15.5, and 9 s). The samples were prepared by depositing a 200-nm thick a-Si layer on a glass substrate and sputtering a 300-nm thick aluminum (Al) layer onto the a-Si layer. During the AIC process, layer exchange occured via the diffusion of silicon (Si) into the Al layer. This phenomenon was verified by the in-situ reflectivity, which was in excellent agreement with thin-film optics calculations. During the annealing, processing temperatures were lower than 470 °C, which is less than the Al-Si eutectic temperature of 577 °C. The Raman peak observed near a wavenumber of 519 cm−1 revealed the formation of polycrystalline silicon films through Joule heating processes. Field-effect scanning electron microscopy images were captured and analyzed to investigate the surface morphology of the samples, specifically focusing on grain growth.

Cu–Ce substituted cobalt nano ferrite - Structural, morphological, and magnetic behavior prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion

Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesized Co1-xCuxFe2-yCeyO4 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75; y = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09), Cu–Ce substituted Co ferrite nanopowders. Investigations have been done on how Cu–Ce substitution affects the structural and magnetic characteristics. The Cu–Ce substitution variation effect on structural and magnetic properties is studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD was used to identify the crystal phase, and the role of Cu–Ce substituted for Co indicates how it formed. There is no change in the crystal structure, and no additional characteristic peak linked to Cu2+ and Ce3+ ions substitution was found in the XRD. The powder was sintered at 1100 °C. The crystallite sizes were found in between 33 and 62 nm. Increasing the Cu–Ce content decreases the lattice constant and is found between 8.4044 and 8.3309 Å. The FESEM images were used to analyze the nanostructural properties. The range of 110–128 nm is the value of average grain size. Two vibrational bands can be seen in FTIR spectra at about 600 cm−1 (v1) and 400 cm−1 (v2). They are attributed to the spinel lattices A and B sites, respectively. The tetrahedral site has a greater vibrational frequency of 566.09 cm−1, while the octahedral site has a lower vibrational frequency of 420.09 cm−1. FTIR spectra show the tetrahedral stretching peaks shifting towards lower frequencies with increasing Cu2+ and Ce3+ ions content. At ambient temperature, the magnetic properties of Cu–Ce substituted cobalt ferrites revealed a strong hysteresis loop. There was a decrease in magnetic saturation and an increase in coercivity.

Investigation of efficient photoconduction and enhanced luminescence characteristics of Ce-doped ZnO nanophosphors for UV sensors.

This study involves the single-step, mass-scale productive synthesis, photoconduction, and luminescence characteristics of pure and cerium rare-earth-ion-doped ZnO (CZO) nanophosphors with different Ce concentrations (Ce: 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8wt.%) synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. The synthesized nanophosphors were characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and photoconductivity (PC) properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-effect scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL), and PC measurements. The sharp diffraction peaks of XRD results exhibit the formation of crystalline hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanostructures. The decrease in diffraction peak intensities of CZO with an increase in Ce concentrations signifies the deterioration of the ZnO crystal. FE-SEM images exhibit the good crystalline quality of nanophosphors composed of spherical- and elongated-shaped nanoparticles that are distributed consistently on the surface. The energy dispersive X-ray pattern of the 4wt.% Ce-doped ZnO (CZO4 ) sample confirms the doping of Ce in ZnO. The presence of chemical bonds and functional groups corresponds to transmittance peaks established using FT-IR spectroscopy. Deconvoluted PL spectra show two major emission peaks, one in the UV region, which is near-band-edge, and the other in the visible region ranging from ~456 to 561 nm. In PC studies, current-voltage (I-V) and current-time (I-T) characteristics, that is, rise/decayin current under dark as well as UV light conditions, are also investigated. Efficient photoconduction is observed in CZO samples. The obtained results indicate the suitability to luminescent and photosensor applications.