Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy Images Research Articles

Effect of gamma and ultraviolet irradiation on the optical properties of copper oxide nanostructured thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis

Nanostructured copper oxide thin films were grown by the chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP) technique. Utilizing a homemade spray pyrolysis method, thin films are created. This work investigates the role of gamma ray and ultraviolet ray irradiation on the optical properties of copper oxide thin films(CuO) prepared. In this framework, used different substrate temperatures 300 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C for the layers were grown on glass for the prepared CuO thin films. UV–visible spectrometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction patterns(XRD) measurements were all used to characterize the samples. The UV–visible spectroscopy showed a decrease in the absorbance and the optical band gap of CuO thin films with the increase in the higher substrate temperatures before irradiation. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance peaks (λSPR) were observed at 329 nm. FE-SEM images revealed spherical-like shapes with an average diameter range of 48 nm,56 nm and 62 nm for 300 °C, 350 °C, and 400 °C, respectively. An analysis of X-rays revealed that CuO thin films contained the crystallographic planes of a monoclinic and an orthorhombic crystal system. Also, when samples were exposed to gamma and UVC radiation, the absorbance intensity of CuO thin films increased, but the optical band gap decreased.

Consequence of coherent Cu5Zr precipitates and Cu2O passive layer formation on the corrosive behaviour of additively processed Cu-Cr-Zr alloy in simulated seawater

Abstract The Cu-Cr-Zr copper alloy is known for its outstanding electrical conductivity and fatigue strength. However, the corrosion behaviour of the copper alloy should also be taken into account when adopting it in industrial applications, especially in the marine environments. This research aims to fabricate Cu alloy coupons using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technique and subsequently test their corrosive performance in simulated seawater. This research confirms that the Cu5Zr precipitate formation during the LPBF process and the Cu2O passive layer formation were the main reason for the enhanced corrosive behavior of the LPBFed copper alloy. The OM (Optical Microscope), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope) images supported in evaluating melt pool formations and irregularities, and also confirmed the polycrystalline structure. The diffraction pattern from the TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) analysis confirmed the formation of Cu5Zr precipitate and grain size distribution, while their orientations were obtained from the EBSD (Electron Based Scattered Diffraction) EBSD analysis. Micro hardness was executed on the scanning and building directions, and it was found that the building direction possessed higher hardness of 54 HV0.3 which was 5% higher than in the scanning direction. This significant fluctuation in the hardness value is due to the closely packed equiaxed and columnar grains along the outer and inner regions of the melt pools. Potentio-dynamic polarization (PD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests were performed on the printed copper alloy parts for various immersion periods of 0, 9, 18 and 38 h. Further, the XRD (x-ray Diffraction) analysis was performed on the corroded surface and it confirmed the Cu2O passive layer and the occurrence of Cu5Zr precipitate. The occurrence of Cu5Zr precipitates and Cu2O passive layer formation helped attain the maximum polarization resistance of 2033.8 ohm and minimum current density of 5.928 × 10−6 A cm−2 with minimum surface roughness of 3.447 μm.

Structural, optical and dielectric properties of (AZT) aluminum doped zinc titanate nano-composites

Aluminum-doped Zinc Titanate (AZT) AlxZn1-xTiO3 ( for x= 0.20,0.40,0.60,0.80) nanoparticles are synthesized through low temperature hydrothermal method and their physical properties such as structure, surface, energy gap and dielectric characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and impedance analysis. XRD analysis indicated structural transformation of tetragonal phase for samples of x = 0.20 to 0.60 and some secondary phases for x=0.80. It was found that lattice constants of the sample decrease with increasing aluminium content. The morphology of nano-composites, as evidenced by FESEM and TEM imaging, displayed the formation of nano-spheres and nano-rods. The impedance and dielectric modulus analysis for the current samples revealed their dielectric behaviour, microstructure and conduction procedure. However negative dielectric property was seen in nano-composite with x=0.60. All samples with x ranging between 0.2 to 0.8 displayed high ac-electrical conductivity at 1 MHz frequency. These samples are well suitable for charge storage capacitors and as perfect absorbers.

Heterogeneity properties and permeability of shale matrix at nano-scale and micron-scale

Heterogeneity of shale pores at nano-scale and micrometer-scale is of great significance to gas transport properties. In this study, the pore structure of shale samples from lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan basin is investigated by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and x-ray micro-computed tomography (Xμ-CT) technology. Based on fractal theory, the lacunarity is introduced to describe the clustering degree of pores in shale matrix, which can compensate for the limitations of fractal dimension. Combining lacunarity with fractal dimension allows for quantification of subtle differences in pore spatial distribution. For FE-SEM images at nano-scales, the fractal dimension changes in a “U” shape, while lacunarity changes in a “∩” shape. For Xμ-CT images at micrometer-scale, both the fractal dimension and lacunarity change in a logarithmic function. Lacunarity at both nano-scale and micrometer-scale linearly decreases with the increase in fractal dimension. By three-dimensional (3D) pore network modeling analysis, the structure properties of the connected pores, such as the number of pores and throats, pore diameter, pore volume, pore surface, throat length, and coordination number, are quantitatively calculated, and these structure parameters show strong heterogeneity. The average coordination number of the connected pores ranges in 2.92–4.36. This indicates that these pores in shale matrix have poor connectivity. The permeability varies from 0.06 to 0.17 μm2 in two-dimensional (2D) Xμ-CT images but from 3.20 to 34.99 μm2 in a 3D structure. The permeability in the 3D structure is about two order higher in magnitude than that in the 2D Xμ-CT images.

Synthesis and investigation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-polymer content on magnetic and electromagnetic properties of electrospun BiFeO3, SrFe12O19, α-Fe2O3 nanostructures

A one-pot electrospinning technique was employed to synthesize polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based nanofibers containing bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3), strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19), and hematite (α-Fe2O3). The influence of PVP polymer concentration on structural properties revealed the formation of pure phases in all samples, except for BiFeO3 nanofibers, which contained an impurity Bi2Fe4O9 phase. Field-emission scanning electron microscope images showed that higher PVP concentrations resulted in longer, thicker nanofiber chains for all samples. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis indicated that SrFe12O19 nanofibers exhibited strong ferrimagnetic properties with high saturation magnetization (60 emu g−1) and coercivity (5000 Oe), while the other samples displayed weaker magnetic properties. To address the fragility of nanofibers produced via the one-pot method, the highest PVP concentration nanofibers were incorporated into low and high concentrations of paraffin matrices. Electromagnetic testing showed that paraffin concentration significantly increased the real part of electrical permittivity for BiFeO3 nanofibers (from ∼2 to ∼4.5) compared to other compositions (∼2 to ∼3). Impedance results revealed that BiFeO3 nanofibers had the lowest resistance and likely higher reflectivity. Lastly, the real permittivity of nanofibers decreased with increasing frequency, aligning with Koop’s dielectric relaxation theory.

Thermally stable and anti-corrosive polydimethyl siloxane composite coatings based on nanoforms of boron nitride

Coating technology has been emerged as a recognized and cost-effective approach in regard to mitigating issues that are linked to corrosion. We employed in-house synthesized boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS-CVD) and commercially available nanosized boron nitride (BN-nano) as fillers in this study to fabricate composite coatings with enhanced thermal stability and corrosion resistance. These fillers were dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resin to develop composite coatings. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to characterize the prepared composite coatings. The FTIR analysis revealed a prominent absorption band around 1350 cm−1 that is indication of the distinctive B-N in-plane bending vibrations characteristic of boron nitride (BN). The FESEM images simultaneously confirmed the sheet-like morphology of both BN-nano and BNNS-CVD, which both found to be uniformly dispersed in the PDMS matrix. The EIS revealed that the composite films based on BNNS-CVD exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to those based on BN-nano when exposed to a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Further, TGA profiles indicated that the composite films maintained their structural integrity up to 200 ℃ without degradation. Therefore, thermally stable and corrosion resistant coatings can be valuable for various new technology applications that involve corrosion issues.

Eco-friendly synthesis, characterization, and properties of copper oxide nanoparticles in cashew gum/polypyrrole blend for energy storage applications

Conducting biopolymer blend nanocomposites of cashew gum (CG) and polypyrrole (PPy), with varying concentrations of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized through an in-situ polymerization method using water as a sustainable solvent. The formation of blend nanocomposites was characterized using UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). UV spectroscopy revealed a significant reduction in absorption intensity with the addition of CuO, indicating enhanced optical properties. FT-IR and XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of CuO into the CG/PPy blend. FE-SEM images revealed the uniform distribution of nanoparticles throughout the biopolymer blend, particularly in the 7 wt% sample. TGA and DSC results demonstrated a significant enhancement in thermal stability, increasing from 352 °C to 412 °C and a rise in the glass transition temperature from 89 °C to 106 °C in the blend nanocomposites. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, impedance, Nyquist plot, electrical conductivity, and electric modulus were extensively examined at different temperatures and frequencies. The dielectric constant of the CG/PPy blend increased from 2720 to 92,950 with the addition of 7 wt% CuO, measured at 100 Hz. The improved glass transition temperature, thermal stability, and superior electrical properties imply potential usage of the developed nanocomposite in nanoelectronics and energy storage applications.

X-ray characterization, structural analysis, antibacterial activity, and self-cleaning property of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite prepared by sonochemical process

TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites with different copper (Cu) precursor loadings were prepared by a one-step sonochemical process. The mole ratio of Cu precursor in TiO2-SiO2 composite was varied at 0.004, 0.008, 0.020, and 0.040, respectively. The specific X-ray characterization techniques on crystalline structure, chemical composition, and chemical states of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite were carried out by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Surface morphology and chemical bonding of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite were monitored by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). For antibacterial properties, the inhibition zone of antimicrobial activity was investigated by varying amounts of Cu precursors in the TiO2-SiO2 composite. After that, Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 composite powder with different Cu precursor ratios was mixed in PMMA solution and deposited on glass slides to study the optical property and hydrophilicity by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer and contact angle method. XRD patterns of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposites show the formation of the main TiO2 anatase phase with the ultrafine particles observed by FE-SEM images. FT-IR spectra of the composites are assigned to the prominent peaks of the Ti-O-Ti and Ti-O-Si bond relating to the TiO2-SiO2 host matrix. Meanwhile, TiO2-SiO2 composites with Cu precursor at 0.004 mole ratio can significantly enhance the antibacterial activity with a large inhibition zone. The contact angle value of Cu-doped TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite film at 0.040 Cu precursor mole ratio in the TiO2-SiO2 matrix resulted in the optimized composite ratio for achieving a hydrophilic surface on the substrate.

Sustainable synthesis and characterization of cobalt-based biocatalysts from olive stone waste for enhanced curing of unsaturated polyester resins

The functionalization of native olive wood shell stone for the formation of new active heterogeneous cobalt-based biocatalysts has been conducted. The resulting biocatalysts have been fully characterized using various analytical techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), elemental analysis, granulometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA), moisture content, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The catalytic performance of these new functional heterogeneous materials has been verified by gelation time measurements on a multipurpose unsaturated polyester/styrene/tert-butyl peroxybenzoate system. The results are compared with those obtained using the current workhorse of the industry, which utilizes cobalt-based catalysts, particularly cobalt octoate dissolved in a solvent solution known to have adverse environmental and human health implications.

In situ hydrothermal synthesis of ZnCo2O4/ZnO nanocomposite: Structural, optical, electrochemical properties and photocatalytic performance under visible light

In this work, we report preparing zinc cobalt oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposite via a facial in situ hydrothermal route. The crystal structure of the as-synthesized products was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results confirmed the preparation of a ZnCo2O4/ZnO nanocomposite. A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to analyze the morphology of samples. From FESEM images of the nanocomposite, ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles have been decorated on ZnO hexagonal nanoplates. The optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by UV–vis and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Furthermore, we investigated the photocatalytic performance of the obtained samples for acid orange 7 (AO7) dye. It was found that the ZnCo2O4/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited appreciable photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation in comparison with ZnCo2O4 and ZnO nanostructures.

UV photodetector based on vertically aligned Ta2O5 nanorods

This work presents the investigation of the GLAD technique to fabricate Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) Nanorods for the application of ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–visible absorption, and electrical characterization were performed on the fabricated samples. Ta2O5 amorphous nature was revealed via XRD pattern and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis. FESEM and TEM images reveal the growth of vertical nanorods. In the UV–visible region, there is strong absorption, with a direct bandgap of about 3.9 eV. The electrical analysis was conducted at room temperature for the voltage between −10 and 10 V, revealing the performance of the device, with a high responsivity of 5.7 A/W, detectivity (D*) of 11.62 × 1013, and a noise equivalent power (NEP) value of 2.975 × 10−12. In addition, it has a stable switching response at -3V with a rise time of 0.15 s and a fall time of 0.17 s.

Synthesis of silver (Ag) nano/micro-particles via green process using Andrographis paniculata leaf extract as a bio-reducing agent

In this work silver nano/micro-particles have been synthesized using sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) plant extract as a bio-reducing agent. The effects of different plant extract concentrations, AgNO3 precursor concentrations, and reaction time on the synthesized silver nano/micro-particles were investigated. The silver nano/micro-particles samples were then analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorbance spectrum of the colloid silver nano/micro-particles exhibited that all samples had absorbance peaks at a wavelength around 450 nm, confirming the formation of silver nano/micro-particles. It was also found that the UV-Vis absorbance peak of the silver nano/micro-particles inversely increased with decreasing AgNO3 solution concentration. Whereas, the higher the sambiloto extract concentration the higher the UV-Vis absorbance peaks. The UV-Vis absorbance peak increased with increasing synthesis time, suggesting that silver nano/micro-particles became more prominent. The UV-Vis absorbance peaks of the silver nano/micro-particles were about 0.0462, 0.0637, 0.0729, and 0.0936 at reaction time of 5, 10, 20, and 40 min, respectively. The XRD analysis result confirmed that the synthesized silver nano/micro-particles were in the form of nanocrystals with a face-centered cubic centered without any impurities. Additionally, the FESEM images showed that the silver nano/micro-particles had the primary particle size of 150-300 nm. There was the formation of some secondary particles with the size of about 0.7-1.5?m due to the agglomeration of primary particles. The particle size distribution analysis further confirmed the presence of primary and secondary particles. Meanwhile, the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of four main peaks, linked to functional groups in the sambiloto extract and involved in the creation of silver nano/micro-particles.

Enhanced Removal of Rhodamine b Dye from Aqueous Media via Adsorption on Facilely Synthesized Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles

This paper studies the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of rhodamine b dye from aqueous media. Utilizing the combustion procedure, ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using two different fuels: glutamine (SG) and L-arginine (SA). In addition, the synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized through various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. XRD analysis verified the creation of a ZnFe2O4 cubic spinel structure without any contaminants, revealing average crystallite sizes of 43.72 and 29.38 nm for the SG and SA samples, respectively. The FTIR spectra exhibited peaks indicative of metal-oxygen bond stretching, verifying the presence of a spinel formation. Elemental analysis via EDX confirmed the stoichiometric composition typical of zinc ferrite. In addition, FE-SEM imaging displayed that the SG and SA samples are composed of particles with irregular and spherical shapes, measuring average diameters of 135.11 and 59.89 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the BET surface area of the SG and SA samples is 60 and 85 m2/g, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of the SA sample (409.84 mg/g) towards rhodamine b dye was higher than that of the SG sample (279.33 mg/g), which was ascribed to its larger surface area and porosity. Kinetic and equilibrium studies revealed that the adsorption process of rhodamine b dye onto the SG and SA samples followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and physical. The study concludes that ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized using L-arginine (SA) exhibit enhanced rhodamine b dye removal efficiency due to their smaller size, increased surface area, and higher porosity compared to those synthesized with glutamine (SG). The optimum conditions for the adsorption process of rhodamine b dye were found to be at pH 10, a contact time of 70 min, and a temperature of 298 K. These findings underscore the potential of L-arginine-synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for effective and sustainable environmental cleanup applications.

Visual tracking of real-time freshness of fish using an agar hydrogel colorimetric indicator containing CuNPs/NCQDs

A simple, selective, and affordable dual fluorescence-colorimetric indicator for hydrogen sulfide was developed based on a complex of copper nanoparticles and N-doped carbon quantum dots (CuNPs/NCQDs). Real-time and visual freshness tracking of fish was done using a colorimetric indicator by incorporating CuNPs/NCQDs into agar hydrogel (AH-CuNPs/NCQDs). The fluorescence response of the CuNPs/NCQDs solution is quenched upon exposure to H2S. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy image of the AH-CuNPs/NCQDs film revealed a unified structure. The prepared indicator exhibited a good and irreversible response to H2S, with a LOD of 91.36 and a LOQ of 276.86 μM, based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mechanism. The X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer results confirmed the formation of a CuS bond in the colorimetric indicator exposed to fish spoilage. The prepared indicator demonstrated good stability and remained unaffected by pH or other volatile compounds. Notably, there was a strong correlation between ΔΕ and fish freshness parameters (pH, TV-BN, and TVC). Light green, pale yellow, and dark yellow colors, respectively, indicated freshness, semi-freshness, and spoilage of fish during storage in the refrigerator. Overall, the prepared indicator can be effectively used for detecting spoilage in meat products as a highly sensitive freshness indicator.

The figure of merit improvement of (Sn, Co)–ZnO sprayed thin films for optoelectronic applications

Nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) has garnered significant attention from researchers and industries due to its superior properties as an optoelectronic material, particularly in solar cells as a transparent electrode. Doping, especially with tin (Sn) and co-doping with tin and cobalt (Co), can refine its optoelectronic properties. In this manuscript, we report on the optoelectronic properties of undoped ZnO thin films, as well as those doped with Sn and/or Co, elaborated using a simple chemical pneumatic spray pyrolysis method on glass substrates. A 1 % Sn doping concentration was used, with Co doping concentrations of 0 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %. The effects of Sn and/or Co doping concentration on the structure, morphology, optical, and electrical properties of nanocrystalline ZnO were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy and Hall effect measurements. All the films studied exhibit wurtzite ZnO structures with a predominant (002) orientation and no secondary phase, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Raman spectroscopy also reveals the presence of a wurtzite structure in all the films. The FESEM images reveal the kind and concentration of the dopants significantly influenced the surface morphology of the films. The elemental analysis with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) analysis successfully detected the doping of Sn and Co. The analysis of UV–Vis spectroscopy provide that the optical band gap for the undoped ZnO film is 3.25 eV. This band gap increases upon doping and co-doping, reaching a peak value of 3.30 eV for the Sn:Co (1 %:0.5 %) co-doped ZnO film. The ZnO film shows an improvement in the electrical resistivity upon doping and co-doping with low resistivity value of 1.95 × 10−2 Ω cm for the film (1%Sn, 0.5 % Co)–ZnO. The highest figure of merit (FOM) achieved is 1.41 × 10−4 Ω−1 for a ZnO thin film co-doped with (1 % Sn, 0.5 % Co). The existence of (1 % Sn, 0.5 % Co) film with improved optical gap, low electrical resistivity and high FOM supports its use in transparent conductive oxide applications.

Synthesis of Copper Molybdate and Its Electrochemical Sensing of Paracetamol.

Background In recent years, significant advancements have been made in various scientific sectors, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceutical research. This progress has been driven by the development of enhanced sensing materials and methodologies. Electrochemical sensing has become an important tool in detecting and analyzing drug molecules due to its high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid response times. Among various drugs, paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is widely used for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. Accurate detection of paracetamol is crucial due to its widespread use and potential for overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage.Copper molybdate (CuMoO4) is a transition metal oxide that has garnered attention for its excellent electrical conductivity and electrochemical stability. These properties make it a promising candidate for use in electrochemical sensors. The ability of CuMoO4 to act as a sensor material is enhanced by its unique structural and morphological characteristics, which can be tailored during synthesis. Aim This study aimed to synthesize CuMoO4 and investigate its electrochemical sensing capability for the detection of drug molecules, specifically paracetamol. Materials and method CuMoO4 was synthesized using a precipitation method that did not involve any surfactants. This approach was chosen to simplify the synthesis process and avoid potential contamination from surfactants. The morphology of the synthesized CuMoO4 nanoparticles was investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the purity of the CuMoO4 nanomaterial. Structural analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). To evaluate the electrochemical sensing capability of CuMoO4for paracetamol, Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed. DPV is a sensitive electrochemical technique that can detect changes in current response corresponding to the presence of analytes. Results The synthesized CuMoO4exhibited a rock-like structure, as revealed by FE-SEM imaging. This morphology is advantageous for electrochemical applications due to the increased surface area available for interaction with analytes. EDXconfirmed the purity of the CuMoO4nanomaterial, showing no significant impurities. XRD analysis indicated that the CuMoO4nanoparticles were crystalline in nature, which is beneficial for consistent and reproducible electrochemical behavior. The DPV analysis demonstrated that the CuMoO4sensor exhibited a linear increase in current response with increasing concentrations of paracetamol. This linear relationship indicates that CuMoO₄ is capable of detecting paracetamol effectively, with a strong and quantifiable signal response. Conclusion The CuMoO4nanomaterial was successfully synthesized using a simple precipitation method and was characterized by its rock-like morphology and crystalline structure. Electrochemical testing using DPV showed that CuMoO4has excellent sensing capabilities for detecting paracetamol, with a clear and linear current response. These findings suggest that CuMoO4is a promising electrochemical sensing material for drug detection, potentially offering a reliable and efficient method for monitoring paracetamol and possibly other pharmaceuticals in various settings.

Unveiling the potential of high-temperature chemical vapour deposition growth of boron carbide: Investigating physicochemical, mechanical and electrical properties

Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is a widely utilized technique in industry, particularly venerated for its precision and reliability in producing hard ceramic materials. In this study, a gas mixture comprising BCl3-CH4-H2 was employed to deposit boron carbide (B4C) onto a graphite substrate to investigate the substrate temperature-dependent physicochemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of the B4C. The phase compositional and vibrational characteristics of the B4C were thoroughly assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images reveal a morphological transition from murataite to triangular flakes, accompanied by noticeable grain expansion with growing substrate temperature. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicates a consistent trend of increasing boron concentration and decreasing carbon concentration with rising substrate temperature. Consequently, variations in substrate temperature notably tune the deposition rate, mechanical and electrical properties of B4C. The deposition rate at 1200 °C was 1476 μm/h. Whereas, the material hardness and electrical conductivity of the CVD deposited B4C were found to be 3166 HV and 18.358 Ω-1cm-1, respectively. The present study highlights the importance of high-temperature CVD growth of the B4C for industrial applications.

Investigation of the structural and magnetic properties of rapidly solidified Nd–Fe–B–Ce alloys

This study introduces the first literature report of rapidly solidified Nd–Fe–B–Ce alloys fabricated using the melt-spinning technique at varying disc rotation speeds. The resulting alloy images are then analyzed using various image processing techniques, and their structural and magnetic characteristics are described. The alloys are characterized using a variety of methods, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), differential thermal analysis (DTA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Vickers microhardness tests. By using XRD, the tetragonal hard magnetic Nd2Fe14B phase is detected in the Nd30Fe65B0.9Ce5 alloy. The FE-SEM microstructure analysis shows that the grain structure of the ingot alloy is indistinct, and the tetragonal symmetric structure begins to appear at disc rotation speeds of 20 m/s and 40 m/s. The analysis of FE-SEM images using histogram analysis, the image segmentation technique, and VSM method reveals that the coercivity values of the sample produced at the 80 m/s solidification speed increased by approximately 34% when compared to the ingot alloy.

Destruction of cariogenic biofilms by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy mediated by phycocyanin and toluidine blue along with sodium fluoride varnish or titanium tetrafluoride

ObjectiveEvaluation of the effect of phycocyanin (PC) and toluidine blue (TBO) along with sodium fluoride varnish (FV) or titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) under the conditions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a dual-species cariogenic biofilm and on remineralization process. DesignAfter the development of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus dual-species biofilms on the human enamel disks, they were divided into 11 groups (n = 9): Control (0.9% saline), PC, TBO, FV, and TiF4 alone, PC and TBO in combination with a 635 nm diode laser (PDT treatment), PC-PDT+ (PC + FV or TiF4 + 635 nm diode laser), and TBO-PDT+ (TBO + FV or TiF4 + 635 nm diode laser). After the treatment, crystal violet assay was performed to determine the reduction of cariogenic biofilms. Enamel remineralization changes were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for the calcium and phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio. ResultsOnly TBO-PDT+ showed superior antibiofilm activity when TiF4 was applied. Furthermore, the highest Ca/P ratio was found after treatment of enamel surfaces with TiF4-TBO-PDT+. The FESEM images showed that the enamel disks treated with TiF4 plus TBO-mediated PDT exhibited surface coating. However, TiF4 plus PC-mediated PDT cannot repair demineralized enamel. ConclusionsThese data suggest that TBO-PDT along with TiF4 can effectively reduce cariogenic biofilms and significantly remineralize enamel disks, opening new avenues in caries prevention.

Synthesis of strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method and investigation of the effect of milling on morphology and magnetic properties

In this research, strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) was synthesized using the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method, and its structural and magnetic properties were investigated. Raw materials such as strontium peroxide (SrO2), iron (Fe), and iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) were used to prepare green compact. The current research investigated the effect of milling time and speed on the morphology and magnetic properties of strontium hexaferrite, and the optimum temperature for calcination was obtained. X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to study the mentioned parameters and choose the optimal conditions for the synthesis of strontium hexaferrite. Milling at speeds of 100, 200, and 300 rpm for 30 and 90 min was investigated. Also, calcination was performed at temperatures of 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C for 90 min to obtain the optimal temperature. According to the results of VSM analysis, the sample milled at 300 rpm for 90 min and calcined at 1200 °C for 90 min had the highest magnetic properties. Magnetic saturation (MS), magnetic remanence (Mr), and coercivity (HC), with values of 56.43 emu/g, 30.85 emu/g, and 5705.96 Oe, were obtained for this sample. Also, FE-SEM images showing the formation of hexagonal plates with an average particle size of 380 nm after calcination were obtained for the sample with optimal parameters. TEM and HRTEM images also showed the formed particles of strontium hexaferrite with hexagonal morphology.