Interplanar Distance Research Articles

Crystalline Assemblies of DNA Nanostructures and Their Functional Properties

AbstractSelf‐assembly presents a remarkable approach for creating intricate structures by positioning nanomaterials in precise locations, with control over molecular interactions. For example, material arrays with interplanar distances similar to the wavelength of light can generate structural color through complex interactions like scattering, diffraction, and interference. Moreover, enzymes, plasmonic nanoparticles, and luminescent materials organized in periodic lattices are envisioned to create functional materials with various applications. Focusing on structural DNA nanotechnology, here, we summarized the recent developments of two‐ and three‐dimensional lattices made purely from DNA nanostructures. We review DNA‐based monomer design for different lattices, guest molecule assembly, and inorganic material coating techniques and discuss their functional properties and potential applications in photonic crystals, nanoelectronics, and bioengineering as well as future challenges and perspectives.

Exploring the catalytic, bactericidal, and anticancer potential of Ag0, Au0, and Ag0@Au0 nanoparticles: A comparative study

Societies still struggle with the pressing need to obtain novel, non-toxic, efficacious, and sustainable nanoparticles endowed with catalytic and biomedical potential. In light of this, we used the historically significant medicinal plant (Combretum glutinosum) to synthesize AgNPs, AuNPs, and their corresponding Ag0-Au0 alloy (Ag@Au). UV-Vis confirmed the syntheses by exposing their surface plasmon resonance peaks at 406 nm (Cg.AgNPs), 546 nm (Cg.AuNPs), and 516 nm (Cg.Ag@AuNPs). The biomolecules that mediated the synthesis were identified through phytochemical screening and confirmed by FTIR. FESEM, SEM, and TEM unveiled their morphologies as spherical for Cg.AgNPs, and Cg.Ag@AuNPs, whereas Cg.AuNPs showed multiple morphologies. DLS unveiled non-uniform size distributions with a mean value of 27.86 nm for Cg.AgNPs and 45.2 nm for Cg.AuNPs and EDX probed their elemental constituents, while their average crystallite sizes, lattices constant, interplanar distances, and other parameters were determined by PXRD analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited extra stability and remarkable catalytic action in the conversion of the substrate (4-nitrophenol) to the product (4-aminophenol). The catalytic rate was calculated for each sample and found to be 0.126±0.0021 (Cg.AgNPs), 0.1044±0.00271 (Cg.AuNPs), and 0.0809±0.00145 (Cg.Ag@AuNPs), and catalytic efficiency of 91.12 %, 80.05 %, and 90.87 %, respectively. The robust catalytic action is a result of high surface area which was found to be 105,984.96 m2/Kg and 44,693.46 m2/Kg for Cg.AgNPs, 61,820 m2/Kg and 10,530 m2/Kg for Cg.AuNPs, 73,850 m2/Kg and 19,830 m2/Kg for Cg.Ag@AuNPs, as calculated from the generated PXRD and TEM data, respectively. These nanoparticles are also bactericidal with minimum inhibition concentrations of 50 µg over Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, they exhibited a cytotoxic effect against cancer cells of the lungs (A549), with 74.1, 63.7, and 48.7 μg per ml as the IC50 values for Cg.AgNPs, Cg.AuNPs, and Cg.Ag@AuNPs, respectively. The outcomes of this study suggest that the green synthesized nanoparticles could be used as nanocatalysts that can potentially degrade 4-nitrophenol, and other related organic contaminants, and at the same time bactericidal against pathogenic microbes present in contaminated water bodies, and cytotoxic to cancer cell lines especially A549.

Structural and magnetic studies of Cobalt-Substituted copper ferrites for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation

In this work, cobalt-substituted copper ferrites with the composition CoxCu1-xFe2O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were synthesized using the sol–gel autocombustion method with citric acid as fuel. The influence of cobalt ion substitution (Co2+) on the structural, magnetic, optical, and photocatalytic properties was systematically studied. A range of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), were used to analyze the properties of the synthesized materials.XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite sizes of the samples ranged between 20–25 nm, with interplanar distances, bond lengths between cations, and crystallite size varying according to the degree of cobalt substitution. The formation of the spinel structure and the successful incorporation of cobalt ions into the lattice were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements showed that increasing the cobalt content enhanced the saturation magnetization while also influencing the Curie temperature and coercivity.The photocatalytic efficiency of the CoxCu1-xFe2O4 samples was evaluated for the degradation of Methylene Blue, Congo Red, and Malachite Green dyes under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation rates were strongly influenced by the copper-to-cobalt ion ratio, with cobalt-rich compositions demonstrating superior activity. The best photocatalytic performance was observed for intermediate cobalt concentrations (x = 0.4 and x = 0.6), where particle size and dielectric constant behavior led to efficient electron-hole separation and improved degradation rates. Methylene Blue decomposition was significantly enhanced in an alkaline medium (pH10) due to better adsorption and charge interaction between the dye and the photocatalyst surface. Fitting the experimental data to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Weibull models further highlighted the increased degradation rates with increasing pH and cobalt content, supporting the conclusion that cobalt-substituted copper ferrites are highly effective photocatalysts.

Modulating Aggregation and Deaggregation Based on Assembling Strategy to Switch on NIR-II Light-Excited Fluorescence for Self-Reporting Viability of Eliminating Cancer Cell.

The fabrication of self-reporting photosensitizers (PSs), enabling real-time evaluation of the extent of elimination of cancer cells, holds significant scientific importance in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) process. To address the intrinsic challenge of the short-wavelength light source, this work proposed an innovative approach of rational design second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) light-excited fluorescent PS systems (named HOEt-PI, Me-PI, and Et-PI, respectively) through modulating aggregation and deaggregation based on assembling strategy. Therein, the suitable interplanar distance of adjacent Et-PI linked with C-H···π interactions was an idea for relieving compact π···π packing for fluorescent imaging as well as elevating the spin-orbit coupling for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. With ROS continuously increasing, Et-PI underwent cell membrane-to-mitochondria migration, ultimately accumulated in nucleoli, symbolizing programmed cell death, thus distinguishing dead/live cells via three-photon fluorescence imaging (excited on 1250 nm) under photogeneration ROS. Meaningfully, the three-photon fluorescence of Et-PI was triggered by RNA of nucleoli, for which the higher signal-to-noise ratio and in-depth fluorescence imaging observed cancer cellular viability. Collectively, the proposed findings presented a constructing strategy for NIR-II light-mediated self-reporting PS for guiding the PDT of deep cancerous tissue in the future.

Crystalline Assemblies of DNA Nanostructures and their Functional Properties.

Self-assembly presents a remarkable approach for creating intricate structures by positioning nanomaterials in precise locations, with control over molecular interactions. For example, material arrays with interplanar distances similar to the wavelength of light can generate structural color through complex interactions like scattering, diffraction, and interference. Moreover, enzymes, plasmonic nanoparticles, and luminescent materials organized in periodic lattices are envisioned to create functional materials with various applications. Focusing on structural DNA nanotechnology, here, we summarized the recent developments of two- and three-dimensional lattices made purely from DNA nanostructures. We review DNA-based monomer design for different lattices, guest molecule assembly, and inorganic material coating techniques and discuss their functional properties and potential applications in photonic crystals, nanoelectronics, and bioengineering as well as future challenges and perspectives.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Carica Papaya and Cymbopogon Citratus leaf extracts: a comparative investigation of morphology and structures

Leaf extracts of Carica Papaya and Cymbopogon Citratus were used as reducing agents for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and their morphological and structural characteristics were examined using FESEM, TEM, HR-TEM, SAED, AFM, XRD and FTIR. Also, their hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential were determined. The energy band gap of ZnO NPs synthesized using C. papaya and C. citratus extracts were in the range 3.29 to 3.31 eV, and had hexagonal and quasi-spherical morphology. Energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of zinc and oxygen in them. The mean surface roughness (Ra) of nanoparticles synthesized using C. papaya and C. citratus leaf extracts were 2.928 and 2.496 nm, respectively, while their mean hydrodynamic diameter was 9.21 and 10.06 nm, respectively. From HR-TEM, the interplanar distance (d-spacing) of lattice fringes was found to be 0.25 nm for both types of nanoparticles. FTIR spectra ascertained the formation of ZnO NPs, and also the presence of some phytochemical compounds arising from the leaf extracts-mediated synthesis. The SAED images and X-ray diffractograms confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of the nanoparticles. It could be concluded that relatively pure and ultrafine ZnO NPs with different characteristics were synthesized using this simple and ecofriendly route.

Studies on the Powerful Photoluminescence of the Lu2O3:Eu3+ System in the Form of Ceramic Powders and Crystallized Aerogels.

This study compared the chemical, structural, and luminescent properties of xerogel-based ceramic powders (CPs) with those of a new series of crystallized aerogels (CAs) synthesized by the epoxy-assisted sol-gel process. Materials with different proportions of Eu3+ (2, 5, 8, and 10 mol%) were synthesized in Lu2O3 host matrices, as well as a Eu2O3 matrix for comparative purposes. The products were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence analysis, and by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. The results show a band associated with the M-O bond, located at around 575 cm-1. XRD enabled us to check two ensembles: matrices (Lu2O3 or Eu2O3) and doping (Lu2O3:Eu3+) with appropriate chemical compositions featuring C-type crystal structures and intense reflections by the (222) plane, with an interplanar distance of around 0.3 nm. Also, the porous morphology presented by the materials consisted of interconnected particles that formed three-dimensional networks. Finally, emission bands due to the energy transitions (5DJ, where J = 0, 1, 2, and 3) were caused by the Eu3+ ions. The samples doped at 10 mol% showed orange-pink photoluminescence and had the longest disintegration times and greatest quantum yields with respect to the crystallized Eu2O3 aerogel.

Effect of the Pyrolysis Environment in a Complex Compound in the Synthesis of In0.6Ga0.4N Powders and their Characterization

In this work, the comparison between nitrogen and air synthesis environments in obtaining In0.6Ga0.4N powders is presented, and the effect of how the air environment can reduce the pyrolysis temperature of In0.6Ga0.4N powders to 271 °C using the thermal gravimetric analysis, and derivative thermogravimetry methods. X‐ray diffraction patterns demonstrate the presence of a cubic phase in nanocrystallites, in addition to less presence of the hexagonal phase. In contrast, scanning electron microscopy micrographs show a surface morphology of irregular agglomerates with a porous appearance and the presence of nonuniform plates. Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra demonstrate the presence of elemental contributions of gallium, indium, and nitrogen. At the same time, transmission electron microscopy shows the cubic structure and an interplanar distance of 2.7 Å for the (200) plane. Raman scattering shows the presence of E2(high) vibration mode for the hexagonal phase with a value of 560 cm−1. Finally, the photoluminescence spectrum shows an energy emission at 1.39 eV (886 nm), which is associated with the emission of the In0.6Ga0.4N powders.

Tuning the BCS-BEC crossover of electron-hole pairing with pressure

In graphite, a moderate magnetic field confines electrons and holes into their lowest Landau levels. In the extreme quantum limit, two insulating states with a dome-like field dependence of the their critical temperatures are induced by the magnetic field. Here, we study the evolution of the first dome (below 60 T) under hydrostatic pressure up to 1.7 GPa. With increasing pressure, the field-temperature phase boundary shifts towards higher magnetic fields, yet the maximum critical temperature remains unchanged. According to our fermiology data, pressure amplifies the density and the in-plane effective cyclotron mass of hole-like and electron-like carriers. Thanks to this information, we verify the persistent relevance of the BCS relation between the critical temperature and the density of states in the weak-coupling boundary of the dome. In contrast, the strong-coupling summit of the dome does not show any detectable change with pressure. We argue that this is because the out-of-plane BCS coherence length approaches the interplane distance that shows little change with pressure. Thus, the BCS-BEC crossover is tunable by magnetic field and pressure, but with a locked summit.

Optical and structural properties of Er3+-doped CsPbI3 nanocrystals embedded in borosilicate glass

This study investigated the optical and structural properties of the Er3+-doped CsPbI3 nanocrystals (CsPbI3:x%Er) embedded into a borosilicate glass matrix. All these inorganic perovskite NCs were synthesized via the fusion method with a subsequent annealing temperature of 500 °C at different times to control NCs size. Transmission Electron Microscopy images showed nanocrystals within the glass matrix with an interplanar distance of d015 = 0.29 nm and an average size ranging from 3.85 to 6.24 nm. The X-ray diffraction data revealed that the CsPbI3:x%Er NCs can present themselves in cubic, tetragonal, or orthorhombic phases depending on the Er-doping concentration. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples annealed for 1–6 h evidence the structural transformation of CsPbI3 NCs from orthorhombic to cubic crystalline structures. The overlap observed between the optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra provided compelling evidence of an energy transfer process among CsPbI3 NCs phases and the electronic state of the Er3+ ions and the time-resolved photoluminescence monitored at 698 nm revealed the existence of distinct emitting levels due to the coexistence of different CsPbI3 NC crystalline structures. The sample doped with 2 % Er3+ and annealed at 500 °C for 6 h demonstrated improvement in the PL emission of the cubic-CsPbI3 NCs, making it suitable for optical applications.

Dependence of the crystal structure on the d-units amount in semi-crystalline poly(lactic acid)

The study investigates the impact of the d-lactic acid units content on the crystallinity and crystal structure of commercial poly(lactic acid) (PLA) grades, which are copolymers of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) containing a minor amount of d-units. As the d-units content increases, a detectable decrease in crystallinity was observed along with a simultaneous rise in mobile amorphous fraction (MAF) and a reduction in rigid amorphous fraction (RAF). The percentage of d-units was found not to significantly affect RAF thickness, suggesting that the d-units are not completely excluded from the crystals. The inclusion of d-units as defects in the PLA crystal lattice was confirmed by XRD analysis, which disclosed that the crystal phase gets gradually richer of d-units as the crystallization time evolves. FT-IR analysis proved that the incorporation of d-units in the crystal phase is promoted by the formation of local CH3···O=C interactions, similar to those massively active between PLLA and poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA) in the stereocomplex. The establishment of these interactions leads to a contraction of the interplanar distances and a decrease in the crystal cell volume with increasing the crystallization time and the d-units percentage. In summary, the study proves that for PLA copolymers containing a d-units percentage at least up to about 8 %, d-units are included in the crystal lattice.

First Principles Unveiling Equilibrium Shapes for Understanding Morphological Growth Mechanisms in Alumina Polymorphs

Understanding the morphological evolution of crystals is crucial for industrial applications and surface engineering. This study employs a multifaceted analytical approach to comprehensively analyze gibbsite, boehmite, η, γ, δ, θ, κ, and α-Al2O3. Density Functional Theory (DFT) surface energy calculations provide essential viewpoints into facet exposure and stability, enriching our comprehension of growth patterns. Using the Bravais–Friedel–Donnay–Harker (BFDH) method, a meticulous investigation into morphological properties reveals equilibrium shapes for each structure. Crucially, our models unveil the inaugural equilibrium shapes for structures previously undocumented in the literature (e.g., η, δ, θ, and κ-Al2O3). The study explores morphological growth process during phase transitions from gibbsite and boehmite to alpha alumina, emphasizing nucleation and dissolution preferences for specific facets. A grain analysis, considering bulk energy, surface area, and volume, designates α-Al2O3 as the most stable phase, offering valuable standpoints on thermodynamics and indicating a direct correlation between facet area and volume. Additionally, a comprehensive 3D surface energy mapping offers intricate visualization of facet interactions, providing valuable viewpoints into the complex relationships between surface energy, facet area, and interplanar distance. Comparisons of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, exclusively within the 200–400 cm-1 range, underscore close agreement between theoretical and experimental spectra, consistent with the expected reduction in specific surface area during polymorphic transformation.

Non-cytotoxic, biocompatible pyrochlore Cerium Zirconium Oxide nanoparticles for asymmetric supercapacitor applications

A novel biocompatible and non-cytotoxic Ce2Zr2O7 (CZO) nano-sized particles were developed by a straightforward hydrothermal method. Cubic structure with Fd-3m space group (227) of prepared nanoparticles has been confirmed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Nano-sphere like particle morphology was conspicuously noticed from the FE-SEM and TEM investigations thoroughly. Particle size, inter-planar distance, SAED pattern and elemental presence were affirmatively evaluated. The elemental presence in the sample and their ionic states were systematically investigated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. We have investigated the cytotoxicity of the Ce2Zr2O7 nanoparticles on C2C12 (mouse myoblast cell line) cells and observed to be non-cytotoxicity on C2C12 cells which supports the eco-friendly and biocompatible nanoparticles. We have investigated the electrochemical performance of Ce2Zr2O7 nanoparticles using various electrolytes such as Na2SO4, Li2SO4 and KOH. We have obtained the predominant electrochemical performance of 250 F g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 along with appreciable cycling durability from KOH electrolyte interestingly. In addition, we fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor device and evaluated its energy and power densities systematically. We have evaluated maximum energy and power densities are in the order of 13 Wh kg−1 and 3692 W kg−1, respectively. Therefore, eco-friendly and biocompatible Ce2Zr2O7 nanoparticles could be suggested as a contender for the electrode substance for supercapacitor applications. This investigation has also been an usher hope of further technological advancement in the field of nano-biomedical along with energy storage research fields.

Solar-driven calcination of clays for sustainable zeolite production: CO2 capture performance at ambient conditions

This study presents the environmentally sustainable synthesis of zeolites from solar-calcined kaolin and halloysite, emphasizing their application in CO2 capture due to their distinctive porous structures and chemical attributes. Expanding upon prior research that utilized solar energy for kaolin calcination, we now explore halloysite as an alternative clay mineral for zeolite production and CO2 capture. Employing a solar simulator, halloysite was calcined at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000 °C, resulting in the synthesis of zeolites 4A and 13X via hydrothermal methods. The synthesized zeolites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), low angle XRD (LA-XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements. Notably, the presence of Al-Si spinel, which crystallizes at elevated solar calcination temperatures, persisted within the zeolite 13X matrix, inducing a secondary mesoporous phase. The observed hysteresis in 13X samples, rather than confirming the mesoporous character of zeolite 13X, indicates a tandem effect of mesoporous Al-Si spinel with microporous zeolite 13X, exemplifying systems known as micro/mesoporous zeolitic composites (MZCs). The correlation obtained between the interplanar distances calculated from LA-XRD and pore size distributions acquired from the BJH desorption branches highlights LA-XRD as an alternative analysis method for assessing mesoporosity. While the microporosity of Al-Si spinel possessing 13X samples positively correlates with CO2 capture performance, mesoporosity appears to have minimal impact. Among the zeolites synthesized using solar energy, zeolite 4A (LTA) demonstrates superior CO2 capture capability, achieving an adsorption capacity of 2.15 mmol/g at 25 °C and 1 bar. This study highlights the potential of solar energy in producing eco-friendly zeolites from kaolin and halloysite for improved CO2 capture, advancing sustainable environmental solutions.

Thermal transformations of graphite and anthracite in the presence of lithium carbonate

The method of differential scanning calorimetry was used to study mixtures of graphite and anthracite with lithium carbonate in an argon atmosphere and in air. It was found that in the temperature range of 100–500°C, a stronger mass loss occurs in argon than in air. This phenomenon is caused by the removal of oxygen compounds with carbon. Competing processes take place in the air – the formation of oxygen compounds with carbon, coal and desorption of oxygen-containing substances. A comparison of thermal effects on the curves of DSC and gravimetry for graphite–lithium carbonate systems in argon, in air is carried out. It was found that up to 700°C in the reaction products, the molar ratio of carbon oxides (IV; II) can be estimated at 10 : 1. Endothermic effects of lithium carbonate melting in an argon atmosphere for mixtures of graphite and anthracite with lithium carbonate were observed at 732°C and 727°C, respectively. In air, the peaks of endothermic effects do not correspond to the heat absorption curves in argon. The most probable explanations of the observed effects are given – the presence of phases of carbonate and lithium oxide; the manifestation of the stretched nature of the pre-transition region of lithium carbonate. By the method of powder X-ray diffractometry, it was found that the burnout of the carbon phase at 500°C in graphite, anthracite does not lead to a significant change in the interplane distances in lithium carbonate.

Enhanced hypersensitive (5D0→7F2) transition characteristics of Eu3+ doped β-Ga2O3 microrods

Exploring and realizing the luminescence characteristics of rare earth metal (RE) ions doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is crucial for developing optoelectronic device applications. The current research used the solid-state reaction approach to synthesize Ga2O3 microrods doped with various europium (Eu3+) concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mol). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectral analyses confirm the monoclinic structure of β-Ga2O3. The intensity of the Raman phonon modes decreased and a peak shift was observed for Eu:β-Ga2O3. The electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) images depicted a nearly uniform distribution of microrods for undoped and Eu:β-Ga2O3 samples. The interplanar distance (d = 0.290 nm, 0.561 nm, and 0.433 nm), from HR-TEM images, corresponding to (0 0 4), (1 0 0), and (1 0 2) crystallographic orientations confirm the monoclinic structure of β-Ga2O3. The elemental mapping images showed a nearly homogeneous Ga, O, and Eu distribution. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) showed a notable reduction in the bandgap as the Eu3+ concentration increased. The emission spectra of Eu: β-Ga2O3 microrods showed a narrow red emission at 612 nm (5D0 → 7F2), which relates to the 5D0 → 7Fj (j = 0, 1, 2, 3) energy level arising from an intra-4f transition of Eu3+ ions upon 394 and 465 nm excitation. The red emission was found to increase with Eu content up to 0.5 mol.%. A quenching of emission due to the multipole–multipole interactions was obtained beyond 0.5 mol.% of Eu. The absolute quantum yield (η) calculated for Eu: β-Ga2O3 (0.5 mol.%) was 3.82 %. The luminescence decay curve using the bi-exponential fit and the average lifetime (τ) of the Eu: β-Ga2O3 (0.5 mol.%) was found to be ∼0.172 ms. CIE chromaticity and correlated color temperature analyses of Eu:β-Ga2O3 microrods yielded a red emission with a superior color purity (93 %). The obtained results suggest that Eu:β-Ga2O3 (0.5 wt.%) microrods could be one of the potential candidates for red light sources.

Synthesis of MnO@Fe2O3 core-shell doped PVA/PVP polymeric nanocomposites for electronic and optoelectronic devices: Mechanical, electrical, and optical properties

Abstract The aqueous solution cast method was utilized to create biodegradable nanocomposite of polymers (PNC) films from a poly (vinyl alcohol) / poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) blend (70/30 wt%) and MnO@Fe2O3 nFs. The dislocation density, particle size, and interplanar distance were all calculated. The PNC films' surface shape changes from smooth to porous and somewhat rough because of the nanosized MnO@Fe2O3 particles' dispersion in the blend matrix, which diminishes the blended crystallites' size. The composite film's tensile strength increased from 9.45 MPa for the pure (PVA-PVP) film to 22.35 MPa due to the addition of 6 wt% MnO@ Fe2O3. The optical band gap decreases from 5.26 and 4.84 eV for pure (PVA/PVP) blend direct and indirect energy band gap to 5.18 and 4.71 eV for comparable values of 6wt% MnO@Fe2O3 nFs. Up to 6 wt% MnO@Fe2O3 concentration, PNC films' dielectric permittivity first declines, but it is substantially identical to the pure polymer blend matrix. The PNC sheet's dielectric permittivity increases nonlinearly with temperature, although its DC conductivity follows the Arrhenius law. Laser power was attenuated by (PVA- PVP)/MnO@Fe2O3 for both He-Ne and solid-state green laser beams. When the MnO@Fe2O3 concentration in the blend matrix rises to 6 wt%, the output power for lasers with 532 nm and 650 nm wavelengths drops from 5.49 to 2.4 mW and 19.8 to 9.4 mW, respectively. The findings suggest that nanocomposites exist and are widely recommended for optoelectronics, microelectronics, radiation detection, and several other uses.

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent carbon dots obtained from citrus x sinensis by an eco-friendly method

The synthesis and characterization of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) obtained by an environmentally friendly method through carbonization, fragmentation and centrifugation of orange peel (citrus x sinensis) are reported. By thermogravimetry, 4 degradation regions associated with hemicellulose, lignin and organic matter were found. The SEM micrograph shows a rough surface morphology with flakes and granulation due to the carbonization process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows a hexagonal crystalline structure associated with graphitic carbon, which was confirmed by Raman scatterings, Raman spectroscopy that presented two main vibrational bands, D and G, associated with active defects in the graphitic carbon crystalline structure. The Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph showed CDs of size 33.65 ± 0.68n, and with High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM) an interplanar distance of 0.213 nm in the direction of the crystal planes (100) of graphitic carbon was obtained, which were confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the relative atomic composition and identified the strongest photoelectron transitions of carbon, sp2 (286 eV) and sp3 (285 eV), in graphitic carbon. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy of the CDs obtained from fragmentation graphitic carbon showed a band at 205 nm associated with CC bonds π-π* of CC and n-π*, as well as two bands at 276 and 328 nm associated with bond transitions. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed bands associated with CHs bonds as well as CC, CN bonds of the CDs. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed three emission bands at 2.43, 2.54 and 2.87 eV. The CDs showed the emission of the characteristic blue colour.

Supramolecular structure and thermal transformations of modified resinous-asphaltene substances

A detailed study of the supramolecular structure of high molecular weight resinous-asphaltene substances (RAS) and the study of their stability to thermal-oxidative degradation processes in the presence of surfactants is a promising scientific direction and can become the basis for the development of additional oil treatment processes and, as a result, the intensification of thermal transformations of oil dispersed systems (ODS). In the work it has been established that the maximum modifying effect, which consists in reducing the amount of asphaltenes by 8–11 % and increasing the concentration of resins, saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in the composition of the dispersion medium, is achieved by the interaction of ODS with octadecylpropylenediamine, alkyldiamine with the content of ethoxylated groups n = 3–6 and butyl coconut fatty alcohol ester with n = 10. This fact is due to a change in the geometric parameters of asphaltene nanoaggregates due to the adsorption of these surfactants on their surface. Thus, against the background of an increase in the interplanar distances of condensed aromatic layers dm from 3.66 to 3.85 Å and values of the intrachain distance from 5.71 to 5.80 Å, the average diameter of aromatic layers decreases by 0.67–2.36 Å and the average height of their pack by 1.52–2.64 Å, while the average number of layers in a pack is 5. Estimation of the results of thermal analysis indicates that the RAS thermograms have a similar form with three endoeffects with minima in the ranges of ~ 34.7–37.7 °C (I); 325.7–339.3 (II) and 434.8–438.7 °С (III) and one exoeffect with a maximum of ~ 460.5–475.3 °С (IV). With a decrease in the factor of crystallinity and aromaticity of RAS, their resistance to the processes of thermo-oxidative degradation in the temperature region of coke formation increases. The energy of thermal-oxidative destruction for modified systems by surfactants exceeds by 21.6 kJ/mol of this indicator for unmodified RAS and is 62.07 ÷ 66.13 kJ/mol.

Study of Crystallography and Reciprocal Space of Higher Oxides of Lanthanides Using Electron and Neutron Diffraction

Abstract: This study explains uses electron and neutron diffraction techniques to study the crystallography and reciprocal space of higher oxides of lanthanides. The significance of crystallography in comprehending the geometric configuration and bonding of atoms in solids is discussed at the outset of the study. The comprehensive analysis of the crystal structures using accelerated electrons and neutrons highlights the tremendous penetration power of these particles. While neutron diffraction is concerned with plane incidence waves and their scattered counterparts, electron diffraction is concerned with electron generation pulsed by a laser.Important findings show how experimental data may be used to validate Bragg's equation and show how scattering angles, interplanar distance, and order of wavelength are related. To display the relationship between electron energy and electron radiation per electron volt, energy distribution curves are displayed. Additionally, several crystal systems, such as hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic face-centered structures, are revealed by structural investigation of higher oxides of lanthanides, such as terbium dioxide (Tb2O3).The talk emphasizes how, in contrast to other elements in the series, lanthanides have special qualities that enable them to produce higher oxides with oxidation states greater than +3. The outcomes highlights the improved precision and in-depth structural insights that come from combining electron and neutron diffraction methods. This opens the door for more studies in the crystallography of complicated materials in the future.