Morphological Investigations Research Articles

Diphyscium mucronifolium (Bryophyta, Diphysciales, Diphysciaceae): una adición a la flora briófita de Assam (India)

Diphyscium mucronifolium (Diphysciaceae) is presently added to the bryophytic flora of Assam, India from Chandubi. The taxon has been identified as a distributional report based on morphological investigations. The species has often been confused with D. longifolium. The key diagnostic feature separating it from the D. longifolium is the presence of entire margins in leaf cells in D. mucronifolium. In D. longifolium, leaf margins are serrate or dentate with uni- or bi-dentations. The present study implies the range extension of this taxon.

Physical Properties of an Efficient MAPbBr3/GaAs Hybrid Heterostructure for Visible/Near-Infrared Detectors.

Semiconductor photodetectors can work only in specific material-dependent light wavelength ranges, connected with the bandgaps and absorption capabilities of the utilized semiconductors. This limitation has driven the development of hybrid devices that exceed the capabilities of individual materials. In this study, for the first time, a hybrid heterojunction photodetector based on methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) polycrystalline film deposited on gallium arsenide (GaAs) was presented, along with comprehensive morphological, structural, optical, and photoelectrical investigations. The MAPbBr3/GaAs heterojunction photodetector exhibited wide spectral responsivity, from 540 to 900 nm. The fabrication steps of the prototype device, including a new preparation recipe for the MAPbBr3 solution and spinning, will be disclosed and discussed. It will be shown that extending the soaking time and refining the precursor solution's stoichiometry may enhance surface coverage, adhesion to the GaAs, and film uniformity, as well as provide a new way to integrate MAPbBr3 on GaAs. Compared to the pristine MAPbBr3, the enhanced structural purity of the perovskite on GaAs was confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) upon optimization compared to the conventional glass substrate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of microcube-like structures on the top of an otherwise continuous MAPbBr3 polycrystalline film, with increased grain size and reduced grain boundary effects pointed by Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and cathodoluminescence (CL). Enhanced absorption was demonstrated in the visible range and broadened photoluminescence (PL) emission at room temperature, with traces of reduction in the orthorhombic tilting revealed by temperature-dependent PL. A reduced average carrier lifetime was reduced to 13.8 ns, revealed by time-resolved PL (TRPL). The dark current was typically around 8.8 × 10-8 A. Broad photoresponsivity between 540 and 875 nm reached a maximum of 3 mA/W and 16 mA/W, corresponding to a detectivity of 6 × 1010 and 1 × 1011 Jones at -1 V and 50 V, respectively. In case of on/off measurements, the rise and fall times were 0.40 s and 0.61 s or 0.62 s and 0.89 s for illumination, with 500 nm or 875 nm photons, respectively. A long-term stability test at room temperature in air confirmed the optical and structural stability of the proposed hybrid structure. This work provides insights into the physical mechanisms of new hybrid junctions for high-performance photodetectors.

Temperature-dependent charge transport measurements unveil morphological insights in non-fullerene organic solar cells

The morphological analysis of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer stands as a critical imperative for advancing the performance of future organic solar cells. Conventional characterization tools employed for morphological investigation often require substantial resources, both in cost and physical space, thereby imposing restraints on research endeavors in this domain. Here, we extend the application of charge carrier transport characterization beyond conventional mobility assessments, utilizing it as a table-top method for preliminary morphological screening in organic thin films. The investigation focuses on several high-performance BHJ systems that utilize typical “Y” non-fullerene acceptors. It involves in-depth transport studies, including temperature- and field-dependent transport characterizations. The resulting transport data are analyzed in detail using the Gaussian disorder model to extract key transport parameters, specifically the high-temperature limited mobility (μ∞) and positional disorder (∑). Integrating these transport parameters with morphological insights obtained through various characterization tools—including x-ray scattering, sensitive spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry simulation—provides a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between charge transport properties and morphological characteristics. The results reveal explicit relationships, associating μ∞ with the degree of molecular stacking in BHJs and ∑ with the structural disorder in molecule skeleton. Our findings point to the promising potential of utilizing a simple transport characterization technique for the early stage evaluation of thin film packing and geometric properties of organic materials.

Coactivation of the Laryngeal Muscles in Pigs Without External Neural Control Indicates Existence of an Intrinsic Neuronal Network

Electrophysiological studies of the larynx expose the mechanisms by which voice production is controlled. Previous studies have revealed certain phenomena during laryngeal oscillations that suggest a complex control mechanism.Starting from the principle of agonist-antagonist muscular pairing, the aim of this study was to gain a deeper insight into the function of the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles, both central to voice production.Electromyographic recordings were used to determine the response of the two muscles to different stimulation situations in an ex-vivo animal model of the denervated larynx of pigs (n=26).Using a set of different experiments, it was shown that when one muscle (cricothyroid or thyroarytenoid muscle) was electrically stimulated, a response was observed in the other muscle, which in the otherwise denervated larynx was caused only by the applied stimulation and exhibited the characteristics of compound action potentials. This response was reproducible in all larynxes examined and was present bidirectionally. No response was registered in the absence of stimulation.Results show the existence of coactivation of the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles in the absence of external innervation hinting at the presence of a localized neuronal network of the larynx that has not been described previously. Further morphological investigation is needed to determine the presence of this internal laryngeal neuronal network.

Exploring Nano‐Protein Corona Dynamics: Tracing the Hard‐to‐Soft Corona Transition with Trypsin and Graphene Oxide in a Silver Nanocomposite Model

AbstractIn this work, the adsorption of Trypsin on synthesized Silver (Ag), Graphene Oxide: Silver (GO: Ag) nanocomposite (2:1), and Graphene Oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs) and, their effect on the conformation of Trypsin was studied by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to understand the transition of nano Protein Corona (PC) from “hard” to “soft.” The results showed that the adsorption of Trypsin on synthesized NPs followed the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The conformational changes that occurred in Trypsin upon interaction with synthesized NPs were investigated by using Circular Dichroism (CD), Fluorescence, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphological investigation of nano PC using High‐Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR‐TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indicated the formation of hard, semi‐soft, and soft nano PC in the presence of Ag, GO: Ag, and GO NPs, respectively. The negative value of the thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS in all three cases suggests the reaction to be exothermic and spontaneous. The van der Waals interaction and hydrogen bonding are the major forces responsible for binding Trypsin on the surface of Ag, GO: Ag, and GO. The catalytic efficiency of trypsin in the absence and presence of NPs was examined by performing the protein assay showing the highest catalytic activity of pure Trypsin compared with trypsin‐NPs constructs. Our findings provide useful information for the applications of GO‐based nanocomposites for various biological applications.

Influence of Ni substitution on Structural, Optical, magnetic and transport properties of Mn0.5-xNixZn0.4Cu0.1Fe1.95Al0.05O4

A series of spinel ferrites Mn0.5-xNixZn0.4Cu0.1Fe1.95Al0.05O4 have been prepared by auto-combustion technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) have been used for structural and morphological investigations. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of cubic spinel structure of ferrites. The lattice constants decrease with the increase of Ni contents due to the smaller ionic radii of Ni2+ compared to Mn2+ as well as particle size decreases. Density is increased and porosity is decreased with the increase of Ni contents in the samples due to the higher atomic weight of Ni2+ compared to Mn2+. The FESEM analysis reveal that the average size of the irregularly shaped grains increased with Ni contents. The mixed spinel structure is further confirmed by the FTIR spectra, which show a doublet band at about 600 cm−1. The observed optical band gap and the particle size variations are comparable, and the quantum size effect supports this conclusion. The real part of initial permeability and relative quality factor increase with the increase of Ni contents due to increase of density and grain size as well as decrease of porosity. Also, it is found that magnetic loss decreased with the increase of Ni contents. All the samples exhibit ferrimagnetic behavior and the number of Bohr magneton has been calculated for all compositions. The dielectric constant shows large value in the lower frequencies and decreases with frequency shows dispersion due to Maxwell-Wagner space charge polarization. The investigation of electric modulus has demonstrated the existence of the hopping conduction mechanism. The AC conductivity is very low at lower frequency region and very large at higher frequency region which can be explain according to the polaron hopping model of Austin and Mott. The AC conductivity enhances nearly linearly with frequency, suggesting that the mechanism of conduction is due to small polaron hopping, which can be described according to Jonscher’s power law. Also, the effect of grain and grain boundary resistance on transport properties has been investigated using complex impedance analysis and it has been observed that both exhibit an increase trend as the Ni content increases.

Morphological and molecular investigation of Scolelepis agilis (Verrill, 1873) (Annelida: Spionidae) from beaches of the Atlantic coast of North America

Polychaete worms of the genus Scolelepis are one of the most abundant members of beach ecosystems worldwide. Along the Atlantic coast of North America, specimens of Scolelepis inhabiting high-energy beaches have long been erroneously identified as the European species Scolelepis squamata (O.F. Müller, 1806). In this study, we examined specimens of Scolelepis collected from Massachusetts to Virginia, finding they match Scolelepis agilis (Verrill, 1873), originally described from beaches in New Jersey. Scolelepis agilis can be most easily distinguished from S. squamata based on differences in palp ciliary pattern, morphology of neuropodial lamellae, and the quantity and start of both notopodial and neuropodial hooded hooks. Live specimens of S. agilis collected from New York were also examined to provide data on their reproduction and morphometric analyses. In addition, molecular data (18S, 28S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase I and 16S rRNA) showed that specimens of S. agilis from the north to mid-Atlantic coast formed a monophyletic group (p-distance ≤ 0.004 for MA, RI, NY and VA populations) and were distinct from S. squamata (p-distance ≥ 0.196 (0.03 SE)). The molecular data also suggest the presence of several misidentified or undescribed species of Scolelepis, highlighting the need for additional taxonomic work on the genus from these localities as well as others (e.g. South Africa) where the worms have been incorrectly identified as S. squamata. A key to species of Scolelepis from the east coast of the United States is provided and a lectotype and paralectotypes for S. agilis are herein designated.

Optimising surface morphology for enhanced radiative properties in thermal energy-efficient materials

Environmental concerns related to heat-absorbing materials in the construction industry can be effectively addressed by optimising the reflectivity of incoming sunlight and thermal emissivity of materials. These radiative properties are closely tied to the surface morphology characteristics of building materials, making superficial topography a critical factor in determining their thermal and energy performance. In our research, we performed reflectance analysis in the UV-Vis-NIR-MIR region and conducted FT-IR analysis to assess the colour and reflectance behaviour of the samples, along with surface morphology and topography investigations. The data collected were utilised in a statistical study to analyse the relationship between superficial topography and thermo-optical characteristics. Our findings underscore the significant impact of surface morphology as a secondary factor influencing radiative properties. Specifically, our results indicate that large-scale components influence mid-infrared absorbance, while surface roughness is crucial in determining solar reflectance properties. Notably, an increase in roughness consistently leads to a reduction in near-infrared and visible reflectance properties by up to 17% and 8%, respectively, with no noticeable effect in the UV region. In conclusion, our research demonstrates the potential for customising and optimising surface properties to reduce energy consumption for cooling purposes and alleviate the urban heat island effect.

Description of six new species from Mesalina watsonana complex in the Iranian plateau and neighboring regions

Mesalina watsonana is a species complex with a wide distribution range in Iran, some parts of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Recent molecular and morphological investigations detected remarkable hidden diversity among the geographical populations of the complex, more likely referring to the persistence of undescribed species. In this study, we conducted a very detailed sampling of localities and carried out a morphological study to investigate populations within the complex. Investigation of morphological features within the M. watsonana species complex indicated that it consists of seven distinct populations. They include the West-Southeast-South, East-Northeast, East Dasht-e Kavir, West Dasht-e Kavir, and two central groups (Halil and Kerman groups). Considering our findings, each of the seven populations corresponding to distinct geographic regions should be recognized as species. The six new species include Mesalina khuzestanensis sp. nov., Mesalina halilica sp. nov., Mesalina kermanensis sp. nov., Mesalina ardestanica sp. nov., Mesalina bardaskanensis sp. nov., Mesalina esfarayensis sp. nov. which are distinctive from each other due to their unique morphological characteristics.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Terminalia arjuna bark extract: structural, optical and photocatalytic study

Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by using Terminalia arjuna bark extract via a green route. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction confirmed the prepared samples are crystalline having hexagonal wurtzite structure with space group P63 mc and average crystallite size is found to be 8.93 nm. Rietveld refinement of the data was carried out using Material Analysis Using Diffraction (MAUD) software and reliability parameters of the refinement have been obtained. Optical properties of the sample investigated by ultraviolet – visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy reveal an absorption peak to lie at 348 nm and the direct optical band gap energy using Kubelka–Munk function is found to be 3.20 eV. Morphological investigation using scanning electron microscopy revealed that ZnO nanoparticles are nearly spherical and agglomerated. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed the presence of Zn and O only. Transmission electron microscopy imaging confirmed the predominant hexagonal structure of the prepared nanoparticles having average particles size of 9.66 nm, which is in agreement with the X-ray diffraction result. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups and different vibrational modes present in the sample. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared ZnO nanoparticles was studied using methylene blue (MB) dye under a single wavelength UV light source (λ = 254 nm). The degree of degradation of MB solution was about 56 % within 120 min of illumination to UV light and the degradation reaction follows first order kinetics with rate constant 0.00434 min−1.

Detection of Paecilomyces formosus associated with declining urban forests and beetles in Iran

Urban forest trees are vital components of urban ecosystems, offering a range of benefits that are essential for improving the livability and sustainability of cities, providing numerous advantages for both the environment and public health. They enhance air quality by filtering pollutants, assist in regulating urban temperatures, and alleviate the urban heat island effect, which can result in substantial energy savings. Trees are often vulnerable to pathogens and pests that can cause significant damage. A survey of different trees in five provinces of Iran revealed a severe decline and dieback disease on woody plants. The affected trees included ailanthus, cedrus, cypress, ash, haloxylon, walnut, magnolia, black mulberry, paulownia, pine, oriental plane, apricot, wild pear, and elm trees. Samples of symptomatic branches and trunks were collected, and the causal fungal pathogen was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. A total of 90 fungal isolates were obtained from trees (60 isolates) and insects (30 isolates) and then morphological investigations were done for all isolates. Molecular identification was confirmed through sequencing of the ITS and tub2 regions. This study reports 14 new hosts for Paecilomyces formosus in Iran and worldwide. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on detached branches of apricot, ailanthus, cypress, pine, sycamore, and walnut trees. The study showed that most isolates were pathogenic to six woody plants, and some isolates were associated with disease for eight woody plant species. Additionally, potential vectors and reservoirs for P. formosus were assessed in different beetles, including Aeolesthes sarta, Scolytus kirschii, and Orthotomicus erusus in Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin, Lorestan, and Zanjan Provinces. The results confirmed the potential of beetles for the transmission and maintenance of P. formosus.

Cerebro-spinal flow pattern in the cervical subarachnoid space of healthy volunteers: Influence of the spinal cord morphology.

Toward further cerebro-spinal flow quantification in clinical practice, this study aims at assessing the variations in the cerebro spinal fluid flow pattern associated with change in the morphology of the subarachnoid space of the cervical canal of healthy humans by developing a computational fluid dynamics model. 3D T2-space MRI sequence images of the cervical spine were used to segment 11 cervical subarachnoid space. Model validation (time-step, mesh size, size and number of boundary layers, influences of parted inflow and inflow continuous velocity) was performed a 40-year-old patient-specific model. Simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics approach simulating transient flow (Sparlart-Almaras turbulence model) with a mesh size of 0.6, 6 boundary layers of 0.05 mm, a time step of 20 ms simulated on 15 cycles. Distributions of components velocity and WSS were respectively analyzed within the subarachnoid space (intervertebral et intravertebral levels) and on dura and pia maters. Mean values cerebro spinal fluid velocity in specific local slices of the canal range between 0.07 and 0.17 m.s-1 and 0.1 and 0.3 m.s-1 for maximum values. Maximum wall shear stress values vary between 0.1 and 0.5 Pa with higher value at the middle of the cervical spine on pia mater and at the lower part of the cervical spine on dura mater. Intra and inter-individual variations of the wall shear stress were highlighted significant correlation gwith compression ratio (r = 0.76), occupation ratio and cross section area of the spinal cord. The inter-individual variability in term of subarachnoid canal morphology and spinal cord position influence the cerebro-spinal flow pattern, highlighting the significance of canal morphology investigation before surgery.

Infrared microlens formation on chalcogenide polymer surface via femtosecond laser pulse ablation

In this study, we introduced micro-optical surface formation via femtosecond (fs) laser pulse scanning to chalcogenide polymer (ChP), a promising material for cost-effective infrared applications. Employing this method, we successfully fabricated a large-area poly(sulfur-random-(1,3-diisopropenylbenzene)) (S-r-DIB) microlens array (MLA) component. Each micro-concave spherical surface was crafted with a single fs laser pulse, serving as a micro-concave lens surface. We achieved a quasi-periodic MLA sample with over 2 × 105 micro-lenslets within a 10 mm × 10 mm footprint. Additionally, precise locating of laser pulse irradiation enabled us to create a hexagonal MLA with a filling factor over 37 %. Morphological investigations and imaging tests confirmed the adequate surface quality of the fabricated components, with its uniformity revealed by the virtual foci grid in near infrared region. To elucidate the forming conditions and mechanisms, we studied the evolution of surface morphology under various laser irradiation conditions. Laser induced damage thresholds of S70-r-DIB30 were experimentally determined for both 800 nm and 400 nm wavelengths under single- and multi-pulse irradiation scenarios. We identified the optimal fabrication fluence window as 115–205 mJ/cm2 with 800 nm single-pulse irradiation. The bandgap of the S70-r-DIB30 was estimated as 2.06 eV, and energy band analysis confirmed distinctions in ablation morphology. Furthermore, we investigated sub-surface morphology evolution using orthogonal ultrafast pump–probe imaging, revealing diversity compared to traditional inorganic and polymeric optical materials due to differing absorption and etching mechanisms. The elastic wave velocity of 3.2 km/s in this ChP and etching velocity of 0.7 μm/pulse were experimentally determined. These findings deepen our understanding of ChP material interaction with fs lasers, offering insights for potential applications such as surface engineering, substrate cutting, and micro-structure formation.

Linking morphology, genome, and metabolic activity of uncultured magnetotactic Nitrospirota at the single-cell level

BackgroundMagnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a unique group of microorganisms that sense and navigate through the geomagnetic field by biomineralizing magnetic nanoparticles. MTB from the phylum Nitrospirota (previously known as Nitrospirae) thrive in diverse aquatic ecosystems. They are of great interest due to their production of hundreds of magnetite (Fe3O4) magnetosome nanoparticles per cell, which far exceeds that of other MTB. The morphological, phylogenetic, and genomic diversity of Nitrospirota MTB have been extensively studied. However, the metabolism and ecophysiology of Nitrospirota MTB are largely unknown due to the lack of cultivation techniques.MethodsHere, we established a method to link the morphological, genomic, and metabolic investigations of an uncultured Nitrospirota MTB population (named LHC-1) at the single-cell level using nanoscale secondary-ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) in combination with rRNA-based in situ hybridization and target-specific mini-metagenomics.ResultsWe magnetically separated LHC-1 from a freshwater lake and reconstructed the draft genome of LHC-1 using genome-resolved mini-metagenomics. We found that 10 LHC-1 cells were sufficient as a template to obtain a high-quality draft genome. Genomic analysis revealed that LHC-1 has the potential for CO2 fixation and NO3− reduction, which was further characterized at the single-cell level by combining stable-isotope incubations and NanoSIMS analyses over time. Additionally, the NanoSIMS results revealed specific element distributions in LHC-1, and that the heterogeneity of CO2 and NO3− metabolisms among different LHC-1 cells increased with incubation time.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study provides the first metabolic measurements of individual Nitrospirota MTB cells to decipher their ecophysiological traits. The procedure constructed in this study provides a promising strategy to simultaneously investigate the morphology, genome, and ecophysiology of uncultured microbes in natural environments.6gfJ7qtcG81szcFZGMmDYdVideo

Investigation of pollen morphology and viability of sweet and sour cherry genotypes by multivariate analysis.

The aim of this study was to examine the dimensions and surface morphology of pollen grains of some sweet and sour cherry genotypes through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as an additional alternative identification tool. In vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length as indicators of their viability were determined as well. Observations were carried on 10 sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and 7 sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) genotypes. All genotypes had prolate, tricolpate pollen grains, and striate exine ornamentation, with more parallel longitudinal ridges. Significant differences among genotypes within species and between species were found for most pollen grain characteristics and exine ornamentation. In both sweet and sour cherry the largest variability was recorded for colpus length (CV = 15.0% and 12.9%, respectively). For sweet cherry genotypes, in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length ranged between 1.4% to 51.5% and 360.4 to 669.3 μm respectively, while for sour cherries they ranged from 15.5% to 37.0% and 96.3 to 960.2 μm, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis showed that in vitro pollen germination correlated positively with pollen length/pollen width (L/W) ratio (r = .640) and furrow width (r = .588), and negatively with the number of ridges (r = -.517), while pollen tube length was not significantly correlated with any of the studied characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that pollen length, pollen width, L/W ratio, colpus length, mesocolpium width, and ridge width are relevant tools to discriminate among the studied genotypes. The measurements made on pollen grains did not reveal individually big differences, but when all features were considered together, the pollen of each genotype exhibited a unique pattern. The distribution on the scatter plot showed considerable variation among sweet and sour cherry genotypes based on pollen morphological characteristics, which led to their distribution into two separate groups. This demonstrates the ability to distinguish cherry species based on pollen morphological characteristics determined by SEM. To improve discriminative ability for genotypes within species combination between pollen ultrastructural analysis, morphological and molecular markers is desirable, in subsequent work. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Significant differences in pollen characteristics between sweet and sour cherry. Significance of pollen morphology in taxonomic differentiation. Significance of SEM studies for the taxonomic identification.

Comparative electrochemical properties of MO (ZrO2, V2O5) based polyaniline nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitor applications

Due to its distinctive qualities, such as its moderate energy density, extended service life, rapid discharge–charge rates, and superior safety, supercapacitors (SCs) are gaining more and more attention. A zirconium oxide ZrO2 (Zr) and vanadium oxide V2O5 (VO) based PANI nanocomposites, denoted as (ZrP for ZrO2/PANI, and VOP for V2O5/PANI) are fabricated using hydrothermal technique in this research work. Morphological and phase investigations validated the random particle shapes with good crystallinity and purity of the samples. The N2 sorption/desorption isotherm reveals a mesoporous feature of the electrodes and the highest BET surface area (36.5 m2/g) with large electroactive sites, which offers abundant faradaic reactions for charge storage. The I-V characteristics confirm their excellent conduction capabilities as well. When utilized as electrodes for SCs in the three-electrode setup, the VOP composite electrode attains the highest capacitance of 1372 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 compared with other active electrodes. Besides that, the VOP electrodes offer superior cyclic stability, with a retention rate of 94.28% even after 7000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. It has been discovered that the in two electrode VOP asymmetric device exhibited remarkable specific capacitance of 651.36 Fg−1 at 5 mV s−1 demonstrating a significant capacitance retention of 87.6% over 6000 cycles. The results suggest that the material could be a good contender for electrode materials in supercapacitors.

Kinetic and Morphological Investigations on the Effect of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Amino Acids during Hydrate Based Gas Separation of CH4─CO2 (Biogas)

Kinetic and Morphological Investigations on the Effect of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Amino Acids during Hydrate Based Gas Separation of CH₄─CO₂ (Biogas)

Biobased rubber toughened poly(lactic acid) blend for sustainable packaging films: The role of optical purity of poly(lactic acid)

AbstractThis study investigates the novel effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) optical purity on PLA/liquid natural rubber (LNR) blend films fabricated by solution casting. An investigation was conducted to examine how different levels of PLA optical purity affect the mechanical, structural, morphological, thermal, and barrier properties of PLA/LNR films. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the D‐isomer content of PLA significantly affected the chemical interactions between the LNR and PLA. The favorable chemical interaction between the LNR and PLA with a high D‐isomer content also increased the elongation at break by 300%. Morphological investigations proved that the chemical interaction also improved the dispersion and reduced the size of the LNR droplets formed in the PLA matrix. Notably, while low D‐isomer PLA blends showed decreased crystallinity (Xc) upon LNR addition, high D‐isomer PLA blends exhibited increased Xc by 460%, leading to a 42% increase in oxygen transmission rate. Additionally, hydrolytic degradation of high D‐isomer PLA increased by 259% with increasing LNR content. Overall, optical purity of PLA plays an important role in determining the properties of PLA blends.

Evaluation of experimental and simulated gamma ray shielding ability of ZnCo2O4 and ZnCo2O4/graphene nanoparticles

Pristine zinc cobaltite (ZnCo2O4) and graphene zinc cobaltite nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The physical properties of both structures were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD results indicated a formation of spinel structure. The elemental composition of the samples has been determined through EDX analysis. From morphological investigation, the aggregation of grains and nano-sized quasi-spherical grains was observed. Nuclear radiation protection investigation for gamma-ray has been studied for both samples. The protection factors against gamma rays, including linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), transmission Factor (TF), radiation protection efficiency (RPE) mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL) and tenth value layer (TVL) were calculated. In addition to the experimental examination, simulation with GEANT4 simulation code was also used for both samples to examine the shielding parameters. The most essential parameters of gamma shielding factors such as mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL) and linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) were evaluated both practically and by simulation. Practically, these values were: 0.75/0.78 cm2/g, 0.22/0.20 cm, 0.15/0.14 cm, 0.50/0.47 cm, and 4.55/4.86 cm−1, for ZnCo2O4 and ZnCo2O4/graphene samples, respectively. By simulation, these values were: 0.65/0.70 cm2/g, 0.25/0.22 cm, 0.17/0.16 cm, 0.59/0.52 cm, and 3.91/4.38 cm−1, for ZnCo2O4 and ZnCo2O4/graphene samples, respectively. The results show that the presence of graphene has affected all the protection parameters. Keywords: Zinc cobaltite, structural properties, gamma shielding, hydrothermal method.

(Invited) MAX Phase Oxidation As a Novel Approach to Highly Reversible Oxide Nanocomposite Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Among the materials utilized for the negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries, there is notable interest in oxides that can undergo reactions with Li+ through processes like intercalation, conversion, or alloying. These oxides exhibit high specific capacities but face challenges related to inadequate mechanical stability. A novel approach to constructing nanocomposites involves the partial oxidation of the tin-containing MAX phase within the Ti3Al(1-x)SnxO2 composition. By employing this strategy, and optimizing the Sn amount and the oxidation process, we have developed composite electrodes comprising Sn/TiOx and MAX phase, demonstrating exceptional durability with over 600 cycles in half cells. These electrodes exhibit charge efficiencies exceeding 99.5% and specific capacities comparable to graphite, surpassing those of lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) or MXene-based electrodes. These remarkable electrochemical performances extend to full cell configurations when combined with a low cobalt content layered oxide. The success of these electrodes is elucidated through a thorough chemical, morphological, and structural investigation, revealing the intimate contact between the MAX phase and oxide particles. Throughout the oxidation process, electroactive nanoparticles of TiO2 and Ti(1-y)SnyO2 emerge on the surface of the unreacted MAX phase, which serves both as a conductive agent and a buffer to maintain the mechanical integrity of the oxide during lithiation and de-lithiation cycles.