Oxide Research Articles

Applications of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles in Photocatalysis

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are conspicuously preferred as photocatalyst among the transition metal oxide nanoparticles. It exhibited in three polymorphisms of steady state rutile phase while brookite and anatase sustaining in metastable phase. The mixed phases of anatase phase and rarely found brookite phase mostly preferred for the photodegradation applications. The economically affordable along with nontoxic nature on top of excellent opto-electronics and catalytic properties of TiO2 NPs are eminently favorable for the photocatalytic degradation of chemically complex structured numerous organic and inorganic dyes, phenol and phenol-based derivatives, passive microplastics as well as suspended matters, non-biodegradable cytostatic drugs, acetaminophen, pharmaceutical organic waste compounds in addition to water pollutants. The photocatalytic capability of these NPs enhanced by upgrading the structural and morphological nature by opting different synthesis techniques as well preparing the nanocomposites of TiO2 incorporation with other metals. The hydrothermally prepared polymeric membranes of polyvinylidene with TiO2 NPs effectively (more than 90%) removed 17 α–ethinylestradiol from the contaminated water compared to Diclofenac under Uv irradiation. As it fronting the issue of electrostatic repulsion to all other membranes surface. The grafted membrane recorded highest degradation efficiency of 95.4% and best reusability of 90% saturated at fifth recycle for Methylene Blue azo dye compared with blending and dip coating membranes. The TiO2 modified ultrafiltration membranes of Polyvinylidene Fluoride with Dopamine illustrated the 92.6% photocatalytic degradation of Sulfadiazine which is most hazardous and highly resistant to biodegradation. 100% degradation of phenol derivative by TiO2 NPs hybrid polymeric films in visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of heterogenous photocatalyst Carbon–TiO2 contained anatase and brookite phased for Methylene Blue dye was 100% while for Rhodamine–B higher than 99% in solar and more than 78% in LED light irradiation. The recent trends for improvisation of photocatalytic ability of TiO2 NPs to enhance the quality of water and hence the mankind are elaborated.

Emerging Biohybrids of Aptamer-Based Nano-Biosensing Technologies for Effective Early Cancer Detection.

Cancer is a leading global cause of mortality, which underscores the imperative of early detection for improved patient outcomes. Biorecognition molecules, especially aptamers, have emerged as highly effective tools for early and accurate cancer cell identification. Aptamers, with superior versatility in synthesis and modification, offer enhanced binding specificity and stability compared with conventional antibodies. Hence, this article reviews diagnostic strategies employing aptamer-based biohybrid nano-biosensing technologies, focusing on their utility in detecting cancer biomarkers and abnormal cells. Recent developments include the synthesis of nano-aptamers using diverse nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-derived substances, and biohybrid nanostructures. The integration of these nanomaterials with aptamers significantly enhances sensitivity and specificity, promising innovative and efficient approaches for cancer diagnosis. This convergence of nanotechnology with aptamer research holds the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment through rapid, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic methods.

Review of Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor for Nanoscale Regime

Background: The need for high performance, small size, low delay, low power consumption, and long battery backup of portable systems is increasing with the advancement of technology. Many features of portable systems can be improved using scaling methods. In the scaling process, reducing the size of devices causes serious difficulties, including the short channel effect (SCE) and leakage current, which degenerates the characteristics of the systems. Objective: In this review paper, a trending carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) technology is discussed in detail. CNTFET can replace the conventional metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) technology to overcome the SCE problems in the nanoscale regime and also meet the requirements of portable systems. Methods: The CNTFET is an extremely good nanoscale technology due to its one-dimension band structure, high transconductance, high electron mobility, superior control over channel formation, and better threshold voltage. This technology is used to construct high-performance and low-power circuits by replacing the MOSFET technology. CNTFET in comparison to MOSFET takes the carbon nanotube (CNT) as a channel region. Results: The value of threshold voltage in CNTFET changes with the diameter of CNT. The threshold voltage of the devices controls many parameters at the circuit-level design. Hence, the detailed operation and the characteristics of CNTFET devices are presented in this review paper. The existing CNTFET-based ternary full adder (TFA) circuits are also described in this review paper for the performance evaluation of different parameters. Conclusion: CNTFET technology is the possible solution for the SCE in the nanoscale regime and is capable to design efficient logic circuits. The circuits using the CNTFET technology can provide better performance and various advantages, including fast speed, small area, and low power consumption, in comparison to the MOSFET circuits. Thus, CNTFET technology is the best choice for circuit designs at the nanoscale.

Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Agents Against Human Infectious Viruses

Abstract: Viral infections remain to be a serious threat to public health on a global scale. Recent outbreaks of viral infections have highlighted the urgent need for novel antiviral treatments. The recent development of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles for the treatment of various pathogenic viruses has received significant attention. There are established mechanisms of action for metal/ metal oxide nanoparticles that can occur inside and outside host cells. These mechanisms include the interaction of nanoparticles with viral receptors, interference with viral attachment, interaction with the viral genome, inactivating virus particles prior to cellular entry, and interaction with viral replication factors. In this article, we attempted to present a comprehensive review of all published research on using metal/metal oxide nanoparticles against human infectious viruses and their antiviral modes of action.

Noise coupling reduction using temperature enhanced device for future integrated circuit integration applications

<p>Information technology-to-internet of things may have succeeded because of fast silicon chip capability expansion. Moore's law, which reduces device size, boosted integrated circuit (IC) performance. Delay rises with highdensity connection parasitic capacitance. Interconnect delays have surpassed transistor delays and slowed progress. An alternative is required now to reduce connection latency. The third dimension is used in popular 3D IC technology IC technology requires through silicon via (TSV) for signal integrity and heat mitigation. Noise coupling hinders electrical communication between signal-carrying TSVs (aggressive TSVs) and ground TSVs (victim TSVs), a 3D IC bottleneck. TSVs must be dielectrically insulated from Si substrates to avoid electrical signal interference. Additionally, first-order modelling will confirm the suggestions. This article proposes using the nanosheet field effect transistor (NSFET) to overcome 3D IC noise coupling and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology nodes. After discussing the electronic industry and sub nm, several basic metrics and criteria for developing electronic components are presented. The first technique uses Perylene-N's exceptional noise-cancelling characteristics. Second technique uses electrical TSV (ETSV), thermal TSV (TTSV), and heat source models to measure noise coupling on numerous ICs. The third proposes many noise-reducing materials. The suggested structures outperform traditional approaches.</p>

In situ and Operando Characterisation in the Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide over Base Metal Oxide Catalysts: A Review

AbstractPolymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the core technology of the steadily growing hydrogen (H2) economy as they can convert chemical energy, in the form of H2, to electrical energy. If the H2 is derived from (green) hydrocarbons, via steam reforming and the water‐gas‐shift reaction, then it would contain small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO, 0.5–2 %), among other gases. CO poisons the platinum‐based anode catalyst in the PEMFC, and the current recommendation is to decrease its concentration to below 0.01 % (or 100 ppm) in the H2‐rich PEMFC feed. The preferential oxidation of CO (CO‐PrOx) is a promising strategy for decreasing the CO concentration, and base metal oxide catalysts have shown great potential in this regard. However, such catalysts tend to undergo physicochemical changes that cause undesirable catalytic activity and selectivity changes. This review discusses the different base metal oxide catalysts that have been evaluated in CO‐PrOx, while paying special attention to the various in situ and operando techniques that have been used to monitor the physicochemical changes of base metal oxides during operation. We conclude the review by highlighting the recent and possible future attempts of circumventing the undesired physicochemical changes of base metal oxides during CO‐PrOx.

Hybrid Metal Oxide (Ag-ZnO) Impregnated Biocomposite in the Development of an Eco-Friendly Sustainable Film.

Nanotechnology offers an innovative application as an eco-friendly food packaging film fabricated along with a degradable active mixture (AM). The AM is an assortment of alloyed metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag-ZnO), citron powder (AA), and Curcuma peel powder (CPP). Alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) were observed to exhibit a hexagonal structure from the experimental X-ray diffraction. Compositional and morphological study of the NPs (22.69 nm) and AM (32 nm) was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ζ- potential was observed to be -14.7 mV, indicating the stability of NPs. The prepared film was observed to be more effective with antibacterial analysis against Escherichia coli, exhibiting 72% of inhibition and antioxidant activity with IC50: 51.56% using the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Film 1, Film 2, Film 3, and Film 4 were fabricated with the AM and observed to be perfectly encapsulated by PVA using XRD. FESEM images of the film exhibit the aggregation of NPs with biocomposites in perfect distribution. The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, elongation at break, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS- 5.37 MPa) were experimented for the films. The degradation rate was observed to be 6.12% for film 1 using the soil burial method. The study emphasizes that NPs along with biocomposite upgrade the sustainability of the packaging film with improved mechanical and physicochemical properties. The synthesized film with biomaterials could be used as a "green" food package to store fruits, vegetables, and sweets in the food industry.

A Flexible Smart Sensor System Based on Hybrid Integration of Organic and Metal-Oxide Transistors

A Flexible Smart Sensor System Based on Hybrid Integration of Organic and Metal-Oxide Transistors

Mobility and current boosting of In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors with metal capping layer oxidation

This study investigates the effect of an oxidized Ta capping layer on the boosting of field-effect mobility (μ FE) of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) Thin-film transistors (TFTs). The oxidation of Ta creates additional oxygen vacancies on the a–IGZO channel surface, leading to increased carrier density. We investigate the effect of increasing Ta coverage on threshold voltage (V th), on-state current, μ FE and gate bias stress stability of a-IGZO TFTs. A significant increase in μ FE of over 8 fold, from 16 cm2 Vs−1 to 140 cm2 Vs−1, was demonstrated with the Ta capping layer covering 90% of the channel surface. By partial leaving the a-IGZO uncovered at the contact region, a potential barrier region was created, maintaining the low off-state current and keeping the threshold voltage near 0 V, while the capped region operated as a carrier-boosted region, enhancing channel conduction. The results reported in this study present a novel methodology for realizing high-performance oxide semiconductor devices. The demonstrated approach holds promise for a wide range of next-generation device applications, offering new avenues for advancement in metal oxide semiconductor TFTs.

Negative magnetization and magnetic ordering of rare earth and transition metal sublattices in NdFe0.5Cr0.5O3

We investigate the effect of alloying at the 3d transition metal site of a rare-earth-transition metal oxide, by considering NdFe0.5Cr0.5O3 mixed perovskite with two equal and random distribution of 3d ions, Cr and Fe, interacting with an early 4f rare earth ion, Nd. Employing temperature- and field- dependent magnetization measurements, temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy, we characterize its structural and magnetic properties. Our study reveals bipolar magnetic switching (arising from negative magnetization) and magnetocaloric effect which underline the potential of the studied mixed perovskite in device application. The neutron diffraction study shows the absence of spin reorientation transition over the entire temperature range of 1.5–320 K, although both parent compounds exhibit spin orientation transition. We discuss the microscopic origin of this curious behavior. The neutron diffraction results also reveal the ordering of Nd spins at an unusually high temperature of about 40 K, which is corroborated by Raman measurements.

Aquivion-based spray freeze-dried composite materials for the cascade production of γ-valerolactone.

The development of multifunctional catalysts is a necessary step to effectively carry out cascade reactions, such as that from furfural to γ-valerolactone. This research effort faces the challenge posed by the intrinsic limit of how many kinds of catalytic sites a single material can bear. In this work, the application of Spray-Freeze Drying (SFD) as a synthetic technique for the preparation of a wide range of composite multi-functional catalysts is reported. Herein we show that by the proper combination of Aquivion as a highly active Brønsted acid catalyst and metal oxides as Lewis acids (LAS) enable to achieve highly unique efficient and effective dual acid composite catalysts that are able to carry out the cascade reaction from furfural to γ-valerolactone. The dual catalytic system comprised of Aq/ZrO2 with 30% polymer content prepared via spray-freeze drying exhibited GVL yields of 25% after only 2 h at 180 °C and a remarkably high productivity of 4470 µmolGVL gCat-1 h-1, one of the highest reported results. Mechanistic studies based on experimental and advanced characterisation and spectroscopic techniques, such as, SEM, TEM, 15N MAS NMR and 19F MAS NMR indicate that activity arises from the proper tuning of BAS/LAS acidic properties.

INDIDO: A novel low-power approach for domino logic circuits

Power dissipation in Nanoelectronic circuits at advanced technology nodes is dominated by leakage power dissipation. This is due to an increase in short channel effects in the scaled transistors.The VLSI industry is seeking alternative options to enhance the performance of portable electronic systems by ensuring higher speed and reduced power dissipation. In the ultra-deep submicron (DSM) regime, a new device called the fin-shaped field effect transistor (FinFET) was developed to replace CMOS technology. FinFET, a multi-gate device, significantly reduces power dissipation compared to planer MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor ) transistor, but it doesn’t entirely resolve the issue. To further reduce power dissipation in the ultra DSM regime, low power approaches are required. Domino logic, a widely-used dynamic logic, is commonly utilized in high-speed VLSI architectures. In this research work, a novel INput Dependent Inverter DOmino (INDIDO) logic approach for low-power domino logic circuits using FinFET devices is proposed. A comparative analysis between the proposed INDIDO method and the existing approaches is performed for domino logic circuits for various performance metrics at the 16 nm technology node. In this research, various circuits like domino buffer, domino OR, domino AND, domino XOR and domino half adder are designed using the proposed INDIDO approach.The proposed INDIDO FinFET buffer circuit offers significant improvement in energy efficiency and FOM (Figure of Merit) by 53.18% and 82% respectively as compared to conventional FinFET footed domino buffer circuit. Beside this, proposed circuits like INDIDO OR, INDIDO AND, INDIDO XOR and INDIDO Half adder circuit follow the same trend as INDIDO buffer circuit and show better performance parametres in comparison to the existing low power domino approaches as well. In addition to this, the proposed INDIDO buffer circuits are also analyzed for PVT(process voltage and temperature) variability.This whole analysis makes us to conclude that proposed INDIDO approach reduces power dissipation and delay penalty, have high noise tolerance capacity, more immunity against PVT variations and high energy efficiency in comparison to the already existing techniques.

Environment-Driven Variability in Absolute Band Edge Positions and Work Functions of Reduced Ceria.

The absolute band edge positions and work function (Φ) are the key electronic properties of metal oxides that determine their performance in electronic devices and photocatalysis. However, experimental measurements of these properties often show notable variations, and the mechanisms underlying these discrepancies remain inadequately understood. In this work, we focus on ceria (CeO2), a material renowned for its outstanding oxygen storage capacity, and combine theoretical and experimental techniques to demonstrate environmental modifications of its ionization potential (IP) and Φ. Under O-deficient conditions, reduced ceria exhibits a decreased IP and Φ with significant sensitivity to defect distributions. In contrast, the IP and Φ are elevated in O-rich conditions due to the formation of surface peroxide species. Surface adsorbates and impurities can further augment these variabilities under realistic conditions. We rationalize the shifts in energy levels by separating the individual contributions from bulk and surface factors, using hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) embedded-cluster and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported by interatomic-potential-based electrostatic analyses. Our results highlight the critical role of on-site electrostatic potentials in determining the absolute energy levels in metal oxides, implying a dynamic evolution of band edges under catalytic conditions.

Polyoxometalate functionalized magnetic metal-organic framework with multi-affinity sites for efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides.

The reasonable design of metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived nanomaterial has important meaning in increasing the enrichment efficiency in the study of protein phosphorylation. In this work, a polyoxometalate (POM) functionalized magnetic MOF nanomaterial (Fe3O4@MIL-125-POM) was designed and fabricated. The nanomaterial with multi-affinity sites (unsaturated metal sites and metal oxide clusters) was used for the enrichment of phosphopeptides. Fe3O4@MIL-125-POM had high-efficient enrichment performance towards phosphopeptides (selectivity, a mass ratio of bovine serum albumin/α-casein/β-casein at 5000:1:1; sensitivity, 0.1 fmol; satisfactory repeatability, ten times). Furthermore, Fe3O4@MIL-125-POM was employed to enrich phosphopeptides from non-fat milk digests, saliva, serum, and A549 cell lysate. The enrichment results illustrated the great potential of Fe3O4@MIL-125-POM for efficient identification of low-abundance phosphopeptides.

Effect of rapid thermal annealing on DC performance of Mg0.30Zn0.70O/Cd0.15Zn0.85O MOSHFET

This study focuses on a cost-effective method for fabrication of a metal oxide semiconductor-heterostructure field effect transistor (MOSHFET) based on MgZnO/CdZnO (MCO) using dual ion beam sputtering (DIBS), in contrast to the more expensive epitaxial growth system. The MOSHFETs developed in this research exhibit notable characteristics, such as a substantial two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) transconductance (∼2.6 mS), a high ION/IOFF response ratio in the order of 108, and minimal gate leakage current. Furthermore, we explore the impact of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on the drain current at various temperatures (600 °C and 800 °C). The results indicate a fourfold improvement in drain current compared to unannealed conditions, primarily attributed to reduced contact resistance and no degradation in term of MgZnO/CdZnO structure. Additionally, an analysis of post-RTA treatment under a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere on gate leakage current is presented. The investigation spans temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 800 °C, revealing that above 600 °C (gate leakage at 400 °C–600 °C is around ∼10−9 A), gate leakage in HFET is augmented by one order of magnitude (∼10−8 A) due to a phase change in the dielectric. These findings underscore the feasibility of DIBS-grown MCO MOSHFETs as an economical solution for the mass production of switching devices and sensors.

Indium Metal Oxide Tandem Ag Catalyst toward Highly Selective CO2 Electroreduction to CO over a Wide Potential Window

Indium Metal Oxide Tandem Ag Catalyst toward Highly Selective CO₂ Electroreduction to CO over a Wide Potential Window

Characterizing applications, exposure risks, and hazard communication for engineered nanomaterials in construction.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may pose health risks to workers. Objectives were to characterize ENM applications in construction, identify exposure scenarios, and evaluate the quality of safety data sheets (SDSs) for nano-enabled construction products. SDSs and product data were obtained from a public database of nano-enabled construction products. Descriptive statistics were calculated for affected trades, product categories, and types of ENMs. A sample of SDSs (n = 33) was evaluated using modified criteria developed by NIOSH researchers. Bulk analysis via transmission electron microscopy characterized nanoparticles in a subset of products. Companies report using >50 ENMs in construction products. ENM composition could not be determined via SDSs for 38.1% of the 907 products examined. Polymers and metal oxides tied for most frequently reported ENMs (n = 87, 9.6%). Nano silica, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanoparticles were also frequently reported. Most of the products were paints and coatings (n = 483, 53.3%), followed by pre-market additives, cementitious materials, insulation, and lubricants. Workers in twenty construction trades are likely to handle nano-enabled products, these particularly encompass cement and brick masons, painters, laborers, carpenters, glaziers, and insulators. A wide range of exposure scenarios were identified. SDSs were classified as satisfactory (18%), in need of improvement (12%), or in need of significant improvement (70%). Bulk analyses revealed discrepancies between actual ENM composition and those in SDSs. There has been significant progress investigating risks to construction workers posed by ENMs, but SDSs need major improvements. This study provides new insights on the use of ENMs in construction, exposure risks, and hazard communication.

P-Block Metal Oxide as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Boosting Ambient Ammonia Synthesis

p-Block Metal Oxide as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Boosting Ambient Ammonia Synthesis

2D Tantalum Disulfide Reduction Strategy Customized Ta2O5/rGO Heterointerface Aerogel Toward Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Flame Retardancy.

The exceptional and substantial electron affinity, as well as the excellent chemical and thermal stability of transition metal oxides (TMOs), infuse infinite vitality into multifunctional applications, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. Nonetheless, the suboptimal structural mechanical properties and absence of structural regulation continue to hinder the advancement of TMOs-based aerogels. Herein, a novel 2D tantalum disulfide (2H-TaS2) reduction strategy is demonstrated to synthesize Ta2O5/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) heterointerface aerogels with unique characters. As the prerequisite, the defects, interfaces, and configurations of aerogels are regulated by varying the concentration of 2H-TaS2 to ensure the Ta2O5/rGO heterointerface aerogels with appealing EMW absorption properties such as a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -61.93dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.54GHz (7.80-16.34GHz). This strategy provides valuable insights for designing advanced EMW absorbers. Meanwhile, the aerogel exhibits favorable thermal insulation performance with a value of 36mW m-1 K-1, outstanding fire resistance capability, and exceptional mechanical energy dissipation performance, making it promising for applications in the aerospace industry and consumer electronics devices.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of In2S3 by Decorating In2O3 with Rich Oxygen Vacancies.

The hydrogen (H2) evolution rates of photocatalysts suffer from weak oxidation and reduction ability and low photogenerated charge carrier separation efficiency. Herein, by combining band-gap structure optimization and vacancy modulation through a one-step hydrothermal method, In2O3 containing oxygen vacancy (Ov/In2O3) is simply introduced into In2S3 to promote photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Specifically, the change in the sulfur source ratio can induce the coexistence of Ov/In2O3 and In2S3 in a high-temperature hydrothermal process. Under light irradiation, In2S3@Ov/In2O3-0.1 nanosheets hold a remarkable average H2 evolution rate up to 4.04 mmol g-1 h-1, which is 32.14, 11.91, and 2.25-fold better than those of pristine In2S3, In2S3@Ov/In2O3-0.02, and In2S3@Ov/In2O3-0.25 nanosheets, respectively. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that the formation of Ov/In2O3 in In2S3 optimizes the band-gap structure and accelerates the migration of the photogenerated charge carrier of In2S3@Ov/In2O3-x nanosheets, respectively. Both the enhancement of oxidation and reduction ability and photogenerated charge carrier separation ability are responsible for the remarkable improvement in photocatalytic H2 evolution performance. This work provides a new strategy to prepare a composite of metal sulfide and metal oxide through a one-step hydrothermal method.