Microscopy Studies Research Articles

Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction with rare-earth metal-based Ce-N-C catalyst

An atomically dispersed single atom catalyst based on rare-earth metal, Cerium embedded into the porous N-doped carbon (Ce-N-C), has been synthesized by using metal-organic framework method. The Ce-N-C catalyst have been physiochemically and electrochemically characterized in detail. Transmission electron microscope studies revealed atomically dispersed Ce atoms on the N-doped carbon support. The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics of Ce-N-C-3 catalyst revealed an admirable activity with a half-wave potential of 0.89 V, nearly equal to state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst. The K-L plots and RRDE measurements revealed a nearly direct 4 electron reduction of O2 to H2O by Ce-N-C-3 catalyst. In addition, the chronoamperometry studies with a simulated H2O2 environments clearly revealed the significance of Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple in deactivating hydrogen peroxide and/or hydroperoxide radicals. The commendable ORR activity, stability and peroxide resistance of Ce-N-C-3 catalysts is credited to the high surface area, atomically dispersed Ce atoms, formation of Ce-N4-C active sites in the catalysts, evidenced from the XPS analysis, in addition to the significance of Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple in the catalyst. Most importantly, chronoamperometric studies revealed clear evidence of Ce3+/Ce4+ couple significance, helping in effectively mitigating the peroxide related detrimental effects to the ORR catalyst.

Microscopic study of the gonads in males and females of Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafinesque, 1810) and Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793), two species of coastal affinity from the gulf of Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire

Microscopic study of the gonads in males and females of Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafinesque, 1810) and Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793), two species of coastal affinity from the gulf of Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire

Study of quality indicators of gravure imprints obtained with fluorescent ink

The peculiarities of the decoration of gravure imprints on cardboard using fluorescent inks are considered. The influence of the number of fluorescent impurities added to gravure printing ink on the optical indicators of printed image quality, particularly optical density, and gloss, is investigated. Increasing the number of fluorescent impurities added to the ink from 10 to 30% helps to increase the gloss on imprints from 2 to 15 units. Conducted thermogravimetric studies show the resistance of fluorescent imprints to the influence of temperatures during drying in the printing process. The topography of the surface of the substrates and its influence on the quality of imprints is studied. Conducted electron microscopic studies of imprints obtained with inks with different amounts of fluorescent impurities show their uniform distribution on the surface of the substrate. Studies of the fluorescence spectra of the ink and the imprints formed by it confirm the phenomenon of an increase in the intensity of the glow of printed images. The studies confirm the well-known influence of substrate roughness on the smoothness of gravure imprints. It is established that the absence of significant macro irregularities on the surface of Koppargloss FBB cardboard is due to the presence of two coating layers. Analysis of the surface profiles of FBB cardboard shows that its roughness parameter (Ra = 0.424 μm) is three times smaller compared to Incada Silk С GC1 cardboard (the roughness parameter Ra = 1.28 μm), with a single-layer coating. Such a pattern is also preserved on the imprints, which is reflected in their quality accordingly. Studies show that for imprints on GC1 cardboard, the average ΔE value is 2.23, for imprints on FBB cardboard, the average ΔE value is 3.71, which is due to the presence of double coating. The factors that can influence the process of fluorescence of printed images are outlined. The technological characteristics of inks for gravure printing on packaging are described.

RETRACTION: Preventive Effect of Naringin on Cardiac Mitochondrial Enzymes During Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: A Transmission Electron Microscopic Study.

M. Rajadurai and P. Stanely Mainzen Prince, "Preventive Effect of Naringin on Cardiac Mitochondrial Enzymes During Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: A Transmission Electron Microscopic Study," by Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology 21, no. 6 (2007): 354-361, https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.20203. The above article, published online on 9 November 2007 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, Hari K. Bhat; and Wiley Periodicals, LLC. The retraction has been agreed due to duplication of panels presented in figure 3b and 3 f. The authors did not provide an explanation or their raw data. The editors consider the results and conclusion reported in this article unreliable.

BEAD SIZE AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SEBS-BASED ELASTIC BEADS

ABSTRACT Styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) is a thermoplastic elastomer that has applications in robotics and shock absorption. Although SEBS as a bulk material as well as an additive to solid composites has been extensively studied, this work focuses on developing SEBS-based beads to enhance material elasticity. SEBS bead mixtures were developed by mixing SEBS elastomer, water, and surfactant (Triton X-100) at high temperature. Stability, rheology, and microscopy of SEBS bead mixtures were studied as a function of neat SEBS concentration in SEBS elastomer, SEBS elastomer concentration, and surfactant concentration. Resulting bead mixtures were classified as creamed, homogenous and stable, or aggregated based on the mixture’s tendency to separate into layers and its ability to disperse in excess water. Microscopic studies suggest that although bead mixtures exhibit size polydispersity, the average bead size is a strong function of neat SEBS, SEBS elastomer, and surfactant concentrations. Rheological studies suggest that all the bead mixtures exhibit shear thinning behavior, and the overall viscosity of a given bead mixture is a function of both SEBS elastomer and surfactant concentration. The developed SEBS elastic beads can be used as additives to enhance the viscoelastic properties of fluid-based systems such as magnetorheological and damping fluids.

Adsorbate-induced adatom formation on Au-Cu bimetallic alloys and its possible consequences for CO2 electroreduction

The adsorbate-induced formation of sub-nanometer clusters on transition-metal single crystals observed in previous high-pressure microscopic studies hinted at the in-situ formation of unique active sites even on large nanoparticle catalysts. We propose that the adatom formation energy can be used as an energetic descriptor for the initial step toward the adsorbate-induced metal-cluster formation process. This descriptor can be efficiently computed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and applied for screening and identification of metal catalysts where this phenomenon may play an important role in generating active sites in-situ. As a proof of concept, here, we construct an adatom formation energy database for three AuxCuy alloys (x:y = 3:1, 1:1, or 1:3) and eighteen adsorbates (H, C, N, O, F, S, Cl, Br, I, CHx, NHx (x = 1 – 3), CO, NO, and OH) commonly involved in catalytic reactions. The energetics of adatom formation were examined in all cases where the (111) terrace, (211) step-edge, and (874) kink were the sources of the adatom. We demonstrate that the presence of an adsorbate could alter not only the energetics for adatom formation but also the elemental nature of the preferred adatom being formed. Using our database, we identified promising systems which favor adsorbate-induced adatom formation under near-ambient conditions. Specifically, CO-induced adatom formation on all three Au-Cu alloy surfaces could occur under CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) conditions. This phenomenon offers a qualitative explanation for the experimentally observed CO2RR activity on Au-Cu alloy catalysts. Our methodology offers an easily expandable and efficient approach for large-scale catalyst screening with regards to adatom/cluster formation under reaction conditions and provides insight into the possible nature of active sites on alloy catalysts from a novel perspective.

Phase composition and microstructure of intermetallic alloys obtained using electron-beam additive manufacturing

The paper investigates the microstructure and phase composition of nickel- and aluminum-based intermetallic alloys obtained using two-wire electron-beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). Relevance of the research is related to the widespread use of intermetallic alloys based on nickel and aluminum (mainly Ni3Al) in various high-temperature applications and the need to use modern production methods when creating machine parts and mechanisms from these alloys. Using EBAM, the billets from intermetallic alloys with different ratios of the content of main components were obtained. Change in concentrations of the basic elements was carried out varying the ratio of feed rates of nickel and aluminum wires during additive manufacturing in the range from 1:1 to 3:1, respectively. The results of microscopic studies of the obtained alloys showed that, regardless of nickel content, the obtained alloys are characterized by a large–crystalline structure with grain sizes in the range of 100 – 300 μm for alloys with a component ratio of 1:1 and 150 – 400 μm for alloys with a component ratio of 2:1 and 3:1. At the same time, the alloy with an equal content of base components is characterized by more uniform grain and microstructure compared to those with high content of Ni. By changing the concentration ratio of the components, phase composition of the resulting billet can be purposefully controlled. In the case of an “equiatomic” content of the base components in the alloy, a NiAl-based compound with a small phase content based on the intermetallides Ni3Al5 and Ni3Al is formed. At high concent­rations of nickel, the intermetallic Ni3Al phase is formed, and at a component ratio of 3:1, structure of the resulting billet consists mainly of Ni3Al phase and the γ solid substitutional solution based on nickel. The paper demonstrates the possibility of direct production of intermetallic alloys with a given phase composition during electron-beam additive manufacturing.

The possible protective effect of ginger extract on toxic changes induced by bisphenol A on the thyroid gland of adult male albino rats: light and electron microscopic study.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance used in the plastic industry and considered as an endocrine disruptor. Ginger is a herbal material used in the food industry and has antioxidant activity. The present study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in the thyroid gland of adult male albino rats after intake of BPA and if there is any protective role for ginger extract (GE). Eighty adult male rats were divided equally into four groups. Group I as a control group, group II included rats that received 250 mg/kg/day GE orally for eight weeks, group III included rats that received 200 mg/kg/day BPA orally for the same period and group IV included rats that received BPA in the same dose for the same duration concomitantly with GE. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for hormonal essay and tissue samples were processed. Light and electron microscopic studies were done. Morphometric and statistical studies were carried out. Group III showed degenerative changes in the thyroid gland, decreased serum levels of T3 and T4 and a strong positive inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immune response. Group IV showed restoration of thyroid gland architecture and function. In conclusion, GE protected the thyroid structure from the damaging effect of BPA oxidative stress through its anti-oxidant effect, thus preserving thyroid activity.

Microstructure, wear and residual stresses of selective laser melting AlSi10Mg solid cylinder

Advanced industrial processing technique selective laser melting (SLM) can handle various materials. Although titanium alloys are the main material used in SLM, aluminium alloys may be employed in the future. However, producing aluminium alloys is more complicated. This work uses SLM to make an AlSi10Mg solid cylinder. The aim is to study the mechanical properties and microstructure of products. Layer thickness increases defects; thus, research advises avoiding it. The optical microscope study proved the conduction melting process's stability and hole-freeness. EDX mapping and SEM were used to compare the chemical makeup of as-cast and SLM materials. An unusual microstructure showed consistent alloying component distribution. Investigations examine wear, hardness and residual stresses. Extreme hardness was found. The component has evenly distributed compressive residual stresses within material yield limits.

Influence of nanosilica and chain extender on the mechanical behavior of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blends

AbstractThe effect of incorporating different percentages of hydrophobic and hydrophilic nanosilica (HPB and HPL NS) particles and chain extender (CE) on the mechanical behavior of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends was evaluated. The mechanical behavior of the samples was explained using different theoretical models. Microscopic studies showed that adding both types of NS particles and CE led to more uneven surfaces for blends. Also, no obvious aggregations were observed in both blend nanocomposites, and both kinds of NS particles were mainly present in the PBAT phase. Except for the blend containing 1 phr HPB NS particles, which revealed a continuous morphology, all the PLA/PBAT blends containing both types of NS particles indicated a droplet‐matrix morphology. The more the NS content, the more uniform the PBAT distribution. Adding CE in the blends improved Young's modulus, yield strength, and elongation‐at‐break to a particular loading of CE (2 phr), while these properties were diminished after introducing more CE. Also, the most improvements in the yield strength (45%) and Young's modulus (35%) were seen for the PLA/PBAT (75/25 w/w) containing 2 phr CE and 5 phr HPL NS particles. Besides, a good agreement was observed for experimental values and theoretical models for all samples.

Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the dielectric and electrical properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride)-zinc ferrite composites

Polymer composites comprising Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as a matrix, Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4: ZFO) as ceramic filler and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) as a surface modifying agent have been synthesized through a simple solvent casting route for application in energy storage devices. The Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) study confirmed that the surface modification through Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate improved the dispersion of ZFO particles in the PVDF matrix. The FTIR Spectrophotometer study revealed the existence of expected functional groups in the modified composites The advantage of treatment of SDS on the composite obtained from blending of PVDF with Zinc Ferrite was investigated. The Impedance Analyzer study indicated that the composite with 1.5 wt.% Zinc Ferrite nanoparticles encapsulated by SDS exhibited the highest dielectric constant and reduced loss tangent. In addition, the experimental values of the dielectric constant were compared with some theoretical models. Further, the PE loop study showed higher remanent polarisation in the 1.5 wt.% SDS treated composite indicating that treatment of SDS on Zinc Ferrite (ZFO) can be adopted to fabricate composites for high energy storage applications.

Ultrasonic assisted synthesis of nanoporous carbon/CeVO4 nanocomposite for supercapacitor and photocatalytic applications

Here, nanoporous carbon (NPC)/CeVO4 nanocomposite synthesized via ultrasonic assisted method for supercapacitor and tartrazine dye degradation application. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies confirmed the CeVO4 nanoparticles well embedded on the NPC surface in the NPC/CeVO4 nanocomposite. Spherical shaped CeVO4 nanoparticles are well incorporated on the surface of NPC therefore NPC/CeVO4 nanocomposite which possess a porous-like structure would improve the supercapacitor applications and dye degradation performance. As expected, the specific capacitance (Cs) values (555 F g−1) of NPC/CeVO4 nanocomposite showed enhanced performance as compared to CeVO4 nanoparticles (234 F g−1) at a current density of 1 A g−1 and the capacitance retention of the designed electrode as 95 % after 5000 cycles. The photodegradation of tartrazine dye using pure CeVO4 nanoparticles and NPC/CeVO4 nanocomposite was explored under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation experiment demonstrated that the NPC/CeVO4 exhibits the maximum degradation efficiency (98.76 %) of the tartrazine with was reached within 120 min. Moreover, the rate constant of NPC/CeVO4 for tartrazine dyes decomposition was 0.0192 min−1 representing that it is two-fold higher than pure CeVO4 (0.0073 min−1). The superior electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of NPC/CeVO4 nanocomposite have been observed due to the well-designed structure and high surface area. Consequently, as-prepared NPC/CeVO4 material could be a promising material for electrochemical supercapacitor and dye degradation of the tartrazine organic pollutant.

Influence of Copper on Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20 Biofilm Formation.

Copper is known to have toxic effects on bacterial growth. This study aimed to determine the influence of copper ions on Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20 biofilm formation in a lactate-C medium supplemented with variable copper ion concentrations. OA G20, when grown in media supplemented with high copper ion concentrations of 5, 15, and 30 µM, exhibited inhibited growth in its planktonic state. Conversely, under similar copper concentrations, OA G20 demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation on glass coupons. Microscopic studies revealed that biofilms exposed to copper stress demonstrated a change in cellular morphology and more accumulation of carbohydrates and proteins than controls. Consistent with these findings, sulfur (dsrA, dsrB, sat, aprA) and electron transport (NiFeSe, NiFe, ldh, cyt3) genes, polysaccharide synthesis (poI), and genes involved in stress response (sodB) were significantly upregulated in copper-induced biofilms, while genes (ftsZ, ftsA, ftsQ) related to cellular division were negatively regulated compared to controls. These results indicate that the presence of copper ions triggers alterations in cellular morphology and gene expression levels in OA G20, impacting cell attachment and EPS production. This adaptation, characterized by increased biofilm formation, represents a crucial strategy employed by OA G20 to resist metal ion stress.

Growth inhibitory potential of quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. Against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells via Bax/Bcl-2 modulation

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to explore the cytotoxic potential of different fractions (Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) of Plumbago zeylanica L. root powder. MethodologyIn this study, PzMH, PzMC, PzME, and PzMM fractions from the root powder of P. zeylanica were obtained through the cold maceration technique. The cytotoxic properties of these fractions on MG-63 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. The most potent fraction was further analyzed to understand its cytotoxic mechanism. To explore its apoptosis-inducing potential, microscopic and flow cytometric studies were conducted. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptotic pathways. ResultsPzMH showed the highest cytotoxicity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with a GI50 value of 53.07 µg/ml. Flow cytometric studies revealed an upsurge in reactive oxygen species and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The highest concentration of PzMH fraction (183.48 µg/ml) led to 62 % cell population arrest at G0/G1 stage. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 was downregulated, with p53, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase3, Bad and Bax expression upregulated. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of lawsone, p-coumaric acid, plumbagin, and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, indicating that the quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. attenuates the proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. ConclusionTo the best of our current knowledge, this marks the first documented case where the hexane fraction enriched with quinones extracted from the roots of P. zeylanica demonstrates its ability to induce apoptosis by influencing the Bax/Bcl2 pathway.

Constitutive and impact response of AA7475-T7351 under different projectile shapes and velocities: An experimental and numerical investigation

Through experimental and numerical investigation, this article investigates the constitutive and impact response of the 1.6 mm thick AA7474-T7351 plate under the impact of blunt and hemispherical-nosed projectiles at different velocities. The Johnson-Cook plasticity and failure model parameters were calibrated for the target material using experimental data from the tensile experiments, which took into consideration the effects of plastic strain, strain rate, temperature and stress triaxiality. Further, JC plasticity model parameters were also optimised using a parametric optimisation process. The flow stress of AA7475-T7351 shows positive and negative sensitivity toward loading rate and temperature. It is observed that the ductility of AA7475-T7351 decreases with increases in stress triaxiality, whereas the flow stress increases. Perforation experiments on 1.6 mm thick circular AA7475-T7351 plates were carried out using a single-stage gas gun along with the high-speed Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC) technique. The blunt nose projectile causes shear failure, whereas hemispherical nose projectile causes combined tension-shear failure; a microscopic study is performed to confirm this phenomenon. Experimental results obtained from DIC were validated using the numerical analysis in the Abaqus/Explicit platform in terms of transient out-of-plane deformation of the target plate. The quantitative error between experimental and numerical analysis was evaluated using the Russell error technique. Numerical analysis revealed that constitutive relations could predict the physical fracture mechanisms during perforation qualitatively as well as quantitatively.

Investigating the interaction of uranium(VI) with diatoms and their bacterial community: A microscopic and spectroscopic study

Diatoms and bacteria play a vital role in investigating the ecological effects of heavy metals in the environment. Despite separate studies on metal interactions with diatoms and bacteria, there is a significant gap in research regarding heavy metal interactions within a diatom-bacterium system, which closely mirrors natural conditions. In this study, we aim to address this gap by examining the interaction of uranium(VI) (U(VI)) with Achnanthidium saprophilum freshwater diatoms and their natural bacterial community, primarily consisting of four successfully isolated bacterial strains (Acidovorax facilis, Agrobacterium fabrum, Brevundimonas mediterranea, and Pseudomonas peli) from the diatom culture. Uranium (U) bio-association experiments were performed both on the xenic A. saprophilum culture and on the four bacterial isolates. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled with spectrum imaging analysis based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a clear co-localization of U and phosphorus both on the surface and inside A. saprophilum diatoms and the associated bacterial cells. Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis identified similar U(VI) binding motifs both on A. saprophilum diatoms and the four bacterial isolates. This is the first work providing valuable microscopic and spectroscopic data on U localization and speciation within a diatom-bacterium system, demonstrating the contribution of the co-occurring bacteria to the overall interaction with U, a factor non-negligible for future modeling and assessment of radiological effects on living microorganisms.

Hydrothermal synthesis of cadmium sulfide decorated reduced graphene oxide photocatalyst for the degradation of photostable naphthol blue black dye

Photocatalysis is being used for the mineralization of recalcitrant organic pollutants in water that cannot be treated with conventional methods. Cadmium sulfide decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO-CdS) nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized by hydrothermal method and evaluated for the removal of a photostable textile azo dye, naphthol blue black (NBB) under ultraviolet light (UV-A, 365 nm). The rGO-CdS combination was opted for due to utilizing the narrow band gap (Eg = ~2.4 eV) of CdS and robust rGO support, capable of attracting organic pollutants to surface, bear, and protect CdS from photocorrosion. The formation of rGO-CdS was proved from the findings of physiochemical characterization UV–visible-, X-ray diffraction photoelectron, Raman, energy dispersive X-ray-spectroscopic, and scanning, transmission electron, and atomic force microscopic studies. The spherical CdS was decorated on the random shaped rGO sheets. Eg of CdS and rGO-CdS were 2.42 and 2.39 eV, respectively. After 2 h of light exposure, 2 g/L of rGO-CdS mineralized 95 % of NBB (2 × 10−4 mol/L). After 5 cycles, 80 % of photocatalytic efficiency was retained. In gas chromatography-mass spectrometry studies, 8 fragments of NBB were found after 1 h and confirmed that the degradation was mediated by photocatalytic dilapidation. The optimum pH for NBB degradation was 9. The rGO-CdS was found to be a potentially stable and reusable photocatalyst for environmental applications.

Experimental study on effective utilization of industrial solid wastes in developing Ultra-High Performance Geopolymer Concrete

<p><a><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This experimental study explores the use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag(GGBS) and dolomite as alkali activated binders and copper slag as aggregate to achieve a cost-effective and sustainable Ultra-High-Performance Geopolymer Concrete(UHPGC). Several concrete compositions utilizing copper slag as a substitute for natural aggregates were formulated. Tests have shown that the inclusion of 100% copper slag fine aggregate leads to significant improvements in the mechanical properties and density of geopolymer concrete. Specifically, the compressive strength increased by 56.8% and the density increased by 17.5%. To understand the influence of dolomite in GGBS binder, several mixes varying dolomite proportion in GGBS were examined. The compressive strength of the 80% GGBS/20% dolomite geopolymer matrix is 32.8% higher compared to the compressive strength of UHPGC with 100% GGBS. The UHPGC mixture containing 1% crimped steel fibers showed the highest compressive strength, measuring 146.6 MPa. The split tensile and flexural strengths of the 20% dolomite matrix show a significant increase of 30.55% and 30.24% respectively compared to the 100% GGBS matrix. The water absorption and porosity of the 100% GGBS specimen were found to be lower compared to the 20% dolomite UHPGC specimen. The microscopic study reveals the positive impact of dolomite and GGBS on enhancing the bonding of the geopolymer matrix along with decreasing permeability. This study highlights the potential of geopolymer technology in producing ultra-high-performance concrete using GGBS, dolomite, and copper slag.</span></span></span></a></p>

Dark-field microscopy studies of single silicon nanoparticles fabricated by e-beam evaporation technique: effect of thermal annealing, polarization of light and deposition parameters.

Herein, we report the dark-field microscopic studies on single silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) fabricated using different deposition parameters in the electron beam (e-beam) evaporation technique. The morphology of the fabricated SiNPs is studied using the Atomic Force Microscope. Later, for the first time, the effect of thermal annealing and deposition parameters (i.e., beam current and deposition time) on the far-field scattering images and spectra of single SiNPs is studied using a transmission-mode dark-field optical microscope to estimate the wavelength locations and full-width at half maxima of the optical resonances of single SiNPs. Finally, the role of polarization of incident light on the optical resonances of single SiNPs is also studied by recording their scattering images and spectra.&#xD.

Integration of Samarium Vanadate/Halloysite Nanotubes: Electrochemical Determination of Furaltadone Using Flexible Electrode

In this study, a composite comprising a rare‐earth metal, samarium vanadate (SmVO4, SmV), anchored to halloysite nanotube (HNT) making SmV/HNT nanocomposite is synthesized for the sensitive electrochemical determination of furaltadone (FLD) through differential pulse voltammetry analysis based on the synergistic effect of SmV/HNT (the catalytic activity and chemical stability of SmV, which was further boosted by the improved surface area and conductance of HNT). Further, in the microscopic studies, it is revealed that SmV exhibits a tetragonal zircon‐type crystalline structure, with I41/amd (141) space group, whereas HNT comprises a multiphase kaolin composition as a gibbsite‐like octahedral sheet with multivalency, and the morphological irregularities of the individual constituents are rectified in the composite. The SmV/HNT composite is spray‐coated on polyethylene terephthalate sheet, which delivered a promising trace level limit of detection (0.009 μm) over a wide working range (0.05–194.4 μm) for FLD. Furthermore, real sample analysis is performed using human serum, and pharmaceutical tablet and the results reveal exceptional repeatability and sensitivity, indicating the real‐time application of SmV/HNT in the pharmaceutical domain.