Morphological Properties Research Articles

Active bio-nanocomposites from litchi seed starch, tamarind kernel xyloglucan, and lignin nanoparticles to improve the shelf-life of banana (Musa acuminata)

Valorization of agricultural byproducts to biodegradable packaging films aids in reducing plastic dependency and addressing plastic perils. Herein, starch (LSS) from litchi seeds and xyloglucan (XG) from tamarind kernels were recovered, and composite films were developed. The XG addition strengthened the weak polymer networks of LSS and improved rheological, molecular, morphological, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties. The incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) into the LSS-XG network further increased the tensile strength (14.83 MPa), elastic modulus (0.41 GPa), and reduced surface wettability (80.07°), and water vapor permeability (5.63 ± 0.38 × 10−7 g m−1s−1Pa−1). The phenolic hydroxyls of LNPs imparted strong UV-shielding and free radical scavenging abilities to films. These attributes aided in preserving the quality of coated banana fruits with minimal weight loss and color change. Overall, this research highlights the potential transformation of underutilized abundant byproducts into sustainable active bio-nanocomposites for food packaging and shelf-life extension of fruits.

Characterization of Ba-Sr Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis and Fabrication of Ag/Ba-Sr/n-Si/Ag Diodes

This study describes the synthesis of barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) thin films using jet atomizer spray pyrolysis (JNSP) technology, which facilitates the fabrication of junction diodes whose structure, surface morphology, and optical properties are affected by significant water absorption. Ba-Sr films with different strontium concentrations (specifically 0, 2, 4 and 6 wt%) were further investigated to provide a better understanding of how this change affects the final diode type. The research design focuses on fabricating n-type silicon junction diodes containing barium and strontium and directly measuring and analysing their I-V characteristics, ultimately helping elucidate these devices' electrical behaviour. Among the analysed diodes, Ag/Ba-Sr/n-Si/Ag diode performed well in various design tests, indicating its competitiveness due to its goodness in optoelectronic devices. The ideal value (n) of a 6 wt.% Ba-Sr diode is 1.77 and the barrier height (ΦB) is 0.84 eV. These results demonstrate the general future of Ba-Sr junction diode, as they not only reveal important discoveries regarding their electrical properties but also demonstrate the potential for improved performance in optoelectronic applications.

Analysis of the structural, magnetic, thermoresistive, and thermoelectric properties of the microcomposite (Ni0.1Zn0.9O)1-x ─(Ni50Mn37Sn10Cu3)x

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of adding the Ni50Mn37Sn10Cu3 alloy to a Ni0.1Zn0.9O ceramic matrix on structural, morphological, magnetic, thermoresistive, and thermoelectric properties. The Ni0.1Zn0.9O system was obtained through the combustion reaction method. The microcomposite (Ni0.1Zn0.9O)1-x (Ni50Mn37Sn10Cu3)x, where x = 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40, was successfully with sintering at 1223K. The microcomposite samples exhibited a good linear relationship between the logarithm of electrical resistivity (lnρ) and the reciprocal of absolute temperature (1000/T) at 300K–360K. The values of the constants A, B, and C are characteristic of NTC behavior, and their curves closely approximate the experimental data. The resistivity ρ305, and the coefficients β, α, and SF obtained from the thermistors are approximately 0.12 MΩcm to 7.28 MΩcm, 5026 K–8436 K, 0.017 K-1 to 0.024 K-1, and 1.03 to 1.4, respectively. The magnetic properties of the samples increased as the alloy addition content increased, with values ranging from 51.7 to 63 for Hc, 0.03 to 1.34 for Ms, and 2∙10−4 to 0.13 for Mr. The values of the band gap remained in the range of 2.23–2.77 eV. The magnetic, thermoelectric, and thermoresistive characteristics can be adjusted to the desired value by altering the content of Ni50Mn37Sn10Cu3 in the Ni0.1Zn0.9O matrix. The results demonstrate the potential of the studied system for NTC performance materials, with magnetic and thermoelectric properties. There is significant potential for the development of new microcomposite materials, but it also opens up new research perspectives in the field, especially related to microcomposites containing Heusler alloys.

Effects of UV ozone treatment on the photoresponse of the Pt nanoparticles decorated WS2

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) decorated multilayer WS2 is treated by ultraviolet (UV) ozone for the modification of the surface roughness to realize the enhanced hot carriers injection via the internal photoemission (IPE). The morphology, structure and photophysical properties as well as the dependence of the photoresponse on the UV ozone treatment are investigated. The UV ozone treatment demonstrates obvious effect on the WS2 surface roughness (Sa), which reaches the maximum around 14nm after 2 minutes exposure and subsequently decrease with the extension of treatment duration. UV ozone treatment also leads to obviously diminished photoluminescence (PL) and shortened excitons lifetime for bare WS2 while its influence on the electronic structure is negligible. The diminished PL, shortened PL decaying lifetime and increased Sa are all originated from the formation of WOx due to the consumption of top WS2 layer by the severe oxidation, and such effects will be greatly alleviated when the fresh and undisturbed underlying WS2 layer appears with the treatment duration extended to 4 minutes. The 2 minutes UV ozone treated WS2/Pt exhibits optimal wide spectrum photoresponse (400-900nm) with the near infrared (NIR) responsivity around 18 A/W at 750nm, about 60% higher compared to that of untreated one while the 4 minutes overtreated WS2/Pt demonstrates much deteriorated photoresponse. Such behavior can be ascribed to the enhanced hot electrons injection from Pt to WS2 due to the formation of rough Schottky contact as well as the separation of photo-excited electron-hole pairs by Schottky junction. Our study proves that the Sa is a key factor not only for the exciton dynamics but also for the hot electron injection from Pt to WS2.

The effect of post heat treatment on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Ti2AlNb intermetallic alloy prepared by point-forging and laser-deposition

Ti2AlNb-based intermetallic alloy is considered to be the latest class of light-weight structural material severing in the range of 600∼750°C. Hybrid interlayer point-forging with laser-deposition (PF-LD) provides a new idea to produce near-net-shape Ti2AlNb part with promising mechanical performance. The present work mainly investigated the effect of post heat-treatment on microstructural evolution and tensile mechanical properties of PF-LDed Ti2AlNb alloy. The experimental results demonstrated that solution-treated at 940°C∼1020°C followed by aging at 840°C was effective to regulate phase morphology and tensile mechanical properties. With the consecutive increase of solution temperature, more fine-lamellar O-phase was reprecipitated within parent B2/β matrix during secondary aging treatment. The ultimate tensile strength was enhanced significantly from 1055.5 MPa to 1148.1 MPa with the help of precipitation hardening effect. In the meantime, stronger stress accumulation introduced by fine-lamella also exerted a detrimental impact on tensile strain capability, and the elongation after failure decreased from 10.9% to 7.7% with increasing solution temperature. Considering above results, this study provides a basic research for exploring the heat treatment of PF-LDed Ti2AlNb-alloy, and it is feasible to obtain high-strength and high-ductility properties by tailoring phase morphology.

Eco-Friendly Electrochemical Sensor for Accurate Soil Nitrate Detection using ZnOx/PANI Nanocomposite on Nickel Foam Electrode

This study presents an innovative approach to enhancing nitrate detection in soil, a critical macronutrient for agriculture. We developed a novel electrochemical sensor using a nanocomposite of Zinc Oxide (ZnOx) and Polyaniline (PANI) on a Nickel foam electrode. The nanocomposite was synthesized through cyclic voltammetry and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to analyze its morphological, elemental, and crystalline properties. The sensor's performance was evaluated using square wave voltammetry, revealing a direct linear relationship between the peak current and nitrate concentration. The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (4.53 µA/µM) and a low detection limit (0.40 µM), confirming its potential for precise and sensitive nitrate analysis in soil samples.

Synthesis and shrinkage resistance of precursor ceramic microspheres aerogel composed of curled molecular chains via polymer-derived ceramics route

Structural damage and shrinkage cracking were exhibited during the pyrolysis of ceramic aerogels prepared by the polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) route. Herein, the shrinkage of the ceramic precursor during the pyrolysis was offset by utilizing curled molecular chains to store strain in advance. Microspheres composed of curled molecular chains were prepared using polysilazane (PSZ) as a precursor. The microspheres were linked into a three-dimensional skeleton and further fabricated into precursor ceramic microspheres aerogel (PSZ/MCMSA) with shrinkage resistance. The morphology, thermal insulation, and shrinkage resistance properties of the material were tested. The results indicated that PSZ/MCMSA exhibited outstanding thermal insulation and shrinkage resistance properties. The shrinkage of the precursor ceramic microspheres (PSZ/MCMS) was offset by the strain stored through the curled PSZ molecular chains in the PSZ/MCMS. In addition, the microsphere skeleton structural supporting and gas escape channels were formed during the sintering, and the shrinkage resistance of the precursor ceramic aerogel was further enhanced.

Hydrothermal synthesis of BCQD@g-C3N4 nanocomposites supporting environmental sustainability: Organic dye removal and bacterial inactivation

Various studies are being carried out on the removal of organic dyes and the production of antibacterial agents. In this study, boron-doped carbon quantum dot (BCQD) was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and BCQD@g-C3N4 nanocomposite structure was synthesized using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as the support material. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposite against MO, RhB dyes, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria was investigated. The surface, morphology, molecular, and crystal properties of BCQD@g-C3N4 were investigated using characterization methods such as Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Fluorescence (FL) spectrophotometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). As a result of TEM analysis, it was determined that the average particle size of BCQD was 5.1 ± 1.14 nm and showed a homogeneous distribution on 2D g-C3N4. In the XRD spectrum for BCQDs, the diffraction peak corresponding to the (002) amorphous carbon phase was observed at 21.65° In the PL spectrum of B-CQD@g-C3N4s, the emission value was observed at 458 nm. In the study conducted by taking advantage of the photocatalytic feature of BCQD@g-C3N4 nanocomposite, Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methyl orange (MO) were degraded by 65.58 % and 73.56 %, respectively, at the end of 120 min. Additionally, BCQD@g-C3N4 photocatalyst completely inhibited the growth of E. coli bacteria, which are frequently encountered in wastewater, at 90 minutes under sunlight. Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is frequently encountered in wastewater, BCQD@g-C3N4 completely prevented bacterial growth in the 90th minute under sunlight.

Development of Z-scheme BiVO4/g-C3N4/rGO heterojunction nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial activity

In this study, we synthesized a novel BiVO4/g-C3N4/rGO (BGR) heterojunction photocatalyst using the hydrothermal method. The synthesized catalysts were characterized through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS) to analyze their structural, morphological, and optical properties. The hybrid BGR nanocomposite displayed remarkable absorption characteristics, photocatalytic activity, and notable stability. Photocatalytic degradation performance was evaluated against methylene blue (MB) and indigo carmine (IC) dyes. The BGR ternary hybrid nanocomposites demonstrated significant photocatalytic degradation efficiency, achieving removal rates of 95.6% for MB and 97.5% for IC dyes within 120 min. The improved photocatalytic efficiency of the ternary photocatalyst is attributed to superior electron-hole pair separation and the formation of the heterojunction structure. The BGR nanocomposite exhibited excellent recyclability, maintaining its activity and crystalline characteristics over five photodegradation cycles. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of the BGR nanocomposites against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated under UV-visible light exposure. This study provides insights for designing efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for environmental remediation purposes.

Characterization of MoS2:Nb sputtered thin films. An application as hole transport layer in Cu2ZnSnS4/Si tandem solar cells

MoS2:Nb films deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering are investigated in view of their application in infrared (IR)-transparent contacts for tandem photovoltaic devices.This material is already known to give a good electrical contact with p-type chalcogenide semiconductors, which are typically grown onto opaque molybdenum metallic contacts and a MoS2 layer spontaneously forms at the back interface during the on-top semiconductor growth. Our study explores a different approach, which involves the direct growth of IR-transparent MoS2:Nb films via sputtering inside complete photovoltaic devices, like Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)-based single junction solar cells and CZTS/Si tandem devices. Films deposited at different sputtering pressures are compared by analysing their microstructure, morphology, chemical composition, optical and electrical properties. The effects of post-deposition sulfurization treatments are also investigated. We find that MoS2:Nb films deposited at around 0.1 Pa exhibit compactness but show a notable sulfur deficit ([S]/[Mo]≈1.4), a significant sub-bandgap optical absorptance and lack of crystallinity. Increasing the Ar pressure to 1 Pa raises the [S]/[Mo] ratio to 2.2, yielding crystalline films with good IR-transparency, although with a porous morphology. Despite 0.5 wt% Nb-doping of the sputtering target, the as-deposited films demonstrate n-type conductivity likely due to uncontrolled impurities and intrinsic defects. Ultraviolet Photoemission Spectroscopy measurements suggest that films’ work function higher than 5 eV can be obtained with a post-deposition sulfurization, making these materials suitable as Hole Transport Layer in photovoltaic applications. A similar increase in work function is expected in the CZTS/MoS2 junctions, since the sputtered MoS2:Nb films undergo a sulfurization process needed to obtain the overlying polycrystalline CZTS absorber.CZTS solar cells produced with sputtered MoS2 and Transparent Conductive Oxides contacts on glass substrates, despite plagued by severe adhesion problems, show the potentiality to give efficiencies comparable to reference devices with standard Mo back contact. Fabrication of CZTS/Si tandem devices on textured silicon bottom cells yields a maximum efficiency of 4.4 %, primarily hindered by the low quality of the CZTS film on textured substrates. Nonetheless, optoelectronic characterizations based on both spectrophotometric and quantum efficiency measurements confirm a good IR transparency of the MoS2-based intermediate contacts and the desired electrical behaviour.

Efficient removal of Congo red by BiOCl/TiO2/montmorillonite photocatalytic material

A series of BiOCl/TiO2/montmorillonite photocatalytic material (BTM) were prepared by sol-gel method combined with calcination process, and were used for the degradation of Congo red. The phase composition, morphology, and optical properties of the as-prepared materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, BET and UV-vis DRS. Compared with BiOCl and TiO2, BTM has a better removal effect on Congo red, in which BTM-20 has the highest photocatalytic activity. After 120min of illumination, the degradation rate of Congo red by BTM-20 reached 94.04%. The photocatalytic degradation process of Congo red by BTM-20 conformed to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a reaction constant of 0.00803min-1. The type-Ⅱ heterojunction between BiOCl and TiO2 promotes the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs of BTM-20 and enhances the absorption for visible light. The experiment of the free radical capture indicated that superoxide radical played a leading role in photocatalytic degradation of Congo red, followed by hydroxyl radical. This study provides a new treatment ideas for environmental remediation, and provides an efficient photocatalytic material for the degradation of pollutant.

The destruction of cytoplasmic skeleton leads to the change of nuclear structure and the looseness of lamin A submicroscopic network

The interaction between lamin A and the cytoplasmic skeleton plays a key role in maintaining nuclear mechanical properties. However, the effect of destruction of the cytoplasmic skeleton on the 3D submicroscopic structure of lamin A has not been elucidated. In this study, we developed an image quantization algorithm to quantify changes in the submicroscopic structure of the intact lamin A 3D network within the nucleus. We used blebbistatin or nocodazole to disrupt the fibrillar structure of F-actin or tubulin, respectively, and then quantified changes in the lamin A super-resolution network structure, the morphological and mechanical properties of the nucleus and the spatial distribution of chromosomes. Ultimately, we found for the first time that disruption of the cytoplasmic skeleton changes the lamin A submicroscopic network and nuclear structural characteristics. In summary, this study contributes to understanding the trans-nuclear membrane interaction characteristics of lamin A and the cytoplasmic skeleton.

Copper source influence on structural, morphological, and optical properties of copper phosphate flower-like

Copper source influence on structural, morphological, and optical properties of copper phosphate flower-like

Analysis of Microstructural Changes, Morphology and Optical Properties of the Surface of Copper Oxide Thin Layers due to Annealing for Use in Optoelectronic Devices

Analysis of Microstructural Changes, Morphology and Optical Properties of the Surface of Copper Oxide Thin Layers due to Annealing for Use in Optoelectronic Devices

Q-switched Erbium-doped Fiber Laser Utilising a Saturable Absorber Based on Brass Nanoparticles

A passively Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser was successfully demonstrated using brass nanoparticles embedded in Polyvinyl alcohol film as a saturable absorber. The brass nanoparticles were produced by ablating brass target in polyvinyl alcohol solution using Nd:YAG laser. The saturable absorber was characterised in terms of its morphology, elemental contents and optical properties. It was incorporated into a ring cavity to function as a Q-switcher for generating pulses. As the pump power was varied from 21 mW to 67 mW, the repetition rate increased from 38.74 kHz to 73.75 kHz while the corresponding output pulse width and pulse energy varied from 5.11 μs to 2.473 μs and 69.6 nJ to 145.6 nJ respectively. The output power characterised by the slope efficiency of 17.72 % and 10.74 mW of output power recorded at 67 mW pump power.

Low permittivity germanate LaAlGe2O7 ceramics: Synthesis, sintering behavior, spectral characteristics and microwave dielectric properties

Novel low permittivity LaAlGe2O7 ceramics was prepared by a solid-state reaction method, and the relationship between microstructure and microwave properties was revealed. XRD and Rietveld refinement confirmed that the crystal structure of LaAlGe2O7 is monoclinic P21/c space group. Raman spectroscopy reflects the trend of internal structural order and phonon-damping behavior of LaAlGe2O7 ceramics. The ceramic sintered at 1250 °C exhibited the best surface morphology and optimum microwave dielectric properties of εr = 9.22, Q × f = 33417 GHz, τf = −71.68 ppm/°C. The lattice energy and packing fraction are used to explain the change of Q × f value. The relationship between phonon damping behavior and microwave dielectric properties was revealed. The temperature stability was studied by bond valence. The LaAlGe2O7 ceramics is a strong candidate for the substrate material of millimeter wave communication.

Comparative investigation of fillers loading effect on morphological, micromechanical, and thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol/biofillers-based composites

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based biocomposites were fabricated by the incorporation of chitosan (Ch), cellulose fibers (CS), and their mixture (1:1 ratio). Fillers with various loading (2, 4, 8, and 10 wt.-%) were incorporated into PVA employing the solution casting method. The fillers and biocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), brightfield microscopy, tensile and microindentation tests, contact angle measurement and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra revealed the removal of lignin, and intermolecular H-bonding between PVA and fillers promoting their filler–matrix interfacial interactions. Crystallographic results showed varied crystallite sizes and crystallinity of composites. Microscopic techniques revealed a uniform filler distribution, attributed to their compatibility with PVA. Tensile and microindentation tests demonstrated a decreased tensile strength (3.3–8.2 MPa of the composites compared to 15.7 MPa of the matrix) and Martens hardness (HM) of biocomposites. However, their value was increased with higher filler concentration, signifying the mechanical reinforcement. Contact angle analysis confirms the decreased wettability (hydrophilicity) of biocomposites, attributed to higher compatibility of fillers with PVA and intermolecular H-bonding between them. A slightly decreased thermal stability of biocomposites with filler incorporation is implied by TGA results despite their uniform distribution and strong matrix–filler interfacial interactions.

Secondary-explosion modification study on gaseous detonation synthesis of Fe@C nanoparticles

To enhance the graphitization degree of Fe@C nanoparticles synthesized via gaseous detonation, this study employed ferrocene as the precursor and hydrogen–oxygen mixed gas as the explosion source to investigate the effects of secondary-explosion on the phase composition, morphology, and magnetic properties of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles. The results show that after the secondary-explosion, the phase composition of Fe@C nanoparticles changes significantly, with partial oxidation of iron carbide/iron to FeO. The morphology remains largely unchanged, with particle sizes between 20–40 nm, but the crystallinity of both the metal core and carbon layer improves markedly, and lattice fringes become more distinct. The saturation magnetization(Ms) and residual magnetization(Mr) of Fe@C nanoparticles decrease by 56.7 % and 69 %, respectively, while the coercivity force shows little change.

Quantifying the effects of repeated dyeing: Morphological, mechanical, and chemical changes in human hair fibers

As hair dyeing gains popularity across all age groups, concerns about the potential damage caused by chemical treatments are also on the rise. Chemical dyes have a multifaceted impact on hair fibers, affecting their morphology, physical structure, and protein composition. In a comprehensive study, we investigated the alterations in morphological and mechanical properties, as well as the chemical composition of hair fibers following continuous dyeing. Our analysis employed various techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and tensile strength measurements. To assess the cumulative damage resulting from repeated dyeing, we progressively increased the number of dyeing up to 10. Surprisingly, even a single dyeing session inflicted noticeable harm on the hair. However, the detrimental effects escalated significantly when hair underwent three or more consecutive dye treatments. While the mechanical properties and protein composition exhibited non-linear changes with increasing the number of dyeing, we observed that nanoscale damage to the cuticle surface intensified proportionally with the number of dyeing. These results highlight the critical need to consider the impacts of hair dyeing practices on both the health and the structural integrity of hair.

Influence of Ag doping on structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of sol-gel spin-coated TiO2 thin films

Pure and Ag-doped Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films have been synthesized via the sol-gel spin coating method, and their structural, morphological, and optical properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis verifies that the polycrystalline anatase TiO2 phase is retained up to 2 % Ag doping. However, lattice expansion and grain refinement down to 25.345 nm are observed with increasing Ag content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the formation of large, isolated TiO2 aggregates separated by drying-induced cracks across the film surface. Optical studies show the undoped TiO2 films demonstrate excellent visible transparency (>75 % transmittance) that slightly decreases upon Ag doping, though it remains suitably high for device applications. Meanwhile, optical absorption and defect states improve with more Ag incorporation, narrowing the TiO2 bandgap from 3.83 eV (undoped) to 3.51 eV (2 % Ag-doping) due to the incorporation of Ag-induced electronic states just below the conduction band minimum. The capability to control optical and structural properties through Ag doping highlights the potential of these TiO2 films suitably tailored for photovoltaic devices or self-cleaning coatings.