Formation Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Corona Formation of Dipeptide-Based Nanomaterials

Peptide-based nanomaterials can be easily functionalized due to their functional groups, as well as being biocompatible, stable under physiological conditions, and nontoxic. Here, diphenylalanineamide-based nanomaterials (FFANMs) were synthesized, decorated with Ca2+ ions to set the surface charge, and characterized for possible use in gene delivery and drug release studies. FFANMs were characterized by SEM, TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and LC-MS/MS. Corona formation and biocompatible studies were also carried out. Some of the data obtained are as follows: FFANMs have a diameter of approximately 87.93 nm. While the zeta potentials of FFANMs and Ca2+@FFANMs were −20.1 mV and +9.3 mV, respectively, after corona formation with HSA and IgG proteins, they were shifted to −7.6 mV and −3.7 mV, respectively. For gene delivery studies, zeta potentials of Ca2+@FFANMs and DNA interactions were also studied and found to shift to −9.7 mV. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies of NMs were also studied on HeLa and HT29 cell lines, and decreases of about 5% and 10% in viability at the end of 24 h and 72 h incubation times were found. We think that the results obtained from this study will assist the groups working in the relevant field.

Bimetallic CuNi Nanoparticle Formation: Solution Combustion Synthesis and Molecular Dynamic Approaches.

Nanomaterials are vital in catalysis, sensing, energy storage, and biomedicine and now incorporate multiprincipal element materials to meet evolving technological demands. However, achieving a uniform distribution of multiple elements in these nanomaterials poses significant challenges. In this study, various Cu-Ni compositions were used as a model system to investigate the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles by employing computer simulation molecular dynamics methods and comparing the results with observations from solution-combustion-synthesized materials of the same compositions. The findings reveal the successful synthesis of 12-18 nm bimetallic Cu-Ni nanoparticles with high phase homogeneity, alongside phase-segregated nanoparticles predicted by molecular dynamics simulations. Based on the comparison of the experimental and computational data, a possible scenario for phase segregation during the synthesis was proposed. It includes clustering of the atoms of the same type in an initial solution or the stage of gel formation and further developing segregation during the combustion/cooling stage. The research concludes that early synthesis stages, including particle preformation, significantly influence the phase homogeneity of multiprincipal element alloys. This study contributes to understanding nanomaterial formation, offering insights for improved alloy synthesis and enhanced functionalities in advanced applications.

Unraveling the Growth Mechanism of Chiral Inorganic Nanocrystals via High-Resolution Electron Microscopy.

Chiral inorganic nanomaterials have attracted broad interest due to their intriguing chirality-dependent performances. However, there is a lack of experimental studies and atomic-level evidence on their growth mechanism. Herein, high-crystalline chiral tellurium nanowires were synthesized in an alkali solution by using tellurium oxide as an inorganic source and hydrazine hydrate as a reductant. The evolution of the nucleus and crystalline domains was manifested using high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction, demonstrating a nonclassical growth path, that is, from monomers to nanowires of clusters and then nanocrystals. Furthermore, chiral inducers, d/l-penicillamine, were used at different stages to study their effects on the bias of two enantiomorphic structures with different chiral space groups. A similar nonclassical growth mechanism was also found in the synthesis of chiral terbium phosphate nanowires, demonstrating a common growth phenomenon in chiral inorganic nanomaterials. This work provides novel insights into the formation of chiral nanomaterials, benefiting the further controllable synthesis of various chiral nanomaterials.

Tailoring the Properties of 2D Nanomaterial‐Polymer Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Energy Storage by 3D Printing—A Review

3D‐printed 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites, with their exceptional electrical conductivity and structural functionalities, have become leading‐edge engineering materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, sensors, and energy storage applications. This review begins with a brief introduction to various types of 2D nanomaterials and their fabrication techniques, specifically different types of 3D printing. The subsequent sections highlight key factors such as rheological properties, surface tension, additives, and binders that influence the printability of 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites. The advancements in 2D nanomaterials‐based polymers, including MXene, graphene, and graphene derivatives, are then presented. The interaction, dispersion, and/or network formation of 2D nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a crucial factor in determining the electrical performance of the composites. This review also discusses surface modification strategies for 2D nanomaterials to enhance their sensing, EMI shielding, and energy storage capabilities. Finally, the impact of various 3D‐printed polymer composite geometries, such as rectangular, cylinder, and circular, on shielding performance is thoroughly examined, engaging the reader in the exploration of these materials.

Photocatalytic activity and anticancer properties of green synthesized ZnO-MgO-Mn2O3 nanocomposite via Ocimum basilicum L. seed extract

Green synthesis using plant extracts such as Ocimum basilicum L. (OBL) seed has attracted attention due to its sustainable and environmentally friendly nature. In this study, ZnO-MgO-Mn2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized using OBL seed extract at two different calcination temperatures of 500 °C and 600 °C, and evaluated in terms of photocatalytic application and cytotoxicity. Phytochemicals in OBL seeds act as reducing and masking agents in the production route, which leads to the formation of nanomaterials with unique properties. Characterization techniques, including XRD, FE-SEM, and DRS were used to analyze the structural, morphological, and optical features of the nanocomposite. XRD results confirmed increasing crystal size from ~ 32 nm (500 °C) to ~ 84 nm (600 °C). Also, FE-SEM images showed formation of irregularly shaped nanocomposites and the EDX spectra of the samples confirmed the presence of zinc, magnesium, manganese, and oxygen elements. The photocatalytic behavior of the nanocomposite cacined at 500 °C was investigated for different organic pollutants. Removal percentages of 97% for Eriochrome Black T dye (pH = 10 for 90 min), 99% for methylene blue dye (pH = 10 for 60 min), 89% for methyl orange dye (pH = 10 for 105 min), and 86.9% for Rhodamine B dye (pH = 3 for 90 min) were obtained. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized nanocomposite at 500 °C was evaluated on the 4T1 cell line to investgate its effect on biological systems, and the IC50 value was obtained around 323 µg/mL.

Precise Control of Polyaniline Nanohelices with Chirality Continuum and Their Correlation on Catalytic Performance.

Left- and right-handed chiral molecule inducers have been frequently used to guide the formation of chiral nanomaterials with binary chiral shapes. However, the transition of chiral nanomaterials from discrete to continuously tunable chiral shapes is imperative but challenging and will contribute to a deep understanding of the fundamental relations between chiral nanostructures and their chemical properties. This study shows that chiral polyaniline nanohelices (PANI NHs) with similar aspect ratios (∼5.0) but continuously tunable screw pitches (293 to ∞ nm) and tilt angles (33° to 0°) can be fabricated by adjusting the enantiomer excess of S/R-camphorsulfonic acid used as a chiral molecule inducer. After Au nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of chiral PANI NHs, the chiral morphology-dependent catalytic performances of PANI-Au NHs are studied in reduction, oxidation, and enantioselective catalytic reactions, showing that the larger the helical twist degree, the higher the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity of PANI-Au NHs.

Nanocomposites of Thermosetting Polymers and Graphene Quantum Dots—Physical Attributes and Ongoing Progressions

Thermosets, before hardening, consist of independent macromolecules similar to thermoplastics, however, chemical curing of these macromolecules via heat or radiations may form irreversibly crosslinked macromolecular networks between their main chains. Graphene quantum dots are inimitable spherical nano-entities having the advantages of extremely small sizes, of 5-10 nm, very high surface area, surface/edge effects, quantum confinements and a range of physical characteristics including semiconductivity, fluorescence and magnetic properties. Similar to other nanocarbons (like graphene, fullerene or nanodiamonds), graphene quantum dots have been examined as noteworthy nanofillers to enhance the essential physical features of various macromolecular matrices, such as thermosets, thermoplastics and rubbers. Consequently, this review article was intended to systematically discuss the existing scientific state of graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting macromolecular matrices for the formation of high performance nanomaterials. According to the literature reports, the type, amount and molecular weight of these macromolecules seemed to affect the epoxy-quantum dots interactions and physical properties, like strength and heat stability of the resulting nanomaterials. Moreover, including graphene quantum dots in thermosetting matrices, like epoxies, hyperbranched polyesters and hyperbranched polyurethanes, has positively influenced the engineering aspects (mainly mechanical and thermal attributes) of the resulting nanocomposites owing to their interactions, compatibility and interfacial tendencies toward these matrices. Principally, epoxy/graphene quantum dots nanocomposites have been fabricated and investigated for the effects of graphene quantum nano-entities on the physical property enhancements of these irreversibly crosslinked macromolecules due to their mutual matrix-nanofiller interfaces. As per our analysis, the literature hitherto on the graphene quantum dots reinforced thermosetting matrix nanocomposites has disclosed significant property improvements of these macromolecules and their promising technological applications for high performance anticorrosion coatings, electromagnetic interference shields and biomedical fields.

Microwave absorption properties of β-type ferrites: Influence of Nd-loading percentage on structural, spectral, elemental, and electrical features

Hexagonal ferrites have drawn significant attention due to a broad range of telecommunication and stealth technology applications. β-Type hexagonal ferrites are rarely used in various technological applications. In the current work, Nd3+ substituted polycrystalline β-type hexagonal ferries with composition LiFe11-x NdxO17 (x = 0.0–0.04, ∇ x = 0.01) were prepared using the sol-gel method. All prepared samples were sintered at 1000 °C for 4 h. The influence of Neodymium (Nd3+) on its structural, electrical, and dielectric properties was investigated. Lattice parameters (a, c) and Vcell increased with varying Neodymium substitution levels. The crystallite size was measured in the range of 38–42 nm. Fourier Transform IR (Infrared) spectroscopy exposed the presence of two spectral bands at 416 to 449 cm−1 and 449 to 489 cm−1. XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis verified the presence of metal ions and their chemical states in all prepared samples. The dielectric constant, loss, tan δ, and σac (ac-conductivity) decreased by increasing Nd3+ content. Jonscher's power law explains the conduction mechanism of charge carriers in all fabricated samples. The influence of relaxation time and grain boundaries on the electrical characteristics of prepared nanomaterials was investigated by impedance analysis. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) confirms the successful formation of β-hexaferrite nanomaterials. A minimum reflection loss of −32.08 dB was observed at 1.5 GHz for the x = 0.04 sample. This minimum reflection loss evidenced the novelty of the research and suggested their usefulness in high-frequency microwave applications. All samples investigated in this research work are suitable for high-frequency applications, multilayer chip inductors, and EM interference shielding.

Nanofertilizers for enhancing food production: A case study on microgreens enrichment using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)

The study aimed to evaluate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONS) as nanofertilizers to enrich Allium cepa vegetable productivity. The nanofertilizer was synthesized using iron salts and a weak base. Characterization via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and magnetometry confirmed Fe3O4-based nanomaterial formation. Germination assays were conducted in Petri dishes, each containing 50 seeds, with four groups tested: deionized water (G1), Fe2+ solution (G2), Fe3+ solution (G3), and SPION suspension (G4). Germination rates were 70 % for G1, 62 % for G4, 58 % for G2, and 44 % for G3. Root growth analysis demonstrated superior development in G4, indicating stimulation. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) determined higher Fe absorption in Allium cepa enriched with nanoparticles compared to non-enriched vegetables. Thus, it is concluded that the nanoparticle exhibits promising effects as nanofertilizer.

Hierarchically structured nanospherical fibrous silica-supported bimetallic catalysts: An enhanced performance in methane decomposition

Hydrogen production by methane catalytic decomposition is a promising method that also allows the formation of valuable carbon nanomaterials which can be utilized in transportation fuels, chemical synthesis, and fuel cell technology. In this study, bimetallic 3d transition metal (Ni, Fe, Co) catalysts supported on spherical mesoporous nanofibrous silica (KCC1) were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method followed by sono co-impregnation. The catalysts were evaluated for their performance in the catalytic decomposition of methane. Comprehensive characterization of the catalysts was conducted utilizing XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, STEM, XPS, H2-TPR, and BET techniques. XRD and TEM analyses confirmed the formation of Ni–Fe, Ni–Co, and Co–Fe bimetallic alloys on the nanofibrous silica without compromising its dendrimeric hierarchical structure. STEM HAADF imaging revealed a uniform dispersion of bimetallic nanoparticles within the spherical fibrous framework. Catalytic tests demonstrated that all bimetallic catalysts showed high stability and activity for methane cracking at 700 °C over 180 min of time on stream (TOS). Among them, Fe-based catalysts Ni–Fe/KCC1 and Co–Fe/KCC1 achieved the highest hydrogen yields of 80% and 60%, respectively. Methane conversion was 1.56 and 2.23 times higher in Ni–Fe/KCC1 compared to Co–Fe/KCC1 and Ni–Co/KCC1, respectively. Post-reaction characterization of the spent catalysts was performed using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and TGA. XRD and Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the degree of graphitization and crystallinity in the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced on the catalysts, enabling a correlation with the catalyst properties. TEM examination was used to investigate the structural morphology and growth methods of the CNTs, including tip or base growth and chain-like or parallel-wall types. TGA results revealed that all bimetallic catalysts exhibited no amorphous carbon during methane cracking reaction.

Recent Applications of Amphiphilic Copolymers in Drug Release Systems for Skin Treatment.

Amphiphilic copolymers (ACs) are versatile systems with self-assembling and aggregating properties, enabling the formation of nanomaterials (NMs) such as micelles, vesicles, nanocapsules, and nanogels. These materials have been extensively explored for the delivery of various drugs and active compounds, enhancing the solubility and permeation of poorly water-soluble drugs into skin tissue. This improvement facilitates the treatment of skin diseases, including chronic conditions like cancer, as well as infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review summarizes recent applications of ACs in skin treatment, with a particular focus on their use in anti-cancer drug therapy. It covers the synthesis, classification, and characterization of ACs using various experimental techniques. Additionally, it discusses recent research on different drug delivery pathways using ACs, including encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, characteristics, applications, and responses to various chemical and physical stimuli (both in vivo and in vitro). Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of ACs NMs on several skin diseases, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments.

Banana Peel Extract-Derived ZnO Nanopowder: Transforming Solar Water Purification for Safer Agri-Food Production.

Pure water scarcity is the most significant emerging challenge of the modern society. Various organics such as pesticides (clomazone, quinmerac), pharmaceuticals (ciprofloxacin, 17α-ethynilestradiol), and mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol) can be found in the aquatic environment. The aim of this study was to fabricate ZnO nanomaterial on the basis of banana peel extract (ZnO/BPE) and investigate its efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of selected organics under various experimental conditions. Newly synthesized ZnO/BPE nanomaterials were fully characterized by the XRD, FTIR, SEM-EPS, XPS, and BET techniques, which confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanomaterials. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the optimal catalyst loading of ZnO/BPE was 0.5 mg/cm3, while the initial pH did not influence the degradation efficiency. The reusability of the ZnO/BPE nanomaterial was also tested, and minimal activity loss was found after three photocatalytic cycles. The photocatalytic efficiency of pure banana peel extract (BPE) was also studied, and the obtained data showed high removal of ciprofloxacin and 17α-ethynilestradiol. Finally, the influence of water from Danube River was also examined based on the degradation efficiency of selected pollutants. These results showed an enhanced removal of ciprofloxacin in water from the Danube River, while in the case of other pollutants, the treatment was less effective.

Monitoring the dynamics of nanozeolite formation by combined in situ coherent small angle X-ray scattering techniques

Understanding the dynamics of zeolite formation is key to synthesising high-quality zeolitic materials with controllable properties, in order to develop more efficient and performant materials. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) using coherent X-rays offers new possibilities for in situ observation of nano to micron-scale fluctuation dynamics during crystal growth. An in situ cell, which is capable of collecting time-resolved coherent X-ray scattering data under hydrothermal conditions has been developed and used to study, by in situ XPCS combined with small and wide angle X-ray scattering, zeolite formation and dynamics. Analysis of the results using two-time correlations enables to accurately identify the successive growth and crystallisation steps, revealing the dissolution process of the LTA topology during the SOD growth. This approach opens a powerful new avenue for studying the dynamics of nanomaterials formation, phase transitions and growth processes under in situ conditions that will enable profound insights into the nanoscale synthesis mechanisms.

Atomistic insights into role of urea additive in lithium nanoparticles formation

Recently, urea additive has been demonstrated to benefit the formation of cathode nanomaterials through spray flame synthesis with improved homogeneity in lithium atoms distribution. Nevertheless, its intrinsic mechanism has not been well understood. In this study, reactive molecular dynamic simulations are performed to gain atomistic insights into the pyrolysis and oxidation mechanisms of a lithium precursor droplet with or without urea additive. A series of comparisons involving the reaction kinetics and pathways of lithium clusters, along with the gas release, energy profiles and morphological characteristics of droplets, is conducted to elucidate the role of urea additive at 1500 K and 0.1 MPa. Urea additive is observed to exert a homogenising impact on the distribution of lithium atoms within the synthesized nanoparticles, as evidenced by the decreased number of large-sized lithium agglomerates and less concentrated lithium element. This can be ascribed to changed reaction pathways of lithium clusters due to urea additive, where the lithium clusters are prone to decompose into fine nanoparticles through initial bonding with urea atoms, followed by bond-breaking to generate gases. The increased amount of gas released from the decomposition of precursor with urea additive leads to a more violent droplet microexplosion, which in turn results in droplet breakup and thus fine droplets. As the ambient temperature is elevated, the presence of urea additive facilitates the formation of fine-sized nanoparticles with enhanced homogeneity of lithium atoms.

Engineering of LiTaO3 Nanoparticles by Flame Spray Pyrolysis: Understanding In Situ Li-Incorporation into the Ta2O5 Lattice.

Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) perovskite finds wide use in pyroelectric detectors, optical waveguides and piezoelectric transducers, stemming from its good mechanical and chemical stability and optical transparency. Herein, we present a method for synthesis of LiTaO3 nanoparticles using a scalable Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technology, that allows the formation of LiTaO3 nanomaterials in a single step. Raman, XRD and TEM studies allow for comprehension of the formation mechanism of the LiTaO3 nanophases, with particular emphasis on the penetration of Li atoms into the Ta-oxide lattice. We show that, control of the High-Temperature Particle Residence Time (HTPRT) in the FSP flame, is the key-parameter that allows successful penetration of the -otherwise amorphous- Li phase into the Ta2O5 nanophase. In this way, via control of the HTPRT in the FSP process, we synthesized a series of nanostructured LiTaO3 particles of varying phase composition from {amorphous Li/Ta2O5/LiTaO3} to {pure LiTaO3, 15-25 nm}. Finally, the photophysical activity of the FSP-made LiTaO3 was validated for photocatalytic H2 production from H2O. These data are discussed in conjunction with the role of the phase composition of the LiTaO3 nanoparticles. More generally, the present work allows a better understanding of the mechanism of ABO3 perovskite formation that requires the incorporation of two cations, A and B, into the nanolattice.

Nucleobase-modulated copper nanomaterials with laccase-like activity for high-performance degradation and detection of phenolic pollutants

Laccases are the most commonly used agents for the treatment of phenolic pollutants. To address the instability and high cost of natural laccases, we investigated nucleobase-modulated copper nanomaterial with laccase-like activity. Various nucleobases, including adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine, were investigated as templates for Cu2+ reduction and copper nanomaterials formation due to their coordination capacity. By comparing structure and catalytic activity, the cytosine-mediated copper nanomaterial (C–Cu) had the best laccase-like activity and other nucleobase-templated copper nanomaterials exhibited low catalytic activity under the same conditions. The mechanism of nucleobase regulation of the catalytic activity of copper nanomaterials was further analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory. The possible catalytic mechanisms of C–Cu, including substrate adsorption, substrate oxidation, oxygen binding, and oxygen reduction, were proposed. Remarkably, nucleobase-modulated copper nanozymes showed high stability and catalytic oxidation performance at various pH values, temperatures, long-term storage, and high salinity. In combination with electrochemical techniques, a portable electrochemical sensor for measuring phenolic pollutants was developed. This novel sensor exhibited a good linear response to catechol (10–1000 μM) with a limit of detection of 1.8 μM and excellent selectivity and anti-interference ability. This study provides not only a new strategy for the regulation of the laccase-like activity of copper nanomaterials but also a novel tool for the effective removal and low-cost detection of phenolic pollutants.

Oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) as lubricant additives: a review

Abstract In situ formation of lamellar MoS2 nanomaterials between the tribocontacts during frictions through adding oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) additives into lubricating oils is an alternative route of dispersing pre-formed MoS2 into lubricants directly, which is difficult to disperse homogeneously in oils. In this technology, the synthesis of SOM with appropriate S and Mo contents and successful generation of enough MoS2 during friction by adjusted working conditions are two crucial factors determining the efficiency of SOM on the friction-reduction and anti-wear behaviors of the SOM-containing oils. Given the fact that SOM additives have been used intensively in both laboratory researches and engineering applications, this review discusses in detail the molecular structures, tribological behaviors, compatibility and synergistic effects with the other additives, and some application bottlenecks of the reported SOM compounds that may constrain their wide applications as lubricant additives. Moreover, some routes for overcoming these application bottlenecks are suggested. This review also concludes the basic mechanisms for the lubrication capabilities of the SOM and provides some suggestions for utilizing SOM additives in advanced lubrication systems. Finally, the future development of SOM as oil additives is proposed and summarized.

Enzyme-Triggered Assembly of Glycan Nanomaterials.

A comprehensive molecular understanding of carbohydrate aggregation is key to optimize carbohydrate utilization and to engineer bioinspired analogues with tailored shapes and properties. However, the lack of well-defined synthetic standards has substantially hampered advances in this field. Herein, we employ a phosphorylation-assisted strategy to synthesize previously inaccessible long oligomers of cellulose, chitin, and xylan. These oligomers were subjected to enzyme-triggered assembly (ETA) for the on-demand formation of well-defined carbohydrate nanomaterials, including elongated platelets, helical bundles, and hexagonal particles. Cryo-electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis provided molecular insights into the aggregation behavior of these oligosaccharides, establishing a direct connection between the resulting morphologies and the oligosaccharide primary sequence. Our findings demonstrate that ETA is a powerful approach to elucidate the intrinsic aggregation behavior of carbohydrates in nature. Moreover, the ability to access a diverse array of morphologies, expanded with a non-natural sequence, underscores the potential of ETA, coupled with sequence design, as a robust tool for accessing programmable glycan architectures.

Nanotechnological Carriers in the Treatment of Cancer: A Review

Abstract: There is an urgent need of advanced techniques/technologies for the treatment of can-cer as it is becoming the major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The improvement of the cancer drug delivery system has been made possible by the formation of novel nanomaterials and nanocarriers. The nanocarriers prevent rapid degradation of the drug and thereby deliver the drug to a specific tumor site at therapeutic concentrations, meanwhile reducing the adverse/side effects by avoiding the delivery of the drug to normal sites. The antitumor activity can be en-hanced by increasing the tumoral uptake of nanocarriers. By delivering the nanocarriers either by active or passive targeting, the tumoral uptake can be increased. The pharmacokinetics, pharma-codynamics, and safety profile of the drug are determined by structural and physical factors like size, charge, shape, and other surface characteristics, hence the design of the nanoparticles is an important factor. In the present review, the mechanism of cellular targeting, along with the differ-ent nanoparticles used in cancer therapy is discussed. Nanotechnology have gained huge ground due to improved diagnosis and treatment additionally saving the time and resources, which makes this technology to get more landscape for researchers/ oncologists.

Fabrication of ternary zinc-nickel-copper oxide microsphere nanocomposite photoanode material for boosting dye-sensitized solar cell efficiency

The present study focuses on the development of cost-effective and efficient energy conversion material for fossil-fuel free society. In this context, ternary ZnO-NiO-CuO nanocomposite (NC) prepared using a facile chemical co-precipitation method was used as a photoanode material in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Concurrently, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), binary ZnO-NiO and ZnO-CuO NCs were also prepared, characterized and employed as photoanode materials in DSSC. XRD diffraction analysis disclosed successful formation of nanomaterials with relevant structural parameters. SEM investigation displayed spherical and microsphere morphology of ternary ZnO-NiO-CuO NC. EDAX examination confirmed its purity. TEM and HRTEM analysis revealed that the morphology of ternary ZnO-NiO-CuO NC exhibits microspheres with porous nature, whose size ranges from 150 nm to 400 nm. Less intense PL peaks suggested anticipation of relatively low charge recombination, better charge separation and fast electron transport in ternary ZnO-NiO-CuO NC photoanode based DSSC. Consequently, photovoltaic behavior of DSSC integrated with ternary ZnO-NiO-CuO NC photoanode exhibited significantly higher PCE (η) of 4.96 % when compared to DSSC fabricated using pristine ZnO NPs (2.48 %), ZnO-NiO (3.18 %) and ZnO-CuO NC (4.35 %) photoanodes.