Composite Nanoparticles Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of magnetically-active nickel-yttrium oxide (Ni-Y2O3) nanocomposite particles prepared with modified ultrasound spray pyrolysis device

AbstractThe synthesis of magnetically-active nickel-yttrium oxide (Ni-Y2O3) nanocomposite particles is described in this work. The investigated material is produced with a modified ultrasound spray pyrolysis (USP) device which differs from a common USP setup in terms of use of three independently heating zones. They provide a direct feed of H2 to the second reaction zone and allow controlling the formation of the nanocomposite particles and facilitating their post-reaction stabilization with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). According to the morphological and structural studies, the Ni-Y2O3 material takes a form of nanoparticles whose sizes are not homogeneously distributed as well as shapes are not smooth due to the successful formation of composite material with two interpenetrating phases. Moreover, the organic layer is detected on the surface of the nanoparticles which confirms the presence of PVP stabilizer. The magnetic investigations confirm that the Ni-Y2O3 nanocomposite reveals a spin glass-like behavior in which a collective freezing of magnetic moments might occur due to the interparticle interactions between Ni nanocrystallites presented in the sample.

Fabrication and Characterization of Gelatin-Finger Citron Polysaccharide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability of Luteolin in Treating Acute Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Luteolin (Lut) is a natural flavonoid that has been widely used in the treatment of liver and glycolipid metabolic diseases. However, poor water solubility and bioavailability limit its efficacy and application. To overcome these challenges, a protein-polysaccharide composite nanoparticle (L-GF NPs) for Lut delivery was prepared by a self-assembly method based on amphiphilic gelatin and active finger citron polysaccharide (FCP). The L-GF NPs were approximately spherical in shape and were formed by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. Lut was encapsulated in the nanoparticles in an amorphous state, and the encapsulating efficiency was 79.49%. The efficacy of L-GF NPs was evaluated by intragastric administration of an alcoholic liver disease (ALD) mouse model. L-GF NPs have been demonstrated to significantly ameliorate the symptoms of ALD mice, which are mainly achieved by reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of Lut were markedly enhanced by FCP encapsulation. Meanwhile, the combined effect of Lut and FCP significantly ameliorated ALD and attenuated alcohol-induced lipid metabolic disorders and oxidative damage. This provides a new strategy to promote the prevention and treatment of ALD.

Oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity of HCC2998 colon carcinoma cells by ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from Calophyllum teysmannii

The field of green synthesis, namely using plant extracts for the production of metal nanoparticles, is rapidly gaining traction. Therefore, this study investigated the process of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a water-based extract derived from the stem bark of Calophyllum teysmannii. Notably, this is the first documented utilization of this particular plant source. The presence of a distinct Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption peak at 372 nm provided evidence for the creation of ZnO nanoparticles. The X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations indicated that the nanoparticles exhibited sizes ranging from 31.5 to 59.9 nm and had spherical morphologies. Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffractometer (EDX) analysis verified the elemental composition of the ZnO nanoparticles, whereas the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra showed clear peaks, demonstrating their production. The FTIR examination of the C. teysmannii extract revealed peaks at around 3370 cm− 1, indicating the presence of phenolic compounds. These chemicals are likely responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the ZnO NPs. The high-resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectra clearly revealed separate peaks corresponding to Zn 2p and O 1s, providing confirmation of the chemical states and bonding contexts. The Raman Spectroscopy analysis revealed a distinct peak at around 425 cm⁻¹, confirming the presence of the wurtzite structure. The harmful effects of ZnO nanoparticles on HCC2998 (a kind of human colon cancer) and Vero (a type of monkey kidney epithelial) cells were evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and boron-Dipyrromethene (BODIPY) assays. The cancer cells underwent cell death due to oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by microscopic and flow cytometry investigations.

Investigation of a flexible, room-temperature fiber-shaped NH3 sensor based on PANI-Au-SnO2.

A sensitive compound was successfully obtained by coating polyaniline (PANI) on the surface of composite nanoparticles consisting of Au-loaded tin dioxide, named as PANI-Au-SnO2, using an in situ polymerization method. NH3 sensors in thin-film and fiber-shaped forms were prepared by inkjet printing and impregnation methods, respectively, based on PANI-Au-SnO2. The response characteristics of these NH3 sensors developed from composite sensitive materials were investigated in detail. Results indicate an effective response of the sensors to NH3 at room temperature. The thin-film sensor demonstrated a good linear relationship between the resistance change and NH3 concentration within the range of 5-40 ppm, indicating its excellent repeatability and long-term stability. In comparison to the thin film sensor, the fiber-shaped sensor showed a consistently stable response to NH3 even after 1000 cycles of repeated bending deformation. To demonstrate the practical application of the flexible fiber-shaped NH3 sensor, a cap designed for NH3 detection was fabricated by integrating the as-prepared sensor with a circuit board and an LED digital display. This assembly was incorporated into a commercially available ducktail cap, resulting in a wearable device capable of dynamically monitoring environmental NH3 levels and displaying real-time values. This innovative application underscores the potential of these sensors in real-world scenarios, particularly in occupational safety, where workers might be exposed to harmful levels of NH3. The cap could serve as a personal safety device, alerting the wearer to hazardous concentrations of NH3, which is particularly relevant in industrial or agricultural settings.

Remediation of Ni2+ and Sr2+ ions from aqueous solutions by acacia gum/polyacrylic acid hydrogel reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract Globally, the environment and public health are progressively threatened due to water resource contaminants. For this purpose, a unique polyfunctional nanocomposite is created to remediate heavy metals from aqueous media. The basis of it is TiO2 composite nanoparticles (NPs) manufactured via embedding titanium oxide (TiO2) into acacia gum/acrylic acid (AG/AAc). Nanocomposite hydrogels, bearing different functional groups, are constructed employing a gamma irradiation approach that would operate as adsorbents to remove strontium (Sr2+) and nickel (Ni2+) ions from their wastes. The structure of the prepared hydrogel and its nanocomposites were confirmed by FTIR, whereas the morphology was characterized by SEM. XRD and EDX analysis confirms that the TiO2 NPs are successfully encapsulated into the prepared hydrogel. The presence of TiO2 enhances the thermal stability of the prepared hydrogel. Adsorption extent is evaluated comprehensively concerning temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, metal ion concentration, and pH. The physical connection between the adsorbent surface and metal ions is strengthened once TiO2 NPs are included in a copolymeric matrix, which enhances adsorption. Pseudo-second-order kinetics accurately depict the adsorption process, and the Freundlich isotherm provides the most relevant explanation of the equilibrium data. There is a demonstration that sorption is a spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic chemisorption process by examining a variety of thermodynamic parameters, including ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS.

Supramolecular pre‐organisation rhodium and iridium metal complexes within M12L24 self‐assembled nanospheres for the confined synthesis Rh/Ir alloyed nanoparticles

Controlling the size and composition of metal nanoparticles is of considerable interest, as these are essential to their catalytic properties. We report the controlled synthesis Rh nanoparticles by preorganisation of metal complexes inside Pt12L24 nanospheres based on complementary hydrogen bonds before the reduction step that leads to nanoparticle formation. The encapsulated RhI complexes (Rh‐s @ G‐sphere) led to reasonable size control (2.8 ± 0.9 nm). We also report the formation of Rh‐Ir alloyed nanoparticles with varying Rh/Ir compositions. These heterometallic particles were evaluated in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (7) as a probe reaction. Besides a high activity in this probe reaction, the Rh particles also catalyzed the conversion of the solvent (CH3CN). The formed basic amine leads to follow‐up reactions of the product and compatibility issues with the hosting nanosphere. The solvent hydrogenation was effectively suppressed by using the Rh:Ir alloyed nanoparticles, provided that they contain >66% Ir. The Rh:Ir alloyed nanoparticles displayed high catalytic activity, reaching optimal selectivity and activity at an 8:16 ‐ Rh:Ir ratio. The combined catalytic results illustrate that pre‐organisation of the metal complexes in the nanosphere before the reduction with hydrogen effectively facilitates the formation of Rh:Ir alloyed nanoparticles.

Investigation on the interfacial and emulsion stabilized behavior of dextran/ferritin/resveratrol composite nanoparticles

Glycation of ferritin provides a viable approach to enhance its physicochemical and functional properties. However, there is limited research on the interfacial adsorption properties of glycated ferritin-based colloidal particles. Therefore, this study selected recombinant human H-chain ferritin (rHuHF), rHuHF encapsulated with resveratrol (rHuHF–Res), and rHuHF–dextran glycoconjugates loaded with resveratrol (Dex–rHuHF–Res) as emulsifiers to investigate their interfacial adsorption properties. The results revealed that Dex–rHuHF–Res exhibited superior emulsifying properties and rheological behavior. It also increased the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment around Tyr and Trp residues, while hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic force, and salt bridge were identified as the most important intermolecular interactions. Dex–rHuHF–Res exhibited the biggest contact angle and lowest interface tension, which further reduced the diffusion (Kdiff) from the aqueous phase to the interface but promoted the penetration (Kp) and rearrangement (Kr) rates at the interface. Meanwhile, the emulsion stabilized by Dex–rHuHF–Res displayed excellent freeze-thaw stability, and Dex–rHuHF–Res can be more densely accumulated at the O/W interface to form an interface layer. These findings highlight the promising application of glycated ferritin in stabilizing Pickering emulsions, and deepen our understanding of the interplay among particle interaction, interface adsorption properties, and emulsion stability.

A hybrid gripper with electro-adhesive film for variable friction

In recent years, gripper technology has gained attention in robotics for reliably handling objects with delicate and complex shapes. Electro-adhesive grippers, in particular, have received significant attention due to their role in enhancing object grasping and manipulation capabilities. While much of the existing research has focused on improving electro-adhesion through advancements in EA film and nanoparticle modifications, this study takes a different approach by integrating electro-adhesion as an auxiliary function within a mechanical gripper. This integration allows for a novel hybrid gripper that uses electro-adhesive force to reduce the required normal force during gripping, thereby improving the handling of challenging objects. We thoroughly analyzed the gripper’s geometric design, along with its kinematic and mechanical properties. Our study also examined crucial performance parameters, such as nanoparticle content, composition, and electrode design, to optimize the generation and maintenance of electro-adhesion. To confirm performance, the developed gripper was affixed to a UR3 robotic manipulator from Universal Robotics, and gripping experiments on assorted objects, as well as anti-slip control experiments, were carried out. The results demonstrated that the integration of electro-adhesive force with a mechanical gripper significantly enhances gripping capability, particularly in terms of slip control and friction variation. This indicates that the Electro-Adhesive (EA) film hybrid gripper presents a novel and effective approach to advancing gripping and manipulation technologies.

Hybrid synthesis of Carboxymethylated-Lignin-Tetra ethoxysilane nanocomposite for adsorption of hexavalent chromium

Lignin derived from hybrid Napier grass (HNG) was used for the surface modification by carboxymethylation and furtherto develop environment-friendly carboxymethylated lignin-tetra ethoxysilane (TEOS) nanocomposites (CML-T). UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, and TEM were used to characterize the hybrid nanocomposites. The average diameter of the CML-T nanocomposite particles were found to be between 140 and 230 nm. XRD spectra and TEM micrographs confirmed the irregular form and high degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposite. Next, using response surface methodology (RSM), the adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions employing CML-T nanocomposite was optimized. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity was found to be 51.3 %.The deposition of Cr(III) on the nanocomposite, which is thought to be Cr(OH)3 precipitate in nano size, was found by EDX analysis. The kinetic study showed that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was well fitted to the Cr(VI) adsorption on the CML-T nanocomposite. The Langmuir isotherm model suited the adsorption data well (R2 = 0.9878). According to thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous, suggesting that it is less favorable at higher temperatures. It is expected that the cost-effective techniques for altering lignin-based nano-adsorbents would function as suitable alternatives for eliminating Cr ions from wastewater.

Walters B’ hybrid nanofluid flow with Marangoni convection

The proposed investigation is based on the applications of Walters B' viscoelastic model for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection of hybridised fluid flow over a vertically expanding surface embedding in porous substances. The traditional base fluid water is comprised of Al2O3 and Cu nanoparticles for the preparation of hybrid nanofluid and the system is analyzed under the influence of Marangoni surface constraints. Further, the influence of radiating heat, Joule and Darcy dissipation along with non-uniform heat source energies the transport phenomena. These assumptions are particularly relevant in advanced cooling systems, energy-efficient devices, material processing, etc. For the memory effects in polymer-based fluid, the Walters B' viscoelastic model is applied to examine the non-Newtonian behavior of the hybrid nanofluid. The porous medium enhances the permeability of the fluid while the magnetic field regulates fluid motion and is useful in magnetic drug targeting and geothermal energy extraction. The standard conservation equations are transmuted into an ordinary set of equations implementing similarity functions and then a numerical approach is implemented for the solution. In particular case exact solution for the momentum profile is obtained and compared with earlier investigation. The impact of distinct factors affecting the heat transfer rate is presented graphically and described briefly. The findings demonstrate that incorporating composite nanoparticles greatly improves thermal performance, with Marangoni convection and dissipation playing key roles in the heat transfer process. Moreover, the heat transport rate enhances for the inclusion of the thermal radiation.

Enhancing low field magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4 composite nanoparticles: unveiling its transport mechanism

Enhancing low field magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4 composite nanoparticles: unveiling its transport mechanism

Preparation, characterization, stability and functional properties of andrographolide loaded kafirin/carboxymethyl cellulose composite particles using antisolvent precipitation method

Enhancing the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic nutraceuticals and protecting bioactive components through encapsulation systems has gained significant attention in food science. This study explored the preparation and characterization of kafirin (Kaf)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating andrographolide (AG) using the antisolvent precipitation method. The optimal Kaf to CMC mass ratio was identified as 4:1, resulting in nanoparticles with an average diameter of 146.4 nm. CMC markedly improved the water dispersibility of the nanoparticles compared to Kaf alone. The formation of these composite nanoparticles was mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Compared to Kaf nanoparticles, the Kaf/CMC nanoparticles showed enhanced encapsulation efficiency, gastrointestinal release characteristics, and stability. Additionally, AG-loaded composite nanoparticles showed exhibited superior biological safety and anti-cancer effects, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. In conclusion, Kaf/CMC composite nanoparticles present a promising delivery system for hydrophobic nutraceuticals and drugs, contributing to advancements in drug delivery technologies and nutraceutical formulations.

Ultrahighly-efficient and stable luminescent solar concentrators enabled by FRET-based carbon nanodots

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) as an optical device to concentrate light from large areas illuminated by sunlight into small-area photovoltaic cells, can greatly reduce the cost of solar energy generation, thus showing promise in building-integrated photovoltaics. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel type of composite nanoparticle via the simple sol-gel method. Starting from hydroxyl-rich carbon nanodots (CDs), Rhodamine B (RhB) molecules were embedded into a silica matrix shell, forming a composite core-shell system, where the CDs represent the core and RhB embedded in SiO2 are the shell of the final CDs/RhB@SiO2 structure. These nanoparticles were successfully employed in high-performance LSC fabrication. The Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) between the CDs and the dye was successfully exploited to improve the light absorption efficiency and power conversion efficiency (ηPCE) of LSC devices. The solid-state photoluminescence quantum yield of the as-synthesized composite nanoparticles can reach ∼ 57 % due to the effective suppression of the aggregation-induced quenching. These fluorescent composite nanoparticles were used for fabricating LSC devices with an ultrahigh ηPCE of ∼ 3.8 % for 5 × 5 cm2 devices, thanks to the high loading of luminophores and effective FRET.

A study of epoxy based polymer composites: Tailoring mechanical and piezoelectric characteristics

AbstractIn this study, epoxy based piezoelectric polymer composites were fabricated using two different curing agents and varying compositions of poly(vinylidene) fluoride (PVDF), barium titanate (BaTiO3), and conductive silver nanoparticles. The effect of piezoelectric ceramic and conductive nanofillers on enhancing the PVDF β phase within the composite structure was investigated. Structural, thermal, and morphological characterizations of the polymer composites were performed using x‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of mechanical properties and fracture toughness was conducted in addition to the piezoelectric behavior. A voltage output of 1.35 V was generated by a polymer composite containing 20 wt% BaTiO3, with a Young's modulus of 2 GPa and a fracture energy of 2.3 kJ/m2. The findings of this study contribute to expanding the knowledge and understanding of piezoelectric polymer composites, enabling their potential utilization in various scientific and technological applications.Highlights Enhancing mechanical and piezoelectric properties of epoxy based piezoelectric composites. A clear and comprehensive description of the experimental procedures employed. Comparative analysis methods: structural, thermal, mechanical, fracture, and piezoelectric property analyses.

Study of morphology, phase composition, optical properties, and thermal stability of hydrothermal zirconium dioxide synthesized at low temperatures.

Oxide nanoparticles exhibit unique features such as high surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and tunable optical and electrical properties, making them valuable to various industry applications as well as for the development of new research projects. Nowadays, ZrO2 nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts and precursors in ceramic technology. Hydrothermal synthesis with metal salts is one of the most common methods for producing stable tetragonal-phase zirconium dioxide nanoparticles. However, hydrothermal synthesis requires relatively high process temperatures (160-200°C) and the use of advanced heat-resistant autoclaves capable of maintaining high pressure. This paper investigates how different precursors (ZrOCl₂·8H₂O and ZrO(NO₃)₂·2H₂O) and synthesis temperatures (110-160°C) affect the phase composition, optical properties, size, and shape of ZrO₂ nanoparticles produced by hydrothermal synthesis without calcination. In addition, the effect of temperature exposure in the range of 100-1000°C on the phase stability of the synthesized nanoparticles was studied. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to determine the structure and phase composition, while the optical properties were examined through the analysis of transmission and absorption spectra in the visible and UV ranges. It was found that the obtained particles at synthesis temperatures of 110-130°C have predominantly cubic c-ZrO2 phase, which changes to monoclinic phase when heated above 500°C. Analysis of visible and UV spectroscopy data reveals that the experimental samples have pronounced absorption in the middle UV range (200-260nm) and have an energy band gap Eg varying from 4.8 to 5.1eV. The hydrothermal powders synthesized in this study can be used as absorbers in the mid-UV range and as reinforcing additives in the preparation of technical ceramics.

Effect of Lipid Nanoparticle Physico-Chemical Properties and Composition on Their Interaction with the Immune System

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown promise as a delivery system for nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including DNA, siRNA, and mRNA vaccines. The immune system plays a critical role in the response to these nanocarriers, with innate immune cells initiating an early response and adaptive immune cells mediating a more specific reaction, sometimes leading to potential adverse effects. Recent studies have shown that the innate immune response to LNPs is mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and other pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which recognize the lipid components of the nanoparticles. This recognition can trigger the activation of inflammatory pathways and the production of cytokines and chemokines, leading to potential adverse effects such as fever, inflammation, and pain at the injection site. On the other hand, the adaptive immune response to LNPs appears to be primarily directed against the protein encoded by the mRNA cargo, with little evidence of an ongoing adaptive immune response to the components of the LNP itself. Understanding the relationship between LNPs and the immune system is critical for the development of safe and effective nucleic acid-based delivery systems. In fact, targeting the immune system is essential to develop effective vaccines, as well as therapies against cancer or infections. There is a lack of research in the literature that has systematically studied the factors that influence the interaction between LNPs and the immune system and further research is needed to better elucidate the mechanisms underlying the immune response to LNPs. In this review, we discuss LNPs’ composition, physico-chemical properties, such as size, shape, and surface charge, and the protein corona formation which can affect the reactivity of the immune system, thus providing a guide for the research on new formulations that could gain a favorable efficacy/safety profile.

Effect of silane-functionalized green synthesized silver nanoparticle, ferrite, and silk microfiber epoxy composite on electromagnetic interference shielding

Effect of silane-functionalized green synthesized silver nanoparticle, ferrite, and silk microfiber epoxy composite on electromagnetic interference shielding

Synthesis and multifaceted evaluation of novel AgCZ nanocomposite for targeted anti-angiogenic cancer therapy

Angiogenesis is the formation of blood vessels from the existing vasculature, which is important in the tumor growth where the metastatic spread, of cancer cells depends on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products. Targeting angiogenesis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This study presents the synthesis and evaluation of a novel Ag-CeO2-ZnO (AgCZ) nanocomposite designed to specifically inhibit angiogenesis for effective cancer therapy. The nanocomposite was synthesized via a glycine-assisted combustion method, and its physicochemical properties were meticulously characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The anti-angiogenesis potential of the AgCZ nanocomposite was vigorously explored through an assortment of in vitro investigations, with a particular interest in inhibiting agents like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In silico data from molecular docking studies were instrumental in elucidating the nanocomposite’s primary reported mechanism of action, i.e., its strong VEGF target bond. Notably, the nanocomposite had selective cytotoxicity with different types of cancer cells and no sign of serious influence onto normal cells, reflecting great promise of the targeted cancer therapy. Not and importantly, nanocomposite was implemented in vitro studies to measure its anti-angiogenic as well as anti-tumor effect in biological models additionally. Our study highlights emerging developments in medicine and draws possible future paths. The use of AgCZ composite nanoparticle is one of the potential anticancer drug and alternative to the conventional medicine which appears to be safer and more effectual, but further research is needed to overcome current limitations in clinical translation.

Mechanisms behind the changes in zein colloidal composite nanoparticles under different mass ratios and pH conditions

The hydrophobicity of zein (Z) makes it a candidate for encapsulating hydrophobic compounds and stabilizing Pickering emulsions. However, the high aggregation tendency of Z colloidal particles has limited its applications. Using an available and low-cost hydrophilic biopolymer to coat Z colloidal particles is an efficient way to increase their applications. In this work, the aggregation of Z particles was modulated by incorporating Farsi gum (FG), an emerging hydrocolloid with attractive characteristics, into the colloidal particles. Z/water-soluble portion of FG (WFG) particles were fabricated at pH range of 3–7 and 10:1–1:2 mass ratios using an anti-solvent procedure and then characterized. Zeta potential values indicated that in the presence of WFG, the colloidal stability of the particles increased. At higher pH values (pH 7), the Z:WFG (1:1) colloidal particles were smaller than the Z particles. Although WFG incorporation decreased the interfacial adsorption rate of particles due to the higher molecular weight and viscosity of the system, both Z and Z:WFG particles could efficiently reduce interfacial tension. The interfacial layer films developed by Z (pH 4) and Z: WFG (pH 4) particles revealed non-Newtonian and dominant viscouse (G″>G′) characters. This work can help to design Pickering emulsions using alcohol-soluble-based particles.

Fabrication of Bi2S3/ZnO nanocomposites for TEA gas sensors operating at room temperature: Towards seafood freshness detection during storage

Amine-based gases have become an important indicator for detecting the decay of seafood, especially during the transportation and storage process. Triethylamine (TEA) is continuously produced as a result of slow decay, therefore, detecting the release of TEA from the food spoilage to indirectly measure the freshness of seafood has become a crucial method. However, the current TEA sensors frequently encounter issues such as low sensitivity, poor selectivity, or the necessity for higher operating temperatures, all of which hinder their practical application in seafood quality detection. In our work, for the first time, the gas-sensitive response of Bi2S3 to TEA at room temperature (25 ℃) was improved by the composite of ZnO nanoparticles. The response to 100 ppm TEA is 2.51, which is 3.7 times that of pure Bi2S3. The response/recovery time is 49/270 s. The materials structure and composition were studied by the methods like XRD, SEM, XPS, FTIR, and TEM, and the surface area of the nanocomposites was 24.6 m2/g, which could provide more adsorption sites. Then a response mechanism was proposed based on those characterization results. Meanwhile, the experimental verification shows that the sensor have excellent selectivity, repeatability and stability. Finally, a TEA detection equipment was designed to effectively detect the TEA produced by decayed marine fish. This work reports the first example of fabrication Bi2S3/ZnO Nanocomposites for TEA Gas Sensors at room temperature, and thus it’s also the first report about the application of Bi2S3/ZnO gas sensor for food safety. The gathered results reveal great prospects of TEA gas sensors for the food quality monitoring during transportation and storage.