Nanoparticles Inclusion Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Plasmonic Nanoparticles on Photoluminescence of Er³⁺ - Doped Sodium Zinc Tellurite Glass for Solid-State Laser Applications

The present work compares the impact of embedding silver (Ag), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NPs) on the absorption, photoluminescence, and Judd Ofelt properties of erbium-doped sodium zinc tellurite glass (TNZE), known as reliable solid-state laser media. Ten absorption bands of Er3+ ions in the range of 400-1600 nm are attainable where their bands correspond to their own 4f transitions. Three prominent photoluminescence (PL) bands of Er3+ ions were observed at approximately 525 nm, 545 nm, and 630 nm, corresponding to the transitions 2H11/2®4I15/2, 4S3/2®4I15/2 and 4F9/2®4I15/2, respectively. TZNE with 0.15 mol% of TiN NP inclusion showed the highest PL enhancement factor about 35 times, followed by Ti (17 times), Ag (10 times), and Au NPs (5 times), accordingly. This enhanced PL can be attributed to the strong local field induced by the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the plasmonic NPs lies within 490-630 nm, which assists the transitions of Er3+ ions. The Judd Ofelt parameter was calculated and the TNZE glass with 0.15 mol% of TiN NPs inclusion disclosed the highest spectroscopic quality with a value of 3.57, compared to the TNZE glass with Ti (1.19), Au (0.59), and Ag NPs (0.90) inclusions. This research revealed several potential glass compositions with plasmonic nanoparticles that are attractive for the development of solid-state laser materials.

Comparative investigation of low and high pelletize pressure for (Ag)x/CuTl-1223 nanoparticles-superconductor composites

This article experimentally investigates the impact of silver (Ag) nano-particles inclusion and high pelletized pressure on the structural, morphological, and electrical properties of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10−δ (noted CuTl-1223) bulk system. The nano-(Ag) x /CuTl-1223 composites were synthesized using a two-step solid-state reaction process with added amount of Ag nano-particles ranging from 0 to 2.0 wt% of the total mass. These nano-composites were produced at both low and high pelletize pressure of 0.202 GPa. All prepared samples were characterized using valuable techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and dc-resistivity measurement at low as well as high pelletized pressure, respectively. The structural investigation via the XRD technique indicated that Ag NPs did not affect the CuTl-1223 tetragonal structure, confirmed that Ag nano-particles were settled across the grain boundaries. SEM examination revealed a fine distribution of nano-sized silver (Ag) NPs among the CuTl-1223 grains, as well as improved weak-links and density of void/pores. The position of distinct vibrational oxygen modes in FTIR spectra showed no substantial alteration, indicating that the structural nature of the host CuTl-1223 phase was preserved. The electrical properties were studied using the four-point probe technique, and the activation energy were determined using Arrhenius law. The results of measurements showed that pelletization pressure of 0.202 GPa have an impact on the critical temperature of (Ag) x /CuTl-1223 composites. The superconducting critical temperature was enhanced from 99 K to 107 K at high-pressure of pelletization (0.202 GPa) as compared to low pressure, with = 0 ∼ 2.0 wt nano-particles addition to the host CuTl-1223 phase.

Effect of Starch Nanoparticles and Tea Polyphenol Inclusion on Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Starch‐Based Films

AbstractStarch nanoparticles (SNPs) and tea polyphenols (TPs) are combined with potato starch (PS) to prepare food packaging film with improved quality. The developed film and its components are characterized using various methods and techniques. The results show that the tensile strength of the obtained film increases from 5.72 ± 0.11 to 9.57 ± 0.18 MPa after the incorporation of SNPs at a concentration of 5%. Also, tensile strength and elongation at break of PS‐based film are improved significantly with addition of TP (5%). However, the mechanical properties of PS‐based film are weakened with addition of SNPs (≥5%). To increase the TP content of the film, PS and TP are combined separately at different ratios and the complex is incorporated into the film formulation. Combining PS and TP at a ratio of 1:6 is found to be optimal, and the prepared films show maximum tensile strength. The PS and TP form a complex non‐inclusive combination without chemical bonds. Additionally, PS‐TP complex has a typical B‐type crystalline structure, and TP is absorbed on the surface of PS particles. The obtained results indicate that the incorporation of SNPs and TP at a certain concentration significantly improves the mechanical properties of starch‐based films.

Microcapsule geometry and nanomaterial enhancement of PCMs (sp07&sp11) for free heating applications

Thermal analysis for the charging/discharging process of PCMs in different encapsulation geometries for free heating applications is performed. PCMs; sp07 and sp11 for cold climate conditions are simulated with Al2O3 and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) in circular, elliptical, rectangular, and square physical models. Complete mathematical equations of the physical model are constructed and solved using Ansys-fluent and validated using an experimental setup. Findings show that rectangular microcapsules have the shortest melting and solidification times, over 41% shorter than those of circular capsules. Minimum melting times of 79 and 135 min are realized using Al2O3 NPs with sp07 and sp11, respectively for a rectangular model. NPs inclusion increases the melting and solidification rates by 4.17–16.90%. Al2O3 NPs resulted in better thermal performances compared with CuO NPs. The largest free cooling and heating potential is 2.32K and 1.50K, respectively using sp07 with Al2O3 NPs and sp11 Al2O3 NPs, respectively for rectangular microcapsule. The study recommends sp11. Sp11 with 4 wt% Al2O3 NPs in a rectangular capsule achieved free heating and cooling degrees of 1.50K and 1.30K respectively. Complete solidification and melting times of 120 and 135 min with the largest heat transfer rates of 13.4 W and −11.6 W, respectively are achieved.

Pd nanometal inclusion in phosphate glass via PdO and Si: Impact on Sm3+ photoluminescence

This Letter reports for the first time on spectroscopic properties of glasses melted with PdO and Si as reductant for Pd nanoparticles (NPs) inclusion and their impact on the photoluminescence (PL) of a rare-earth. Barium-phosphate glasses were prepared adding 0.3 and 0.5 mol% of PdO and/or Si, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and optical absorption spectroscopy. Subsequently, the effect of reduced palladium on Sm3+ PL was investigated. The PdO/Si co-doped glasses had the Pd2+ absorption band vanished, while displaying an increased absorption background attributed to light scattering by Pd NPs. Adding Sm2O3 alongside PdO/Si resulted in Sm3+ PL quenching under 401 nm excitation, whereas excitation at 317 nm increased the emission relative to a singly Sm3+-doped reference. Somewhat improved UV transparency seems to support the improved PL whereas an excitation energy transfer from Sm3+ to Pd NPs is suggested to cause the PL quenching.

The role of nanoparticles inclusion in monitoring the physical properties of PVDF

In this work, the effects of CoxZn1-x Fe2O4 (x= 0, 0.5, 1) nanofillers on the PVDF polymer were scientifically studied. The structure and magnetic and optical properties were studied. XRD confirms the synthesis of nanofiller in a single phase. FTIR confirms the formation of nanoferrites. HRTEM shows that the prepared nanoferrites have a cubic-like shape. Also, the size and agglomeration increase with Co-Zn Fe2O4 nanoferrites compared to the other singles one. The effect of adding nanoferrites into PVDF matrix was studied using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, VSM, and UV-Vis. XRD and FTIR approved the complexation between PVDF polymer and nanoferrites. Also, addition of nanoferrites into PVDF leads to decrease the semi-crystalline nature of PVDF. FESEM showed that embedding nanoferrites into PVDF polymers creates pores and PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4 increases the pore size on the PVDF surface. The magnetic properties of PVDF were enhanced by adding the nanofiller. For example, saturation magnetization was increased from 269.31E−6 to 62.052E−3 by adding CoFe2O4 to PVDF polymer. Band gap calculation showed that PVDF/Co-Zn Fe2O4 has the lowest band gap energy which makes it useful in photochemical and electronic applications.

Conductivity and dielectric properties of heterostructures based on novel graphitic carbon nitride and silver nanoparticle composite film for electronic applications

Graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) (GCN) has emerged as the most promising material for the fabrication of next generation cutting–edge electronic and optoelectronic devices, due to its excellent and promising electrical and physicochemical properties. In this work we report on strategies to enhance the electrical conductivity of GCN thin films through the formation of heterostructures using silver nanoparticles (Ag). The synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles doping on structural and transport properties of GCN thin films was studied in detail. The structural and morphological changes in GCN polymer owing to the inclusion of silver nanoparticles were examined through Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer techniques. The conformational modifications in GCN polymer chains due to silver nanoparticles doping greatly enhanced the electrical conductivity of GCN thin films. The inclusion of silver nanoparticles in GCN polymer matrix decreases the barrier energy and enables the charge carrier hopping easily leading to improved electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of GCN-Ag composite thin film was enhanced by two folds due to the silver nanoparticles inclusion in comparison to conductivity of the pristine GCN thin film. The presence of Ag nanoparticles in the composite film plays a substantial role in improving the dielectric attributes of the pure GCN. Therefore, the doping by using silver nanoparticles might be a suitable strategy for effectively tailoring the electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of GCN thin films and can be used as flexible conducting electrode material towards fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices

Zinc sulfide mediation of poly(hydroxybutyrate)/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposite film for potential UV protection applications

The present study dealt with the fabrication of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs), prepared using the chemical precipitation method, mediated poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films employing the solution casting approach. The films were characterized based on structural, surface, chemo-physical, thermal, electrical, antibacterial, UV protection and degradation profiles. The results demonstrated the successful formation of nanobiocomposite films with good intercalation of the constituents. The surface morphology results expressed the placement of ZnS NPs in the polymeric blend as supported by elemental analysis. The XRD analysis exhibited the crystalline behavior of the nanobiocomposite films. The surface wettability analysis indicated that with the inclusion of ZnS NPs, the water contact angle of the resultant film was observed to be 119.57°. The prepared nanobiocomposite film exhibited thermal stability up to 214 °C and tensile strength of 25.0 ± 2.4 MPa as compared to that of native PHB (as 15.0 ± 1.5 MPa) and PLA (as 20.0 ± 2 MPa) films. The nanobiocomposite films expressed good antibacterial properties as compared to the control. The prepared films expressed the degradability trends in the natural environment. The ZnS NPs inclusion in the PLA/PHB blend could enhance the AC conductivity of the resultant nanobiocomposite film with acceptable UV protection properties applicable for UV protective packings.

Reusable catalysts based on CeO2/cellulose derivative with visible light photocatalytic activity tuned by noble metal nanoparticles inclusion

For environmental preservation, it is crucial to effectively remove organic waste from water. Several approaches have been put forth, but photocatalysis stands out as a quick and effective solution. In this study, some hybrid polymeric structures that were created by photopolymerizing cellulose acetate/castor oil urethane methacrylates with embedded CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and in situ photogenerated noble metal nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Pd) are characterized, and photochemically thoroughly evaluated. The effective modification of cellulose acetate with urethane methacrylate sequences and the degree of functionalization were first observed using 1H NMR and FTIR spectra. Additionally, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and UV–visible spectroscopy were utilized to analyse the resultant nanocomposites. The homogeneous dispersion of CeO2 NPs (10–40 nm) into an organic matrix with the suitable functionalities, namely urethane and hydroxyl groups, favour the interfacial charge transfer reducing the Eg up to 2.85 eV. Moreover, noble metal nanoparticles (5–15 nm), such as Ag, Au and Pd introduction in nanocomposites, significantly lowered the Eg: 2.1 eV for CeAg samples, 1.7 eV for CeAu films and 1.5 eV for CePd films, respectively. This opens up new avenues for the creation of flexible cellulose-based photocatalysts that are active in visible light.

Influence of nanoparticles inclusion on the production of bioethanol from corn stalks and leaves

Bioethanol is a viable alternative to petroleum-derived fossil fuels. It is renewable, low-cost, and the preferred fuel for most developing countries worldwide. Although it is possible to make bioethanol from corn stalks and leaves wastes, second-generation biofuels made from agricultural waste feedstocks represent a significant step forward. In the present research, nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) were used as a biocatalyst to achieve maximum ethanol output. The pretreatment of 2% NaOH with NiO NPs, 15-min autoclave condition, showed the highest total and reducing sugar yield was 162.69 g/L and 43.75 g/L. After hydrolysis, the suitable total and reducing sugar yield of 185.43 g/L and 125.42 g/L was chosen for further fermentation with the expansion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) using corn stalk and leaf waste was significantly assisted by incorporating a nanocatalyst; ethanol concentration was increased to 15.8 g/L at 24 hours incubation period. The study revealed critical information regarding ways NiO NPs could be employed to improve the efficiency of the ethanol production bioprocess.

Performance of Self-Compacting mortars modified with Nanoparticles: A systematic review and modeling

During the transition of one material from macro- to nano-range size, considerable changes occur in the electron conductivity, optical absorption, mechanical properties, chemical reacting activity, and surface morphology. These changes can be advantageous in the production of new mixture composites. Due to the need for developing improved infrastructure, new and high-performance materials should also be developed. In this regard, to improve the performance of concrete mixtures, several methods have been investigated, including using nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance various characteristics of the concrete composite like improving fresh and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) as well as improving permeability and absorption capacity of the composite by providing extremely fine particles to fill micro-pores and voids.In this paper, a state-of-the-art review was carried out on the influence of various NPs inclusion on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of self-compacting mortars (SCM). So that current and most recent studies previously published were investigated to highlight the influences of different NPs on the slump flow diameter, V-funnel flow time, compression and flexural strengths, water absorption, chloride penetration, and electrical resistivity. Moreover, the main section of this study was devoted to proposing different models, including nonlinear model (NLR), multi-logistic model (MLR), and artificial neural network (ANN), to predict the compressive strength (CS) of SCMs modified with NPs. Based on the analyzed data, it was illustrated that the addition of NPs into SCMs significantly enhances the fresh, mechanical, and durability performance of SCMs. Moreover, the microstructure of SCMs was considerably improved due to the higher specific surface area of NPs and their reaction with undesirable C–H which present in the cement paste matrix to produce additional C-S-H gel.

Low cost hydrothermal synthesis of optically important graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposites

Graphene oxide (GO)/Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites were synthesized by low-cost hydrothermal route under high pressure and temperature. The Samples were characterized by optical, structural, and morphological characterizations. Increase absorbance in the visible region alongwith good luminescence is observed with an increasing ZnO concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies exhibit much more intense and sharper peaks in higher concentration sample GOZn3 than in GOZn1, confirming the highly crystalline nature of Nanoparticles at a higher amount of ZnO nanoparticles inclusion in GO. The average crystal size was found to be approximately 22 nm and 30 nm in the sample with lower and moderate concentrations GOZn1 and GOZn2 respectively. FTIR spectra analysis for functional groups present in Nanocomposites indicates the presence of aliphatic compounds, hydrocarbon bonding, olefin, hydroxyl, and aliphatic nitro compounds. FESEM micrographs indicate a sheet like the structure of GO and Zinc oxide nanoparticles arranged on a sheet in a regular pattern of hexagonal structures which are in good agreement with XRD results. The size of FESEM and XRD studies is almost the same it varies from 22 nm to 30 nm.

Improve direct injection compression ignition engine behavior using magnetite nano-fuel and hydrogen induction: a dual fuel approach

ABSTRACT Direct injection compression ignition (DICI) engine behavior can be improved by adding metallic nanoparticles as an additive in a pilot fuel. However, the effects of metallic-based additive in a dual-fuel engine with hydrogen as a secondary fuel are not well known. Therefore, the present work investigates the effects of magnetite nanoparticles (nano-metallic additive) and hydrogen induction (secondary fuel) on the behavior of an employed dual fuel DICI engine fueled with chicken fat biodiesel (CFB) blend. The magnetite nano-fuels were prepared by an ultrasonication process through suspending magnetite nanoparticles in a CFB30 blend (30% chicken fat biodiesel + 70% pure diesel) in quantities of 50, 100, and 150 ppm. All experiments were executed at a constant speed of 1500 rpm, and different brake power (BP) of 0 kW, 0.85 kW, 1.71 kW, 2.56 kW, and 3.42 kW. Results showed that the neat CFB30 blend gave trivial lower BTE compared to diesel. However, CFB30 blend lessened the smoke by 11.65%, UHC by 12%, and CO by 0.038 (% vol.), but it increased the NOx emission by 25%. The addition of magnetite nanoparticles (100 ppm) in a CFB30 blend demonstrated an enhancement in BTE by 7.49% and reduction in BSFC by 22.86 and NOx by 15.72%, besides nanoparticles inclusion further declined the smoke by 15.64%, UHC by 22.27%, and CO by 0.119 (% vol.) corresponding to neat CFB30 blend. Ultimately, 10 lpm of hydrogen injection further increased the BTE by 5.08% and lessened the BSFC by 14.17%, smoke by 11.57%, UHC by 14.7%, and CO by 0.037 (%vol.), although increased the NOx emission slightly. From the investigational results, it is concluded that magnetite nanoparticles in CFB30 fuel along with 10 lpm hydrogen demonstrate an overall improvement in DICI engine behavior.

Asialoglycoprotein Receptor-Targeted Superparamagnetic Perfluorooctylbromide Nanoparticles.

Background The decrease in asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) levels is observed in patients with chronic liver disease and liver tumor. The aim of our study was to develop ASGPR-targeted superparamagnetic perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles (M-PFONP) and wonder whether this composite agent could target buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells in vitro and could improve R2∗ value of the rat liver parenchyma after its injection in vivo. Methods GalPLL, a ligand of ASGPR, was synthesized by reductive amination. ASGPR-targeted M-PFOBNP was prepared by a film hydration method coupled with sonication. Several analytical methods were used to investigate the characterization and safety of the contrast agent in vitro. The in vivo MR T2∗ mapping was performed to evaluate the enhancement effect in rat liver. Results The optimum concentration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles inclusion in GalPLL/M-PFOBNP was about 52.79 µg/mL, and the mean size was 285.6 ± 4.6 nm. The specificity of GalPLL/M-PFOBNP for ASGPR was confirmed by incubation experiment with fluorescence microscopy. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) test showed that there was no significant difference in the optical density (OD) of cells incubated with all GalPLL/M-PFOBNP concentrations. Compared with M-PFOBNP, the increase in R2∗ value of the rat liver parenchyma after GalPLL/M-PFOBNP injection was higher. Conclusions GalPLL/M-PFOBNP may potentially serve as a liver-targeted contrast agent for MR receptor imaging.

Vibration induced active rheology control for 3D concrete printing

3D concrete printing, an emerging automation technology for construction, requires the concrete to be flowable during pumping and extrusion but firm immediately after layer deposition. This study investigated an active rheology control using vibration to achieve these opposing requirements. The effects of vibration frequency and acceleration on rheological parameters of concrete were studied with different levels of nanoparticles in the mix. It was found that extrusion pressure and yield stress show less sensitivity to the peak velocity of the vibration up to a certain level and then they both decrease beyond this level. Also, certain level of nanoparticles inclusion found to double the reduction in extrusion pressure and yield stress. Buildability studies using 3D printers were conducted to demonstrate the active rheology control using vibration. The mechanical properties of the printed structures were also found to have improved when vibration rheology control was used.

Kinetics and Nanoparticle Catalytic Enhancement of Biogas Production from Wastewater Using a Magnetized Biochemical Methane Potential (MBMP) System

This study presents magnetized nanoparticles (NPs) as a catalyst to accelerate anaerobic digestion (AD) potential for clean and ecofriendly energy (biogas) from wastewater settings. The effects of iron oxides (Ms) and aluminum sulphate (Alum) were investigated using two chronological experiments: (i) the Jar test technique to generate residue slurry as organic fertilizer potential and (ii) a magnetized biochemical methane potential (MBMP) system for biogas production at mesophilic conditions for 21 days. X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were carried out to establish the Ms Crystallite and active functional groups respectively. Scanning electronic microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and elemental analysis were used to track and confirm NPs inclusion after the post-AD process. Coagulation at 50 mg/L and magnetic exposure time of 30 min showed above 85% treatability performance by Ms as compared to 70% for Alum. Owing to the slow kinetics of the AD process, additional NPs content in the digesters coupled with an external magnetic field improved their performance. Cumulative biogas yields of 1460 mL/d > 610 mL/d > 505 mL/d for Ms > Control > Alum respectively representing 80% > 61% > 52% of CH4 were attained. The modified Gompertz model shows that the presence of NPs shortens the lag phase of the control system with kinetics rate constants of 0.285 1/d (control) to 0.127 1/d (Ms) < 0.195 1/d (Alum).

Augmented biohydrogen production from rice mill wastewater through nano-metal oxides assisted dark fermentation

This study highlights biohydrogen production enrichment through NiO and CoO nanoparticles (NPs) inclusion to dark fermentation of rice mill wastewater using Clostridium beijerinckii DSM 791. NiO (~26 nm) and CoO (~50 nm) NPs were intrinsically prepared via facile hydrothermal method with polyhedral morphology and high purity. Dosage dependency studies revealed the maximum biohydrogen production characteristics for 1.5 mg/L concentration of both NPs. Biohydrogen yield was improved by 2.09 and 1.9 folds higher for optimum dosage of NiO and CoO respectively, compared to control run without NPs. Co-metabolites analysis confirmed the biohydrogen production through acetate and butyrate pathways. Maximum COD reduction efficiencies of 77.6% and 69.5% were observed for NiO and CoO inclusions respectively, which were higher than control run (57.5%). Gompertz kinetic model fitted well with experimental data of NPs assisted fermentation. Thus, NiO and CoO inclusions to wastewater fermentation seems to be a promising technique for augmented biohydrogen production.

Spectroscopic properties of neodymium doped magnesium zinc sulfophosphate glass: Synergistic effects of titanium and silver nanoparticles embedment

Abstract Synergistic effects of two distinct metal/semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) upon incorporation into different materials medium have shown to open up a new frontier in material research. In this view, two series of neodymium ions (Nd3+) doped magnesium zinc−sulfo phosphate glass glasses composition 58.5P2O5–20MgO–20ZnSO4–1.5Nd2O3–0.5AgNPs−yTi NPs (where y = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mol% in excess) and 58.5P2O5–20MgO–20ZnSO4–1.5Nd2O3–0.4TiNPs−xAg NPs (where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mol% in excess) were prepared via melt−quenching method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized to determine the combined effects of silver (Ag)/titanium (Ti) NPs inclusion on their spectroscopic properties. XRD analyses of as-quenched samples confirmed their amorphous nature. The FTIR and the Raman spectra revealed the presence of characteristic vibration bonds inside the studied glass network. The HRTEM images verified the nucleation of both Ag and Ti3O5 NPs inside the host matrix. The occurred twelve absorption bands centred at 352, 430, 458, 473, 512, 526, 582, 626, 682, 745, 802 and 875 nm were assigned to the respective transitions from the ground state (4I9/2) to the excited states of 2D1/2+4D3/2+4D5/2, 2P1/2, 4G11/2, 2D3/2+2P3/2+2G9/2, 4G9/2+2K13/2, 4G7/2, 4G5/2+2G7/2, 2H11/2, 4F9/2, 4F7/2+4S3/2, 4F5/2+2H9/2 and 4F3/2 in Nd3+. The probed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of Ag NPs (at 442 nm) and Ti3O5 NPs (at 585 and 730 nm) indicated their successful embedment within the glass matrix. Meanwhile, the SPR bands of both NPs disclosed a slight red−shift when embedded together inside the glass compared to their individual incorporation which was ascribed to the near field effect mediated alteration in natural frequency of the oscillator. The observed prominent yellow band around 585 nm in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of glasses was approved to the transition of 2G7/2+4G5/2 → 4I9/2. The NIR PL spectra depicts bands around 874 nm, 1050 nm and 1322 nm, corresponding to 4F3/2 → 4I9/2, 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I13/2 transitions respectively. The evidenced PL intensity quenching in the glass prepared bands around with both Ag and Ti3O5 NPs was attributed to the effect of metallic NPs mediated local heating. Judd-Ofelt (JO) theory was used to evaluate the spectroscopic properties of the glass and make contact with experimental findings. Sample embedded with 0.4 mol% of Ti NPs together with 0.3 mol% of Ag NPs showed highest stimulated emission cross−section (4.78 × 10−24 cm2) for transition 2G7/2+4G5/2 → 4I9/2. It was established that the synergistic effects of two types of metal NPs embedded inside the Nd3+ doped proposed host glass may be useful to achieve customized spectroscopic properties required for solid state laser and photonic application.

Influence of nanoparticles inclusion into water on convective magneto hydrodynamic flow with heat transfer and entropy generation through permeable domain

The non-Darcy hybrid nanofluid 2-D flow through a wavy enclosure is simulated via CVFEM (control volume finite element method) and analyzed using entropy optimization by incorporating the impacts of an ambient constant magnetic field and a heat energy source of constant flux. The impacts of varying buoyancy forces, magnetic field and medium permeability on the hybrid nanofluid dynamics are investigated through contour and 3-D plots. It is found that the rising strength of buoyancy and permeability augments the convection thermal energy transport and reduces the nanofluid temperature. The increasing buoyancy forces and medium permeability enhance the entropy generation due to frictional forces (Sgen,f), thermal energy flow (Sgen,th) and Sgen,M (associated with the presence of the ambient magnetic-field). The Bejan number (Be) rises with augmenting Lorentz forces and medium porosity. The average Nusselt number (Nuave) increases with augmenting buoyancy forces and medium porosity, while drops with the higher magnetic field strength. Analytical expressions for Nuave and Be are obtained. The agreement between present and published results validates the applied simulation technique.

Modified structure and spectroscopic characteristics of Sm3+/Dy3+ co-activated barium-sulfur-telluro-borate glass host: Role of plasmonic gold nanoparticles inclusion

This paper reports the pure gold nanoparticles’ (AuNPs) localized surface plasmon field mediated structural and spectroscopic modification of the Sm3+/Dy3+ co-activated barium-sulfur-telluro-borate glasses. These glass samples were synthesized via melt-quenching technique and characterized to determine the role of pure gold nanopowder embedment at different contents on their structures and optical traits. The TEM image analysis showed that the non-spherical shaped AuNPs with an average diameter of 29 nm were successfully embedded into the host glass matrix. The symmetry of the Sm3+/Dy3+ environment was increased with the increase of AuNPs contents, indicating a decreasing trend of the bonding parameter values from −0.08 to −1.25, Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter (Ω2) from 4.39×10-20 to 1.15×10-20 cm2 and crystal field strength from 9.28 to 5.99. Furthermore, the trend of the evaluated radiative parameters revealed their sensitivity to the alterations in the glass structure. The AuNPs localized surface plasmon field stimulation significantly affected the structural and spectroscopic qualities of the glasses, leading to a shift in the chromaticity co-ordinates from the white to yellowish-orange zone in the CIE 1931 color space. Overall, the proposed glass system was established to be a potential yellowish-orange light-emitting laser host matrix.