Characterization Of Nanostructures Research Articles

Computer simulation and modeling of glow discharge optical emission coded aperture elemental mapping

BackgroundElemental mapping (EM) yields necessary insights into mechanisms of interest in solid samples across multiple disciplines. There are several EM techniques available but long acquisition time is a common limitation. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) allows direct quantitative multi-EM at very high throughput (∼10 s s) when coupled to traditional hyperspectral imaging (HSI) techniques. However, GDOES consumes the sample via sputtering, such that traditional HSI sequential scanning requirements lead to loss of information/resolution, which is compounded for multi-EM and limits nanomaterials analysis. Thus, there is a need for faster HSI to enable GDOES multi-EM of nanoscale materials. ResultsHere, a new technique is described, Glow discharge Optical emission Coded Aperture elemental Mapping (GOCAM), that takes advantage of compressive coded aperture spectral imaging to enable multi-EM in a single camera exposure. In this first phase of development, computer model simulations were implemented to study the effects of coded aperture parameters on data fidelity, which showed the best fidelity is achieved at smaller mask element sizes and transmittance of 60 %. In addition, SeSCIGPU demonstrated the best fidelity performance compared to several compressed sensing reconstruction algorithms, including TwIST, GAP-TV, SeSCICPU, and ADMM-TV, as evaluated by studying the effects of varying the corresponding hyperparameters. SignificanceThis study shows GOCAM's feasibility and provides a starting point for the second phase hardware development currently underway. GOCAM's potential to allow multi-EM from solid surfaces in a fraction of a second will be particularly enabling for nanostructured materials characterization.

Multi-Dimensional Characterization of Nanostructures in Titanium Alloys using 2D Aberration-Corrected STEM and 3D Atom Probe Tomography

Multi-Dimensional Characterization of Nanostructures in Titanium Alloys using 2D Aberration-Corrected STEM and 3D Atom Probe Tomography

Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel Ferrite Nanostructures by DC Reactive Sputtering Technique Using New Target Configuration

Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel Ferrite Nanostructures by DC Reactive Sputtering Technique Using New Target Configuration

Phytogenic aqueous extract mediated fabrication of Ag-Fe2O3 nanohybrids for detoxification of carcinogenic Congo Red dye: An Environmental Remediation approach

<p>In current study environment benign silver-iron oxide (Ag-Fe2O3) nanohybrid structures are fabricated as catalyst for CR dye decolorization. Industrial wastewater stream possesses several toxic dyes which are toxic carcinogen pollutants cause severe environmental disorders. Detoxification of Congo Red dye is carried out by silver-iron oxide nanohybrid structures having latent catalytic efficiency for dye decolorization. Silver iron oxide nanohybrid materials are fabricated from AgNO3, FeSO4/ FeCl3 and Citrus limon aqueous extract by doping AgNPs on Fe2O3 materials. For characterization of Ag-Fe2O3 nanostructures, UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques are used. The crystallite size is measured from Debye Scherer equation and average size calculated is 54.3 nm. Furthermore, UV-Visible spectrophotometer is used to study the catalytic efficiency of Ag-Fe2O3 nanohybrid material which is observed to be >80% within 10 minutes. Moreover, parameters like contact time, dosage of catalyst, temperature and pH are measured to optimize reaction conditions for the dye degradation by adding prepared nanohybrids. The kinetic studies were performed for the degradation reaction and were originate to follow first order kinetics. Reusability test is also applied to check the stability of nanohybrid catalyst that affirmed it to be as highly stable nanomaterial.</p>

ZnO:CuO Composites Obtained by Rapid Joule Heating for Photocatalysis.

Semiconductor oxides belonging to various families are ideal candidates for application in photocatalytic processes. One of the challenges facing photocatalytic processes today is improving their efficiency under sunlight irradiation. In this study, the growth and characterization of semiconductor oxide nanostructures and composites based on the ZnO and CuO families are proposed. The selected growth method is the resistive heating of Zn and Cu wires to produce the corresponding oxides, combined with galvanic corrosion of Zn. An exhaustive characterization of the materials obtained has been carried out using techniques based on scanning electron microscopy and optical spectroscopies. The method we have followed and the conditions used in this study present promising results, not only from a degradation efficiency point of view but also because it is a cheap, easy, and fast growth method. These characteristics are essential in order to scale the process beyond the laboratory.

Nanostructural characterization of surfaces and interfaces of Portland cement mortars using high resolution microscopy

In Portland cement mortars it is of paramount importance to investigate the bond strength between mortar and masonry by means of the study of interfaces and surfaces that make up the system mortar/ceramic block. In this work the aim was to characterize the chemical compositions, microstructures, surfaces and interfaces of mortars applied on ceramic blocks. Therefore, two important characterization tools were used: field-effect gun (FEG) scanning electron microscope (SEM) - FEI Quanta 200 with energy-dispersive (X-ray) spectrometer (EDS) and SEM system with EGF Nanofabrication FIB - FEI Quanta 3D FEG also with an EDS coupled. To date the results obtained from the research show that the characterization of cementitious materials with high resolution SEM is an important tool in the detection and differentiation of hydrated calcium silicates (CSH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), ettringite and calcium carbonate by means of morphological, topographical and chemical data, thus providing extremely reliable as well as qualitative data from the structure of cementitious materials.

Nanostructural characterization of surfaces and interfaces of Portland cement mortars using atomic force microscopy

The characterization of Portland cement mortars is very important in the study of the interfaces and surfaces that make up the system mortar/ceramic block. In this sense, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive (X-ray) spectrometer are important tools in investigating the morphology and chemical aspects. However, more detailed topographic information can be necessary in the characterization process. In this work, the aim was to characterize topographically surfaces and interfaces of mortars applied onto ceramic blocks. This has been accomplished by using the atomic force microscope (AFM) – MFP-3D-SA Asylum Research. To date, the results obtained from this research show that the characterization of cementitious materials with the help of AFM has an important contribution in the investigation and differentiation of hydrated calcium silicates (CSH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, ettringite and calcium carbonate by providing morphological and microtopographical data, which are extremely important and reliable for the understanding of cementitious materials.

Magnetron carbon structures obtained by high-frequency magnetron sputtering in Argon and Nitrogen

Purpose of research. Creation and characterization of carbon nanostructures by high-frequency magnetron sputtering from a carbon target in argon on a silicon substrate and in a reactive nitrogen environment, obtained on a Ni catalyst buffer layer. Methods. High-frequency magnetron sputtering on a silicon substrate with changes in control parameters: sputtering time power and working gas pressure Ar and N. Research was carried out using X-ray phase analysis, atomic force microscopy and holographic microscopy, Raman scattering. Results. The formation of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled ones, was confirmed by the method of Raman scattering of light along the lines ID 1363 and IG 1564 cm-1, as well as ωRDМ 308 and 227 cm–1. Using atomic force microscopic images, the fractal dimension of the nanofilms was calculated, which indicated their 3D nature. Based on X-ray phase analysis of magnetron nanofilms, the dimensions of the coherence region, texture, microdeformations and interplanar deformation distortions were determined. Conclusion. In carbon magnetron nanofilms, deformations of both signs occur: both compressive (∆a < 0) and tensile (∆a > 0). Carbon magnetron nanofilms are represented, among other things, by single-walled carbon nanotubes, the chirality of which in an argon environment is (6, 6), and in a reactive mixture of nitrogen and argon on a Ni buffer layer (7, 7). It was discovered that in high-frequency magnetron mode, silicon carbide is formed in both inert and reactive environments.

Improving photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO nanoflowers through gold incorporation for Rhodamine B photodegradation

In this study, we reported the synthesis and characterization of Au-doped ZnO hybrid nanostructures via a wet chemical approach and assessed their photocatalytic efficiency for the removal of Rhodamine (Rh–B). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) has been done to verify the crystal structure, i.e. phase identification, crystallite size, texture, stress, and strain. The XRD patterns demonstrate that the wurtzite structure has been retained and that Au nanoparticles were effectively ingested into the ZnO nanoflowers lattice. This demonstrates that Au nanoparticles are effectively absorbed into the ZnO nanoflowers lattice, considering that peaks shifted in the direction of smaller Bragg's angles. As a result, the size of the crystallites increases from (20.7–25.3) nm, and their microstrain decreases from (0.92–0.72) x 10−3 A0 for pure-ZnO to Au-doped ZnO heterostructures, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) investigation reveals flower-like structures of pure ZnO while a further closed look indicates that these flowers are made up of a variety of oriented, thorn-like branched NWs with diameters ranging from (50–90) nm and lengths ranging from a few microns. The corresponding EDS evaluation of pure ZnO nanoflowers and Au-doped ZnO heterostructures clearly shows that the noble metal Au NPs are deposited, and enormously safeguard the surface of ZnO nanoflowers. Reducing the Au-doped ZnO band gap which generated a red shift in light absorption, was confirmed by the PL spectra which in turn increased the photocatalytic efficiency and reduced the dye degradation time of Rh–B. The photocatalytic ability of Au-doped ZnO heterostructures considerably increased the photodegradation efficiency of Rh–B molecules from 28 min for pure ZnO to 10 min for Au-doped ZnO heterostructures. Due to their wide surface area and distinct morphology as compared to pure ZnO nanoflowers.

Metasurface‐Based Mueller Matrix Microscope

AbstractIn conventional optical microscopes, image contrast of objects mainly results from the differences in light intensity and/or color. Muller matrix optical microscopes (MMMs), on the other hand, can provide significantly enhanced image contrast and rich information about objects by analyzing their interactions with polarized light. However, state‐of‐the‐art MMMs are fundamentally limited by bulky and slow polarization state generators and analyzers. Here, the study demonstrates a metasurface‐based MMM, i.e., Meta‐MMM, which is equipped with a chip‐integrated, single‐shot metasurface polarization state analyzer (Meta‐PSA). The Meta‐MMM is featured with high‐speed measurement (≈2s per Muller matrix (MM) image), superior operation stability, dual‐color operation, and high measurement accuracy (measurement error 1–2%) for MM imaging. The Meta‐MMM is applied to nanostructure characterization, surface morphology analysis, and discovering birefringent structures in honeybee wings. The Meta‐MMMs hold the promise to revolutionize various applications from biological imaging, medical diagnosis, and material characterization to industry inspection and space exploration.

Synthesis and characterization of pristine CuO and Mg/CuO nanostructures for their anti-breast cancer and photocatalytic degradation applications: Experimental and DFT investigations

The present manuscript emphasizes the versatility of Mg-doped CuO nanostructures for environmental remediation (photocatalytic degradation of pollutants) and biomedical applications (anticancer activity) thus highlighting their potential impact in addressing societal and health challenges. The primary focus of the manuscript is the synthesis, characterization, and applications of Mg-doped CuO nanostructures. In order to meet this purpose, pure and Mg doped CuO nanostructures were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method and ball milling techniques. To characterize the prepared samples, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy techniques were utilized. A profusion of structural defects and the reduction in crystallite size have been observed in CuO nanomaterial’s due to the dopant's complete incorporation into the CuO lattice. Additionally, the band gap of CuO has been observed to decrease as a result of Mg doping. Density functional theory was employed to simulate the effect of Mg on the properties of CuO. The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation aided by sunlight against methylene blue increased from 50.8 % to 89.5 %. MCF-7, a cell line representing human breast adenocarcinoma, was utilized to assess the cytotoxicity of Mg/CuO samples. CuO nanoparticles enriched with Mg are viable biocompatible anti-cancer agents and prospective photocatalyst for the removal of environmental pollutants from aqueous solutions, according to the findings of this study.

Physical characterizations of Se-doped CdS nanostructures

The investigation thoroughly analyzes undoped and Se-doped CdS nanostructures using multiple techniques. Elemental composition analysis via EDS showed pure Cd and S in the undoped sample, while successful Se incorporation was confirmed in Se-doped samples. XRD revealed distinct CdS phases, with reduced intensity and broadening after Se-doping, indicating lower crystalline quality. The (111) peak shift confirmed Se substitution in the CdS lattice. Williamson-Hall and Monshi-Scherrer analyses demonstrated smaller crystallite sizes and increased lattice strain after Se-doping. FESEM displayed smaller grain sizes after Se-doping. PL analyses showed diminished crystalline quality and reduced intensity. UV–Vis indicated increased absorption and reduced transmission after Se-doping. Bandgap energy declined due to Se-doping and potential CdSe phase formation. Raman spectroscopy confirmed reduced crystalline quality. Se-doping enhances photon absorption, potentially improving optical properties for diverse applications. The study provides a detailed assessment of Se-doped CdS nanostructures, highlighting structural, optical, and morphological changes, valuable for various technological applications.

Luminescent Alendronic Acid-Conjugated Micellar Nanostructures for Potential Application in the Bone-Targeted Delivery of Cholecalciferol

Vitamin D, an essential micronutrient crucial for skeletal integrity and various non-skeletal physiological functions, exhibits limited bioavailability and stability in vivo. This study is focused on the development of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafted phospholipid micellar nanostructures co-encapsulating vitamin D3 and conjugated with alendronic acid, aimed at active bone targeting. Furthermore, these nanostructures are rendered optically traceable in the UV–visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum via the simultaneous encapsulation of vitamin D3 with carbon dots, a newly emerging class of fluorescents, biocompatible nanoparticles characterized by their resistance to photobleaching and environmental friendliness, which hold promise for future in vitro bioimaging studies. A systematic investigation is conducted to optimize experimental parameters for the preparation of micellar nanostructures with an average hydrodynamic diameter below 200 nm, ensuring colloidal stability in physiological media while preserving the optical luminescent properties of the encapsulated carbon dots. Comprehensive chemical-physical characterization of these micellar nanostructures is performed employing optical and morphological techniques. Furthermore, their binding affinity for the principal inorganic constituent of bone tissue is assessed through a binding assay with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, indicating significant potential for active bone-targeting. These formulated nanostructures hold promise for novel therapeutic interventions to address skeletal-related complications in cancer affected patients in the future.

Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanostructures by changing the parameters of trichloroaniline concentration, pH and annealing for dye-sensitized solar cell application

Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanostructures by changing the parameters of trichloroaniline concentration, pH and annealing for dye-sensitized solar cell application

Elaboration and Characterization of CdS Nanostructures Using Pulse‐Assisted Electrodeposition: Effect of Time‐Off Duration

The presence of metallic cadmium in the electrodeposited cadmium sulfide (CdS) films is a persistent problem that leads to low photoactivity. Changing the deposition mode is a way to address this problem and thus increase the photoelectrochemical performance. Herein, the effect of the deposition mode on the composition of the CdS films prepared under the same deposition parameters is investigated for the first time. In addition, the influence of the time‐off duration on the properties of the electrodeposited thin films is studied. The results of the X‐Ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and photoelectrochemical characterizations reveal that the pulse‐deposited CdS films show enhanced microstructural, optical, and morphological properties as compared to that of the film deposited under direct mode. The CdS thin film deposited at time‐off duration of 0.5 s is composed of a pure CdS phase following a mixture of cubic and hexagonal lattice structure. This sample shows a smooth surface, high absorption in UV and visible light and an intense photoresponse of 90 μA under visible light.

Synthesis and characterization of alpha and beta cobalt hydroxide nanostructures for photocatalytic dye degradation and supercapacitor applications

Alpha and beta cobalt hydroxide nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized using X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The turbostatic alpha-Co(OH)2 has large interlayer spacing compared to the beta-Co(OH)2 and is less explored in the literature. Both nanostructures were efficient in degrading methylene blue dye in the presence of visible light. Under identical conditions, the rate constant of photocatalytic dye degradation in the presence of alpha and beta cobalt hydroxide was calculated as 60.22 × 10−3 min−1 and 19.05 × 10−3 min−1, respectively, which is highest when compared to the previous reports. The superior activity of alpha-Co(OH)2 when compared to beta-Co(OH)2 is also demonstrated in this work. Additionally, a Csp value of 137 F/g and 2.4 F/g, respectively, at a current density of 1 A/g, was obtained from the GCD analysis of devices made using alpha-Co(OH)2 and beta-Co(OH)2. A higher cyclic stability and power density were observed for alpha-Co(OH)2 when compared to beta-Co(OH)2. The findings suggest that alpha and beta cobalt hydroxide nanostructures hold promise as effective catalysts for dye degradation and potential materials for high-performance supercapacitors. Further investigations into the unique properties of the relatively superior alpha-Co(OH)2 could lead to advancements in environmental remediation and energy storage technologies.

Synthesis and Characterization of WO3 Nanostructures by the Solvothermal Method for Electrochromic Applications

Synthesis and Characterization of WO3 Nanostructures by the Solvothermal Method for Electrochromic Applications

Plasmonic Properties of Self-Assembled Gold Nanocrescents: Implications for Chemical Sensing.

A bottom-up approach, the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, is used for the preparation of composite thin films of gold nanoparticles and polymers: poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine), poly-2-vinylpyridine, and polystyrene. The self-assembly of poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) at the air-water interface leads to the formation of surface micelles, which serve as a template for the organization of gold nanoparticles into ring assemblies. By using poly-2-vinylpyridine in conjunction with low surface pressure, the distance between nanostructures can be increased, allowing for optical characterization of single nanostructures. Once deposited on a solid substrate, the preorganized gold nanoparticles are subjected to further growth by the reduction of additional gold, leading to a variety of nanostructures which can be divided into two categories: nanocrescents and circular arrays of nanoparticles. The optical properties of individual structures are investigated by optical dark-field spectroscopy and numerical calculations. The plasmonic behavior of the nanostructures is elucidated through the correlation of optical properties with structural features and the identification of dominant plasmon modes. Being based on a self-assembly approach, the reported method allows for the formation of interesting plasmonic materials under ambient conditions, at a relatively large scale, and at low cost. These attributes, in addition to the resonances located in the near-infrared region of the spectrum, make nanocrescents candidates for biological and chemical sensing.

Synthesis & Characterization of Carbon Nanostructures.

Synthesis In this research a study was conducted on the Synthesis and dimensional structural characterization of nanostructures consisting of Graphene, Nanotubes and Fullerenes C60 and C70 carbon research project consists of a synthesis and characterization in its theoretical and experimental framework to test yields in the synthesis of each nanostructure. Synthesis for Multiple Synthesis Rector MSR will be held in the exploder and electric fields in the toroidal coil Tesla coil. As for the structural dimensional characterization of nanostructured materials carbon is carried out by Raman spectroscopy, diffraction X-ray (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and EELS (Energy Electron loss Spectrum). Justification Synthesis System The main justification synthesis system is to generate nanostructures (Nanotubes, Nanofibers, Fullerenes, graphene) easily and economically; all using little equipment and a simple process which is reflected in lower costs simple synthesis as current processes are very expensive and too complex. Justification Synthesis System The main objective of this system is the generation synthesis of nanostructures by using a Tesla coil (Plasma Generator) as the main component of the system being accessible, simple and inexpensive technology. Another goal is to optimize the generation of nanostructures to its widespread use in industry, nanotechnology and materials science. Through a system very inexpensive and simple synthesis.

Investigation of coherent Fourier scatterometry as a calibration tool for determination of steep side wall angle and height of a nanostructure

Nanostructures with steep side wall angles (swa) play a pivotal role in various technological applications. Accurate characterization of these nanostructures is crucial for optimizing their performance. In this study, we propose a far-field detection method based on coherent Fourier scatterometry (CFS) for accurate quantification of steep swa and heights in cliff-like nanostructures. Our approach introduces a parameter termed ‘visibility’, derived from the unique far-field signatures of cliff-like nanostructures. This parameter serves as a quantitative metric for the calibration of swa and heights. The heightened sensitivity of our method is demonstrated, particularly when the incident polarization is perpendicular to the invariant direction of the nanostructure for swa calibration, while both polarization states exhibit sensitivity to height calibration. Furthermore, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis reveals the stable nature of our method, showcasing that even with fluctuations of ±10 nm in the position of the nanostructure, the resulting swa remains stable within a range of ±0.5∘ . The exponential variation of the visibility parameter with edge roundness is observed, with fluctuations in edge roundness within 10 nm resulting in swa variations within 1.7∘ for both polarization states. In experimental validations, our results demonstrate reasonable agreement between CFS-derived and AFM measurements. The AFM data for swa ( 77.99∘±1.37∘ ) and height (148.35 nm ±2.11 nm) are corroborated with CFS-derived value of swa ( 77.75∘±3.61∘ , 78.36∘±3.89∘ ) and height (149.42 nm ±1.66 nm, 150.05 nm ±1.04 nm) obtained from calibration curves for TM and TE incident beams, respectively. Overall, our findings underscore CFS as a potential and reliable tool for nanostructure characterization, offering precise measurements that are pivotal for advancing nanotechnology.