Optical Energy Research Articles

Elastic Moduli, and Estimations of Some Physical, Thermal, and Optical Parameters of Ge-Se-As Glassy Systems with Improved Mechanical Strength

Employing the melt quench approach, glassy systems with the chemical composition Ge30Se(70-x)Asx have been synthesized. As the amount of arsenic increases, various physical, mechanical, thermal, optical parameters and some other aspects of elastic moduli have been assessed. The XRD pattern shows the amorphous characteristics of the inspected materials. The density of the glasses increases from 4.32 to 4.61 g-cm-3 whereas the molar volume declines from 19.32 to 18.62 cm3 mol-1 as the concentration of arsenic increases. The measured values of the ultrasonic velocities have been used to measure the elastic properties, such as the Shear, and longitudinal strains, Bulk modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio of the synthesized glasses. The upsurge in the values of elastic moduli indicated the upgrading in the elastic properties of the materials. The outcomes are interpreted in terms of a profound structural change brought about by molecular rearrangement, which regulates the glass’s physical characteristics. The optical band gap energies are found to decrease from 2.17 to 1.86 eV due to the increase in Urbach energies from 040 to 0.64 eV with the incorporation of arsenic atom. The obtained results indicate the perspective of the as-synthesized thermally stable materials to be used in optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis of Tetrahedrite Zincian Nanocomposites via solvothermal process at low temperature

This study presents a novel hydrothermal method for synthesizing Cu11Zn1Sb4S13 (tetrahedrite, zincian) nanoparticles at a low temperature of 185 °C for a 6 h annealing at 400 °C for 2 h. CuCl2, ZnCl2, SbNO3, and CH4N2S, and NaBH4 were used for the innovative synthesis of Cu11Zn1Sb4S13 (Tetrahedrite, Zincian) Copper Zinc Antimony Sulfide nanoparticles ink. Structural, morphological and optical properties (optical energy gap) were studied for thin-film Cu11Zn1Sb4S13 deposited the nanoparticles via drop-casting method onto glass substrates are investigated. The structure and characterization of Cu11Zn1Sb4S13 by XRD powder diffraction provide evidence for a cubic structure. The optical calculations indicate that the absorption coefficient (α > 104 cm−1) and optical energy gap Eg are equivalent to 1.68 eV. Comparative work of Crystalline diameters of synthesis was obtained from XRD diffraction powder. The Debye-Scherrer procedure, modified Scherrer procedure and Williamson–Hall inspection are used to examine the individual participatory of the crystalline diameters, lattice stress and dislocation to isotropic line expansion widening reflection peaks of Cu11Zn1Sb4S13 nanoparticles. The modified Scherrer approach is appropriate, with all points along the fitting line. The crystallite size estimated from XRD was 5.798 nm and the particle size calculated from the FESEM method 8–9 nm. This slight difference reflects a spherical shape of the nanoparticles.

Study on the rapid growth technology and optical properties of KAP crystal

Compared with the traditional slow evaporation solution technique to grow KAP crystals, we have improved a set of Rapid Growth Technology of Continuous Filtration System based on existing research conditions. KAP crystals were grown by program-controlled solution cooling method. A KAP crystal with a size of 220 mm × 170 mm × 45 mm and a weight of 1934.9 g was successfully grown, which is the largest KAP crystal reported so far. The optical studies such as transmittance, absorption coefficient, optical energy band gap, photoluminescence, and Z-scan of the crystal show that the crystal is more excellent than the traditional slow evaporation solution technique.

Effect of polypyrrole incorporation amounts on the optical and electrical properties of PVA/CMC blended polymer for optoelectronic applications

In the present work, hybrid flexible blended polymers of polypyrrole (PPy)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); PVA/CMC/x wt % PPy; were constructed as promising blended materials to be used in various optoelectronics applications. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to investigate the structure and the surface morphology of polymer nanocomposites. The doped blends have better absorption of the three types of ultraviolet (UVA, UVB, and UVC), as well as the visible spectrum. The transmittance values in the visible range dropped from 90 % to 63 % as the PPy concentration reached 0.5 wt%. At x = 0.5, the minimum direct and indirect optical band gap energy values of (4.82, 4.39, 4.23) eV and (3.76, 3.84, 3.62, 2.93) eV, respectively, were obtained. The incorporation of PPy into the PVA/CMC blend led to a regular rise in the refractive index value within the visible range. The blend doped with 0.5 wt % PPy exhibited the highest optical dielectric constant values within the visible range. The enhancement/reduction in the fluorescence intensity depended on the excitation wavelength and the amount of PPy doping in the blended polymers. The effect of voltage, temperature and the amount of PPy doping on the current behavior of the resulting electric current in all blends was explored. The ohmic and nonohmic natures and the charge transport mechanisms of different blends were determined.

The role of Bi incorporation on the optical dispersion parameters of binary Se–In chalcogenide glass films as encouraging materials for photovoltaic implementations

The bulk form of Se78In(22-x)Bix (x = 0, 4, 8, and 12 at.%) was produced with melt-quench technology. Subsequently, thin films of these compositions were produced through the thermal evaporation method under vacuum conditions. Analysis via diffraction of X-rays confirmed the disordered character of the resulting films. The refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were computed using optical transmission T(λ) and reflection R(λ) data. Analysis of optical constants revealed that the optical energy gap Egopt decreases while the Urbach tail Eu augments as the Bi content increases. Other related constants were determined and investigated in relation to variations in Bi content. The outcomes of our study were compared with those published previously. Non-linear parameters were calculated and discussed for the investigated films.

Impact of pH and ZnO NPs on the fabricated PVA-PVP/ZnO nanofibers: Morphology, absorption behavior, anticancer, and antibacterial activity

In this study, a cost-effective hydrothermal method was successfully used to synthesize ZnO NPs at different pH levels (8, 10, and 12). Nanofibers were produced from polymeric blends PVA-PVP and PVA-PVP/ZnO nanocomposite precursor through electrospinning. XRD analysis revealed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the synthesized ZnO NPs, with the dominant crystal plane (101). The impact of pH variation was evident in the increased intensity values of the peaks corresponding to (100), (002), and (101) planes as pH levels rose. The average crystallite size decreased from 31.4 to 27.0 nm using Scherrer's calculation, while the microstrain increased from 11.2 to 12.4 ×10−4 as the pH increased from 8 to 12. As wellas the average particle size of the ZnO NPs decreased from 75.05 to 51.35 nm with increasing pH levels, as depicted in FESEM images. The PVA-PVP/ZnO electrospun nanofibers exhibited smooth surfaces and uniform structures, with average diameters of 80.14, 93.33, and 124.13 nm for pH 8, 10, and 12, respectively. The calculation of the optical energy gap using the ASF approach closely matched Tauc's model, ranging from 3.57 to 3.20 eV. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of the nanofibers against MCF-7 cells showed an increase in cytotoxicity from 18 to 64 % with varying concentrations of ZnO NPs ranging from 6.25 to 100 μg/ml. The highest inhibitory effect (about 16 mm) was observed at pH 12 against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus).

Structural, optical and electrical conduction characteristics of PMMA/PVAc/TBAI blended polymers

This study aims to create tetra-n-butylammonium iodide (TBAI) doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) blended polymers for utilize in a diversity of optoelectronic applications. By the casting technique, the films of (PMMA/PVAc/x wt % TBAI) were formed. The structure and morphology characteristics of the blended materials were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The optical transmittance declined to a minimum value when the blend was loaded with 38 wt % TBAI. The blend containing 38 % TBAI exhibits the highest reflectance values in the visible range. The lowest direct optical bandgap energies (4.20 eV) and indirect optical bandgap energies (3.71 eV, 3.13 eV) were achieved when TBAI reached 38 wt%. The addition of TBAI leads to an enhancement of the refractive index values of PMMA/PVAc in the visible spectrum. The effect of TBAI doping amount on the optical dielectric constant, energy loss functions, optical conductivity, nonlinear optical parameters and emitted color of the host blend was explored. The maximum values of the optical dielectric constant and energy loss functions were achieved after the TBAI level reached 38 wt%. The three non-linear optical (NLO) parameters for PMMA/PVAc blended polymers were enhanced as the amount of TBAI increased. An increase in voltage (V) or temperature results in a significant increase in electric current (I). Raising the amount of TBAI doping also caused the electric current to rise irregularly, with the exception of the blend with x = 11 %, where it fell. The samples exhibited the non-ohmic characteristics of the current-voltage (I–V) properties. The conduction mechanism of all blended materials was studied in detail. Finally, the outcomes supported the optical and electric properties studies, which suggested that a range of nanoelectronics applications could make use of the PMMA/PVAc/x weight percent TBAI blended polymers.

Enhanced light absorption and charge carrier’s separation in g-C3N4-based double Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst for efficient degradation of navy-blue dye

ABSTRACT Effective wastewater treatment is essential due to the dye environmental threats. Photocatalysis offers an eco-friendly dye degradation solution. Herein, we report a double Z-scheme photocatalyst, i.e. LaFeO3/Boron-doped g-C3N4/Fe2O3 (LFO/B-CN/FO), fabricated via a hydrothermal method. The formation of this ternary system is supported by structural, surface, and morphological analyses. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrated the crystallization behavior of the composite. Because of synergetic effects in the ternary composite and boron doping, the optical band gap energy is reduced to 1.6 eV. Under visible light irradiation, the LFO/B-CN/FO nanocomposite degraded navy-blue dye by 98% in 130 min at neutral pH, surpassing CN, B-CN, and binary composites of B-CN with LFO and FO. The degradation process was rationalized using pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, which confirmed high catalytic efficiency. The double Z-scheme heterojunction enhanced light absorption, charge separation, and carrier lifetime, hence improving the photocatalytic activity. Overall, the as-fabricated LFO/B-CN/FO ternary composite outperformed reference catalysts in terms of chemical reactivity, optical characteristics, and electrical performance. This work opens up a new route for the design and fabrication of double Z-scheme ternary composite photocatalysts for potential wastewater treatment and renewable energy applications.

Preparation and properties of poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/boron nitride nanocomposite for energy storage devices

A simple open-mill mixing approach was employed to develop thermally and mechanically stable nanocomposites consisting of poly (ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) as the matrix and boron nitride (BN) as a reinforcing nanofiller. The development of nanocomposites was examined by FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, TGA and DSC. The attachment of BN to EVA was confirmed by the characteristic BN band at 602 cm−1 in the FT-IR spectra. The UV measurements revealed a red shift in the nanocomposites due to nanoparticle interactions with polymer chains and the bandgap energy decreased with the nanofiller concentration. The XRD TEM analysis indicated the presence of a crystalline BN phase in EVA. Enhanced thermal stability and glass transition temperature of the polymer with the addition of BN nanoparticles were revealed from TGA and DSC, respectively. The EVA with 5% BN nanocomposite was discovered to have higher mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and lower optical bandgap energy. The tensile strength, tear resistance, impact strength and hardness of EVA increased with the inclusion of BN, whereas elongation at break was reduced. The findings of the experiments showed that the EVA/BN nanocomposites would provide excellent options for mechanically and thermally stable materials for energy storage applications.

Aftermath of Ag embedding on structural, optical, and supercapacitor electrode attributes of USP-grown CuO thin films

Here, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method (USP) was utilized to produce pure and silver doped copper oxide nanostructures on glass substrates. Thereafter, several characterization techniques were conducted on the grown samples to delve into their morphological, structural, electrochemical, and optical aspects. The mentioned analyses were carried out by performing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and UV–visible spectroscopy measurements. Thus, the impact of silver impurity doping on the relevant aspects of host material were recorded as well as the features of unspoiled copper oxide films. Accordingly, the samples, as indicated by X-ray diffraction results, possessed (002) preferential plane orientation of copper oxide material along with the crystallite sizes ranging from 52.52 nm to 75.02 nm due to the imperfections caused by the silver doping. The scanning electron microscope images exhibited that the silver doping did not form significant modifications in the host material morphology where nanowire-like structures observed. The presence of the suggested materials in the films was verified by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Also, the UV–visible spectroscopy measurements detected that optical absorbance edge and bandgap energy values red shifted as a result of the impurity doping. The electrochemical supercapacitors performances of the silver doped copper oxide nanostructured thin films were inspected by using the GCD, EIS, and CV. The silver doped copper oxide films demonstrated a specific capacitance value of 66 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 1 M KOH electrolyte. From Nyquist plot, Rs, Rcor, Rpo, Ccor and Cc were obtained as 2.327 × 103 Ω.cm2, 43.63 × 103 Ω.cm2, 4.580 × 103 Ω.cm2, 111.5 × 10-6 S*s^a. cm-2 and 101.1 × 10-6 S*s^a. cm-2, respectively. The results indicated that the electrochemically synthesized the silver doped copper oxide electrodes can be obtained and developed as an alternative electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs).

Innovative enhancements in polymer nanocomposites: Integrating ZnO nanorods into Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/Polyvinyl pyrrolidone blend for advanced energy storage devices

Polymer nanocomposites are promising for various industrial and scientific applications due to their flexibility, diverse functionalities, and unique properties. In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were incorporated into a blend of polymers (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose - HPMC and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone - PVP) using a solution-casting technique, with concentrations varying from 2 % to 8 % by weight. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the ZnO NRs had an average diameter of 140 nm and a length of 3.22 μm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed reduced crystallinity in the samples as the ZnO NR content increased. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated changes in vibrational peaks due to interactions between functional groups in the blend and the nanorods. The addition of ZnO NRs significantly influenced the optical bandgap energies and UV/visible light absorption spectra of the samples. The bandgap of the nanocomposites significantly decreased upon ZnO NR incorporation, with direct and indirect bandgaps ranging from 5.19 to 4.70 eV and 4.74–3.66 eV, respectively. Electrical conductivity and dielectric characteristics were assessed across frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 MHz, revealing increasing AC conductivity, dielectric permittivity, and dielectric loss with higher ZnO NR content. Notably, at 10 Hz, the electrical conductivity increased from 3.5 × 10⁻12 S/m to 3.62 × 10⁻10 S/m upon loading with ZnO NR. The combination of adjustable optical bandgaps, frequency-dependent AC conductivity, and a wide range of tunable permittivity highlights the potential of these HPMC/PVP-ZnO NR nanocomposites for developing flexible optoelectronic and energy storage devices.

Structural analysis, relaxor-ferroelectric behavior and optical properties of Mn3+-doped CaBi3NdTi4O15 synthesized via hydrothermal technique

In this study, the synthesis of the Aurivillius Ca1-xBi3+xNdTi4-xMnxO15 (CBNTMx), where x is 0, 0.2, and 0.4, was carried out using the hydrothermal technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that the polar orthorhombic structure in space group of A21am was adopted by all powder samples. All samples possessed anisotropic plate-like particle shapes, and the particle size increased with increase in x value. The phase transition temperature (Tm) is decreased by the ionic substitution owing to the decrease in orthorhombic distortion reflected by the reduction of orthorhombicity. Relaxor-ferroelectric behavior was observed for CBNTM0.4 because of its strong frequency dispersion, while CBNTM0 and CBNTM0.2 only showed a diffused-phase transition (DPT) indicated by the broad dielectric constant at the transition temperature (Tm). The electrical conductivity exhibited an enhancement at higher x value since the ionic substitution with acceptor Mn3+ ions introduced the charge carrier in the lattice. Similarly, the reduction of optical band gap energy from 3.43 eV for the parent CBNTM0 to 2.75 eV and 2.71 eV for CBNTM0.2 and CBNTM0.4, respectively, was described as the contribution of the lower energy level of Mn 3d orbital than that of Ti 3d in the conduction band and also the less distorted structure.

Bismuth oxide effects on optical, structural, mechanical, and radiation shielding features of borosilicate glasses

Four glasses were synthesized using traditional melting and then the annealing process to study the possible enhancement effects of heavy metals like Bi2O3 on the borosilicate glass system for the composition ((50-x)B2O3–5SiO2–40MgO-xBi2O3 where x = 5, 10, 15, and 20). The structural features were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Many physical and mechanical parameters have been studied. Optical absorption was measured for all samples to investigate direct and indirect transitions for optical band gap energy (Eg) and Urbach’s energy (EU) and extract various optical properties. The well-known Phy-X simulation was utilized to achieve the study’s goal of calculating the shielding parameters of various gamma energies. Based on XRD results, the amorphous nature of all samples was observed. Adding Bi2O3 instead of the B2O3 side improves the ionizing radiation shielding properties and glass transparency. For example, the MAC values at 15 keV increased from 34.75244 to 73.80841 cm2/g with adding Bi2O3. At the same time, the glass transparency rose from 62 % to 72 %. In contrast, adding Bi2O3 reduced the glass stability according to mechanical and structural properties results. For example, Young’s modulus reduced from 88.745 to 62.109 GPa with increasing Bi2O3. The packing density (Vt) also decreased from 0.606 to 0.468. Based on the results, the current glass is valid for use in a radiation shielding field.

Improving the photoelectrochemical performance of WO3 photoelectrodes by controlling the pH and Na+ ion concentration through varying the number of H2WO4 precipitate washing treatments

In this study, WO3 thin-film photoelectrodes were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using the spin coating method. The H2WO4 precipitate underwent various washing treatments to prepare the Na2WO4 precursor solution, which was subsequently used for growing photoelectrodes. We found that washing with the H2WO4 precipitate changed the Na + ion concentration and pH of the precursor solution containing the H2WO4 precipitate and subsequently affected the thickness, X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak intensity, optical energy bandgap, flat-band potential, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the WO3 photoelectrode. In particular, the Na + ions in the H2WO4 precipitate solution negatively affected the PEC properties by causing photogenerated electron–hole recombination and worsening the adhesion between the substrate and the WO3 thin film. Therefore, H2WO4 precipitate washing treatment is crucial for reducing the Na + ion concentration in solutions containing H2WO4 precipitate. Consequently, among the samples grown using different numbers of washing treatments, the sample grown using 12 precipitate washing treatment cycles exhibited the highest photocurrent density of 1.37 mA/cm2 and a photostability of 97.5 %. In this study, the morphological, structural, optical, electrical, and PEC properties of WO3 photoelectrodes subjected to H2WO4 precipitate washing treatment were systematically analyzed.

Optical characterizations of densely doped Tm3+:KYW crystals at low temperatures

We investigate the optical lifetime, decay characteristics, spectral linewidth and energy level properties of thulium ions doped in a KY(WO 4 ) 2 crystal at 4 K temperature. High doping concentration of thulium ions with inhomogeneous broadening allow us to study nonradiative behaviors, instantaneous spectral diffusion, and spectral power broadening in this solid-state material. The theoretical consideration of ion–ion interactions is shown to accurately characterize the absorption, decay and other spectral behaviors of Tm 3+ ions. We observe more than ten-fold reduction in the decay time of 3H4 state and about three-fold reduction in the spectral-hole lifetime as we approach the center of the inhomogeneous broadening, corresponding to higher optical densities.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO2 with Pectin and Their Efficiency in Solar Cells Sensitized by Quantum Dots.

In this study, titanium oxide TiO2 nanoparticles were produced using the sol-gel approach of green synthesis with pectin as the reducing agent. The synthetized TiO2 nanoparticles with pectin were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), visible light absorption (UV-Vis) and the BET method. The structure and morphology of the TiO2 powder were described with SEM, revealing uniform monodisperse grains with a distribution of 80% regarding sizes < 250 nm; the resulting crystal phase of synthetized TiO2 was identified as an anatase and rutile phase with a crystallinity size estimated between 27 and 40 nm. Also, the surface area was determined by nitrogen adsorption-desorption using the Brown-Emmet-Teller method, with a surface area calculated as 19.56 m2/g, typical of an IV type isotherm, indicating mesoporous NPs. UV-Vis spectra showed that sol-gel synthesis reduced the band gap from the 3.2 eV common value to 2.22 eV after estimating the optical band gap energy using the adsorption coefficient; this translates to a possible extended photo response to the visible region, improving photoactivity. In addition, the power conversion of the photoelectrode was compared based on similar assembly techniques of TiO2 electrode deposition. Quantum dot crystals were deposited ionically on the electrode surface, as two different paste formulations based on a pectin emulsifier were studied for layer deposition. The results confirm that the TiO2 paste with TiO2-synthesized powder maintained good connections between the nanocrystalline mesoporous grains and the deposited layers, with an efficiency of 1.23% with the transparent paste and 2.27% with the opaque paste. These results suggest that pectin could be used as a low-cost, functional sol-gel catalysis agent for the synthesis of controlled NPs of metal oxide. It demonstrates interesting optical properties, such as an increase in photo response, suggesting further applications to photocatalysts and biomedical features.

Elaboration, Structural and Optical Characterization of the New Ternary Chalcogenide SnSb&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;S&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt;

In this study, -antimony sulfide (SnSb2S5) thin films with 200 nm, 312 nm, and 431 nm thicknesses were successfully fabricated using thermal evaporation. These films' structural, optical, and photoanode properties were meticulously characterized to assess their suitability for photovoltaic applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of an orthorhombic symmetry phase within the &lt;em&gt;Pnma&lt;/em&gt; space group, ensuring the crystalline quality of the films. Raman spectroscopy further validated the crystal structure and provided detailed identification of the vibrational active modes specific to this pseudo-binary chalcogenide compound. Optical characterization revealed that the SnSb&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;S&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt; thin films possess direct optical bandgap energies ranging from 1.91 to 1.99 eV, making them ideal for efficient light absorption in photovoltaic devices. The refractive index (n) displayed minimal variation within the absorption region, indicating stable optical properties. At the same time, it increased proportionally with film thickness outside the absorption region, suggesting enhanced optical behavior with thicker films. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for improving the efficiency of photoanode materials. The combination of favorable structural properties, optimal bandgap energies, and tunable optical responses positions SnSb&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;S&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt; thin films as promising candidates for advanced photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. These findings highlight the potential of SnSb&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;S&lt;sub&gt;5&lt;/sub&gt; in developing high-performance photoanodes, contributing to the advancement of solar energy conversion technologies.

Investigation of physicochemical characteristics of Dy3+ modified ZnO nanoparticles

In this report, pristine and Dy3+ modified ZnO nanoparticles [Zn(1-x)DyxO NPs, where x = 0, 0.05, and 0.10] were synthesized using the sol–gel route, and their physicochemical characteristics were investigated. x-ray diffractograms of all the compositions possess P63mc space group depicting hexagonal crystallinity with wurtzite-type crystal structure with no signature of impurities as confirmed using the Rietveld refinement technique. The granular microstructure displayed grain growth with Dy3+ incorporation in the ZnO crystal framework and an increment in average grain size was found to be 22.83 nm for x = 0 to 36.34 nm. The optical energy band gap also increased from 3.35 eV to 3.88 eV with Dy3+ doping in the host ZnO. Dy3+ substitution inhibits the conduction in ZnO and improves the resistivity (36 Ωcm–79 Ωcm) as carrier concentration diminishes from 7.36 × 1016 cm−3 to 4.23 × 1016 cm−3. Similarly, the mean free path length for ZnO and Dy3+ doped ZnO NPs declines from 0.0301 nm to 0.0198 nm. Dielectric properties of all the compositions were investigated using an LCR impedance analyzer and it was observed that Dy3+ substitution enhances the value of the dielectric constant from 32 to 91 with a low tangent loss at 50 Hz.

Influence of a plasma focus device on the structural and optical properties of highly conductive AZO thin films

In the present work, we deposited Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on microscope glass slides at different pressures (5, 10, 20, and 30 mTorr) using an EAEA-PFD (Plasma Focus Device of the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority) without any extra heat treatment. Argon gas provided the radiant energy needed to form a crystalline AZO film. This study investigated the deposition and features of AZO thin films. The impact of changes in work pressure on the microstructure, morphology, and optical attributes of AZO films was reported. The results demonstrated that varying the work pressure significantly affects the microstructure, morphology, crystallinity, optical absorbance, and optical energy gap. The microstructure and morphology were evaluated through XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical properties were analyzed using a UVvis double-beam spectrophotometer within a wavelength range from 300 to 1100 nm. XRD patterns indicating a zinc-blende structure and the Williamson–Hall approach were used to estimate the structural parameters. The estimated trend in the particle size of the AZO film demonstrates a decrease from 82 ± 5 nm to 48 ± 5 nm as the pressure increases. The calculated energy gap, Egopt, increases from 3.53 eV to 3.69 eV with increasing work pressure. The conductivities in terms of both optical and electrical decreased with increasing work pressure of the AZO films.

Influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the structural and photocatalytic properties of three-dimensional PVA/g-C3N4 polymer films

This study introduces a novel polymer nanocomposite film of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and zirconia (ZrO2), created via solution casting for effective water remediation of organic dyes. The film shows significant potential for enhancing pollutant removal efficiency and offering a sustainable solution for water reuse. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, UV–vis, TGA, and FESEM-EDX indicated strong interfacial interactions among PVA, ZrO2, and g-C3N4. XPS and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed a reduction in the optical energy gap from 4.8 to 3.95 eV, enhancing photocatalytic activity. SEM confirmed uniform dispersion of ZrO2 and g-C3N4 within the PVA matrix. Kinetic studies of methylene blue (MB) degradation under solar irradiation at neutral pH showed rate constants (k) of 0.0032 min−1, 0.0094 min−1, 0.0383 min−1, and 0.0816 min−1 for PVA, PVA/(0.003)ZrO2/g-C3N4, PVA/(0.007)ZrO2/g-C3N4, and PVA/(0.01)ZrO2/g-C3N4, respectively. The corresponding half-life times (t1/2) were 216.6 min, 73.7 min, 18.1 min, and 8.5 min, with photodegradation efficiencies of 10 %, 75.2 %, 90 %, and 95 %. This recyclable nanocomposite polymer, PVA/ZrO2/g-C3N4, shows promise for effective decontamination of organic pollutants in water, presenting an innovative approach for advanced remediation and secure wastewater recycling.This work is crucial for society as it contributes to solving the global challenge of water pollution, ensuring access to clean and safe water.