Optical Gap Values Research Articles

New complexes of [5,10,15,20-(tetraphenylporphyrin)] and dichloride (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato) antimony(V) hexachloridoantimonate(V) functionalized with polyethyleneimine: Synthesis, characterization, and application in Eriochrome Black T adsorption from water

In the current work, new complexes namely [5,10,15,20 (tetraphenylporphyrin)] /Polyethyleneimine (H2TPP-PEI) and Dichlorido(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)antimony(V) hexachloridoantimonate(V)/Polyethyleneimine ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI) were successfully prepared and characterized. The prepared compounds were thoroughly analysed using 1H NMR, UV, XRD, XRF, TGA-DTA, SEM, and EDAX. SEM analysis showed that the addition of polyethyleneimine to the porphyrin core clearly changed the morphological properties. The optical gap values were calculated using the tauc plot method and were equal to 1.877, 2.030, 1.862, and 2.017 eV for H2TPP, [Sb(TPP)Cl2] [SbCl6], H2TPP-PEI and ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI), respectively. The existence of sharp peaks at 2θ between 16° and 80° displayed the crystalline nature of the prepared porphyrinic compounds. The change in thermal decompositions for H2TPP, [Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6], H2TPP-PEI and ([Sb(TPP)Cl2][SbCl6]-PEI) revealed that the addition of polyethyleneimine to porphyrin affected the thermal characteristics. The prepared complexes were, further, investigated for the adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (an anionic dye) from water. Highest adsorption capacities were accomplished using [Sb(TPP)(Cl2)]-PEI (164 mg/g) and H2TPP-PEI (82 mg/g) under the following experimental conditions (pH = 5, temperature = 19 °C, time = 60 min). However, the adsorption capacities remains poor for H2TPP and Sn(TPP)(Cl2). The adsorption data complied well with pseudo second order, Freundlich, and Temkin equations. Overall, the adsorption results had confirmed that polyethyleneimine functionalized porphyrins could be used as a proficient adsorbent of anionic dyes from water.

Optimisation, dielectric properties, and antibacterial efficacy of copper-grafted MgO nanoparticles synthesized via sol-gel method

This is the first study to optimize magnesium oxide nanoparticles by grafting copper as an effective antibacterial against prevalent pathogenic microorganisms, which were synthesized by sol-gel method with a particle size of 11–17 nm. At a preparation temperature of 70 °C, copper was added at rates of 2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, 7.5 wt% and 10 wt%. The particles were heated at 600 °C. Nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectrum, Raman, TGA-DTA, SEM, EDX, zeta potential and TEM. XRD study revealed the crystal structure of the space group of MgO nanoparticles is cubic. Optical measurements yielded optical gap values falling within the range of 2.35 eV, which was reduced to 2.20 eV. The presence of the copper dopants in the MgO host lattice was confirmed by FTIR analysis. It reveals the existence of Mg-O-Cu, Mg-O, and Mg-O-Mg bonds. Additionally, the dielectric and electrical characterization of MgO was conducted using complex impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10–106 Hz and conductivity measurements across a temperature range of 60–380 °C. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant showed both frequency-dependent and temperature-dependent behaviors. Notably, the variations observed in the imaginary component of the modulus and impedance at the maximum frequency indicates a relaxation process that is not of the Debye type, with calculated activation energies (Ea). Moreover, the samples were evaluated against various bacteria, including, -ve gram (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and +ve gram (Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia) using two different techniques. Studies have shown that copper-containing samples exhibit resistance to these bacteria. These findings suggest that the samples have potential as useful biomaterials in nanobiotechnology.

Synthesis of Cu-SnO<sub>3</sub> NCs by Photo Irradiation Method for Removal Tartrazine Dye Yellow in Aqueous Solutions

Background: Copper tin oxide (Cu-SnO3) is a cheap and easily accessible tunable that has a 2.5-5 eV bandgap. It is a desirable semi-conductor because of these components for a number of applications, including transparent conducting oxides, transistors, solar cells and photocatalytic. Objective: The aim of this research is to increase the rate of yellow dye removal percentage efficiency by using Photo Irradiation Method that rate was determined between (59 to 76) % by the simple chemical method. Methods: Photo irradiation method used to synthesis Cu-SnO3 from precursor materials, the solution is irradiated by photocell for 30min with cooling (5°C) then drop sodium hydroxide (4 g in 100 ml) then washed, isolated by centrifugation for 20 minutes, grinding the dried powder and calcinated at (450 °C). Results: The crystallite size and the crystal structure of Cu-SnO3 NPs are (43-8.2) nm with a tetragonal structure. Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results displayed the formation of spherical and semispherical and an average size of (35.97 - 74.43) nm. The optical energy gap value (Eg) is 5 eV. It is clear from the disappearance of tartrazine’s yellow hue in an aqueous solution that the combination was shaken at 298 K and 185 rpm. Conclusions: Prove that the removal percentage process by a photo-irradiation method is more effective than other used methods.

The comparative study of the empirical and DFT theoretical properties of ZnSnO3 perovskite nanoparticles

The composites of zinc tin oxide (ZTO) are lead-free materials, categorized as piezoelectric nanoparticles, and have a variety of multifunctional applications. These materials exhibit a lot of potential for a range of uses. Therefore, to prepare the aqueous solutions of ZnSnO3 and Zn2SnO4 and investigate the experimental structural and optical properties of ZTO materials, this work employed two different chemical reaction paths. ZTO materials are created via a straightforward chemical reaction process in which chemical route (I) combines tetravalent tin chloride with divalent zinc chloride. ZTO materials are generated via the employment of divalent zinc chloride and divalent tin chloride in chemical route II. The structural characteristics and composition of the material were investigated using XRD analysis. The materials were discovered to have hexagonal perovskites and a cubic structure. Furthermore, examining the optical characteristics led to estimating the optical energy gap values (Eg = 3.6 and 3.9) eV for the hexagonal and cubic perovskite structures, respectively. The paper also compares experimental results with theoretical findings obtained with the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) software’s Density Function Theory (DFT) approximation. Theoretical and empirical results were closely analyzed and contrasted.

Structural and Photometric Study of cool White Light Emitting Dy(III) Complexes Sensitized with β-diketone for Lighting Applications.

The present paper reports synthesis of five Dy(III) complexes with bidentate ligand (3-benzylidene-2,4-pentanedione) and auxiliary ligands i.e. 2,2'-bipyridyl (bipy), 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dmbipy), neocuproine (neo) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). The structural and photometric parameters of the complexes were investigated through 1H NMR, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared, photoluminescence and ultra-violet visible spectroscopy. The optical energy gap values validated their role in semiconducting devices. These complexes exhibit suitable thermal stability revealing their utility in fabrication of white OLEDs. The emission profile of Dy(III) complexes displayed peaks at 575nm (yellow emission) and 484nm (blue emission) accredited to 4F9/2→4H13/2,15/2 transitions of dysprosium ion. The decay curve exhibit monoexponential behaviour suggesting the existence of one luminescent centre in dysprosium complexes. Moreover, their CCT and CIE coordinates value authenticate them as cool white light emitting complexes.

Tailoring the Structure, Optical and Shielding Characteristics of ZnMn2O4 Nanostructures through Sn-Doping

The current study aims to tailor the structure, optical and shielding characteristics of ZnMn2O4 nanostructures through Sn-doping. ZnMn2−xSnxO4 nanostructures were synthesized by the sol-gel technique. The sample containing 5% Sn exhibits the highest level of absorbance. ZnMn2−xSnxO4 system exhibits a maximum optical energy gap value of 2.55 eV when doped with 10% Sn, and a minimum optical energy gap value of 2.23 eV when doped with 5% Sn. The refractive index values of the samples containing 5 and 10% Sn are the highest in comparison to the other samples. The values of the non-linear optical parameters became maximum as x = 0.05. The radiation shielding constants were computed by Phy-X/PSD software. The half value length and tenth value length values reduced as ZnMn2O4 doped with Sn, implying that doped samples have better shielding capabilities than undoped ZnMn2O4. When compared to doped samples, ZnMn2O4 has the highest fast neutron removal cross-section value. ZnMn2-xSnxO4 samples demonstrate a greater rate of absorption for photons with lower energy as opposed to those with higher energy.

Effect of Ce-doping on the structural, optical and photoluminescence characteristics of nano Zn0.75Cd0.25S

Nano Zn0.75CexCd0.25S samples with different doping amounts of cerium (x = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) were synthesized using the thermolysis approach. The possibility of Ce ion incorporation into the ZnS0.75Cd0.25S lattice either substitutionally for Zn/Cd or interstitially into the voids of the lattice was examined using Rietveld refinement analysis based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The lattice parameters, crystallite size and microstrain of the formed samples were computed. Particles with homogeneous spherical morphology can be seen using TEM technique with nano size of 2–4 nm, approving the values obtained from XRD. The optical properties of the prepared samples were examined by the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy technique. The optical energy gap value of Zn0.75Cd0.25S is 2.79 eV. As the Ce content rose, this value decreased until it reached 2.68 eV. The refractive index (n) values derived from numerous models, along with the average n values for all samples were calculated. The incorporation of Ce doping into nano Zn0.75-xCexCd0.25S samples results in an increase in their dielectric constants, suggesting their potential role for energy storage applications. With a rise in Ce doping, the non-linear optical parameters of Zn0.75-xCexCd0.25S were improved. Gaussian function fitting was used to decompose the photoluminescence (PL) emission of different samples. Upon doping with Ce, a noticeable reduction in the PL intensity was observed. The sample without any doping showed a cyan color, whereas the doped samples exhibited a cyan-green color.

Optical and dielectric features of PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/TBAI polymers for optoelectronic and energy storage applications

Zinc cobalt oxide is considered a highly desirable substance for use in a wide range of applications, particularly supercapacitors. In this study, polyvinyl chloride/zinc cobalt oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/x wt % tetrabutylammonium iodide (PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt % TBAI) composite polymers were fabricated using casting and hydrothermal approaches. The resulting composites were then analyzed to determine their structure, optical properties, and dielectric characteristics. The structure of ZnCo2O4 and PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI were studied using the X-ray diffraction technique. The morphologies of doped polymer were investigated using SEM technique. The impact of ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI filler samples on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of PVC polymer has been analyzed through UV diffused reflectance measurements. The doped samples could serve as effective shields against ultraviolet radiation across different wavelengths (UVA, UVB, UVC) and a highly effective material for absorbing solar energy in solar cells. The lowest optical energy gap values are attained (3.77, 3.03) and (3.32, 2.55) eV for the direct and indirect optical band gaps in PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/3 wt% TBAI polymer, respectively. The largest refractive index value at 600 nm was observed in the doped polymer with 6 wt% TBAI. The fluorescence emission spectra and dielectric properties of the PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI polymers are also studied. The highest electrical dielectric constant was achieved in the ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/9 wt% TBAI polymer. It follows that the PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt % TBAI has the ability to open up new possibilities for use in optoelectronic devices.

Influence of Bi3+ ions on structural, morphology, elemental, vibrational, optical, magnetic, NLO and optical limiting properties of lanthanum ferrites nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of LaFe1-xBixO3 were successfully synthesized through the microwave combustion process (MCP) employing l-alanine as the fuel source. XRD and FT-IR analyses conclusively confirmed the orthorhombic structure of lanthanum ferrite, with the mean crystallite size varying between 56.32 and 25.43 nm. The optical energy gap value, calculated from UV–vis spectra, fell within the range of 1.84 to 2.49 eV. EDX analyses verified the presence of Bi, La, Fe, and O elements. Furthermore, FE-SEM images exhibited the nanoparticles' distinctive aggregated spherical morphology. Notably, VSM analysis showcased the robust diamagnetic behavior of LaFe1-xBixO3 nanoparticles. In photoluminescence's spectra, the samples underwent excitation with a wavelength of 315 nm. The values of Hc (coercivity) and Mr (remanence) fell within the range of 121.98 to 332.39 Oe and 0.1592 to 0.0907 emu/g for LaFe1-xBixO3 respectively. Z-scan experiments yielded values for the nonlinear susceptibility, index of nonlinear refraction, and coefficient of nonlinear absorption. The findings from optical limiting studies serve as additional verification, underscoring the suitability of these materials as promising options for integration into devices, including optical switches and optical power limiters.

Structural, optical, and dielectric properties of aminated PMMA/GO polymer nanocomposite for storage device applications

A series of aminated PMMA/GO polymer nanocomposite (PNG) were synthesized by solution mixing in two step process. The synthesized PNG samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Thermo-gravimetric, differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and impedance spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicated the existence of crystalline nature in PMMA and the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) which is also confirmed by TGA and DTA results. The interaction between graphene oxide nanoparticles and the functionalized polymer matrix has been validated using FTIR investigations. The SEM and EDAX measurements demonstrated the homogeneous dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) over the surface of the produced samples. The UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical energy gap values of nano composites decrease as the amount of graphene oxide nanoparticles increases. All samples exhibited higher relative permittivity at low frequencies which is a key factor for high energy density. As the concentration of GO increases, the maximum peak of dielectric loss tangent also shifted to higher frequency due to increase in interfaces. The β relaxation is dominant in non-polar PMMA due to the functionalisation and dispersion of GO. The AC conductivity values increased with increase in concentration of GO. The single semicircle in plot from impedance spectroscopy and the drop in bulk resistance values of PNG samples made them as a good material for energy storage devices like supercapacitors.

Enhancement the linear/nonlinear optical and magnetic properties of ZnCo2O4 nanostructures through Ni/Fe dual doping

Nano Zn0.9Ni0.1Co2-xFexO4 samples were prepared using the hydrothermal procedure in order to enhance the functional characteristics of ZnCo2O4 sample. The structural and microstructural parameters of the prepared samples were determined through Rietveld and FTIR analyses. The morphologies and compositions of the samples were examined by SEM and EDS techniques. Upon Ni2+ doping, the bandgap energy of nano ZnCo2O4 decreased from 2.22 eV to 3.61 eV–2.18 eV and 3.51 eV. Doping with Fe caused a slight decrease in bandgap energy for x = 0.05, then an increase for a higher content of Fe. Several empirical equations were used to determine the refractive index from the corresponding obtained optical energy gap values. As the Fe content rose to 5 %, the value of refractive index and nonlinear optical parameters increased; thereafter, it declined with additional Fe doping. The photoluminescence technique was used to analyze defects and processes of charge carrier recombination in the samples. ZnCo2O4 sample exhibits paramagnetic performance. With the addition of Ni to ZnCo2O4, the magnetic characteristics of the sample became superparamagnetic. Samples doped with Ni and various quantities of Fe exhibit a weak ferromagnetic behavior. The effect of doping on the magnetic transition, coercivity, saturation magnetization and remanent magnetization was explored.

Photoluminescence tuning of terbium tris-1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexanedione complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic, thermal and electrochemical analyses

The set of four ternary coordination compounds of terbium were prepared with diketone 1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexanedione (TFDH) and four different neutral ligands (L) having formula [Tb(TFDH)3L]. Resulting compounds were characterized using different techniques including NUV absorption studies, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, electrochemical and thermal analyses. PL spectra confirmed the green luminescence of synthesized complexes by exhibiting characteristic dominant 5D4 → 7F5 peak around 545 nm. Electronic and optical energy gap values lying at ∼3.5 eV reveals their potential to use in semiconductor materials. All the spectral results are in good agreement with each other and highlight their utility in lighting, biomedical imaging and sensors etc.

Determination of the Optical Band gap Energy from the Extraction and Evaporation of Anthocyanin Compound Sea Lettuce (Ulva Lactuca L.) Using Tauc Plot Method

The optical energy gap of anthocyanin compounds from sea lettuce extract (Ulva lactuca L.) has been calculated using the Tauc plot method. Sea lettuce plants taken at Sanur Beach Bali. The sea lettuce was dried then mashed and extracted for 24 hours, the last being macerated through three cycles. The extraction results are then evaporated to obtain a thick extract solution. Extracted and evaporated-extraction samples were characterized by UV-Vis in the wavelength range of 200-800 nm. From the characterization results, it was found that the absorption of anthocyanin compounds for the extracted samples was at a wavelength of 268 and 412 nm. Meanwhile, for the extraction-evaporation sample, the absorption is at a wavelength of 286.5 and 408 nm. By using the Tauc plot method, the optical energy gap values ??for the extracted and extraction-evaporated samples were 2.69 and 2.54 eV, respectively. Therefore, anthocyanin compounds from both extracted and evaporation-extracted samples qualify as dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for TiO2 semiconductors.

Investigation of novel, green synthesized and photocatalytic Sn-doped MoO3 nanomaterial for the degradation of methyl orange

Nowadays, water resources are being contaminated owe to the waste organic pollutants. A novel Sn-doped MoO3 nanomaterial was developed in the presence of extract from the skin of Capsicum annuum fruit to decontaminate the waste water by degrading this organic pollutant. For the preparation of these nanomaterials, a facile green synthesis approach was adopted by using Capsicum annuum extract. The as designed nanomaterials were thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) techniques. The photocatalytic activity of as designed nanomaterials was observed against the methyl orange (MO) a model dye under the irradiation of visible light. The results obtained from the characterization of these nanomaterials have shown reduced sized particles with cone, sphere and rod like morphologies. In comparison to pure MoO3 prepared without extract (Sample-1) and MoO3 prepared with extract (Sample-2), the Sn-doped MoO3 prepared in the presence of extract (Sample-3) has shown a reduced optical energy bang gap value i.e 2.84 eV and an enhanced photocatalytic activity against MO i.e about 95%. This optimized sample has also shown a low charges recombination rates. This excellent photocatalytic performance is credited to the increased active sites owe to the development of large surface area and a significant decrease in the recombination rate of charge carriers along with a reasonable decrease in optical band gap. These results have exhibited a boosted photocatalytic performance of this material in visible light region.

Third order nonlinearity examined by pulsed and CW lasers: an organic urea barbituric acid (UBA) single crystal for optical limiting application with DFT study

Bulk size of urea barbituric acid single crystal which has not been reported earlier was successfully grown by slow evaporation solution growth method. Single-crystal XRD brought out the lattice constant and the crystal system is observed to be monoclinic with space group P. Functional group of UBA were determined by FT-IR. UBA crystal is entirely visible from 270 to 900 nm with linear optical energy gap value to be 4.50 eV. The observed HOMO–LUMO energy gap was 5.21 eV. Thermally, UBA crystal is found to be stable up to 184˚°C. The Cp value of UBA increases from 1.21 to 1.58 J g−1K−1 with the temperature difference from 30 to 100˚°C. UBA shows good photoconductive nature and it found to be positive and Laser Damage Threshold (LDT) value of UBA crystal is 0.97 GW cm−2. Hardness testing confirms that UBA crystal belongs to soft nature category. Dielectric properties of UBA crystal are studied as a function of frequency and temperature. Third order NLO properties of the UBA crystal were studied under CW and pulsed lasers (ns) regimes using Z-scan technique. Good Optical limiting (OL) response (2.2860 х 1012 W/m2) confirms the efficiency of UBA crystal to be used as optical limiters for protection towards short pulse lasers.

New iodate fluoride Rb2Ce(IO3)5F with nonlinear optical properties.

New noncentrosymmetric cerium(IV) iodate fluoride Rb2Ce(IO3)5F was prepared employing a hydrothermal technique. The compound crystallizes in the Cmc21 space group (#36) with cell parameters a = 11.1518(6) Å, b = 8.1187(4) Å and c = 17.1581(10) Å. The crystal structure of Rb2Ce(IO3)5F consists of layers composed of 8-vertex CeO7F and 7-vertex Rb(1)O7 and Rb(2)O6F polyhedra interconnected by I(2)O3 groups. These layers are stitched by trigonal pyramidal I(1)O3 and I(3)O3 groups into a 3D framework. Synthesized iodate fluoride is thermally stable in air up to 430 °C. According to DFT calculations, Rb2Ce(IO3)5F is a direct-gap semiconductor with a band gap of ca. 2.33 eV. This value is in good agreement with an estimated optical gap value of 2.35 eV. The important feature of Rb2Ce(IO3)5F is the ability to generate a second optical harmonic signal comparable to that of KH2PO4.

Synthesis and Characterization ofZrO2:ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Induced Plasma

n this research, we looked at how laser energy affected the structural and optical characteristics of ZrO2:ZnO thin films at mixing ratios(0.1, 0.2, 0.3and0.4) that were applied on glass slides using the pulse laser deposition technique (PLD). Nd:YAG laser was utilized with a wavelength of 1064 nm, a pulse width of 9 ns, and an energy of 320 mJ. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that all the films had a polycrystalline hexagonal crystal structure. AFM was used to measure the topography of the film's surface, and the results revealed that the average roughness and grain size increased. After analyzing the optical characteristics of each film, it was discovered that the absorption coefficient in the 200–1000 nm wavelength range increases at 320 mJ of laser energy and that the optical energy gap value for indirect permitted transitions decreases between 3.58 and 3.4eV

Structural, optical, elemental and photometric properties of Sm3+ activated Ca3Ga4O9 oxide phosphors for WLEDs

Solid-state lighting systems rely on the exceptional characteristics of phosphor-converted LEDs, including long lifetime, low energy consumption, and high brightness. This study focuses on the synthesis of Sm3+ activated Ca3Ga4O9 (CGO: Sm3+) orange-red emitting oxide phosphors using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the nature of bonding with the dopant ion and oxidative states of the elements in the structure. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed agglomerated particles with a flake-like structure in the Sm3+ doped sample. The optical properties of the samples were investigated using UV-Visible diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence excitation and emission analyses. The Sm3+ doped samples showed maximum excitation at 404 nm and 479 nm, with corresponding energy level transitions of 6H5/2 - 6P3/2 and 6H5/2 - 4I11/2, respectively. Emission spectra exhibited four emission maxima at 564, 601, 645, and 708 nm, representing the 4G5/2 - 6H5/2, 4G5/2-6H7/2, 4G5/2-6H9/2, and 4G5/2-6H11/2 transitions of Sm3+ ions. The Kubelka-Munk function was used to calculate the optical energy gap values. Photometric parameters, including color coordinates, correlated color temperature, and color purity, were determined. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of CGO: Sm3+ were found in the orange-red region, indicating its potential as a promising candidate for use in phosphor-converted white LEDs applications. The study concludes that Sm3+ activated CGO phosphors have great potential for use in solid-state lighting systems.

Optical characterization of aluminum doped Cadmium selenide thin film irradiated by IR-laser

The optical properties of a cadmium selenide (CdSe) film doped with aluminum (Al) at a rate of (3%) have been studied. It was deposited on glass substrates at 250 K with a thickness of 0.15 µm and a deposition rate of 2± 0.1 m.sec-1 using a thermal evaporation technique to create the compound. The optical characteristics of the produced film were investigated after being subjected to irradiation by 50 mW, 1064 nm IR laser for 15 minutes at a distance of 0.5 m. Through monitoring the absorbance and transmission spectra of prepared thin film across the wavelength range (190-1100 nm), the optical energy gap value for the permitted direct electronic transitions was determined, and the absorption and reflectivity coefficients were computed and investigated. The optical experiments included computing the optical constants, and result explained that the optical energy gap decreased from (1.76 eV) to (1.64 eV) following irradiation (extinction coefficient, refractive index, and absorption coefficient).

Synthesis, optical characteristics, and gamma-ray protection competence evaluation of polyvinyl chloride reinforced basalt nanocomposites

In this study, new PVC (polyvinyl chloride) polymers doped with different contents of basalt nanoparticles have been prepared. The PVC was mixed with concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 50 wt%) of basalt nanoparticles utilizing the casting method. The samples coded as PB0.0, PB5.0, PB10.0, PB15.0, PB20.0, and PB50.0. The density of the casted samples increased from 1.38 to 2.18 g/cm3 with increasing basalt nanoparticle concentrations. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the prepared samples showed a good dispersion with small basalt concentrations in the while some agglomerations were found with the highest basalt concentrations in the mixture. The values of the direct optical energy gap varied from 3.0 to 3.5 eV, while the refractive index values changed from 2.39 to 2.27. The gamma-ray shielding parameters were evaluated using the Phy-X/PSD software program as well as the MCNP – code. The most critical results showed that the linear-attenuation coefficient (μ) increased from 14.421 to 23.862 cm−1 (at 0.015 MeV), and from 0.030 to 0.048 cm−1 (at 15 MeV) for PB0.0 and PB50.0 samples, respectively. Moreover, the evaluation of other gamma - ray shielding characteristics showed an enhancement with the addition of the basalt nanoparticles. Besides, neutron cross section was also calculated, and results revealed that PB0.0 is 0.086 cm−1 and PB50.0 is 0.104 cm−1. Finally, the obtained results concluded that the γ -ray, and neutron shielding capacities were enhanced with the increase in basalt nanocomposites amount in the fabricated composites.