Structural Properties Research Articles

First principle study of structural and optoelectronic properties of ZnLiX3 (X = Cl or F) perovskites

The zinc-based perovskites ZnLiX3 (X = Cl or F) were investigated for their structural, electronic, and optical properties using the WIEN2k package within density functional theory (DFT). Structural properties were calculated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), while the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential was applied for a more accurate description of the optical and electronic properties. Both compounds are confirmed to be stable, crystallizing in the cubic Pm-3 m (No. 221) space group. ZnLiCl3 has an indirect band gap of 0.30 eV between the Γ and M symmetry points, indicating semiconducting behaviour, while ZnLiF3 exhibits an indirect band gap of 5.45 eV, typical of an insulating material. The electronic states contributing to the band structure were analyzed using the total density of states (TDOS) and partial density of states (PDOS). Optical properties, evaluated in the energy range of 0–14 eV, reveal strong optical conductivity and absorption at higher energies, while both materials show transparency to lower-energy photons. These findings suggest that ZnLiCl3 and ZnLiF3 are suitable candidates for high-frequency UV optoelectronic device applications.

P-type doped AlxGa1-xAs nanowire photocathode: A theoretical perspective on structural and optoelectronic properties

In this work, the effect of p-type doping on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of AlxGa1-xAs nanowires are investigated by first-principles calculations. Different doping elements (Be, Mg, Zn), doping methods (interstitial and substitution doping) and doping concentration are considered. The calculations of formation energy suggest that the structural stability of p-type AlxGa1-xAs nanowires is gradually weaken as the rise of doping concentration and Al composition. Besides, the difficulty of forming substitution doping for different doping elements obeys the following order: Be<Mg<Zn. In addition, the substitution doping atom tends to replace Ga atom rather than Al atom to form substitution doping structure. After substitution doping, all energy bands shift to higher energy region due to the orbital hybridization of electronic states induced by impurity atom and nanowire atoms. Moreover, the substitution doping leads to the Fermi level entering into the valence band, resulting in obviously p-type conductivity. The p-type modulation doping is indeed effective in the axial type AlxGa1-xAs nanowires with p-type carrier concentration varying between 1.85×1020 cm-3 and 4.42×1020 cm-3, and the conductivity will be further enhanced with increasing substitution doping concentration or Al composition. Finally, the optical absorption of AlxGa1-xAs nanowire photocathodes can be effectively enhanced through BeGa doping. Our findings not only present a comprehensive understanding of p-type doping mechanism of AlxGa1-xAs nanowires, but also provide a theoretical basis for preparing AlxGa1-xAs nanowire based photoelectric devices with p-type properties.

Insights into the Therapeutic and Pharmacological Properties of Resveratrol as a Nutraceutical Antioxidant Polyphenol in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic derivative with herbal origin. It has attracted considerable attention in recent decades. Many studies have revealed the benefits of Resveratrol over several human disease models, including heart and neurological diseases, nephroprotective, immune regulation, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, age-related diseases, antiviral, and anticancer in experimental and clinical conditions. Recently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Resveratrol have been observed, and it has been shown that Resveratrol reduces inflammatory biomarkers, such as tissue degradation factor, cyclooxygenase 2, nitric oxide synthase, and interleukins. All of these activities appear to be dependent on its structural properties, such as the number and position of the hydroxyl group, which regulates oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Resveratrol is well tolerated and safe even at higher pharmacological doses and desirably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic diseases. Consequently, it is plausible that Resveratrol can be regarded as a beneficial nutritional additive and a complementary drug, particularly for therapeutic applications. The present review provides an overview of currently available investigations on preventive and therapeutic characteristics and the main molecular mechanisms of Resveratrol and its potent derivatives in various diseases. Thus, this review would enhance knowledge and information about Resveratrol and encourage researchers worldwide to consider it as a pharmaceutical drug to struggle with future health crises against different human disorders.

Photon Sensitizer by Amalgamation of SrTiO3 and Dyes from Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius with Different pH Values for the Extensive Sustainability of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

By using the co-sensitization process, which involves combining dyes with perovskite materials, improvements in panchromatic light-harvesting and photovoltaic performance are reported for DSSC. This study aims to explore the effect of natural extract of Chaya tree spinach mixed with undoped SrTiO3 perovskite. Dyes were extracted from the leaves of Chaya tree spinach (Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius) leaves. An undoped SrTiO3 is synthesized via solid state method and mixed with TiO2 and dyes of Chaya spinach in order to fabricate solar cells. The prepared samples were characterized by structural properties by XRD and also optical properties by UV (DRS) for SrTiO3, UV-Vis and FTIR studies for the extracted dyes. The effect of the natural dye’s extracts containing chlorophyll a from Chaya tree spinach along with SrTiO3 was investigated for the performance of J-V characterization in which the cell made with SrTiO3 + natural dyes of pH maintained at 10 had shown better efficiency of about 1.691% in light with 3.4939 mA/cm2 of Jsc and 0.6023 Voc.

Zn2Mo3O8/ZnMo8O10/Mo8O23 nanocomposites; structural properties, synthesis and its emerging application in electrochemical hydrogen storage

Electrode materials based on zinc molybdenum oxides were designed by the saccharide-assisted sol-gel procedure for electrochemical hydrogen storage (EHS). By using different characterization methods to observe the formation of nanostructures, it was possible to determine that carbon texture was present on the nanostructured surfaces of zinc molybdenum oxides. The effects of employing various saccharides (mono, di, and poly saccharides) as carbon sources and fuel on the microstructure, electrochemical behaviors, and purity of synthesized samples were compared. The growth of nanocomposites including Zn2Mo3O8, ZnMo8O10, and Mo8O23 phases was facilitated by the saccharide. A charge-discharge method was used to build three-electrode cells and expose them to galvanostatic cycling. To ascertain the stability of electrode architectures, cycling performance at various rates was carried out. The samples' hydrogen storage capabilities were examined, and the sample generated with glucose showed an optimum capacity about 1017 mAhg−1 after 15th cycle.

Mechanistic effects of graphitization and oxygen functional groups on benzene competitive adsorption of porous carbon under high humidity conditions

Porous carbon is an ideal adsorbent for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) attributed to their price, availability and excellent adsorption capacity. However, there are significant variation in the adsorption capacity and adsorption selectivity of different precursors for VOCs under humid conditions after modification because of the differences in their own structural properties. In this study, graphitized hydrophobic porous carbon with excellent specific surface area was successfully synthesized by selecting bamboo fiber, maize, coconut husk and coal as precursors and potassium hydroxide as an activator. Among them, the dynamic adsorption capacity of benzene in the sample with bamboo fiber as precursor was maintained at 74.7% under the high humidity condition (RH90%) compared with the dry state (RH0%). Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and weak interaction force analyses showed that enhanced dispersion attraction between graphitized carbon surfaces and benzene molecules in comparison to disordered carbon surfaces. The existence of oxygen functional groups enhanced the interaction between porous carbon and water through hydrogen bonding leading to preferential adsorption of water molecules, which resulting in the decrease of their adsorption performance in wet condition. This research provided theoretical and experimental views of the effects of graphitization and oxygen functional groups on the competitive adsorption capture of benzene and water by porous carbon, which further provided a reliable approach to synthesizing porous carbon with high adsorption capture for benzene removal in high humidity environments.

Zirconium-Doped Zinc Nanocomposites (ZDZN): Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity

The present study focuses on zirconium-doped zinc nanocomposites (ZDZN), representing a novel class of materials with antibacterial and antifungal properties. This work involves the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of ZDZN. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were doped with varying concentrations of zirconium ions to create nanocomposites using a simple precipitation technique. The structural, morphological, and chemical properties were investigated using EDS, TEM, SEM, and XRD analyses. The results indicated the successful incorporation of zirconium ions into the lattice of zinc oxide nanoparticles, resulting in nanocomposites with well-defined shapes and compositions. Agar diffusion studies were conducted to assess the antibacterial activities of the nanocomposites against various bacterial and fungal species. The findings revealed that ZDZN exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to pure zinc oxide nanoparticles, attributed to the concentration-dependent effect of the zirconium dopant. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and stability, making them highly suitable for applications in biomedical devices and antimicrobial coatings.

A novel red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ phosphor with anti-thermal-quenching performance for high-power WLED applications

A series of red-emitting InScW3O12:Eu3+ (ISWO:Eu3+) phosphors with anti-thermal-quenching performance were successfully synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. The phase structure and luminescent properties of ISWO:Eu3+ were systematically studied. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectrum showed that ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor can be effectively matched with commercial ultraviolet (UV), violet and blue light chips. The main emission peak of the phosphor was located at 613 nm, which was attributed to the electric dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2. Under the optimal excitation, the prepared ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor showed excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance, its photoluminescence (PL) intensity at 180 °C reached 157.4 % of initial intensity at room temperature. At 465 nm excitation, it also exhibited the anti-thermal-quenching property and the PL intensity remained 115.1 % at 150 °C of that at room temperature. In situ XRD analysis revealed that the lattice contraction resulting in an increase in structural rigidity as the temperature rising, which caused the change of Eu3+ local environment and improved the PL intensity. Finally, a series of warm white LED devices under varying power density conditions with stable output were prepared using the red ISWO:0.08Eu3+ phosphor, indicating that the ISWO:Eu3+ phosphor with excellent anti-thermal-quenching performance has potential application prospects in high-power white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs).

Regioselective Synthesis of Cycloalkane-fused Pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyridines through Tandem Reaction of 5-aminopyrazoles, Cyclic Ketones and Electron-rich Olefins.

Pyrazolopyridines are interesting fused heterocyclic pharmacophores that combine pyrazole and pyridine; two privileged nuclei extensively studied and with a wide range of applications. They can be obtained by a broad variety of synthetic methods among which multicomponent reactions have gained importance, especially from 5-aminopyrazoles and dielectrophilic reagents. However, the search for new approaches more in tune with sustainable chemistry and the use of unconventional heating in three-component synthesis are open and highly relevant study fields. A novel, practical and efficient three-component synthesis of cycloalkane-fused pyrazolo[ 4,3-e]pyridines was developed through a tandem reaction of 5-aminopyrazoles, cyclic ketones and electron-rich olefins, using microwave induction in perfluorinated solvent and iodine as catalyst. The microwave-induced three-component approach applied in this work promoted the construction of 10 new pyrazolopyridines with high speed and excellent control of regioselectivity, favoring the linear product with good yields; where the versatility of electron-rich olefins in iodine-catalyzed cascade heterocyclizations, granted the additional benefit of easy isolation and the possibility to reuse the fluorous phase. Although pyrazolopyridines have been synthetically explored because of their structural and biological properties, most of the reported synthetic methods use common or even toxic organic solvents and conventional heating or multi-step processes. In contrast, this study applied a multicomponent methodology in a single step by microwave induction and with the versatility provided in this case by the use of perfluorinated solvent, which allowed easy isolation of the final product and recovery of the fluorous phase.

Extraction of mucilage polysaccharides from chia seed by hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents-based three-phase partitioning system: A phase behavior-driven approach

By incorporating the hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) into the three-phase partitioning (TPP) technique, a TPP-based method was developed to extract the chia seed polysaccharide (CSP) from chia seed. Through a single-factor experiment and response-surface model, the optimal condition for the TPP extraction was determined as DES composed of dodecanoic acid and octanoic acid in a 1:1 M ratio, (NH4)2SO4 concentration of 32.86 %, crude extract–DES ratio of 0.93 (v/v), aqueous phase pH of 4.38, extraction temperature of 35 °C, and extraction time of 10 min. The polysaccharide yield of the constructed TPP method is 8.65 %, which is higher than the conventional water extraction method (yield is 6.96 %). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the phase behavior of proteins and polysaccharides in the TPP system, showing that noncovalent interactions play a crucial role in the TPP system. The CSP obtained by the TPP method exhibits distinctive composition, structural, physicochemical, and functional properties, leading to improved thermal stability, rheological behavior, and antioxidant performance. Compared with the traditional extraction method, efficient extraction of CSP can be achieved flexibly using the proposed TPP approach, resulting in high yield and quality of CSP, which provides a new path for the large-scale utilization of chia seed.

Biochemistry, Mechanistic Intricacies, and Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides: An Alternative to Traditional Antibiotics.

The emergence of drug-resistant strains of pathogens becomes a major obstacle to treating human diseases. Antibiotics and antivirals are in the application for a long time but now these drugs are not much effective anymore against disease-causing drugresistant microbes and gradually it is becoming a serious complication worldwide. The development of new antibiotics cannot be a stable solution to treat drug-resistant strains due to their evolving nature and escaping antibiotics. At this stage, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide us with novel therapeutic leads against drug-resistant pathogens. Structurally, antimicrobial peptides are mostly α-helical peptide molecules with amphiphilic properties that carry the positive charge (cationic) and belong to host defense peptides. These positively charged AMPs can interact with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes and may cause the alteration in electrochemical potential on bacterial cell membranes and consequently lead to the death of microbial cells. In the present study, we will elaborate on the implication of AMPs in the treatment of various diseases along with their specific structural and functional properties. This review will provide information which assists in the development of new synthetic peptide analogues to natural AMPs. These analogues will eliminate the limitations of natural AMPs like toxicity and severe hemolytic activities.

Facile synthesis and first principles calculations of Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor applications

Two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured materials such as graphene oxide nanosheets and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage applications. The layered structure of MoS2 makes it a promising active electrode material for supercapacitors. Lithium (Li) interacted with MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (Li-MoS2/rGO) nanocomposite has been synthesized in two steps using a sonochemical dispersion method, and a one-pot hydrothermal method resulting in few-layered MoS2/rGO nanosheets of 2D heterointerfaces. The Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacitance of 173.3 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor device fabricated with Li-MoS2/rGO achieves a good energy density of 10.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 686.3 W kg−1 and outstanding cycling stability with 81.2 % capacity retention over 10,000 cycles. The dispersion of 2D-MoS2 in water is due to the strong electrostatic interface. The structural and electronic properties are theoretically calculated for pristine and Li-interacted MoS2/rGO heterostructure using density functional theory. A comparison of the density of states plots of the two heterostructures and the difference charge density plot of Li-MoS2/rGO heterostructure clearly brings out the importance of the presence of Li. A value of 64 μF cm−2 for the quantum capacitance for pristine MoS2/graphene heterostructure increases to a value 99 μF cm−2 corroborating the experimental observations and we assign this change to the transfer of charge from the Li atom to the outer S atoms in the MoS2/graphene heterostructure. This comprehensive approach, combining experimental synthesis with computational modelling, significantly advances the development and optimization of high-performance supercapacitor materials in the energy storage field. The Li-MoS2/rGO nanocomposite has excellent electrochemical specific capacitance and long-term cyclic stability and has been effectively used for supercapacitor applications with high electrochemical performance.

Unveiling the synergistic effect of octenyl succinic anhydride and pulsed electric field on starch nanoparticles

In this study, guinea starch nanoparticles (GSNP) were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (3 %) and pulsed electric field (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kV/cm). The effect of dual modification on the physicochemical, structural, morphological, thermo-pasting, and rheological properties of GSNP was investigated. The dual modification successfully incorporated octenyl groups into GSNP, as confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of substitution increased from 0.0254 to 0.0347, with particle size ranging from 241.30 to 292.50 nm and zeta potential of −23.11 to −29.98 mV. TEM micrographs revealed that all SNP samples had self-aggregated granules with a mean size below 120 nm, and XRD confirmed a V-type crystalline structure. The amylose content and water absorption capacity decreased from 34.02 % to 24.63 % and from 2.45 to 1.91 g/g, respectively, while the oil absorption capacity and relative crystallinity increased from 3.42 to 4.01 g/g and from 17.82 % to 34.76 %, with modification. The gelatinization and degradation temperature of modified samples were higher while pasting properties exhibited variation with modification. The rheological properties of modified SNP samples exhibited more pronounced shear thinning, attributed to their weaker gel structure and fluid-like gel network. Overall, results suggested that modified GSNPs have potential for stabilizing Pickering emulsion and delivery of carrier materials for active functional substances.

Effect of Li2O on physical, structural, thermal, optical, and electrical properties of mixed alkali borate glasses containing silver nanoparticles

In this work, mixed alkali borate glasses doped with Li2O were prepared with a molar composition of (75-x) B2O3-15Na2O-8CaO-1V2O5-1AgCl-xLi2O; x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol% by using traditional melt-quenching process. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the amorphous nature of the samples. Upon Li2O doping the glass density, measured at ambient temperature, increases from 2.336to 2.518 g/cm3, while molar volume decreases from 29.637 to 24.337 cm3/mol. The direct and indirect band gap energies determined using UV–Visible absorption analysis was in the range 3.000 –3.285 eV and 2.910–3.218 eV respectively. The DTA measurements indicated that with Li2O addition the thermal stability of the glasses has improved. FTIR study revealed the vibrational modes corresponding to the functional groups present in the glasses. The DC conductivity of the samples (measured at 588 K) was found to increase from 2.394 x 10-4 to 3.987 x 10-4 Ω-1m-1with Li2O content. The temperature dependency of DC conductivity followed Mott’s Small Polaron Hopping (SPH) model at high temperature and Variable Range Hopping (VRH) model at low temperatures. The linear fit of the data to the SPH model yielded the activation energy (W) values in the range 0.152 to 0.693 eV, whereas the density of states at Fermi level evaluated by the VRH model was in the order of 1030 eV-1m-3. The improved electrical conductivity of the prepared Li doped glasses together with their good thermal stability and transparency render them as potential candidates for optoelectronics device applications.

Liquid crystal phase behavior of oxalated cellulose nanocrystal and optical films with controllable structural color induced by centripetal force

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a sustainable bio-nanomaterial. The distinctive left-handed polarization properties render cellulose nanocrystal a promising candidate for optical film. Due to eco-friendliness, reliability, mildness and simplicity, the oxalate hydrolysis method stands out among various preparation methods for CNC. This study delved into the liquid crystal phase behavior of oxalated cellulose nanocrystal derived from pulp, and discovered the influences of CNC concentration and pH on suspension stability and phase transition, and evaluated its optical properties. The results demonstrated that oxalated CNC presented two different liquid crystal phases, the nematic phase and the cholesteric phase. The stability mechanism of CNC suspension and the regulatory principle of the liquid crystal phase transition were revealed. A novel CNC film-forming technology, the multilayer spin-coating technique, was developed for cellulose nanocrystal optical films. Driven by centrifugal force, cellulose nanocrystals were induced to self-assembly and formed the optical film with circular dichroism and structural color. This simple and efficient film-forming technology promised rapid processing (1 h) and controllable film structure and optical properties compared to traditional technologies. This work provided a theoretical understanding and practical prospects for integrating oxalated cellulose nanocrystal into sustainable advanced optical film materials.

Recycling the Spent Lithium-ion Battery into Nanocubes Cobalt Oxide Supercapacitor Electrode

Background:: Cobalt oxide nanocubes have garnered significant attention as potential supercapacitor electrodes due to their unique structural and electrochemical properties. The spent lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are considered as zero-cost source for cobalt oxide production. Objective:: The aim of this work is to recover cobalt oxide from spent LiBs and study its electrochemical performance as a supercapacitor electrode material. Method:: This study uses an electrodeposition method to obtain cobalt oxide honeycomb-like anodes coated on Ni foam substrates from spent Li-ion batteries for supercapacitors applications. The effect of annealing temperature on the cobalt oxide anode has been carefully investigated; 450 ºC annealing temperature results in nanocubes on the surface of the cobalt oxide electrode. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the Co3O4-NiO electrode. Results:: The Co3O4-NiO nanocubes electrode has shown a high specific capacitance of 1400 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and high capacitance retention of ~96 % after 2250 cycles at a constant current density of 10 A g-1 compared to 900 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 as for prepared Co3O4 honeycomb. Conclusion:: This strategy proves that the paramount importance of Co3O4-NiO nanocubes, meticulously synthesized at elevated temperatures, as a supremely effective active material upon deposition onto transition metal foam current collectors, establishing their indispensability for supercapacitor applications.

G-C3N4 coupled with GO accelerates carrier separation via high conductivity for photocatalytic MB degradation

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is widely utilized in photocatalysis due to its responsiveness to visible light, low cost, and non-toxicity. However, its efficiency is limited by factors such as the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, slow electron transfer rates, and a limited number of active surface sites. In this study, g-C3N4 was synthesized through thermal polymerization, and varying amounts of graphene oxide (GO) were incorporated via physical blending to fabricate composite photocatalysts. The results indicated that the incorporation of GO not only increased the specific surface area and modified the pore size distribution of g-C3N4 but also affected the heptazine ring structure through chemical bonding, thereby enhancing the density of active sites. Photocatalytic degradation experiments with methylene blue (MB) indicated that g-C3N4 containing 2% GO exhibited photocatalytic activity 2.84 times greater than that of pristine g-C3N4. Kinetic simulations indicated that the Kapp value for the 2% GO-g-C3N4 composite was 0.00469min-1, which is 4.34 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4 (0.00108min-1). Furthermore, this composite maintained high photocatalytic activity after four cycles of reuse. An analysis of the photocatalytic degradation mechanism revealed that the incorporation of GO effectively promoted the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, enhanced photocurrent density, and improved carrier separation efficiency. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and free radical scavenging experiments confirmed that the primary active species involved in the degradation of MB by the composite photocatalyst were ·O2- and h+. This study presents a novel approach for enhancing the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 by modifying its electronic structure and surface properties.

Structural and photoelectrochemical properties of fibrous silica-titania (FST) photocatalyst for water splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an ecologically friendly technique that uses effective photoanodes to generate hydrogen (H2). The microemulsion approach was used to develop a distinctive form displaying fibrous silica-titania (FST) photoanode. We examined the photocatalytic attributes of FST, hematite (Fe2O3), and zinc oxide (ZnO). XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, UV–vis/DRS, and EIS were used to investigate the FST, Fe2O3, and ZnO. By using these techniques, a bicontinuous concentric lamellar arrangement with an ample surface area has been developed within FST. Characterization results demonstrate that FST has superior catalytic activity when compared to Fe2O3 and ZnO. The FST photoanode has an improved photocurrent density of 11.75 mA/cm2 and a 14.1% Solar-to-hydrogen (STH %) efficacy, which is greater than ZnO and Fe2O3, which performed at 4.7 mA/cm2 and 2.8 mA/cm2 with 5.6% and 3.36% STH efficiency, respectively. Moreover, we also compared the Solar-to-hydrogen (STH %) effectiveness of FST with different of TiO2 photoanodes. We absorbed that the band gap is decreased when Ti is added to the silica matrix, which facilitates the formation of Si–Ti bonds. FST displays a remarkable closeness of its conduction band (CB) to the hydrogen reduction potential in comparison to ZnO and Fe2O3, allowing for quick electron transfer and rapid production of H2. The geometry of FST design provides a novel way for producing robust and exceptionally productive photoanodes for PEC water splitting.

Enhancing Low-Temperature Sensor Applications: Synergistic Effects of Ni Doping and SnO2 Interlayer on Spin-Coated ZnO Thin Films on Glass Substrate

This study investigates the effects of Nickel doping and a SnO2 interlayer on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of ZnO thin films. Undoped and Ni-doped ZnO films were fabricated on glass substrates, with and without an SnO2 interlayer, using the sol-gel spin coating method. The samples—denoted as ZG (undoped ZnO), NZG (Ni-doped ZnO), ZSG (undoped ZnO with SnO2 interlayer), and NZSG (Ni-doped ZnO with SnO2 interlayer)—underwent comprehensive characterization via XRD, AFM, PL, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Hall effect measurements, Hot probe, and Two-point method. XRD analysis confirmed successful Ni incorporation and enhanced ZnO crystallinity, particularly in the presence of the SnO2 interlayer. AFM analysis revealed improved grain distribution and size due to the synergistic effects of Ni doping and the SnO2 interlayer. UV-Vis results indicated significant impacts on transparency and the Urbach energy, with Ni doping alone broadening the bandgap. PL measurements showed that the synergistic effects quenched UV luminescence associated with the glass substrate, enhancing visible luminescence. Chromaticity analysis suggested that ZSG and NZSG samples are suitable for warm blue region applications. Electrical measurements revealed n-type conductivity across all films except NZG, with Ni doping increasing resistivity. Additionally, the ZSG (PTC) sensor exhibited a slightly higher sensitivity (0.3852 Ω/°C) compared to the NZSG sensor (0.3782 Ω/°C), with a similar trend observed in NTC sensors. These findings suggest that Ni-doped ZnO films with SnO2 interlayers could potentially serve as thermistors and RTDs, offering promising applications in temperature sensing and optoelectronics.

Simultaneously enhancing the EMI shielding performances and mechanical properties of structure–function integrated CF/PEEK composites via chopped ultra-thin carbon fiber tapes and interfacial engineering with MXene

The functionalization of carbon fiber reinforced poly(ether-ether-ketone) (CF/PEEK) structural composites with high electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) has important engineering application in the fields of aviation and aerospace. However, the simultaneous enhancement of interfacial properties and EMI SE in the CF/PEEK composite remains a significant concern. To address this issue, we have employed a continuous impregnation approach that involved synthesizing PFEEK as a binder and then utilizing mechanical spreading technology to prepare chopped ultra-thin CF tapes as the reinforcement phase. Subsequently, we deposited 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tx) on the CF tape surface to endow the interface properties and EMI SE for the CF/PEEK composites. As a result, when the MXene content was 1.0 mg/ml, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the obtained CF/PEEK composites achieved 17.6 %, 13.3 % and 36.6 % enhancement higher than that of the virgin CF/PEEK composites, respectively, which may be owing to the elevated interfacial properties via the hydrogen bonds, physical entanglement, π-π interactions, and mechanical interlocking with the incorporation of PFEEK and MXene. The optimal ILSS value and specific EMI SE/t value of the CF/PF-M1/PEEK composites can reach 113.7 MPa and 80.8 dB/mm, respectively. The enhancement in the EMI SE can be attributed to the enhancive reflection, the increased polarization losses, and multiple interlayer reflections of EM waves facilitated by the incorporation of MXene and multi ultra-thin CF/PF-MXene layers. This approach resulted in a structure–function integrated CF/PEEK composite, which holds promising application prospects across various cutting-edge domains.