Reflectance Spectra Research Articles

Characterization of SiNx grown at different nitrogen flow and prediction of refractive index using artificial neural networks

SiNx films were grown on silicon substrates by Radio Frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition. The effect of nitrogen flow on the structural and optical properties of the obtained films was investigated using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer and spectroscopic ellipsometer, respectively. XRD spectra of the films showed that all films belong to amorphous structure. SEM photographs of SiNx films were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that the surfaces of the films had a homogeneous and smooth structure as the nitrogen flow increased. The total and diffuse reflectance spectra of the films were measured and the energy band gaps of the films were determined using the Kubelka-Munk function by using the diffuse reflectance. It was observed that the energy band gap changed as the nitrogen percentage increased. The refractive index of all films was obtained as a function of temperature using a spectroscopic ellipsometer. In the second part of this study, we focused on predicting the temperature dependent refractive indices of the nitrogen flow-dependent films using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). For the training of the ANN model, wavelength and temperature values from experimental data were used as input and refractive index as output parameters. The simulation and prediction results obtained from this model are compared with the experimental data and interpreted. It is concluded that the ANN approach is suitable for simulating and predicting the temperature dependent refractive index. The models successfully trained with ANN will be especially preferred for predicting the refractive indices of SiNx films, which cannot be measured experimentally, thus providing predictions in non-experimental ranges. In particular, the results obtained by focusing on the ability of the developed artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the optical properties of SiNx films and their potential to provide information in non-experimental conditions, offer a new approach to quickly and effectively evaluate the optical properties of SiNx films. This approach reveals the importance of artificial intelligence-based methods in materials characterization studies.

Determination of spectroscopy marker of atherosclerotic carotid stenosis using FTIR-ATR combined with machine learning and chemometrics analyses

Atherosclerotic carotid stenosis (ACS) is a recognized risk factor for ischemic stroke. Currently, the gold diagnostic standard is Doppler ultrasound, the results of which do not provide certainty whether a given person should be qualified for surgery or not, because in some patients, carotid artery stenosis, for example at the level of 70 %, does not cause ischemic stroke in others yes. Therefore, there is a need for new methods that will clearly indicate the marker qualifying the patient for surgery. In this article we used Fourier Transform InfraRed Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectra of serum collected from healthy and patients suffering from ACS, which had surgery were analyzed by machine learning and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine chemical differences and spectroscopy marker of ACS. PCA demonstrated clearly differentiation between serum collected from healthy and non-healthy patients. Obtained results showed that in serum collected from ACS patients, higher absorbances of PO2− stretching symmetric, CH2 and CH3 symmetric and asymmetric and amide I vibrations were noticed than in control group. Moreover, lack of peak at 1106 cm−1 was observed in spectrum of serum from non-control group. As a result of spectral shifts analysis was found that the most important role in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy patients is played by FTIR ranges caused by vibrations of PO2− phospholipids, amides III, II and CO lipid vibrations. Continuing, peaks at 1636 cm−1 and 2963 cm−1 were proposed as a potential spectroscopy markers of ACS. Finally, accuracy of obtained results higher than 90 % suggested, that FTIR-ATR can be used as an additional diagnostic tool in ACS qualifying for surgery.

A2Cd(PO3)4 (A = K, Rb, Cs): Series of cadmium polyphosphates with infinite 1[(PO3)4]ꝏ chains and deep ultraviolet transparency windows

In the work, three cadmium polyphosphate crystals, A2Cd(PO3)4 (A = K, Rb, Cs), have been obtained via the high-temperature solution reaction with spontaneous crystallization technique. The compounds all crystallize in the P21/n space group and exhibit similar structural characteristics, including one-dimensional (1D) 1[(PO3)4]ꝏ chains and unique three-dimensional (3D) 3[Cd4P24O84]ꝏ frameworks. Especially, all of them exhibit deep ultraviolet (deep-UV) transparency windows, which is rare for cadmium phosphates containing d10 electrons. The UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that their cutoff edges are below 200 nm and have potentiality as deep-UV or UV short-wavelength optical materials. The investigation turns out that the dimensional distribution is closely related to the ratio of P/M in the asymmetric unit in cadmium phosphates. Additionally, the structure-function correlation was investigated through theoretical calculations. This work offers a valuable insight for the subsequent exploration of cadmium-based deep-UV optical materials.

Detection of moisture and size of winter melon seeds based on hyperspectral imaging and convex polygon size measurement

The level of moisture content and size of winter melon seeds affect their storage, germination and growth processes. Moderate moisture and size are essential for seed germination and growth. Therefore, detecting the moisture and size of winter melon seeds is beneficial to improve their germination rate. Traditional seed moisture testing methods are complex to operate and require destructive sample preparation or chemical treatment. Common dimensional measurement methods are also time-consuming and laborious. Hyperspectral imaging technology can acquire information about the surface and internal structure of the target separately, it can be used to quickly and non-destructively detect the moisture and size of winter melon seeds. In this study, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and partial least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) models were established to predict the moisture content of winter melon seeds by using reflection and transmittance spectral data. The models were optimized using five variable selection methods. The optimal performance of the LSSVM model based on the CARS algorithm was achieved in both single reflection and transmission spectra. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model based on the reflection spectra were 0.9667 % and 0.0215 %, respectively. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model based on the transmission spectra were 0.9644 % and 0.0223 %, respectively. In low-level data fusion, the LSSVM model based on the CARS algorithm also achieved optimal performance, but with only a little improvement compared to a single model (reflection spectra or transmission spectra), with RP2 and RMSEP of 0.9679 % and 0.0212 %, respectively. In the mid-level data fusion, the LSSVM model also based on the CARS algorithm achieved the optimal performance, and the performance of the model was further improved. The RP2 and RMSEP of the model were 0.9738 % and 0.0191 %, respectively. Finally, the image processing algorithm and the convex polygon size measurement method was proposed to measure the size of winter melon seeds. The absolute error between the calibrated winter melon seed length and width and the true length and width was less than 0.22 mm, and the relative error was less than 2 %. The results show that hyperspectral imaging technology can accurately detect the water content of winter melon seeds. Data fusion method and LSSVM model based on CARS algorithm can detect the water content of winter melon seeds more accurately. The image processing algorithm combined with the convex polygon size measurement method can be effectively used to detect the size of winter melon seeds with high precision.

Enhancing upconversion luminescence intensity of BiTa7O19:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+ by doping Sc3+ or Sb

AbstractBased on the previous optimal concentration of Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+ co‐doped BiTa7O19 (BTO) samples, Sc3+ or Sb is planned to be doped into BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+ for further improving the upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensity under 980‐nm laser excitation. A series of BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sc3+ and BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sb samples are prepared by high‐temperature solid‐phase sintering method. The microstructure and UCL properties are investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Raman, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflection, and luminescence spectrum. The green UCL intensity of BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sb is little better than that of BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sc3+, which reaches 2.40 times than that of β‐NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+. XPS results show that Sc is 3+, Mo is 4+, and Sb is 3+ and 5+. Raman spectra show that BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sb has lower phonon energy and more disorder than BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sc3+. The maximum relative temperature sensitivity is got as 0.01012 K−1 at 303 K based on luminescence intensity ratio technology. BTO:Er3+/Yb3+/Mo4+/Sb has outstanding pure green UCL intensity, which can be applied to luminescence display and temperature sensing.

Extended Interfacial Charge Transference in CoFe2O4/WO3 Nanocomposites for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotics.

The large-scale utilization of antibiotics has opened a separate chapter of pollution with the generation of reactive drug-resistant bacteria. To deal with this, in this work, different mass ratios of CoFe2O4/WO3 nanocomposites were prepared following an in situ growth method using the precursors of WO3 and CoFe2O4. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the nanocomposite photocatalysts were scrutinized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), photoluminescence spectrum (PL), etc. The experimental data signified that the loading of CoFe2O4 obviously changed the optical properties of WO3. The photocatalytic performance of CoFe2O4/WO3 composites was investigated by considering tetracycline as a potential pollutant. The outcome of the analyzed data exposed that the CoFe2O4/WO3 composite with a mass ratio of 5% had the best degradation performance for tetracycline eradication under the solar light, and a degradation efficiency of 77% was achieved in 20 min. The monitored degradation efficiency of the optimized photocatalyst was 45% higher compared with the degradation efficiency of 32% for pure WO3. Capturing experiments and tests revealed that hydroxyl radical (·OH) and hole (h+) were the primary eradicators of the target pollutant. This study demonstrates that a proper mass of CoFe2O4 can significantly push WO3 for enhanced eradication of waterborne pollutants.

Synthesis of corn straw based carbon doped Nb2O5 as photocatalysts for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light illumination

Developing efficient visible light photocatalytic materials has always been a challenge for researchers. We have successfully prepared a series of corn straw based carbon doped Nb2O5 with excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light. A series of characterizations were carried out on the synthesized materials, including power X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized samples was investigated under visible light irradiation using Rhodamine B as the degradation target. Under visible light irradiation for 30 min, C/Nb2O5 can decompose Rhodamine B by 97.1 %, and the photocatalytic performance remains unchanged after 5 cycles. In the article, the contributions of three active substances involved in the photodegradation of Rhodamine B were studied through scavenger study, and the mechanism of C/Nb2O5 photodegradation of Rhodamine B was analyzed. This research is of great significance for the application of biomass materials and the improvement of environmental quality, and also provides new ideas for designing and synthesizing new composite functional materials.

Analysis of a thermal correction method for infrared spectroscopy : preparation for the future observations of the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos with the MIRS instrument

Abstract The MIRS infrared spectrometer is part of the scientific payload of JAXA’s Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) mission. From the reflected sunlight by the planetary surfaces, MIRS will provide information on the Mars atmosphere and the mineralogy and chemistry of its moons. Spectra carried out by the instrument (0.9-3.6 µm) include the thermal emission from the surface, which needs to be modeled and removed to extract the compositional information. In this study, to find an efficient and rapid way to thermally correct infrared data, we developed a simple thermal emission correction based on black body fits, and quantify its relative error. To test the method, we generated synthetic spectra of Phobos by using a thermophysical model. We found that the method can produce reflectance spectra with only a few percent errors, although some under-correction of the thermal contribution is observed. Compositional information may still be retrieved through the position of absorption bands, despite the thermal emission correction can leave some uncertainties in its strength. We conclude that the method could be used for a first and quick analysis for interpretation of the MIRS data. We also applied our thermal correction methodology to real CRISM observations of Phobos. The method looks reliable with a satisfactory removal of the thermal contribution, confirms the presence of an absorption band centered around 2.8 µm, and reveals an apparent absorption at 3.2 µm. However, we are not able to confirm the reality of the 3.2 µm band at this stage, because of the presence of an artifact in CRISM data.

Predicting beach profiles with machine learning from offshore wave reflection spectra

Tracking and forecasting changes in coastal morphology is vital for development, risk reduction, and overall coastal management. One challenge of current coastal research and engineering is to find a method able to accurately assess the bathymetry profile along the coast and key parameters such as slope and sandbars. Traditional bathymetry measurements are obtained through echo-sounding, which is time-consuming, hazardous and costly. Using a variety of simulated cases, we test the potential of machine learning and in particular Neural Networks to reconstruct the coastal bathymetry profile from offshore sensed waves, based on shore-based wave reflection. Features such as foreshore slope, curvature, sandbars amplitude and positions can be captured.

Effect of Electron Irradiation on the Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Powder Modified by Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles

The effect of modifying ZnO powders with MgO nanoparticles (with a concentration of 0.1–10 wt. %) on their diffuse reflectance spectra in the region of 0.2–2.5 μm before and after irradiation with 30 keV electrons was studied. Modification of ZnO powder was carried out by MgO nanopowder with concentrations from 0.1 to 10 wt. % using a solid-state method at 650°C heating temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that this method of modification there is no formation of additional phases. It has been established that zinc oxide structure symmetry belongs to the P63mc space group, magnesium oxide – to the Fm–3m space group. The spectral reflectance of such powders in the visible region is over 90%. Under irradiating by 30 keV electrons of initial and modified ZnO powders, as well as MgO nanopowder, a decrease in their reflectance recorded in the entire studied region of the spectrum. It has been established that modification with MgO nanoparticles at a concentration of 3 wt. % leads to an increase in radiation resistance by a factor of 1.32 compared to unmodified samples. This effect is determined by the sink of radiation defects on the large specific surface area of nanoparticles.

Theoretical Model for Determining the Thickness and Optical Constants of Transparent Conducting Oxide Thin Films From the Measured Reflectance Spectra

ABSTRACTThickness and optical constants of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) of metal oxide thin films have been commonly estimated by invoking theoretical models based on measured optical reflectance or transmittance. One of such widely employed models is reflectance‐based Kushev model. However, the relatively higher value of the absorption coefficient at the absorption edge of TCOs of metal oxide thin films results in a large deviation of their thickness values estimated by this model. To address the underlying problems, in the present work, we have improved the Kushev model. Specifically, for minimizing the error in the estimated thickness values from the proposed model, we have employed t test for discarding outliers of a set of thickness values of a given thin film, which were calculated from nearby extrema of a reflectance curve. Then the thickness calculated from model was validated by comparing the value of ZnO thin transparent films extracted from ellipsometric measurement. Our model shows excellent agreement with the thickness values of ZnO films from ellipsometric measurement with only 1.2% deviation. Furthermore, observed values were also compared with the values from already established Cauchy model. The perfectly matching of the simulated reflectance spectra from the present model with the measured reflectance and excellent agreement of thickness values derived from the ellipsometric measurements with the values extracted from the model may infer us that the present model is suitable for fairly accurately estimating film thicknesses of TCO thin films.

Insights into the structural and optical properties of [formula omitted] substituted [formula omitted]

Y2−xTbxMo4O15(x=0,0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,0.7) were successfully synthesized using citrate nitrate combustion method. The characterization techniques used in the present study involves X-ray Diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Structural analysis concludes that the compound crystallizes in monoclinic phase with space group P21/c as confirmed through Rietveld refinement. Diffuse reflectance spectra show a high absorption in the wavelength range 250 – 400 nm and the band gap energy values are evaluated. Photoluminescence spectra show an intense green emission at 545 nm and luminescence quenching of Y2−xTbxMo4O15 occurs beyond the concentration, x=0.4.The critical distance evaluated using Blasse’s expression is 9.24 Å and dipole-dipole interaction exists between the Tb3+ions which is confirmed through Dexter theory. The optimized nanophosphor has internal and external quantum yields equal to 11.01 % and 9.91 %, respectively, and has a decay time of 0.101 ms. These results strongly suggest that the prepared nanophosphor can be used as a green phosphor in pc-LEDs.

Comparative Analysis of Two Different MIM Configurations of a Plasmonic Nanoantenna

AbstractTwo plasmonic nanoantenna configurations—nanodisk and nanostrip arrays—in a metal–insulator-metal (MIM) setup were proposed, optimized, and compared by simulating their optical properties in three-dimensional models using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The optical responses, including electric field enhancement, absorption, reflection, and transmission spectra, were systematically investigated. Optimized geometrical parameters led to a significant enhancement of the electric field within the gap layers and almost perfect light absorptance for both structures. The results showed that the enhancement of the electric field depends on the polarization of the incident light. For both polarizations, the periodic circular nanodisk array showed a stronger field enhancement with an electric field enhancement factor of 6.6 × 106 and TE polarization, and a larger absorptance of 98% at its dipole resonance wavelength, indicating the fundamental plasmonic mode. In addition, weaker resonant modes were observed in the absorptance and reflectance spectra of both nanostructures, with the nanostrips exhibiting sharper and stronger higher-order modes, making them suitable for applications requiring precise wavelength selectivity and narrow-band responses. Despite their different geometric shapes, both structures exhibited similar optimized metal film thickness and nanoparticle height, comparable modes in number and position, and identical optimized light incidence angles. Furthermore, increasing the dielectric gap layer thickness and optimizing it to a specific value revealed its ability to measure the refractive index, making it a promising candidate for sensing applications.

Enhancement Study of the Photoactivity of TiO2 Photocatalysts during the Increase of the WO3 Ratio in the Presence of Ag Metal

Nanocomposites (NCs) consisting of 4%Ag/x%WO3/TiO2, with varied concentrations (x = 1, 3, 5, 7 wt.%) of WO3, were successfully synthesized using the sol-gel process to examine their photocatalytic performance. The synthesized 4%Ag/x%WO3/TiO2 nanopowder was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis to elucidate its physicochemical properties. The photocatalytic evaluation revealed that the Ag/1%WO3/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibits 98% photoreduction efficiency for Cr(VI) after 2 h under visible light due to the impact of the plasmonic effect of Ag atoms. In addition, the Ag/4%WO3/TiO2 shows about 95% photooxidation efficiency for methylene blue (MB) dye after 4 h.

Quantitative analysis of spectral properties and composition of primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, lodranites and winonaites)

The establishment of robust meteorite-asteroid links has been a major focus of planetary exploration, and a major driver of asteroid sample return missions. Reflectance spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool for this purpose. For the meteorites dominated by silicate minerals, quantitative analysis of spectral absorption features caused by the Fe2+-bearing minerals (mainly olivine and pyroxene) is a common method to determine mafic silicate mineralogy and end member abundances, and establish the relationship between them and possible parent bodies. In this study, the reflectance spectra of 22 primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, lodranites and winonaites) from NASA RELAB database were analyzed to determine their positions in the plot of the band area ratio (BAR) and 1 μm band center (Band I center). We found that Band I center and BAR of acapulcoites and lodranites are in roughly the same range. Acapulcoite-lodranite partially overlap with the field of H chondrites in the plot of the BAR and Band I center. This overlap means that spectral calibrations (also referred to as mineralogical formulas) based on the two types of meteorites needs to be applied with caution. The 2 μm band center of acapulcoite–lodranite is significantly lower than that of H chondrites, which is consistent with the conclusion of previous studies and provides a means to separate these two groups. In addition, the choice of spectral parameter analysis techniques may be a potential error source in similar studies. We provide generalized spectral fields of primitive achondrites in the plot of the BAR and Band I center derived from two widely used technologies.

Expression of Trichoderma spp. endochitinase gene improves red rot disease resistance in transgenic sugarcane.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)is an economically useful crop grown globally for sugar, ethanol and biofuel production. The crop is vulnerable to fungus Colletotrichum falcatum known to cause red rot disease. The pathogen hydrolyses stalk parenchyma cells where sucrose is accumulated resulting in upto 75% losses in sugar recovery. In this study, transgenic sugarcane having resistance against red rot was developed by introducing Trichoderma spp. endochitinase following Agrobacterium mediated transformation. The transgene introduction and expression in genetically modified plants were verified through qRT-PCR revealing upto 6-fold enhancement in endochitinase expression than non-transgenic plants. Hyperspectral Imaging of transgenic plants displayed altered leaf reflectance spectra and vegetative indices that were positively correlated with ransgene expression. The bioassay with virulent pathotypes of C. falcatumCF08 and CF13 known for epiphytotic occurrence resulted in identification of resistant plant Chit 3-13.The plants with higher reflectance also displayed improved disease resistance, implying their early classification into resistant/susceptible. The losses in sucrose content were minimized (up to 4-fold) in inoculated resistant plant Chit 3-13 as compared to susceptible non-transgenic plant, and a fewer pathogen hyphae were detected in vascular cells of the former through optical microscopy. The electron micrographs confirmed sucrose-filled stalk parenchyma cells in Chit 3-13; in contrast, cells of non-transgenic inoculated plant were depleted of sucrose. The active sites involved in cleaving 1-4 β-glycoside bonds of N-acetyl-d-glucosaminein the pathogen hyphal walls were detected through endochitinase protein structural modelling. The transgenic sugarcane is an important source for in trogressingred rot resistance in plant breeding programs.

Esterification-Induced Spontaneous Deposition of Nanoparticle Monolayers on Substrates with Percolation Network Morphology.

Nanoparticle monolayers (NPMLs) exhibit unique collective properties that are highly desirable for applications in sensors, catalysts, and optics. However, their practical use is often hindered by structural instability, especially when they are exposed to solvents. In this study, we developed a method for the spontaneous deposition of gold nanoparticle monolayers (AuNPMLs) on silicon substrates via covalent bonding interactions that provides excellent structural stability in solvents with varying polarities. The esterification reaction between carboxyl-functionalized gold nanoparticles and alkyl-chloride-functionalized silicon substrates spontaneously forms AuNPMLs on the substrate in which single-crystalline domains are interconnected, forming a percolation network morphology. The ex situ scanning electron microscopy measurements show that the surface coverage of AuNPMLs rapidly increases up to ca. 60% during the initial 10 min, followed by gradual growth and saturation at ca. 70% at 360 min of deposition time. On the other hand, the single-crystalline domain size reaches its maximum at 45 min and then gradually decreases, which may be attributed to the desorption of AuNPs by the hydrolysis of ester bonds. The reflectance spectra of AuNPMLs showed the red shift as the deposition time increases up to 45 min with a subsequent blue shift thereafter, which is consistent with the change of the single-crystalline domain size with the deposition time. The covalent bonding interaction-mediated nanoparticle deposition method can be used to form stable AuNPMLs with controlled surface coverage and domain size, allowing for fine control of the optical properties and possibly other properties. The excellent structural stability of AuNPMLs and their controlled properties may provide new opportunities for practical applications of NPMLs.

Low-loss Se-based phase-change materials for infrared photonics

The work presents the results of comprehensive studies of the optical and transport properties, phase transition heats, the X-Ray diffraction and Raman spectra of Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, Sb2Se3 and Bi2Se3 samples obtained by vacuum thermal deposition. We demonstrate a high contrast in the refractive index and extinction coefficient in the spectral range in wavelengths of 500–1800 nm and transmissivity and reflectivity spectra in the range in wavelengths of 500–3000 nm. The investigated materials show low optical losses and high figure of merit in much of the IR-spectrum. Changes in structural properties are analyzed by XRD and Raman methods. Features of phase transformations are described by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry.

Exploring novel Zn2SeX (X=S, Te) ternary chalcogenide: Studying the effect of chalcogen substitution on optoelectronic, and thermoelectric performance

Ternary-type semiconductor chalcogenide materials are distinguished by their outstanding thermal performance and tunable optoelectronic features. The electronic structure, optical, and transport features of novel Zn2SeX ternary (X=S, Te) semiconductors are investigated by employing the widely used density functional theory. Based on the band structure investigation, these materials were anticipated tohave a direct energy gap. The results demonstrated that direct energy losses were caused by the orbitals hybridization of S-p and the Se/Te-d in both materials. Compared to Zn2SeTe, Zn2SeS has a wider band gap at the Γ-point, meaning that electrons will have a lower effective mass and atoms possess a greater effective mass. The elements of the complex dielectric function and the significant optical properties were explored for potential use in optoelectronic applications. The unique peaks in I(ω) confirm extensive absorption in the UV range. They may be employed as very effective ultraviolet-reflecting materials based on the peaks in the reflection spectrum that have been observed. Since both materials positive Seebeck coefficient display p-type conductivity over the whole temperature range.

Synergistic Enhancements of Zn-ZIF with Nano Zinc Oxide for Hydrogen adsorption, energy storage, and photocatalytic technologies

Creating the porous Zinc-Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (Zn-ZIF) using a solvothermal technique addresses the need for advanced materials with distinctive properties and cost-effectiveness in modern applications. The PXRD, SEM, UV-DRS, TEM, and TGA/DTG are used to characterize different concentrations of Zn-ZIF. Zn-ZIF's crystalline structure and phase purity have been verified by PXRD. Using diffuse reflectance spectra, the Kubelka-Monk function determined the band gaps of the Zn-ZIF samples, and scanning electron microscopy revealed a more porous structure. At 77 K and 1 bar, the Zn-ZIF solution with a 2:1 ratio had the highest hydrogen storage capacity (1.71 wt%). The electrochemical behavior of several Zn-ZIF electrodes in a 6 M KOH electrolyte was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments. The Zn-ZIF electrode with a 2:1 ratio exhibits a low charge transfer resistance and a high proton diffusion coefficient (D) of 1.687 × 10−4 cm2 s−1. The characteristics of the 2:1 synthesized Zn-ZIF electrode as a supercapacitor were investigated. Our analysis of the generated Zn-ZIF material's specific capacitance values after 2000 cycles revealed an impressive retention rate of nearly 89 %, with values of 296.6 Fg-1. In addition, we examined the photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized material by exposing it to ultraviolet light and seeing how it degraded organic dyes such as Cango-Red (CR) dye. With a photocatalytic efficacy of 95.06 % for CR dye, Zn-ZIF (2:1 ratio) is the most effective. These findings should provide new knowledge for researchers interested in developing novel Zn-ZIF materials for photocatalytic, energy storage, and hydrogen storage applications.