SAED Images Research Articles

Characterization and Properties of ZnO:Nd<sup>3+</sup> Nanomaterial Synthesized by Chemical Synthesis Method

Nd3+ ion-doped ZnO nanomaterial was prepared using chemical synthesis method and its fluorescence spectra have been investigated at room temperature. From SEM images of the synthesized ZnO: Nd3+ nanoparticles it is observed that an increase in concentration of Nd3+ ions leading to the decrease in the particle size. Nearly hexagonal shapes for the dark spots in the SAED images indicate that the ZnO nanoparticles are almost hexagonal. The oscillator strengths leading to 4f ↔ 4f transitions are characterized by different Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4 and 6). These Ωλ parameters along with the fluorescence data and various radiative properties viz., spontaneous emission probability (A), radiative life time (t), fluorescence branching ratio (b) and stimulated emission cross-section (sp) were evaluated and compared with the reported values. The values of these parameters indicate that the observed transitions 4F3/2 → 4I11/2, 4F3/2 → 4I13/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I15/2 can be considered to be good laser transitions in the near infrared region for different optoelectronic and spintronic uses.

4D-STEM and Eels Analysis of Complex C-Based Sensor Architectures

Transforming high-carbon precursors into open-porous carbon foams and coatings via thermal processes is gaining attention as a sustainable method for various applications, including catalysis, energy utilization, and sensing [1]. In this research, we adopt a one-step laser patterning approach to selectively pyrolyze doctor-bladed ink coatings on flexible PET substrates, thereby producing highly porous, intricately designed CO2 sensor structures with a thickness of about 50 µm. Our ink formulation includes glucose as a pore-forming agent and adenine as a nitrogen source to enhance sensing capabilities. Laser processing in an oxygen-rich setting results in flexible, highly porous sensor heterostructures characterized by distinct areas enriched with nitrogen and oxygen functionalities. The laser intensity’s attenuation with depth leads to the development of a distinctly porous graphitic surface layer (serving as the electrical transducer layer) and a denser nitrogen-enriched lower sensor layer, linked by a narrow transitional region [2]. To understand the formation and functionality of these sensors, we conducted an in-depth TEM analysis of cross-sections of the complete device, prepared through ultramicrotomy cross-sectioning. STEM-EELS elemental distribution maps distinctly show the chemical composition differences between the upper and lower layers of the sensor. Principal component analysis was utilized to separate the complex sensor structures into their constituent crystalline and amorphous carbon and nitrogen-containing phases. 4D-STEM analysis exposed the arrangement of the crystalline graphitic phase and the orientation of graphite basal planes adjacent to the pores of the open-porous sensor. Analyzing these structural parameters is essential for understanding the electrical performance of the sensor, as depicted in Figure 1 [3]. Figure 1: A (top)) SEM micrograph of sensor embedded in epoxy, (bottom) depth-dependent thermal laser intensity attenuation; B (left)) HA ADF-STEM micrograph showing different sensor layers, (middle) STEM-EELS nitrogen distribution map, (right) PCA bond analysis, C) HRTEM images of sensor from transducer (top) and sensor (bottom) layers with SAED image of respective ROIs (inset); D) 4D-STEM analysis depicting misalignment angle between graphitic carbon basal plane normal relative to the pore surface normalReferences[1] M. Hepp, et al. npj Flexible Electronics 6, 1-9 (2022)[2] H. Wang, et al. Advanced Functional Materials 32, 2207406 (2022)[3] C. Ophus, et al. Microscopy and Microanalysis 28, 390-403 (2022) Acknowledgements: We acknowledge use of the DFG-funded Micro-and Nanoanalytics Facility (MNaF) at the University of Siegen (INST 221/131-1). Figure 1

PREPARATION OF HIGH QUALITY NANOCOMPOSITES OF CuO/TiO2 WITH Ar+ IONS IRRADIATION WITH ENHANCED PHOTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES

In this research work, nanocomposites of CuO/TiO2 were initially fabricated using drop casting method. Later on, these nanocomposites were irradiated for the first time by a beam of Argon ions (Ar[Formula: see text] by keeping the fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], respectively. In order to observe structural and optical properties of un-irradiated and irradiated nanocomposites, Raman Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Photoluminescence (PL) and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) analysis were performed. From Raman analysis, vibration modes confirmed the presence of different phases of TiO2 and CuO. EDX analysis clearly demonstrates the presence of Cu, Ti, and O peaks. SEM images depict agglomerated spherical nanoparticles having diameters in the range of 40–94[Formula: see text]nm. From TEM analysis, mean diameter of 56.1[Formula: see text]nm is observed for unirradiated and 33.7[Formula: see text]nm for Ar[Formula: see text] irradiated CuO/TiO2 nanoparticles in nanocomposite for fluence rates of [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] ions cm[Formula: see text]. HR-TEM and SAED images represent the polycrystalline nature of these nanocomposites. Among the three peaks of PL spectra in UV–Visible region, first two peaks were observed at 356[Formula: see text]nm, and 419[Formula: see text]nm but the third peak is little shifted from 488[Formula: see text]nm with the increase in fluence rate. Values of band gap are reduced from 3.29[Formula: see text]eV to 3.17[Formula: see text]eV as the fluence rate is increased, as calculated from results of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

Green synthesis of Carica papaya mediated silver nanoparticles: Characterization, antibacterial activity, and bioelectricity generation for sustainable applications in nanotechnology

This study presents a sustainable method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using green Carica papaya extract (CPE) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis minimizes environmental impact and utilizes bioactive compounds in Carica papaya (CP), offering an economical and sustainable alternative. The goal is to employ CPE for the eco-friendly synthesis of Ag NPs, followed by comprehensive characterization, antibacterial evaluation, cytotoxicity against brine shrimp, and examination of bioelectricity generation. Locally sourced CP was boiled in deionized water, then cooled and filtered twice. The bio-reduction of silver ions to Ag NPs was confirmed by a color change when 45 mL of 0.005 M AgNO3 was mixed with 5 mL of CPE. Characterization through UV–vis absorption spectrophotometry (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirms the successful formation and consistent size distribution of Ag nanoparticles. CPE is a crucial reducing agent, as evidenced by a distinct UV-visible peak at 422 nm. X-ray crystal analysis verifies highly crystalline Ag NPs with a face-centered cubic lattice structure. The d-spacing values in SAED images are consistent with the results obtained from XRD. Antimicrobial effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis is demonstrated. The study explores the bioelectricity generation potential of CPE-synthesized Ag NPs, indicating promising prospects for sustainable energy solutions. Preliminary experiments show the ability of the nanoparticles to catalyze bio-electrochemical reactions. This dual-benefit study underscores CPEs role in antibacterial properties and bioelectricity generation, laying the groundwork for further research in sustainable nanotechnology applicable to healthcare and energy sectors and contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly technologies.

Catalytic action and bactericidal behavior of samarium/carbon spheres-doped manganese oxide nanostructures and their molecular docking analysis

The co-precipitation technique was adapted to synthesize different concentrations (2 % and 4 %) of samarium (Sm) doped constant equates of carbon spheres (Cs) and manganese oxide (MnO2). The principal objective of this investigation is to demonstrate confirmation that Sm/Cs-doped MnO2 nanostructures (NSs) owned antibacterial and catalytic attributes. Reduction in surface area manifested to agglomeration, NSs faces become inaccessible to initiate a reaction, can be overcome upon doping of Sm. Sm has the potential to increase the activity of metal oxide ascribed to its electron trapping effect. The structural morphologies, optical properties, functional groups, elemental composition, and d-spacing were determined by applying various characterizations. With the incorporation of CS and Sm, UV–vis spectra shifted towards lower wavelength and band gap energy (Eg) was reduced. MnO2 possessed orthorhombic structure, according to the XRD pattern and TEM exhibited long Burr-like morphology of undoped MnO2. SAED image illustrated that MnO2 is polycrystalline. 4 % Sm/CS doped MnO2 revealed the highest degradation (91 %) in a neutral environment. Furthermore, 4 % Sm/Cs doped-MnO2 revealed an inhibitory zone of 2.85 mm against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Additionally, an analysis of molecular docking revealed a binding interface with NRs and the functional domains of certain cellular proteins. Results indicated that Cs-doped MnO2 and Cs/Sm-doped MnO2 NRs are the most potent DNA gyrase and FabB enzyme inhibitors.

Structural and magnetic investigation of novel oxide/ferrite (1-x)MgFe 2O4/(x)Mn1.95Sn0.05O3 nanocomposites

Oxide/ferrite nanocomposites are gaining great attention due to the induced exchange interactions between the different phases. Herein, the weak ferromagnetic MgFe2O4 nano-ferrites are combined with antiferromagnetic Mn1.95Sn0.05O3 nano-oxides, via co-precipitation and ball milling. The synthesized samples demonstrated the combination of ferrite and oxide phases, as confirmed by XRD analysis. This combination also generated two distinct morphologies and particle size distributions, as seen in TEM images. The SAED images depicted the polycrystalline nature of the samples. The XPS technique detected the spin-orbit doublets of the main spectral lines, revealing their different oxidation states. FTIR assisted the merged phases by the presence of multiple vibrational bands. The nanocomposites exhibited weak ferromagnetic nature, emerging from the uncompensated surface spins, as seen in M − H loops. Besides, the switching field distribution curves indicated the exchange coupling between the two phases. EPR spectra showed a decrease in g values as Mn1.95Sn0.05O3 content increased.

Influence of ion‐induced lattice stress and phase transition on the irradiation resistance of high‐entropy ceramics

AbstractThe influence of ion irradiation on intrinsic lattice stress and phase transition is closely related to the irradiation resistance of high‐entropy ceramics. In this study, the ion‐induced response of high‐entropy‐stabilized o‐(ZrHfTiSn)O2 ceramic was investigated under Au2+ irradiation with different fluences. The results revealed that high‐fluence irradiation caused the minimal (orthorhombic‐to‐triclinic) phase transformation underneath the ion‐induced amorphous layer via. fast fourier transformation (FFT) pattern. The cation recombination led to cation rearrangement followed by the increase of lattice expansion induced stress. The lattice stability of residual crystal grains in the mixed layer was significantly improved after lattice rearrangement. This was evidenced by the fact that the X‐ray diffraction profile of the lattice remained unchanged, whereas the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) image exhibited drastic variations with the increase of irradiation fluence. Therefore, irradiation‐induced lattice rearrangement seems to be a reliable way to improve radiation resistance of high‐entropy ceramics.

Ni–Ag ferrites synthesized by sol gel route using aloe vera extract as a solvent: Enhancement in structural, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties

The Ag+ doped nanocrystalline nickel ferrites, NiAgxFe2-xO4 (NAF) with x = 0–0.1 were synthesized by sol gel route using aloe vera extract as a solvent. The analysis of X-ray diffractogram reveals the creation of spinel phase within the pristine Ni ferrite. The phase of nano Ag particles coexists along with the spinel phase for doped NAF, which was confirmed by the Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns. The wt. % of metallic nano Ag and spinel phase was calculated from the refined XRD data. The mean size of the ferrite crystallites calculated from Debye-Scherer method was 44 nm. The TEM analysis confirms the nanocrystalline nature of the ferrites. The SAED image of the ferrite confirms the creation of spinel phase within the ferrite. The morphological analysis by SEM explores the layered arrangement of spherical nanoparticles within the NAF crystals. The EDS analysis shows the absence of impurity elements in the synthesized ferrites. The dielectric constant and loss tangent were studied as a function of frequency and Ag+ composition. The analysis of hysteresis loops depicts the soft magnetic behavior of the NAF samples. The optical properties of NAF crystals were studied from the UV Vis absorption spectra within the wavelength range 400–800 nm. The band gap energies were decreased with the increasing Ag+ composition due to the contribution of delocalized electrons in direct optical transitions.

Study of the suitability of manganese-substituted cobalt ferrites nanoparticles as MRI contrast agent and treatment by employing hyperthermia temperature

Ferrite-based nanoparticles have initiated a new era in biomedical field of research. Researchers synthesized novel materials that can be applied in the biomedical field specially for tumor detection and treatment. Co1−xMnxFe2O4 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) nano ferrites have been prepared by wet chemical co-precipitation method and coated by biocompatible material chitosan. Then the structure of the bare nanoferrite materials was confirmed by the XRD analysis that found that the material possesses a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The value of the experimental lattice constant was determined by analyzing the XRD data. For coated samples, Surface morphology was investigated by FESEM, both bright and dark TEM images, HRTEM and SAED images. The characteristic rings of the SAED pattern also define the fcc structure of the material which shows good agreement with XRD data. The calculated grain size found from the histogram of CoFe2O4 showed good agreement with the crystal size of the corresponding material. The proportions of the elements of bare and coated nanoferrites have been revealed by the EDS study. The successful coating was confirmed by FTIR spectra. Magnetic characterization of coated material was investigated by VSM. It has been seen that the sample Co0.8Mn0.2Fe2O4 showed the highest saturation magnetization and magnetic moment. For tumor treatments, the experimental value of hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of all the coated samples was within the permissible limit. Hyperthermia temperatures of the ferrite samples were calculated. From the time dependence temperature graph, using the sharp slope, the Specific Loss Power (SLP) value was also determined. By contrasting all the cytotoxicity data applied to the Hela cell line, cell viability has been observed at 95%. The values of Relaxivity were estimated from MRI images. With the rise of manganese ions, the value of relaxivities progressively decreased. Moreover, in-vivo angiography of the Albino Wistar rat was observed. Though chitosan-coatedferritesare not brain or muscle-specific, it has been observed that the contrast is enhanced for the images with agents than without agents. It is further observed that the contrast enhancement is the best with the contrast agent Co0.8Mn0.2Fe2O4.

Crosslinked Chitosan-Gelatin Biocompatible Nanocomposite as a Neuro Drug Carrier.

The polymers, chitosan, a polysaccharide, and gelatin, a protein, are crosslinked in different ratios without the aid of a crosslinking agent. Facile chemical reactions were followed to synthesize a chitosan/gelatin nanocomposite in three different ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1). The solubility of chitosan and the stability of gelatin were improved due to the crosslinking. Both the polymers have excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, adhesion, and absorption properties in a biological environment. The properties of the composite were favorable to be used in drug delivery applications, and the drug dopamine was encapsulated in the composite for all three ratios. The properties of the chitosan/gelatin nanocomposite and dopamine-loaded chitosan/gelatin nanocomposite were examined using XRD, FTIR, SEM, UV, TGA, TEM, and DLS techniques, and the crosslinking was confirmed. Higuchi kinetic release was seen with a cumulative release of 93% within 24 h for the 1:3 nanocomposite in a neutral medium. The peaks at 9 and 20° in the XRD spectrum confirmed the encapsulation of dopamine with the increase in the crystallinity of chitosan, which is also evident from the SAED image. The dopamine functional groups were confirmed from the IR peaks between 500 and 1500 cm–1 and the wide UV absorption maxima between 250 and 290 nm. The particle size of the drug-loaded composite in the ratios 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 were calculated to be 275, 405, and 355 nm, respectively. The nanocomposite also showed favorable DPPH antioxidant and antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus. Sustained release of dopamine in a neutral medium using crosslinked chitosan and gelatin without the presence of a crosslinker is the highlight of the work.

Industrial textile removal using date pit assisted CuO-MgO nanocomposite: Molecular dynamics and biosynthesis analysis

This is the first report describing the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation and complete green nanochemistry approach to investigate the interaction of CuO-MgO nanocomposite against methylene blue (MB) dye. The CuO-MgO nanocomposite was synthesized using African natural extract derived from agro-waste, date pits, and subsequently characterized via various characterization techniques.Quantitative analysis of XRD data via MAUD software revealed monoclinic and cubic structures with particle sizes of 26.7 and 21.4 nm for CuO and MgO nanoparticles, respectively. While HRTEM analysis presents cubic shaped morphology, SAED images revealed lattice fringes with d- spacing 0.243 nm, 0.176 nm, 0.126 nm, and 0.102 nm corresponding respectively to (111), (112), (311), and (400) reflection of the CuO-MgO.The MD analysis revealed that MB dye shows a significant hydrophobic nature with a high affinity to interact with the CuO-MgO nanocomposite and consequently absorb on the surface. Subsequently, experimental studies confirmed that bio-engineered CuO-MgO nanocomposite exhibited an excellent photocatalytic ability against methylene blue.Computational modeling coupled with the green nanochemistry of nanomaterials can assist with bioengineering nanoparticles that may find unique applications in the treatment of dye contaminated water.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica and Graphene‐Based FeO and ZnO Nanocomposites for Nutritional Biofortification and Sustained the Productivity of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Considering nutrient delivery and micronutrient use efficiency problems, mesoporous nanosilica (mNs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐based iron and zinc nanocomposites were formulated. Prepared nanocomposites were characterized for FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, and AAS to examine surface functional groups, morphology, and structural composition. XRD spectrum confirmation with SAED image of nanosilica and graphene oxide nanocomposites confirms the polycrystalline and crystalline nature with 30–70‐nm crystal size. The SEM revealed that the modified surface of mesoporous nanosilica and reduced graphene oxide are well‐distributed clusters and are composed of targeted micronutrients. The impact of nano Fe and Zn foliar application was evaluated on rice grain fortification, productivity, and micronutrient use efficiency. The iron and zinc uptake at 60 days after sowing (DAT) and at harvest was significantly increased with foliar application of mNs and rGO‐based Zn at 30 ppm + Fe at 5 ppm nanocomposites as well as led to nutrient fortification by increasing grain uptake and content, with the application of 30 ppm zinc and 5 ppm iron through mNs resulted in an improvement of the rice grain yield by 53% over conventional fertilization. Besides significant increment in grain yield, foliar application of mNs and rGO‐based nanocomposites (Zn at 30 ppm + Fe at 5 ppm) increased the Zn and Fe use efficiency by 527 and 380%, respectively, over conventional micronutrient fertilization (ZnSO4 and FeSO4).

Structural and magnetic properties analysis of trivalent Al3+ ions substituted Ni-Zn-Co nano-spinel ferrites

This study explored the structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties of Ni0.4Zn0.35Co0.25Fe2−x Al x O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.12) nano-spinel ferrites. Nanocrystalline cubic structure formation and weight loss percentage were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA - DSC). Single-phase cubic spinel structures with Fd3m space group of synthesized samples were confirmed by Rietveld refinement X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The particle sizes were found to be in the range of 6.7 nm–5.25 nm, and agglomeration occurs inside the ferrite samples. The atomic planes and strong crystallinity were detected through SAED images. The characteristic peaks of the Raman spectra identified the bonding between the cations and anions in the sub-lattices. The optical bandgaps (E g ) were found to be in the range of 2.1 eV–2.52 eV. S-shape hysteresis (M-H) loops identified the superparamagnetic nature of the nano-samples. The studies’ outcomes indicated the applicability for biomedical applications of these nano samples.

Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles by Shewanella sp. HN-41 using a modified bioelectrochemical system

Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles from selenite by Shewanella sp. HN-41 demonstrated that particle size depended on the reaction time and biomass of cells. The slow reaction and low biomass tended to form small particles. In this study, Shewanella sp. HN-41 was introduced into the anode of a nonexternal circuit bioelectrochemical system (nec_BES) to convert chemical energy from lactate to low electron current to the cathode, where selenite was reduced. Our experiment with two systems, one bioelectrochemical system with a cathode flushed with nitrogen and the other with a no-nitrogen-flushing cathode, showed that the former could not produce Se nanoparticles after 21 d, but the latter formed them with an average size of 37.7 nm. The SEM and TEM images demonstrated that the particle size of 10 nm occupied over 10% and most of the particles were in the range of 30–60 nm. The XRD result and SAED image demonstrated no clear peaks of crystal and proved that the Se nanoparticles are amorphous. The clean Se nanoparticles were synthesized and completely separated from bacterial cells in the bioelectrochemical system. This study opened a new approach for the biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Finally, the Se products in the range of 30–60 nm can be tested for antimicrobial activities in medical applications. How to cite: Ho CT, Nguyen T-H, Lam T-T, et al. Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles by Shewanella sp. HN-41 using a modified bioelectrochemical system. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.07.004

Carbyne Nanocrystal: One-Dimensional van der Waals Crystal.

In terms of carbon-atom hybridization, well-established forms of carbon are the first carbon diamond with three-dimensional sp3-hybridized carbon atoms and the second carbon graphite with two-dimensional sp2-hybridized carbon atoms which have been known and utilized for millennia. Sequentially, there is the third carbon, i.e., carbyne with one-dimensional (1D) sp-hybridized carbon atoms, which would result in an allotrope of carbon. Here, we demonstrate that carbyne nanocrystals (CNCs) are 1D van der Waals crystals (1D-vdWCs) composed of 1D carbon chains with sp-hybridized carbon atoms, and van der Waals action occurs between carbon chains based on an atomic insight into 1D sp-carbon chains. CNCs are synthesized by laser ablation in liquids, and the relevant spectroscopic analyses confirm that CNCs are composed of 1D carbon chains with the alternating carbon-carbon single and triple bonds. The crystal structure of CNCs is determined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including selective electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and scanning TEM (STEM) and the corresponding simulations. SAED and HRTEM images reveal the translational symmetry of CNCs, and STEM images show the specific position of the carbon chain in CNCs and the arrangement of atoms on the carbon chain. Experimental data are in good agreement with the simulations, which demonstrate that CNCs are 1D-vdWCs with a hexagonal lattice in which the 1D carbon chain has a kinked structure consisting of an alternating carbon-carbon single bond and a triple bond of eight carbon atoms in a cycle. These findings bring out an emerging era of the third carbon carbyne.

Enhancement in photostability of betalain dye from basella Alba fruits using zinc oxide nanoparticles

Recently environmental pollution due to industrial effluents is a major concern for researchers, so the development of natural dyes is widely accepted due to their low cost, biodegradability, low toxicity, and non -carcinogenic nature and also replaces existing hazardous chemicals in industries. Many plants and fruit extracts can be used as natural dyes, but their efficiency depends on photostability and photo degradation activity. Herein reported extraction of natural dye fromBasella Alba fruit using different solvents and photo stability was investigated under UV and visible light. To enhance the stability of extracted pure dye, zinc oxide nanoparticles were added and it acts as an excellent photostabilizer that shows better performance over betalain dye. UV visible spectrum of pure dye shows an absorbance peak of 480 nm and functional groups of both dye and zinc oxide were identified by FTIR spectrum. The structure and surface morphology of the synthesized nanoparticle was confirmed by UV–Visible, XRD, SEM-EDAX and TEM analysis. The crystalline structure of zinc oxide was confirmed by XRD and composition was analyzed by EDAX studies. The wurtzite type structure of zinc nanoparticle was confirmed by XRD. The external morphology of prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles is captured using FESEM. The HRTEM and SAED images are confirmed the crystalline structure of the synthesized material. The photostability and photodegradation studies were performed under UV light and at various temperatures like 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C. These results clearly show a piece of evidence for the usage of nanoparticles for enhancing photostability of natural dyes.

Superconducting YB6 nanowires

We utilize a high-pressure solid-state technique to prepare yttrium hexaboride (YB6) nanowires at very low temperatures of 200–240 °C. The obtained YB6 nanowires are single-crystals grown along [001] direction confirmed by HRTEM and SAED images. From the growth morphology at different time stages and EDS evidence, we proposed that YB6 nanowires are nucleated and grown from the submicron particle clusters. The temperature-dependent magnetization results indicate that YB6 nanostructures undergo a superconducting transition with Tc = 7.8 K, which is higher than that of reported YB6 bulk single-crystals. Furthermore, the YB6 nanostructures reveal a peak effect in superconducting state observed from the magnetic hysteresis loops, approving that YB6 belongs to a type-II superconductor. The lower and upper critical magnetic fields, Hc1 and Hc2, are determined to be 251 Oe and 1104 Oe, respectively.

Impact of LiTi2(PO4)3 coating on the electrochemical performance of Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 using a wet chemical method

NASICON-type solid-state electrolyte has been reported to improve the structural and electrochemical stability of high nickel positive electrode materials; however, the impact of NASICON-type solid-state electrolyte on the performance of lithium-rich cathode has been barely studied. In this work, various contents of LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP)-coated Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 have been made via a wet chemical method followed by sintering at 550 °C for 3 h. Those modified materials failed to show improvement in electrochemical properties including specific capacity, coulombic efficiency (CE), rate capability, and cycle life compared with uncoated material. Thick LTP coating even decreases the average discharge voltage and increases the impedance and voltage hysteresis of cells. XRD, TEM, and SAED images revealed non-uniform coating with multiple components including LiTi2(PO4)3, TiP2O7, and TiO2. This work suggests LTP coating on Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 using a wet chemical method might be challenging and need to be carefully carried out.

Patterns Detection in SAED Images of Transmission Electron Microscopy

Specialized software that supports existing approaches to processing images of the crystal structure of materials for analyzing transmission electron microscopy images have a lot of different digital image processing methods, but major part of it are weakly automated. Automatic algorithm is able to make the crystal structure analysis more fast and effective process. The paper considers the problem of automated processing of SAED images of transmission electron microscopy. Proposed automated image processing algorithm based on methods of adaptive binarization and Watershed segmentation allows one to determine the distances on the diffraction pattern of a material sample on the image of transmission electron microscopy. The proposed algorithm has been tested on several SAED images, distances were calculated in automatic mode and compared with the results of semi-automatic measurement in Digital Micrograph GMS 1.8 software. The analysis of the results showed high agreement in considered cases, which let us assume that proposed algorithm has good development prospects.

Electrical and magnetic properties of V2O5 microstructure formed by self-assembled nanorods

In this study, the hydrothermal method is used for the synthesis of Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) microstructure. Analysis stands for the growth of microstructure in only the orthorhombic phase. The dot pattern in SAED image shows the crystalline nature of microstructure. Raman analysis shows the layered structure of V2O5. The morphological study of V2O5 shows the flower-like microstructure formed by nanorods having diameter ~3 μm. The transport measurement study confirmed the semiconductor nature of the microstructure in the temperature range 200K ≤ T ≤ 380K, and by Arrhenius analysis, we find the activation energy as 185 meV in the temperature range 285K–380K. In the lower temperature range 200K–285K the system shows the variable range hopping conduction of the charge carriers. An anomalous magnetization response is also evidenced in these V2O5 specimen in a narrow temperature range of ~45–60K where the magnetic ground state is antiferromagnetic. Interestingly, this state is bounded by paramagnetic states both at high and low temperatures.