Simple Chemical Precipitation Method Research Articles

Rational design of multi-component Fe(OH)3/Ni-NiO heterostructures bifunctional catalyst for electrochemical water splitting

Exploring economic-efficient bifunctional catalysts is critical for the production of green hydrogen through water splitting. Herein, we fabricate a novel hybrid catalyst with three-phase heterojunction (Fe(OH)3/Ni-NiO) via a simple electrodeposition and chemical precipitation method. Benefiting from the desirable amorphous-crystal interfaces, the electronic structure of Ni, NiO and Fe(OH)3 is regulated, which will optimize the adsorption of H intermediates (H*) and also reduce the kinetic barrier for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The optimal Fe(OH)3–3/Ni-NiO/CC shows superior bifunctional activity with low overpotentials of 66 mV for HER and 220 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution, respectively, as well as remarkable durability over a period of 40 h. Besides, Fe(OH)3–3/Ni-NiO/CC requires 1.52 and 1.72 V to deliver 10 and 100 mA cm−2 and shows no obvious increase in current within 40 h toward overall water splitting. Experimental and theoretical results show that the HER process is promoted by the synergistic effect of electronic redistribution between Ni, NiO and Fe(OH)3 due to the construction of three phase crystalline-amorphous heterogeneous interface. Meanwhile, Fe(OH)3 and NiO appeared reconstruction, transforming into FeOOH and NiOOH during OER process, respectively. This work offers a simple synthesis method for designing bifunctional catalysts for water splitting.

Structural, optical, and morphological study of iron-nickel co-doped calcium hydroxide nanoparticles

Here we present a novel study of Calcium hydroxide and iron-nickel co-doped Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles. Calcium hydroxide (CH) and iron-nickel doped Calcium hydroxide (INCH) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. XRD, FESEM-EDX, and FTIR were used to characterize the structural and morphological characteristics, while UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study the optical alterations. The average crystallite size is estimated to be 63.75 nm and 66 nm for the CH and INCH nanoparticles, respectively. The FESEM analysis revealed that CHNPs form a hexagonal-like shape, whereas INCH NPs produce highly agglomerated dispersed particles. The UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the band gap changes with average crystallite size concurrently.

Synthesis of flower-like ZnO nanoparticles for label-free point of care detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

In this work, flower-like ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2 6H2O) as a precursor with KOH. The morphology of the ZnONPs was controlled by varying the synthesis temperature at 50, 75 and 95°C. The morphology and structure of ZnONPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett Teller (BET) analysis. ZnONPs were successfully synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. A synthesis temperature of 75°C produced the most suitable flower-like ZnONPs, which were combined with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to develop a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of the colon cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human serum. Under optimum conditions, the developed immunosensor showed a linear range of 0.5 to 10 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.44 ng mL-1. The label-free electrochemical immunosensor exhibited good selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability, and recoveries were excellent. The immunosensor is used with a Near-Field Communication (NFC) potentiostat connected to a smartphone to facilitate POC cancer detection in low-resource locations.

Zinc oxide nanoflakes supported copper oxide nanosheets as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for OER and HER in an alkaline medium

Bifunctional electrocatalysts are the attractive research in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the overall water-splitting reactions. The design and development of the cost-effective OER/HER bifunctional electrocatalysts with superior catalytic activity are still remaining as the big challenges. Herein, we have developed the CuO–ZnO nanocomposite as a bifunctional OER/HER electrocatalyst via simple chemical precipitation method. The nanocomposite was investigated for its crystalline structure, surface morphology and the functions of elements using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM and XPS characterization techniques, respectively. The nanocomposite exhibited the excellent activity for the overall water-splitting in an alkaline medium. The CuO–ZnO nanocomposite showed the less onset potential of 1.4 and 0.15 V versus RHE in 1M KOH (Tafel slopes value of 0.180 and 0.400 V dec−1) for OER and HER, respectively. Hence, the as-prepared bifunctional electrocatalyst displayed the high stability for 10 h in the water electrolysis processes.

Structural Properties, Energy Interaction, and Applications of CdS Nanomaterial Doped with Rare‐Earth Ions

AbstractSpectroscopic analysis of trivalent praseodymium (Pr+3) and neodymium (Nd+3) ions have received very much interest and reveals good fluorescence efficiency in visible and near IR (NIR) region. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanomaterial sample doped with Pr+3 and Nd+3 ions are synthesized at room temperature by simple chemical precipitation method. The synthesized sample has been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction studies, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectra. Absorption spectra of CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles have been recorded at room temperature. Various parameters such as interplanar spacing, micro strain, dislocation density, distortion parameter, and particle size of nanomaterial are computed. TEM and XRD analysis reveal the spherical structure of the CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles in the prepared samples. Energy interaction parameters of the CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles are computed using UV‐visible absorption spectrum. Actually, CdS nanoparticle amplifies the luminescence intensity of Pr+3, Nd+3 ions by up conversion processes. So energy transfer can be observed from CdS nanoparticles doped with Pr+3, Nd+3 ions. Therefore, the use of pump sources and diode lasers in the UV range can be used to excite these samples to work as lasers. CdS:Nd3+ and CdS:Pr3+ nanoparticles find potential application as a window material for hetero‐junction solar cell, light emitting diodes (LED), biological sensors, address decoders, gas detectors, opto‐electronic devices, etc. CdS nanomaterials are also used as pigment in paints and in engineered plastic due to their good thermal stability.

Zinc influence on the structural manipulation of manganese-based spinel materials: A sustainable approach on the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor electrodes in aqueous media

The increasing demand for energy storage devices requires sustainable practices for implementation, functionalization and recycling procedures that enable a circular economy with minimal wastes. Zinc and manganese are non-critical raw materials with an environmentally friendly character and proven merits in several energy storage solutions, amongst which supercapacitors, important electrochemical energy storage devices able to manage high-power, however lacking energy density. In this work, we demonstrate how these materials can be combined to improve the energy storage ability of manganese-based electrodes, through a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly chemical precipitation method. The manipulation of manganese-based spinel was performed through the introduction of zinc, developing an enhanced electrochemical response in aqueous electrolyte media. A binary Mn3O4 + ZnMn2O4 phase achieved a high specific capacitance of 238 F/g at 0.5 A/g in a 1 V potential window. This material displayed 80.5 % rate capability at 10 A/g, and excellent capacitance retention (97 %) after 5000 consecutive GCD cycles. Furthermore, the work evidences that the concentration of zinc in the ZnMn2O4 structure can enlarge the active potential window up to 1.2 V, keeping high-rate reversibility. These electrodes reached a specific capacitance of 175 F/g at 0.5 A/g, 84 % rate capability at 10 A/g, and 78 % capacitance retention after 5000 consecutive GCD cycles. A comprehensive electrochemical study was performed to extract information on the energy storage mechanisms of the developed Manganese-based materials.

Unlocking the potential of MgONPs for effective domestic wastewater treatment

BackgroundDomestic wastewater contains toxic substances that are dangerous to the ecosystem and mankind if the domestic wastewater is released into natural water bodies without any treatment. Recently treating domestic wastewater with nanostructures has gained much attraction because of its simplicity and effectiveness and reducing the hazardous nature of wastewater. MethodsMgONPs were prepared by simple chemical precipitation method and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like FTIR, FE-SEM, UV–visible, XRD, DLS and EDAX analyses. Characterized MgONPs domastic wastewater treating potential was determined byin-vitro method and evaluated their cytotoxicity by MTT assay. FindingsThe FTIR and UV results confirm the synthesis of MgONPs, the XRD and EDAX revealed the purity of the samples, while FESEM and DLS analyses showed the surface texture and hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles. This MgONPs considerably and optimistically alter the domestic wastewater parameters such as pH, alkalinity, acidity,total hardness, chloride and chlorine content, TSS, TDS, and DO in 1hr treatment (photocatalysis). The presence of H2O2 at the concentration of 1 mg mL−1 enhanced the photocatalytic ability of MgONPs. The MTT assay proved that the prepared MgONPs revealed a higher and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the malignant MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Synthesis, Structure, and Energetic Characteristics of Perovskite Photocatalyst SrTiO3: an Experimental and DFT Study

SrTiO3-based photocatalysts have become widely used due to their excellent properties such as high thermal stability, photocorrosion resistance, and stable structure that can be modified by doping and making composites. In this work, SrTiO3 powder was prepared from Sr(NO3)2 and TiO2 precursors by a simple chemical precipitation method followed by calcination. It was determined that calcination at 900 °C followed by treatment in nitric acid solution produced cubic SrTiO3 particles without the presence of any impurities. In addition, structural, morphology, and energetic characterization using experimental and theoretical aspects are presented. Within the framework of density functional theory, the electronic properties of SrTiO3 have been investigated in the Quantum ESPRESSO software package using the PBE functional under the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The band structure and density of states were obtained, and the width of the bandgap was determined.

CeO2-ZnO nano composites: Dual-functionality for enhanced photocatalysis and biomedical applications

In present study, we employed a simple and cost-effective chemical precipitation method to synthesize CeO2:ZnO nanocomposites with various Ce:Zn molar ratios. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of a cubic structure of CeO2 and a hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO in the Ce:Zn nanocomposites. Structural parameters were determined through a Rietveld refinement process using the X-ray diffraction pattern. The elemental composition of the synthesized compounds were assessed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of the F2g vibrational mode corresponding to CeO2 NPs as well as the E2 mode corresponding to ZnO NPs. Transmission electron microscopy shows the lateral dimensions of both CeO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in the prepared composites. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were analysed to examine the defects present in the samples. Absorption spectra were recorded in the wavelength range of 325–1100 nm using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. Among all prepared composites, the Ce: Zn (1:3) nanocomposite showed the highest photodegradation activity (95 %) against the methylene blue (MB) dye. We also examined in detail the anticancer potential of the Ce:Zn composites against human lung carcinoma cells (A549).

Effect of stabilizer content in different solvents on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the chemical precipitation method

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. The effect of monoethanolamine (MEA) content in different solvents on ZnO NPs synthesis and their structural properties has been investigated. The NPs synthesized by using isopropanol (IPA) with 15 ml MEA as a stabilizer under the most favorable conditions (deposition time, td = 120 min, temperature = 60 °C) showed good structural properties. Synthesized NPs exhibited beneficial structural properties after annealing. The hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO NPs was verified by XRD. Different models were used to calculate structural parameters such as crystallite size, strain, stress, and energy density for all the reflection peaks of XRD corresponding to ZnO lying in the range 2θ = 15⁰–80⁰. The crystallite size of the ZnO nanoparticles was found to be 50–60 nm. FTIR and EDX confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs in the samples. SEM micrograph of all the samples revealed that the grain sizes decrease gradually with the increase of the amount of MEA. UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results provide evidence that the ZnO NPs possess broader absorption bands, together with high band gap energy. The ZnO NPs synthesized with IPA solvent have the highest transmittance and band gap energy of 3.3eV. According to DLS data, various content of MEA stabilizer in solvent affects the hydrodynamic size of ZnO NPs.

Double carbon modified CoS2/NiS2 as anode material for efficient lithium storage performance

To address the challenges associated with significant volume expansion and limited electronic conductivity of transition metal sulfides (TMSs) as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Nitrogen doped carbon (NC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified CoS2/NiS2 (Co-Ni-S/NC/CNTs) composites were prepared by a simple chemical precipitation method and sulfurization reaction. Co-Ni-S/NC/CNTs composites have special structure, utilizing NC as carrier and CNTs as cladding layer. When evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the initial discharge specific capacity of Co-Ni-S/NC/CNTs anode delivers 1518.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and a high reversible capacity of 1137 mAh g−1 is kept after 100 cycles, which is higher than the discharge specific capacity (1117.1 mAh g−1) of the second cycle. At a current density of 0.5 A g−1, a capacity of 468 mAh g−1 is maintained after 300 cycles. The excellent cycling stability of the CoS2/NiS2 anode can be primarily attributed to that CNTs layer can enhance the conductivity of CoS2/NiS2, and the incorporation of NC can effectively improve the infiltration of electrolytes. Meanwhile, the synergistic action of CNTs and NC can mitigate the volume expansion during charging and discharging processes.

An Ethyl-Thioglycolate-Functionalized Fe3O4@ZnS Magnetic Fluorescent Nanoprobe for the Detection of Ag+ and Its Applications in Real Water Solutions.

Ethyl-thioglycolate-modified Fe3O4@ZnS nanoparticles (Fe3O4@ZnS-SH) were successfully prepared using a simple chemical precipitation method. The introduction of ethyl thioglycolate better regulated the surface distribution of ZnS, which can act as a recognition group and can cause a considerable quenching of the fluorescence intensity of the magnetic fluorescent nanoprobe, Fe3O4@ZnS-SH. Benefiting from stable fluorescence emission, the magnetic fluorescent nanoprobe showed a highly selective fluorescent response to Ag+ in the range of 0-400 μM, with a low detection limit of 0.20 μM. The magnetic fluorescent nanoprobe was used to determine the content of Ag+ in real samples. A simple and environmentally friendly approach was proposed to simultaneously achieve the enrichment, detection, and separation of Ag+ and the magnetic fluorescent nanoprobe from an aqueous solution. These results may lead to a wider range of application prospects of Fe3O4 nanomaterials as base materials for fluorescence detection in the environment.

Synthesis and Characterization of PMMA/HAP/MgO Nanocomposite as an Antibacterial Activity for Dental Applications

The current work focuses on the preparation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using aqueous magnesium chloride salts and sodium hydroxide powder by a simple chemical precipitation method and at an annealing temperature of 700 °C for 6 hours. The structural and morphological properties of the magnesium oxide nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Polycrystalline cube and using the Scherer equation showed a crystalline size of 17.23 nm. EDS analyzes showed high purity. Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed the spherical shape of the magnesium oxide particles. With particle size within the range (65-185) nm. While a (PMMA)-HAP nanocomposite was synthesized. -MgO) for use in dental applications such as fillings and dentures. A nanocomposite (PMMA-HAP-MgO) was manufactured by manual molding method by strengthening the poly methyl methacrylate polymer with certain weight ratios(1%,5%,and 10%) from a mixture of nano powder where the added ratios were (99%PMMA-1%HAP,95%PMMA-7.4%HAP-0.3%MgO,and 90%PMMA-9.4%HAP-0.3%MgO). The topographical properties (surface roughness) of the nanocomposite samples were studied by testing them with an atomic force microscope. The results showed an increase in the value of pure PMMA, where the use of nanoparticle filler by 5% (4.7% HAP -0.3% MgO) affected both the roughness and the root mean square ratio of the distribution of nanoparticles on the surface of the composite and the shape of the particles led to a roughness more than the polymer pure. The antibacterial activity of the polymeric overlay was examined on the bacteria that cause dental caries for (Streptococcus mutans), where the zone of inhibition were (1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm) for the nanocomposite and no activity for pure PMMA.

Synthesis of Flower-like ZnO and Its Enhanced Sensitivity towards NO2 Gas Detection at Room Temperature

A flower-like ZnO was successfully synthesized via a simple chemical precipitation method at room temperature (RT) in distilled water, without the use of any catalysts or substrates. The sample’s structure was analyzed using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed its hexagonal structure. UV–visible optical absorption measurements also revealed the presence of UV absorption at 365 nm. A reasonable growth mechanism for the formation of flower-like ZnO was proposed based on these analyses. The response of the sample to low concentrations of NO2 (1 ppm) was evaluated at different calcination temperatures, and the results showed that the best response was achieved when the sample was calcined at 600 °C. The flower-like ZnO sample labeled as 6ZnO showed the highest response of 54.18 when exposed to 1 ppm of NO2 gas at RT. Additionally, 6ZnO exhibited good response and recovery properties of 11 s and 93 s, respectively, at low concentrations of NO2 at 1 ppm. The gas sensing mechanism and the mechanism of the enhanced gas response of the flower-like ZnO are discussed.

Y2O3 nanoparticles with 2D morphology as reactive oxygen species scavengers under ultraviolet radiation conditions

This study assessed the potential reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of Y2O3 nanomaterials with 2D-like morphology in an UV radiation environment and in the Fenton system. The materials were synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method and annealed in three different environments (air, argon, and hydrogen gas) at 500 °C for 1 h. The materials featured oxygen deficiency and surface defects, and prevented the photodegradation of the dye crystal violet (CV) in presence of TiO2 (P25) under broad-spectrum UV radiation (UVB and UVA). Y2O3 nanoparticles annealed in air prevented ROS-induced dye degradation by 20.5±0.7%, while the prevention rate for the other two particles annealed in Ar and H2 were 19.4±0.7% and 18.1±0.6%, respectively. Similarly, these nanoparticles prevented dye degradation in the Fenton system by 14.5±0.7%, 13.7±0.6%, and 12.0±0.7% for the Y2O3 annealed in Air, Ar, and H2 respectively. Therefore, the use of low atomic number (Z) yttria ceramic nanoparticles could be a promising material to prevent radiation related ROS damage in high-energy ionizing radiation (keV or MeV) conditions.

Synthesis, characterization and applications of cubic fluorite cerium oxide nanoparticles: A comprehensive study

Rare earth oxides are the most promising candidates for catalyst, environmental, biological, and medical uses. In this study, we report the synthesis, characterization, and applications of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs). CeO2 NPs were successfully synthesized by a simple and cost-effective chemical precipitation method. Several characterization techniques were employed to investigate the synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles. Structural properties of CeO2 NPs were analysed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The average crystallite size of NPs was calculated by using the Debye Scherrer formula. The atomic position and structural parameters of synthesized NPs were determined by rietveld refinement process of X-ray diffractogram. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) was used to confirm the chemical and elemental composition of the synthesized CeO2 NPs. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to determine the average particle size of the CeO2 NPs. The polycrystalline nature of CeO2 NPs was confirmed by the ring pattern obtained in selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was employed to identify defects in the sample. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study the optical properties and parameters of the CeO2 NPs, and the refractive index was calculated using various theoretical models. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized CeO2 NPs was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye at different catalyst doses under UV light irradiation. Additionally, the anticancer activity of the synthesized CeO2 NPs against human lung carcinoma cells was studied in detail.

High-performance ZnIn2S4/Ni(dmgH)2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: Ion exchange construction, photocorrosion mitigation, and efficiency enhancement by photochromic effect

In this work, a novel photocatalyst of ZnIn2S4/Ni(dmgH)2 was designed by a simple chemical precipitation method and used to enhance hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. Along with vigorous discharges of hydrogen bubbles, an optimal rate of 36.3 mmol/g/h was reached under UV–Vis light for hydrogen evolution, nearly 4.9 times of the one from pure ZnIn2S4. The heterojunction exhibits steady hydrogen evolution capability and owns a high apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 20.45% under the monochromatic light at 420 nm. By coupling ZnIn2S4 with Ni(dmgH)2, an extraordinary photochromic phenomenon was detected and attributed to the active Ni-S component in situ formed between the nickel and sulfur composites under light irradiation. The emerging sulfide benefits light absorption of the system and separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. Besides providing a promising photocatalyst for visible light hydrogen production, the present work is hoped to inspire new trends of catalytic medium designs and investigations.

EDTA promoted Cr(VI) reduction in semiconductor/insulator photocatalyst: Performance, mechanistic insight and DFT calculation

Here, a novel CdS/BaCO3 composite catalyst was fabricated by a simple chemical precipitation method. The optical and photoelectrochemical characterizations suggest that the charge separation and transportation in CdS/BaCO3 are significantly enhanced, compared to that in CdS. As a results, the optimized CdS/BaCO3 shows superior hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) degradation rates, which is 76.4 times higher than that of CdS. More interestingly, the adding of trace EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) further promote the photocatalytic Cr(VI) removal ratio of CdS/BaCO3 to 99 %, at a significantly enhanced rate (0.247/min) 236.87 and 114.22 times more than that of CdS and EDTA. In combination with DFT theoretical calculations, the analysis on band levels suggests that under visible light, the interband states of Ba2+ of BaCO3 inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs in CdS and improves the electron transmission efficiency and the formation of a complex between EDTA and the composite catalyst, which increase of active groups and the generation of H2O2 in the solution for boosting Cr(VI) reduction. The design of small-molecule-promoted insulators/semiconductor heterojunctions for enhancing Cr(VI) degradation offers broad application prospects in environmental remediation.

Rational Design and General Synthesis of High-Entropy Metallic Ammonium Phosphate Superstructures Assembled by Nanosheets.

Three-dimensional (3D) superstructure nanomaterials with special morphologies and novel properties have attracted considerable attention in the fields of optics, catalysis, and energy storage. The introduction of high entropy into ammonium phosphate (NPO·nH2O) has not yet attracted much attention in the field of energy storage materials. Herein, we systematically synthesize a series of 3D superstructures of NPOs·nH2O ranging from unitary, binary, ternary, and quaternary to high-entropy by a simple chemical precipitation method. These materials have similar morphology, crystallinity, and synthesis routes, which eliminates the performance difference caused by the interference of physical properties. Subsequently, cobalt-nickel ammonium phosphate (CoxNiy-NPO·nH2O) powders with different cobalt-nickel molar ratios were synthesized to predict the promoting effect of mixed transition metals in supercapacitors. It is found that the CoxNiy-NPO·nH2O 3D superstructures with a Co/Ni ratio of 1:1 show the best electrochemical performance for energy storage. The aqueous device shows a high energy density of 36.18 W h kg-1 at a power density of 0.71 kW kg-1, and when the power density is 0.65 kW kg-1, the energy density of the solid-state device is 13.83 W h kg-1. The work displays a facile method for the fabrication of 3D superstructures assembled by 2D nanosheets that can be applied in energy storage.

Influence of Y<sup>3+</sup> Doping on Dielectric and Optical Properties of Ce<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> Spherical Shaped Nanostructures Synthesized by Chemical Precipitation Method

In the present investigation, Y3+ doped (5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, and 12 wt. %) cerium sesquisulfides (Ce2S3) nanoparticles (NPS) were synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. Thin films of Y3+:Ce2S3 NPs achieved on ITO (indium tin oxide) substrate. XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns were used to estimate the size of the NPS, morphology index, texture coefficient, and lattice constants. The crystallite size was found to be in the range of 18-34 nm. UV-visible spectral studies were carried out in order to understand optical absorptivity, and optical band (Eg) of the as-synthesized nanostructures (NS). It has been observed that the red shift in the optical absorptivity and Eg value varies between 3.45 eV to 2.59 eV. Morphology and the presence of Y+3 were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray studies (EDX). However, agglomerated spherical-shaped NPs and homogeneous dispersion of Y3+ were observed in EDX analysis. Chemical constituents and nature of the doped NS were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and binding energies matched with Y 3d3/2, Y 3d5/2, Ce 3d3/2, Ce 3d5/2, O1s, C1s peaks. Y3+: Ce2S3 (12 wt. %) NS subjected for dielectric property studies in the frequency range of 10 Hz-10 MHz at room temperature (RT). High dielectric permittivity (Ɛ), and very low dielectric loss (tan δ) were observed at low frequency for 12 wt. % Y3+:Ce2S3 NS as compared with other doped NS. The as-synthesized NS can be used for high dielectric permittivity, low dielectric loss, and capacitor-related applications.