Simple Soft Chemical Route Research Articles

Photostable selenium-assisted ZnS nanocomposite with efficient visible light photocatalytic activity

Selenium-assisted ZnS nanocomposite has been successfully prepared through a simple soft chemical route and their photocatalytic activity was also investigated for degradation of methylene and rhodamine B dye under ultraviolet and sunlight irradiation. Various surface analysis techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-visible, XPS, and photoluminescence were used to analyze the formation of Se/ZnS nanocomposites. XRD studies confirmed the formation of the selenium phase along with ZnS and zinc methacrylate. SEM images showed that ZnS and Se nanoparticles self-aggregated to form three-dimensional spherical nano-assemblies of an average size of about 527 nm. The presence of a different type of defect in Se/ZnS was analyzed from PL spectra. The photocatalytic study revealed the complete degradation of methylene blue in 75 min with a rate constant of 0.073 min−1 under UV light irradiation. In contrast, rhodamine B (RhB) degraded in 90 min with a corresponding rate constant of 0.038 min−1 under the same time duration. Further, this nanocomposite was also efficient under natural sunlight, and almost 85% degradation was achieved after 180 min. Thus, the synergistic effect of strong absorption under UV and visible light source of Se/ZnS nanocomposite minimizes the photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination., which makes them excellent photocatalysts towards the degradation of dyes. Also, this nanocomposite reduced the photo-corrosion under light irradiation and improved photocatalytic stability. In addition, scavenger studies and electron spin resonance in combination with spin trapping technique were used to analyze the contribution of reactive species involved in photocatalysis process.

The size dependence and defect induced room temperature ferromagnetism of ZnO and Zn 1-x-y AlxZyO (Z=Mg/Ni) nanocomposites

In the current research, Al-Mg-ZnO and Al-Ni-ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized by using simple soft chemical route. Prepared nanocomposites of Al-Mg-ZnO and Al-Ni-ZnO with capsule shape distributed magnetite nanostructured were carried out under the calcinated at 120 C for 12 h in furnace. The structural morphology and characterization analysis of as prepared nanocomposites was analyzed by XRD, UV–vis. FTIR, PL, TEM, VSM studies. XRD analysis confirmed the highly pure crystallized cubic phases. The XRD peaks show that the crystalline sizes are of the order of 22 nm, 19 nm, and 11nm. Magnetic property of the prepared nanocomposites was discussed in room temperature using VSM measurement. In spite of a number of researchers reporting the effect of codoping ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with two different metals was modify the properties of the entire system such as enrich in room-temperature ferromagnetism. In this research we tried to by experimentally observed the magnetic properties of a series of soft chemical synthesized Zn1-x-yAlxZyO (Z=Mg/Ni) nanocomposites. Interestingly, it was found that in comparison to un-doped ZnO NPs and co-doped with two different metals. The ferromagnetic signal changes in a co-doped system in which one of the Mg/Ni ions increases the concentration of defects mechanism when Mg/Ni ions exhibited only one oxidation state. The potential role of charge transfer ferromagnetism is involving Mg2+ and Ni2+ ions substituted into ZnO lattice, The origin of magnetism in the nanocomposites is due to exchange interaction between local spin polarized electrons and the conduction electrons. The potential role of charge transfer ferromagnetism involving mixed valence ions and effects defect mechanism was used to explain the room temperature ferromagnetism.

Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Antibacterial Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanopowders: A Comparative Study of Green and Soft Chemical Synthesis

Zinc oxide, a well-known inorganic metal oxide in nanoparticle form, has outstanding antibacterial properties. In this work, the authors focus on determining ZnO nanoparticles’ structural, optical, and antibacterial activity. A simple soft chemical route synthesizes C-ZnO nanoparticles chemically, while the green synthesis method is used to prepare G-ZnO nanoparticles. Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extract was used to prepare G-ZnO nanopowders. These samples are investigated and compared in terms of their structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial properties. According to XRD investigations, the synthesized ZnO nanopowders possess a hexagonal structure. The particle size of G-ZnO is smaller than that of C-ZnO nanoparticles. The XPS result revealed the binding and interactions between molecules. The FTIR study confirmed the presence of molecules and their vibrations. UV-vis-DRS spectroscopy was used to investigate optical properties such as reflectance and band gap. The grain size of the G-ZnO nanopowders was decreased, and oxygen vacancy was produced. The antibacterial efficiency of plant extracts against two different bacterial strains, S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E.coli (Gram-negative), has been studied and reported.

Fabrication of MnO2 Nanocomposite on GO Functionalized with Advanced Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

A new strategy for supercapacitor formation was carried out in the study using electrodes made of graphene oxide (GO) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanocomposites. To the present knowledge, only a few investigations have been carried out concerning the synthesis of GO-MnO2-based nanocomposites and their electrochemical properties, with varying mass ratios, as well as the change in electrochemical properties of their components as MnO2 and GO were tested individually for the enhanced stability and performances. A synthetic method was performed successfully to manufacture MnO2/GO nanocomposites. The findings of the present study show that the composites have a lot of potential as an effective conduction property. A composite of graphene oxide supported manganese dioxide nanocomposites fabricated with the simple soft chemical route. As-prepared nanocomposites can be improved in performance by the interactions between GO and MnO2.

Soft Chemical Fabrication and Material Characterization of Mn Doped SnO2 Ceramic Nanostructures for Application in Photocatalysis

In this research work, a simple soft chemical synthesis route is adopted to synthesize (Sn1-xMnxO2-δ; where x=0, 0.05,0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) based ceramic nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized to X-ray diffraction(XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, particle size analysis, SEM, EDAX, UV and photoluminescence (PL) studies. From XRD, thecrystalline geometry of ceramic nanoparticles was found to be tetragonal. FTIR data have shown a broad absorption band ata wavelength of ~ 600 cm-1 due to M-O stretching vibration mode. The ceramic nanoparticles were found to be in the rangeof 704 to 1258 nm. Smaller grains (<100 nm) along-with few bulky grains were reported by SEM. The absorption ofceramic particles was found maximum at 283 nm as per UV spectra. PL spectra exhibited a strong peak at 432 nm. Thephotocatalysis was studied to degrade methylene blue dye present in water sample using the ceramic nanoparticles underUV, visible and sun lights. Among the samples studied, Sn0.95Mn0.05O2-δ exhibited better photocatalytic degradation behavior(84.8%) under visible light after 120 minutes of irradiation.

Simple New Method for the Preparation of La(IO3)3 Nanoparticles.

We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route, which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method, which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal, and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Visible-light assisted CdO nanowires photocatalyst for toxic dye degradation studies

In the present work, CdO nanowires (NWs) as a visible-light assisted photocatalyst was developed and studied for photocatalytic degradation of representative hazardous colour dyes, which are often exposed to water sources by the textile industries. The uniform CdO NWs were synthesized using the simple soft chemical route. Further, the CdO NWs were annealed in air from 350 to 450 °C with an interval of 50 °C and were characterized to understand their physical and optical properties. Structural analysis showed that the crystallinity increases with annealing temperature till 400 °C. FESEM study of CdO thin films revealed the transformation of NWs into earthworm-like chain NWs after thermal annealing. The optical absorption study revealed the presence of direct band-to-band transition with band-gap ranging from 2.17 to 1.55 eV for as-deposited to annealed films, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the CdO NWs annealed at 400 °C was tested by visible-light-induced degradation of Indigo carmine (IC), Ponceau-S (PS), and Congo red (CR) dyes. In the presence of CdO NWs photocatalyst, the efficiency was found to be 30% for IC, 39% for PS and 57% for CR dyes. The CdO NWs photocatalyst showed enhanced photodegradation i.e., ∼ 1.9 times and ∼1.4 times higher for CR in comparison to IC and PS, respectively.

Microstructure and Properties of Aminated Carbon Nanotubes/Graphene Oxide-MnO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Composite for Supercapacitor Electrodes

MWCNTs-NH2/GO-MnO2 composites with different feeding ratio are synthesized by a simple soft chemical route in water-isopropyl alcohol. By amination treatment, carbon nanotubes become more dispersed, thinner and more uniform, and more defect structures are found in MWCNTs-NH2. MWCNTs-NH2 grows on the surface of graphene. nanomanganese oxide homogeneously coats on the surfaces of carbon nanotubes and graphene Oxide. Specific capacitances of MWCNTs-NH2/GO-MnO2 composite calculated by galvanostatic charge/discharge curve were 286.33 F/g at current density 1A·g-1 when feeding ratio is 1:1:6. With the increase of the content of manganese oxide, Nyquist semicircle of EIS parallel shifts to the right and the slash slope of EIS is gradually flat, indicating that resistance increases. When the feeding ratio is equal to 1:1:15, the resistance reaches the maximum. The phenomenon may ascribe to the agglomerate of manganese oxide, which hinders the diffusion rate of reaction ions and causes the increase of resistance.

Synthesis and characterization of NiO-CdO composite materials towards photoconductive and antibacterial applications

This paper outlines the synthesis and characterization of NiO, CdO and NiO-CdO nanocomposites prepared by a simple soft chemical route. The thermal behavior, structure, surface morphology, elemental composition of the synthesized samples was characterized by TG-DTA, XRD, SEM, EDX and XPS analyses. The various functional groups present in the samples were identified by FTIR analysis. Photoconductive and antibacterial studies were performed to find the suitability of the composite in photoconductive sensor and pharmaceutical applications. Thermal studies confirm that the thermal decomposition of NiO, CdO and NiO-CdO nanocomposites occur at 332.9 °C, 325.8 °C and 334.5 °C, respectively. XRD studies confirm that the NiO and CdO nanopowders exhibit cubic crystal structure and diffraction peaks related to NiO and CdO were observed in the composite. The EDX and XPS spectra confirmed the presence of Ni, Cd and O in the composite. The optical and photoconductive results confirmed that the composite has properties intermediate between NiO and CdO nanopowders. The NiO, CdO and NiO-CdO nanocomposites showed enhanced antibacterial activities against S. aureus and K. pneumonia bacteria strains.

Improved photodegradation activity of SnO2 nanopowder against methyl orange dye through Ag doping

Silver doped tin oxide (SnO2:Ag) nanopowders were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route with 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% concentrations of Ag. The structural, morphological, optical, photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized samples were studied and the results obtained are reported in this paper. XRD studies confirm the polycrystalline nature of the synthesized samples. The undoped and doped samples exhibit a strong (1 0 1) preferential growth. Decreased crystallite size is observed with Ag doping. Nanosized grains were observed for the doped samples. Peak related to Sn–O–Sn lattice vibration is observed for both the undoped and doped samples in the FTIR spectra. Peaks related to oxygen vacancies were observed at 362 and 499 nm for all the samples in the PL spectra. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was observed for the doped samples and the SnO2:Ag nanopowder with 10 wt% Ag doping concentration exhibited maximum photodegradation efficiency against the degradation of methyl orange dye.

Synthesis and characterization of Zr-doped SnS2 nanopowders by a simple soft chemical route towards magnetic and antibacterial applications

Zirconium doped SnS2 (SnS2:Zr) nanopowders were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route using SnCl2•2H2O, thiourea (SC(NH2)2) and zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2•8H2O) as precursor salts. The thermal behavior, structural, morphological, magnetic and antifungal properties of the synthesized nanopowders was studied and the results obtained are reported in this paper. TG-DTA analysis confirms that both the undoped and doped samples become well crystallized above 377 °C. The undoped and doped samples exhibit hexagonal crystal structure with a strong (1 0 1) preferential growth. The metal sulfide (M-S) stretching frequency is observed from the presence of the peaks at 583 and 538 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra. Increased band gap values have been observed for the doped samples. Ferromagnetic orderings in the form of S-shaped loops are observed for the doped samples. Improved antibacterial efficiency was observed with Zr doping.

PbS nanopowder – synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity

Abstract Lead sulphide (PbS) nanopowder was synthesized by a simple soft chemical route using lead nitrate and thiourea as precursor salts. The as-synthesized nanopowder was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, PL, Raman and magnetic measurements. XRD studies reveal the polycrystalline nature of the powder. The powder exhibits face-centered cubic structure with a strong (2 0 0) preferential orientation. The presence of Pb and S in the powder is confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The peaks observed at 1112 cm-1 and at 606 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectrum are related to heteropolar diatomic molecules of PbS. The Raman peak shift at 173 cm-1 might have originated from the combination of longitudinal and transverse acoustic phonon modes associated with PbS crystal. The M-H loop confirms the paramagnetic nature of the as-synthesized PbS nanopowder. The nanopowder has significant antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi strains which make it suitable as antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms.

TG-DSC analysis, magnetic and antifungal properties of Al-doped SnS2 nanopowders

Al-doped SnS2 (SnS2:Al) nanopowders with 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% Al concentrations were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route. The powders are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis-NIR and PL studies. Thermal behavior, magnetic and antifungal properties of the synthesized powder samples was studied and the results obtained are being reported in this paper. TG-DSC studies confirm that both the undoped and doped samples become well crystallized above 320 °C. XRD studies confirm that both the undoped and doped SnS2 nanopowders exhibit hexagonal crystal structure with a strong (1 0 1) preferential growth. Lattice parameters of pure SnS2 experience contraction with Al doping. EDX spectra confirm the presence of Al in the doped samples. The PL peaks at 433 and 485 nm confirmed the presence of sulfur vacancies in the synthesized samples. Ferromagnetic behavior is observed for the SnS2:Al nanopowders. Improved antifungal efficiency is observed for the doped samples.

Spectroscopic, magnetic and antibacterial properties of Sr-doped SnS2 nanopowders

Sr-doped SnS2 nanopowders with 0, 5, 10 and 15wt.% Sr concentrations were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route. XRD studies confirm the polycrystalline nature of the samples. The undoped and doped SnS2 nanopowders exhibit hexagonal crystal structure with a strong (1 0 1) preferential orientation. The 2θ values of the (1 0 1) plane of the undoped SnS2 shift towards lower angle with Sr doping. Nanoneedles are evinced for all the samples from the SEM images. EDX spectra confirm the presence of Sr in the doped samples. The optical band gap of pure SnS2 decreases with Sr doping. Peaks related to SnS2 are evinced at 572nm in the PL spectra and at 313cm−1 and 203cm−1 in the Raman spectra. Improved ferromagnetic orderings in the form of S-shaped loops were observed for the doped samples. Antibacterial studies show that the zone of inhibition of SnS2 increases with Sr-doping. The obtained results infer that Sr2+, a cationic dopant ion strongly enhanced the physical properties of SnS2 nanopowders.

Magnetic and antibacterial properties of Zr-doped SnO2 nanopowders

Zirconium doped tin oxide (SnO2:Zr) nanopowders were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route adding various concentrations of zirconyl chloride (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt%). The samples were characterized by techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, FTIR spectroscopy, UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. XRD studies confirm that all the samples exhibit rutile tetragonal crystal structure with a strong (1 0 1) preferential growth texture. Hexagonal shaped grains were evinced from the SEM images. Nanosized grains are evinced from the TEM images and EDX spectra confirm the presence of Zr in the doped samples. The bands at 523 and 583 cm−1 observed in the FTIR spectra which are attributed as the characteristics of γ (Sn–OH) terminal bond of the SnO2 crystalline phase confirm the presence of Sn–O in the synthesized samples. The doped samples exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. Enhanced antibacterial activity was observed for the doped samples. The obtained results show that zirconium strongly influenced the structural, morphological, optical, magnetic and antibacterial properties of pure SnO2 nanopowders.

Thermal behavior, magnetic and antimicrobial properties of PbS–CdO nanocomposite synthesized by a simple soft chemical route

This paper reports the synthesis of undoped PbS and PbS–CdO nanocomposites by a simple soft chemical route. The thermal behavior, structural, morphological, optical, magnetic and antimicrobial properties of the synthesized samples was studied and the results are reported in this paper. The undoped PbS and PbS–CdO nanocomposite exhibit polycrystalline nature with cubic crystal structure. The crystallite size values of the PbS and PbS–CdO nanocomposites estimated using Scherrer formula were found to be equal to 24.96 and 21.89 nm respectively. TG-DTA analysis shows that the PbS–CdO nanocomposite becomes well crystallized above 400 °C. Peaks related to PbS and CdO were observed in the FTIR spectra of the composite. Magnetic studies confirm that the PbS–CdO nanocomposite exhibit ferromagnetic ordering in the form of S-shaped loop. Enhanced antibacterial and antifungal activities were observed for the PbS–CdO nanocomposite.

Uniform and Well-Dispersed ZnO:Fe Nanoparticles with High Photoluminescence and Antibacterial Properties Prepared by Soft Chemical Route

Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using simple soft chemical route by varying the Fe doping level (5, 10 and 15 at.%). The obtained samples were characterized for their structural, optical, surface morphological and antibacterial properties. XRD profiles confirmed that the synthesized material is nanocrystalline ZnO with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The XRD studies reveal that the crystalline size of Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles are range from 56 to 24 nm. The size of the particle decreases gradually as Fe content is increased. The surface morphological studies confirmed the nanosize of the obtained particles. The FESEM and TEM images show that the particle size reduces after doping. The EDAX profiles confirmed the presence of expected elements in the final product. The Photoluminescence studies showed the occurrence of energy transition from ZnO to dopant site. The antibacterial activity of Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) were found to be significantly higher than that against the Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) micro-organism.

Studies on the spectroscopic, photoconductive properties and antifungal activities of Al-doped PbS nanopowders synthesized by a simple soft chemical route

This paper is focused on the results obtained on the structural, morphological, optoelectronic, photoconductive properties and antimicrobial activities of Al-doped PbS nanopowders synthesized by a simple soft chemical route. All the samples exhibit face-centered cubic structure with a (2 0 0) preferential orientation. The lattice constant values experience shrinkage with Al doping. Spherical shaped nanograins are visible from the TEM images of both the undoped and doped nanopowders. Optical band gap of pure PbS is found to increase from 1.91 to 2.04 eV with Al doping which may be attributed to quantum confinement effect. Photoconductivity is found to increase with Al incorporation making the synthesized nanopowders suitable for photoconductive sensing applications. Antifungal activities of the prepared samples were carried out against three fungi strains. It is found that the antifungal efficiency of the PbS nanopowders is improved with Al doping which make them suitable as antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms.

Highly efficient photocatalytic activity of CuO quantum dot decorated rGO nanocomposites

CuO quantum dots (QD) of size 4.5 nm decorated on a rGO sheet to form nanocomposites with different weight percentages via a simple soft chemical route was reported here. Tuning of CuO QD absorption towards the visible region from the UV region in the presence of rGO was also observed. The luminescence of rGO was found to be quenched in rGO–CuO nanocomposites due to charge transfer from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the rGO layer to the conduction band of CuO. Systematic and concise studies of photocatalytic performance towards degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye by CuO QD along with rGO–CuO nanocomposites were presented in this work. A nanocomposite with an equal weight percentage of rGO and CuO degrades almost 99% of MB under irradiation of visible light for 50 min, showing maximum degradation efficiency.

A new coating for improving the electrochemical performance of cathode materials

The layered LiNi0.40Mn0.40Co0.20O2 compound was synthesized and modified with a mixed alumina–carbon coating by a simple soft chemical route. The simultaneous presence of alumina and carbon on the surface of coated samples was proved by ICP-AES, chemical analysis, XP spectroscopy, SEM microanalysis and local electron diffraction. For the first time, we show that the alumina epitaxial layer is formed on basal {001} facets of cathode grains, whereas side-view facets, like {010}, remain free from crystalline α-Al2O3, thus leaving them easy for Li-ion diffusion into cathode structure. An amorphous carbon film was used here for better conductivity of the coating layer and prevention of the electrical contact loss between cathode grains. Electrochemical tests revealed that the mixed alumina-carbon coating applied on LiNi0.40Mn0.40Co0.20O2 stabilizes the surface structure and improves the cycling performance (3–4.5 V) and rate capability of cathodes on their basis compared with the pristine and alumina-coated LiNi0.40Mn0.40Co0.20O2 samples.