Solution Casting Research Articles

Ionic Conductivity Studies on Proton Conducting Solid Biopolymer Electrolyte Based on 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (2HEC) Doped with Ammonium Chloride (NH4CL)

Solution casting techniques have been used to create a solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBEs) based on 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (2HEC) doped with varying amounts of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) to investigate the potential of NH4Cl in enhancing the ionic conductivity of SBE. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to measure the impedance of the electrolytes between 50 Hz and 1 MHz in frequency. At room temperature, ionic conductivity was at its highest for 16% weight percent of NH4Cl which was 1.74 x 10-3 Scm-1. The temperature dependence data of 2HEC-NH4Cl SBEs abides Arrhenius behaviour. Complex electrical modulus and complex permittivity were used to assess the dielectric data for the sample at various temperatures.

Experimental determination of the mechanical and hydrolytic properties of chitosan/rice husk ash composite membranes

Chitosan-based membranes are promising alternatives to synthetic membranes in a number of specialized use cases, including water purification and electrochemical devices. In application, excessive swelling when hydrated can lead to poor mechanical integrity, necessitating modifications to the polymer to counter this effect. Embedding inorganic fillers within an organic polymer matrix is one method of combining excellent mechanical stability with good performance. This study investigated the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) on the mechanical and hydrolytic properties of chitosan-based composite membranes. We incorporated varying amounts of RHA into a chitosan solution and prepared thin film membranes via solution casting. We performed structural, chemical, and mechanical characterizations on the ash and membranes, observing 82.84 % water uptake in the 1.5 wt% (wt%) RHA-doped membrane and 13.93 MPa tensile strength in the 2.0 wt% loaded composite. As the RHA content increased, the swelling ratio of the composites with RHA loadings greater than 1.0 wt% decreased, indicating an enhancement in mechanical strength. The observed results demonstrate that combining improved mechanical strength with increased water absorption and reduced swelling can lead to optimal membrane characteristics.

Bioplastic Production Utilizing Jordanian Zeolite and Kaolin

The study investigates the production of biodegradable plastic films using gelatin as a biopolymer, glycerol as a plasticizer, and natural fillers (Jordanian zeolitic tuff and kaolin) via solution casting method. Key findings demonstrate that incorporating these fillers enhances the films' mechanical properties, biodegradability, and ductility. Increased filler concentration improves film thickness, density, tensile strength (up to 4.97 MPa with kaolin), and toughness while reducing moisture content, solubility, and elongation at break. Biodegradation tests reveal significant weight loss over time, indicating the films' potential for rapid environmental breakdown. The ductility of the films decreases with increasing filler concentration, suggesting enhanced rigidity. These results highlight the potential of utilizing Jordanian natural resources to develop eco-friendly bioplastics with applications in packaging, soil additives, and other industries.

Enhanced ionic conductivity of proton-conducting flaxseed gum based biopolymer electrolyte for energy storage

This work presents a facile and systematic way to prepare low resistive proton conducting biopolymer electrolyte (BPE) membranes from flaxseed gum (FG) via the solution casting technique. Ammonium fluoride (NH4F) ionic salt has been added to the FG matrix and optimized the ionic conductivity of the BPE membrane. The structural and morphological investigations were done to comprehend the ion association phenomenon. The enhancement of amorphousity on doping is affirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The complex formation and interactions between FG and proton (H+) have been characterized through fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The flexibility of the prepared BPE membranes at low glass transition temperature Tg was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows maximum ionic conductivity of 4.0 × 10−3 S/cm at FGAF7 composition. The obtained surface topographic images from atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirms that the predominantly uneven amorphous surface with high rms roughness has transformed to a homogenous even surface on the addition of dopant. The TNM findings demonstrated that the ions were the predominant charge carriers. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigations were employed to confirm the electrochemical stability of the BPE membrane. An electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) has been fabricated using the optimized utmost conducting BPE membrane as an electrolyte and characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV). These outcomes indicates that the present electrolyte shows promising performance for application in energy storage devices.

Enhanced piezoelectricity of P(VDF-TrFE) by BN nanosheets doping and leading to high performance laminated magnetoelectric composites

With the development trend of miniaturization, lightweight and portability of electronic equipment, piezoelectric devices have been widely applied to transducers, sensors and energy harvesters. Piezoelectric polymers, like poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), possess the advantages of light weight, good flexibility, and simple preparation methods. However, P(VDF-TrFE) films is not entirely composed of piezoelectric phase (β phase), so increasing the content of β-phase is very important for the piezoelectric property of P(VDF-TrFE) films. Doping nanomaterials with unique properties has been proved to be a feasible way to increase the content of β-phase. In this paper, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets, a kind of 2-dimensional van der Waals materials with wide bandgap, as filler were doping into poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric films by solution casting method. The composite films as designed, in which h-BN nanosheets were uniformly dispersed in P(VDF-TrFE), achieved higher contents of piezoelectric phase (β phase). Compared with pure P(VDF-TrFE) films, the optimal P(VDF-TrFE)/BN piezoelectric film achieved a much higher piezoelectric coefficient (d33) (∼42 pC/N), also leading to a higher piezoelectric voltage output than that of pure P(VDF-TrFE). By laminating the P(VDF-TrFE)/BN films as designed with FeSiB Metglas, high magnetoelectric voltage coefficients under zero and low DC magnetic bias were achieved. In summary, this paper presents a feasible and potential method for improving PVDF piezoelectricity, which has been successfully applied in high performance magnetoelectric devices.

Influence of copper ion cross-linked CMC-PVA film on cell viability and cell proliferation study

In this study, films composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol were fabricated using the solution casting method. Citric acid (4 %) was employed as a cross-linking agent, while glycerol (3 %) as a plasticizer. Cupric chloride (CuCl2·2H2O) was used for cross-linking at concentrations 0.5 %, 1 %, and 3 % over different times. The cross-linking with copper ions led to a noticeable reduction in elasticity, with the breaking strain ranging from 17.9 %–52.9 %. The ion hydration phenomenon increased the contact angle and swelling ratio. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed esterification reactions and copper ion cross-linking with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). The films showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ion-released mechanism followed was the non-Fickian super case-II type. The concentration and duration of cross-linking significantly influenced cell viability and proliferation. FE-SEM analysis revealed that effective concentrations of CuCl2.2H2O were 0.5 % and 1 %, and cross-linking times were 5–15 min, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. Films are non-adhesive with water vapor permeation 800–900 g/m2/day. These results indicate the potential use of the films in treating second-degree burn wounds with low to medium exudate levels. This study provides valuable insights into the development of copper-infused materials for advanced wound healing applications.

Biodegradable active films based on Chlorella biomass and cellulose nanocrystals isolated from hemp stalk fibers

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-reinforced biopolymers have emerged as a widely embraced approach for enhancing the characteristics of biopolymers due to their exceptional properties. Biocomposite (Chl-CNC) films were fabricated by blending Chlorella biomass and varying concentrations of CNCs via a solution casting technique. CNCs were effectively isolated from hemp stalk fibers, as confirmed by structural, surface, thermal, and morphological analysis. The crystallinity of films increased by CNC incorporation, which was confirmed by the XRD. The presence of molecular interactions between CNC and protein-rich Chlorella biomass was illustrated with the FTIR analysis. These interactions enhanced the physicochemical properties of the films. Further, films demonstrated a high level of soil biodegradation in the 42 days, while their total phenolic, chlorophyll, carotenoid contents, and antibacterial activity were unaffected by the incorporation of CNCs. The Chl-CNC films, regardless of CNC addition, indicated antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli but not Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicate that developed biobased and biodegradable Chl-CNC films could be highly beneficial in active food packaging applications.

High‐Performance and Scalable Organosilicon Membranes for Energy‐Efficient Alcohol Purification

AbstractThe production of bio‐alcohol is increasingly gaining international attention due to its potential as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and its ability to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. However, the cost of bio‐alcohol production is almost double that of fossil fuels, primarily because of the low yield of the purification process. Herein, a high‐performance and scalable organosilicon membrane with high chain flexibility and controllable crosslinking density is developed for energy‐efficient alcohol purification. The synthesized organosilicon membrane achieves an ultrahigh total flux (5.8 kg·m−2·h−1) with a comparable separation factor (8.7) for ethanol/water separation, outperforming most state‐of‐the‐art polymer‐based membranes. Integrated experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirm that the ultrafast alcohol permeation of the membrane originates from its high chain flexibility, large fractional free volume, and weak interactions between feed molecules and membranes. The universal applicability of the low‐crosslinking mechanism for the formation of high‐performance organosilicon membranes is also validated. Moreover, its high efficiency and scalability in membrane production, along with the stability of the casting solution, offer promising prospects for industrial applications.

An investigation on structural, morphological, thermal, optical, and antibacterial properties of chitosan-oleic acid (CH-OA) composite thin films

Recent researches show an increasing interest in developing polymer composite films to improve their properties for use in biodegradable food packaging and optoelectronic applications. For this purpose, this study aims to fabricate and characterize chitosan-oleic acid (CH-OA) composite films for different optical applications. Solution casting process was used to prepare CH-OA composite films. XRD patterns of the films showed that the addition of OA up to 3.0 % (v/w) reduced their crystalline structure. The morphology of the composites was studied using SAED and SEM. SAED patterns indicated good mixing ability between OA and CH, while SEM analysis revealed the heterogeneous surface of the films and proved the incorporation of OA into the CH matrix. The thermal stability of the films was studied using DSC and TGA analyses of the composites, and their thermograms indicated the interactions between CH and OA which improved their thermal stability. The optical properties of the films were performed in the spectral region of 250–2500 nm. The near-infrared results showed that increasing the OA concentration can lead to strong local interactions between OA and other groups in the CH matrix. The transmittance spectra of CH-OA composites at UV wavelength ≤ 400 nm showed values ​​close to 0 %, indicating that all the films have UV-blocking features. Significant changes in color and opacity parameters were detected. In the visible range (400–700 nm), the absorption coefficients, absorption indices and refractive indices of the films were evaluated. The absorption edges, Urbach energies, direct and indirect energy band gaps were in the ranges of 2.491–1.849 eV, 0.591–2.008 eV, 2.698–2.578 eV and 2.167–1.422 eV, respectively, as well as the refractive index decreased from 1.837 to 1.735 to 1.149–1.119 by increasing the OA concentration to 3.0 % (v/w). The produced composites have high optical conductivities up to 1010S−1 indicating good photoresponse and enhanced electronic excitation due to increased absorption coefficient of the film. The Wemple-DiDomenico model was used to evaluate the dispersion energies and related parameters. The values ​​of dispersion energy and oscillator energy decreased from 12.388 to 1.327 eV and 6.7268 to 5.7525 eV, respectively, with the OA content increasing to 3.0 % (v/w). The swelling degree and degradation rate were also determined and the results showed an improvement in the swelling and degradation ability of the films. The composites showed the appearance of inhibition zones indicating antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. These obtained results indicate that CH-OA composite films exhibited better physico-chemical properties with significant improvement and thus can be used in biodegradable food packaging and optoelectronic devices.

High-throughput extraction of cellulose nanofibers from Imperata cylindrica grass for advanced bio composites

Extracting high-quality cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with superior yield and purity particularly due to the cost and efficiency limitations inherent in current extraction methods. In this study, we present a novel and cost-effective approach for extracting cellulose nanofibers (ECNFs) from naturally available Imperata cylindrica grass using an optimized chemical process. This process involves tailoring adjusting acid-base ratios and bleaching conditions to successfully extract CNFs with a uniform diameter (90 nm), length (11 μm), high crystallinity (71.64 %), and a small average crystal size (2.06 nm). These characteristics were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. To evaluate the potential of ECNFs in enhancing polymer mechanical properties, ECNFs-reinforced chitosan (CS) composite films were fabricated via a simple solution casting process. The addition of 2 wt% ECNFs significantly improved the Young's modulus by 402 % (reaching 1.37 GPa) and the tensile strength by 748 % (reaching 16.77 MPa) compared to pristine CS films (0.27 GPa and 1.98 MPa), underscoring their effectiveness as reinforcement agents. Furthermore, to expand the functionality of the CS composites, cost-effective graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were incorporated. These hybrid ECNFs/CS/GNP composites exhibited remarkable improvements in thermal stability, flame retardancy, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding compared to pure CS films. In conclusion, this study presents a facile and cost-effective method for extracting high-quality CNFs. The ECNFs-reinforced CS composites demonstrate superior mechanical properties, while the incorporation of GNPs further enhances their functionality by improving thermal stability, reducing flammability, and providing effective EMI shielding. These findings could facilitate the development of high-performance green composites with diverse applications across various industries.

Toward Sustainable 3D-Printed Sensor: Green Fabrication of CNT-Enhanced PLA Nanocomposite via Solution Casting

The current study explores, for the first time, an eco-friendly solution casting method using a green solvent, ethyl acetate, to prepare feedstock/filaments from polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), followed by 3D printing and surface activation for biosensing applications. Comprehensive measurements of thermal, electrical, rheological, microstructural, and mechanical properties of developed feedstock and 3D-printed parts were performed and analyzed. Herein, adding 2 wt.% CNTs to the PLA matrix marked the electrical percolation, achieving conductivity of 8.3 × 10−3 S.m−1, thanks to the uniform distribution of CNTs within the PLA matrix facilitated by the solution casting method. Rheological assessments paralleled these findings; the addition of 2 wt.% CNTs transitioned the nanocomposite from liquid-like to a solid-like behavior with a percolated network structure, significantly elevating rheological properties compared to the composite with 1 wt.% CNTs. Mechanical evaluations of the printed samples revealed improvement in tensile strength and modulus compared to virgin PLA by a uniform distribution of 2 wt.% CNTs into PLA, with an increase of 14.5% and 10.3%, respectively. To further enhance the electrical conductivity and sensing capabilities of the developed samples, an electrochemical surface activation treatment was applied to as-printed nanocomposite samples. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis confirmed that this surface activation effectively exposed the CNTs to the surface of 3D-printed parts by removing a thin layer of polymer from the surface, thereby optimizing the composite’s electroconductivity performance. The findings of this study underscore the potential of the proposed eco-friendly method in developing advanced 3D-printed bio-nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and biopolymers, using a green solution casting and cost-effective material extrusion 3D-printing method, for electrochemical-sensing applications.

Li2CO3 as a Modifier for PVA/PVP/PEG Blend Polymer Electrolytes: Effects on Structural Integrity, Electrical Performance, Thermal Behavior and Optical Properties

ABSTRACT The effects of incorporating lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) into a polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PVP/PEG) blend polymer electrolyte were investigated. Electrolytes were prepared via solution casting method, with Li2CO3 added at 10, 20, and 30 wt.% to the PVA/PVP/PEG blend (50/30/20 ratio). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed interactions between the added salt and the polymer blend. The addition of both PEG and Li2CO3 resulted in increased ionic conductivity, reaching a maximum of 4.51 × 10− 5 S/cm at 30°C with 20 wt.% Li2CO3. Ionic conductivity also exhibited a positive temperature dependence. Optical analysis showed a decrease in the optical energy gap with the addition of PEG and Li2CO3. Differential thermal analysis indicated improved thermal stability with increasing Li2CO3 content, as evidenced by higher onset, endset, and midset temperatures. The enhanced properties of the modified electrolyte suggest its potential applicability in lithium-based electrochemical devices.

Investigation of Wettability, Thermal Stability, and Solar Behavior of Composite Films Based on Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Barium Titanate Nanoparticles

Herein, composite films were produced by incorporating different amounts (1, 3, 5, and 7%) of barium titanate nanoparticles into the thermoplastic polyurethane matrix using a solution casting method. This study examined the impact of the presence and concentration of a barium titanate additive on morphologic properties, mechanical performance, thermal stability, solar behavior, and wettability of produced film samples. The films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible near-infrared spectrophotometer, water contact angle, and tensile strength measurements. In the present study, the mass loss of samples containing 7% barium titanate was 24% lower than that of the pure polyurethane reference. The increase of barium titanate rate added to polyurethane enhanced the solar reflectance property of the films, including the near-infrared region. As a prominent result, the transmittance value decreased significantly compared to the reference in the ultraviolet region, and it dropped to 3% for the highest additive concentration. The contact angle values of polyurethane films increased by 11–40% depending on the barium titanate addition ratio. The nano additive also positively affected the mechanical performance of the reference polyurethane film by slightly increasing the tensile strength values.

Regulatory mechanism of blending additives on interface interaction and phase separation of the heterogeneous braid-reinforced hollow fiber membranes

The exfoliation of the polymer layer from the reinforcement material is the key challenge for applying braid-reinforced hollow fiber membranes (BR HFMs). In this work, a mixed amphiphilic additive system was constructed and adopted in BR HFMs preparation by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). The effect of the mixed system on the state of the casting solution and phase inversion process, the interaction between the casting solution and the braid material, together with the structure and filtration performance was studied. The role of the mixed system on the interface coordination and membrane structure formation mechanisms was elucidated. The results showed that both the composition of the mixed amphiphilic additives and the interaction time between the casting solution and braid material threw much light on the interface coordination and membrane formation. The interfacial compatibility of the casting solution and braid material was obviously improved, resulting in the enhancement of the binding force between the braid and PVDF membrane layer. The permeation flux and anti-exfoliation performance were simultaneously improved with the proper addition of the mixed amphiphilic additives. The stability of the BR HFMs was primarily testified by filtration of real sludge suspension solution with back-washing operation.

Synthesis of Cr2O3/C3N4 doped PVA polymer membranes for optoelectronic applications

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of Cr₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ doped PVA nanocomposite membranes using a solution casting method for potential optoelectronic applications. The successful incorporation of Cr₂O₃ and g-C₃N₄ into the PVA matrix was confirmed through various analytical techniques, comprising FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and XPS. The addition of Cr₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ resulted in enhanced thermal stability, as demonstrated by an increase in decomposition temperature by 25–38 °C. Optical analysis revealed a reduction in both direct and indirect band gaps, from 5.41 eV to 4.85 eV and 5.18 eV–4.65 eV, respectively, indicating modifications in the electronic structure of the composite. This enhancement in optical and thermal properties can be linked to the robust interfacial interactions between the nanofillers and the PVA matrix. The novelty of this research lies in the synergistic effect of Cr₂O₃ and g-C₃N₄, which not only improves the composite's stability and optical properties but also provides a pathway for the development of advanced materials with tunable electronic characteristics for optoelectronic devices. The results of this study contribute to the growing need for environmentally friendly, high-performance materials that can be utilized in a variety of implementations, such as sensors and flexible electronics, thereby having a positive impact on technology development and societal progress.

Fabrication and characterization of PVDF/PMMA nanocomposite membranes doped with graphene oxide (GO) for separation of CO2/CH4 from flue gas

This work focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride/polymethyl methacrylate (PVDF/PMMA) polymer blend nanocomposites incorporating varying concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles fabricated via casting solution processes. XRD and FT-IR confirmed GO-induced structural modifications in PVDF/PMMA blend. The addition of GO into PMMA/PVDF blend decreased and weakened the intensity of XRD peaks, suggesting that adding GO gradually reduces the crystallinity of the films. FT-IR verified miscibility and complex formation between the pristine polymer blend and the GO-filled nanocomposite. The incorporation of GO caused shifts in the optical absorption edge to lower wavelengths, causing a decrease in the optical bandgap energy (Eg). The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity (ε′ and ε′′), electric modulus (M′, M″), and AC conductivity (σac) have been measured from 0.1 Hz to 6 MHz. Both ε′ and ε′′ declined with rising frequency. The addition of different concentrations of GO generated charge transfer complexes in the polymer nanocomposites. SEM images show good homogeny with random dispersion of GO inside the polymer blend. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves for the nanocomposite samples irradiated 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 Gy doses show peak cantered at 207 °C. The peak position remained unchanged with increasing irradiation dosage. The dose-dependent linear growth in maximum peak height indicates radiation detection and monitoring capability.

Investigation on structural and electrical properties of sodium alginate/PVP solid blend polymer electrolyte

In this research, an innovative solid-based biodegradable polymer blend electrolyte (SBPE) was developed using Sodium Alginate (NaAlg) and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) in varying ratios through the solution casting method. The prepared SBPEs were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), AC impedance spectroscopy, Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Transference Number Measurement (TNM). The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the improvement in the amorphous nature of the blended electrolytes. The FTIR studies disclose the complexation between the polymers. The ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte with a NaAlg and PVP ratio of 80:20 exhibited a maximum ionic conductivity of 1.2 ×10−6 S/cm at room temperature among the prepared SBPEs. The Arrhenius plot indicated that the film's properties were temperature-dependent and non-Debye in nature. The activation energy for the most conductive electrolyte was found to be 0.275 eV. The material's potential electrochemical applications were revealed through Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) studies. The sample NAPVP1, demonstrating the higher level of conductivity, possesses a transference number tion of 0.99 estimated by Wagner’s direct current polarization method.

Influence of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide on TiO2-reinforced flexible poly(vinyl alcohol) films for electromagnetic interference shielding

This study evaluates the impact of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the structural characteristics and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films containing titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The composite films were prepared by solution casting, and their structural properties were analyzed through FTIR, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. EMI SE was evaluated as a function of GO and rGO concentrations. Spectroscopic data indicated that TiO₂ and GO interact with PVA primarily through hydrogen bonding. The inclusion of TiO₂ increased the crystallinity of the films, although its interaction with PVA was not uniform. In composites containing GO, TiO₂ exhibited enhanced affinity for the polymer matrix due to the hydrophilic nature of both components. As a result, GO influenced the action of TiO₂ in the composite, leading to EMI SE values of 3.27 dB/mm in the X-band and 7.28 dB/mm at 9.3 GHz. The addition of rGO led to reduced interaction with TiO₂ due to a lower content of oxygen-containing groups, with the higher electrical conductivity of rGO being the most prominent effect observed. rGO demonstrated a competitive effect at 1 % filler and a synergistic effect at 4 % filler, with EMI SE values at 9.9 GHz increasing to 31.34 dB/mm and 55.80 dB/mm, respectively. This study shows that GO/TiO₂/PVA and rGO/TiO₂/PVA composite films exhibit promising EMI shielding properties. The different interactions between GO and rGO with TiO₂ and PVA result in distinct EMI SE mechanisms, with rGO showing superior performance. Combined with excellent mechanical flexibility and relatively low thickness, these data highlight the potential of these composite films for EMI shielding applications.

Solvothermal synthesized mesoporous BiOCl nano-ellipsoids with oxygen vacancies for photocatalytic degradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic

This study explores mesoporous BiOCl nanoparticles as a promising photocatalyst for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation under visible light for the first time. A solvothermal synthesis yields BiOCl nanoparticles with a high ratio of exposed {010} facets and abundant oxygen vacancies (OVs). These properties, along with the co-existence of Bi³-x and Bi³⁺x defect states, promote a tailored surface chemistry with high surface-bound hydroxyl groups. These properties optimize light absorption by inducing favorable surface states, leading to a red shift in the light absorption edge for efficient utilization of visible light. Additionally, OVs suppress the recombination of photo-generated charge carriers and enhance their transfer rate. Furthermore, the free-standing LDPE/BiOCl nanocomposite films of 50μm, prepared via solution casting technique with varying BiOCl weight percentages (3, 5, and 7 wt.%), exhibit remarkable photocatalytic activity. The analysis of photodegraded LDPE confirms the presence of carbonyl groups (C.I.= 86%), cracks, pores, and hydroxyl radicals (•OH), alongside reduced thermal stability and band gap changes. Through meticulous analysis of the results obtained, we have ascertained that the optimal photocatalytic degradation of LDPE is achieved by incorporating up to 5 wt.% of BiOCl.

Novel HPMC/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite for optoelectronic and energy storage applications.

This study investigates a class of materials known as polymer nanodielectrics, which are formed by incorporating ceramic fillers into polymers. These materials offer the unique advantage of tunable electrical and optical properties. The research focuses on the incorporation of high-purity stannic oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) into a ternary blend matrix of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) using a solution casting method. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed alterations in the amorphous nature of the HPMC/PEDOT:PSS blend upon the introduction of SnO2 NPs. These analyses also suggest the formation of interactions between the polymer and nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the successful dispersion of SnO2 NPs on the surface of the polymer blend, particularly at lower concentrations. The optical properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated using UV-vis spectrophotometry. This analysis allowed for the calculation of optical constants like the bandgap and refractive index. The results showed a dual-bandgap structure, with the direct and indirect bandgaps ranging from 4.92 eV to 4.26 eV and 3.52 eV to 1.68 eV, respectively. Electrical characterization using AC conductivity and dielectric permittivity measurements revealed a dependence on the SnO2 NPs concentration within the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz. The relaxation processes and interfacial polarization effects within these nanocomposites are further discussed in the study. At a frequency of 10 Hz, the AC conductivity exhibited a significant increase, rising from 1.85 × 10-12 S m-1 to 1.04 × 10-9 S m-1 upon the addition of 0.7 wt% SnO2 NPs. These findings highlight the multifunctional nature of the developed nanocomposites. They hold promise for various applications, including UV blockers, optical bandgap tuners, and optical coatings in advanced optoelectronic devices. Additionally, their tunable high permittivity suggests potential use as dielectric substrates for next-generation, high-performance energy storage devices.