Space Group P63mc Research Articles

Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Ganoderma lucidum: Characterization and In Vitro Nanofertilizer effects

Nanomaterials are one of the most popular topics of technological applications in the last decade, thus it is crucial to synthesize these materials with eco-friendly methods. In the present study, ZnO nanoparticle has been biologically synthesized by using Ganoderma lucidum extract with various concentrations, and its structural, optical, morphological, and elemental characteristics are determined with XRD, UV–visible spectrometer, and SEM-EDS analyses. As well, nanofertilizer properties on Lepidium sativum (garden cress) have been investigated. It is found that structural properties of ZnO NPs have pure wurtzite phase with p63 mc space group. Optical bandgaps of nanoparticles which have not differed with the increasing extract concentration is about 3.24 eV. In SEM-EDS analysis, three different hexagonal shapes (discs, rods, and pyramidals) of nanoparticles have been observed with stoichiometric Zn and O ratios. The radicle, plumule lengths, fresh and, dry weights contents of L. sativum have been increased at rates of 45 %, 41 %, 16 %, 33 % at 250 ppm of green synthesized ZnO NPs with 25 ml extract concentration, respectively. This study is the first report on the utilization of green synthesized ZnO with G. lucidum extracts as a nano-nutrient. • Effects of extract concentration on ZnO NPs were investigated. • 25 ml Ganoderma lucidum extract concentration presents the highest growth parameters on Lepidium sativum. • The production mechanism of green synthesized ZnO NPs is discussed, as well as its future potential as nano fertilizer. • ZnO NPs were an almost uniformed and hexagonal disk, rod, and pyramidal shape with different extract concentrations.

The Family of MII3(TeIVO3)2(OH)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni) Compounds—Prone to Inclusion of Foreign Components into Large Hexagonal Channels

MII3(TeIVO3)2(OH)2 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni) compounds crystallize isotypically in the hexagonal space group P63mc (No. 186) with unit-cell parameters of a ≈ 13 Å, c ≈ 5 Å. In the crystal structure, a framework with composition M3(TeO3)2(OH)1.50.5+ defines large hexagonal channels extending along [001] where the remaining OH− anions are located. Crystal-growth studies under mild hydrothermal conditions with subsequent structure analyses on basis of X-ray diffraction methods revealed that parts of other anions present in solution such as CO32−, SO42−, SeO42−, NO3−, Cl− or Br− could partly replace the OH− anions in the channels. The incorporation of such anions into the M3(TeO3)2(OH)2 structure was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) measurements and Raman spectroscopy of selected single-crystals.

Microstructure, surface morphology and anticancer activity of magnesium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

Depending upon their origin and synthesis methods, nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical, structural and morphological characteristics, which are important in a wide variety of applications concomitant to various fields. In the present work, Magnesium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles with different concentrations (5 atomic % and 10 atomic %) are prepared and the prepared samples are annealed at 200 ⸰C for 2 h in a muffle furnace. The structure, surface morphology, chemical composition, optical properties and photoluminescence properties were analyzed using standard procedures. The antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity against the breast cancer MDAMB231 cancer cell line of prepared nanoparticles were explored. A simple, economical soft chemical method was used. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite phase with a space group P63mc all the prepared samples. The estimated average grain size for the sample MZ2 (18.16 nm) was smaller than the other samples. The SEM micrograph showed that the morphology of the samples were exhibited the rod shape (MZ1, MZ2 and MZ4) and flower shape (MZ3). The purity of the samples was confirmed by EDAX data. The estimated band gap energy of sample MZ1 and sample MZ3 were 3.41e V and 3.38 e V from the UV-vis analysis. The FT-IR spectra of the samples predicted the presence of functional groups for Zn-O and Mg-O bonds. The PL analysis displayed a strong UV emission peak at 387 nm and a green emission peak at 557 nm. The results of the prepared samples prove the potential toxicity against MDAMB231 breast cancer cell line.

Complex impedance, dielectric constant, electric modulus, and conductivity analysis of Cd doped ZnO nanostructures at high temperatures

Cd-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with a standard formulation Z n ( 1 − x ) C d x O (x = 0%, 3%, 6%, and 10%) were fabricated by a co-precipitation technique. The structural and morphological analyses were studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Study of x-ray diffraction investigation indorses the existence of a wurtzite structure with a P 6 3 mc space group in all the samples. Impedance spectroscopy, dielectric measurements, and electrical conductivity at different temperatures of 300–460 K with a frequency range from 20 Hz to 2 MHz were performed using an impedance LCR meter. The complex impedance spectrum ( Z ´ ´ v s Z ´ ) for all samples were fitted with a parallel bulk resistance ( R b ) and capacitance ( C b ) combination circuit. The results of the dielectric measurements indicate that the parameters ε ´ , ε ´ ´ , and tanδ are reduced with the increasing frequency and increase with temperature. The complex electric modulus plots ( M ´ , M ´ ´ ) with frequency have explained the non-Debye type of relaxations mechanism due to interfacial and depolarization. The variation of ac ( σ a c ) conductivity with Cd concentration indicates a gradual increase because the impedance values with Cd-doped decrease. It is confirmed that the activation energies decrease with the doping of Cd concentration. Moreover, ac conductivity was then investigated by Jonscher's power law. Finally, the temperature-dependent exponent s fitted well with the correlated barrier hopping (CHB) conduction. • Cd-doped ZnO nanoparticles with different concentrations were fabricated by the co-precipitation method. • XRD studies revealed the incorporation of Cd into ZnO lattice. • Nyquist plots suggested the negative temperature coefficient of resistance behaviour. • The influence of Cd-doping on the electrical behaviour of ZnO was reported.

A Color-tunable Nitride Phosphor for Near-Ultraviolet Excitation of White Light-emitting Diodes.

Due to the diversity of structure and composition and the unique coordination environment, nitride materials enable the doped activator ions to possess compelling luminescence characteristics, such as rich emission colors, favorable stability and tunable emission spectra. Here, novel SrLuSi4 N7 :Ce3+ ,Tb3+ nitride phosphors were successfully synthesized by a modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation method at atmospheric pressure. SrLuSi4 N7 (SLSN) belongs to hexagonal symmetry, with space group P63 mc, and its crystal structure is composed of the basic building block with corner-sharing [SiN4 ] tetrahedron. Under 365 nm excitation, SLSN:Ce3+ exhibits a broad emission band peaking at 450 nm with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 92 nm and the most forceful intensity obtained at the Ce3+ concentration amount of 0.04. On the basis of the efficient energy transfer, SLSN:Ce3+ ,Tb3+ exhibits color-tunable emission from blue (450 nm) to green (545 nm). Our results indicate that SLSN nitride phosphor is a promising candidate for near-ultraviolet (n-UV) based white LEDs.

High-Performance Thermoelectric α-Ag9 Ga1-x Te6 Compounds with Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity Originating from Ag9 Te2 Motifs.

We have determined the complex atomic structure of high-temperature α-Ag9 GaTe6 phase with a hexagonal lattice (P63 mc space group, a=b=8.2766 Å, c=13.4349 Å). The structure has outer [GaTe4 ]5- tetrahedrons and inner [Ag9 Te2 ]5+ clusters. All of the Ag ions are disorderly distributed in the lattice. Seven types of the Ag atoms constitute the cage-like [Ag9 Te2 ]5+ clusters. The highly disordered Ag ions vibrate in-harmonically, producing strong coupling between low frequency optical phonons and acoustic phonons. This in conjunction with a low sound velocity of 1354 m s-1 leads to an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.20 W m-1 K-1 at 673 K. Meanwhile, the deficiency of Ga in Ag9 Ga1-x Te6 compounds effectively optimizes the electronic transport properties. Ag9 Ga0.91 Te6 attains a highest power factor of 0.40 mW m-1 K-2 at 673 K. All these contribute to a much-improved ZT value of 1.13 at 623 K for Ag9 Ga0.95 Te6 , which is 41 % higher than that of the pristine Ag9 GaTe6 sample.

High‐Performance Thermoelectric α‐Ag 9 Ga 1− x Te 6 Compounds with Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity Originating from Ag 9 Te 2 Motifs

We have determined the complex atomic structure of high-temperature α-Ag9GaTe6 phase with a hexagonal lattice (P63mc space group, a=b=8.2766 Å, c=13.4349 Å). The structure has outer [GaTe4]5− tetrahedrons and inner [Ag9Te2]5+ clusters. All of the Ag ions are disorderly distributed in the lattice. Seven types of the Ag atoms constitute the cage-like [Ag9Te2]5+ clusters. The highly disordered Ag ions vibrate in-harmonically, producing strong coupling between low frequency optical phonons and acoustic phonons. This in conjunction with a low sound velocity of 1354 m s−1 leads to an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.20 W m−1 K−1 at 673 K. Meanwhile, the deficiency of Ga in Ag9Ga1−xTe6 compounds effectively optimizes the electronic transport properties. Ag9Ga0.91Te6 attains a highest power factor of 0.40 mW m−1 K−2 at 673 K. All these contribute to a much-improved ZT value of 1.13 at 623 K for Ag9Ga0.95Te6, which is 41 % higher than that of the pristine Ag9GaTe6 sample.

Evaluation of Efficacy of“Cassia renigera”Leaf Extract Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles as Nano Fertilizer for Cauliflower Plant

AbstractPresent study portrays, environment benign and cost‐effective method to synthesize Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) usingCassia renigeraleaf extract (CRLE). X‐ray diffraction profile was analyzed using Rietveld refinement technique which revealed the hexagonal crystallinity with space groupP63mc. FTIR spectrum ofCassia renigeraleaf extract mediated ZnO NPs (CRLE: ZnO NPs) showed bends located at 3352 cm−1and 1394 cm−1belonging to phenolic groups present in phytochemicals of CRLE, which manifested that CRLE acted as capping agent for ZnO NPs. UV‐Visible absorption spectrum displayed strong humps located at 240 nm and 280 nm, respectively in the UV range confirming the formation of CRLE: ZnO NPs which has depicted non‐uniform grain distribution without any traces of agglomeration with grain size ranging ∼ 28–112 nm. The application of CRLE: ZnO NPs in Cauliflower seedling inhibited the effect of Cauliflower pathogen′Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris′ (Xcc) and also helped in plant metabolism. CRLE: ZnO NPs uptake, translocation and biotransformation in the form of Zn2+affected the overall growth of the plant with enriched micronutrients. CRLE: ZnO NPs were introduced in the cauliflower crops through seeds and promising results were obtained. Introduction of CRLE: ZnO NPs in Cauliflower seeds developed good growth parameters as compared to bare seeds.

A modified sintering method to prepare phase pure AlN ceramics: Structural and dielectric studies for microwave applications

Aluminium nitride (AlN) requires a very high temperature >1900 °C in a specific environment (in the presence of nitrogen) to be densified. Many researchers have used different techniques for sintering: microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering, and conventional sintering. Microwave sintering is dangerous for operating, spark plasma sintering is expensive and conventional sintering is economical but time-consuming and difficult to obtain pure AlN phase. Preparing pure AlN ceramics is challenging because of the high sintering temperature. Since oxidation will occur at high temperatures while sintering, this study deals with the preparation of pure AlN ceramics and their dielectric and structural properties. In this study, AlN ceramics are prepared by conventional sintering at low-temperature 1700 °C for 30h by adopting the powder bed method in the presence of nitrogen. This powder bed consists of 70% AlN powder and 30% C (carbon) powder. These sintered AlN ceramics achieved maximum relative density ∼95% with wurtzite structure of space group P63mc, space group number 186, confirmed from XRD refinement. It is significant to note that the powder bed eliminated the formation of Al2O3. The improvement in the density at the lower sintering temperatures is attributed to smaller initial particle sizes. The Raman spectra of AlN ceramics exhibits six phonon modes of wurtzite structure. The average grain size of sintered AlN ceramic is 1.45 μ m. The temperature-dependent Raman spectrum of AlN ceramics exhibits structure stability at various temperatures with stable wurtzite structure phonon modes. These sintered AlN ceramics exhibited good microwave dielectric properties as dielectric permittivity (εr = 8.83) and dissipation factor (tanδ = 2.686 × 10−4). In this study, the AlN ceramic exhibits the best dielectric properties in the broad frequency range 1 MHz–100 MHz at a different temperature from −140 °C to 200 °C. The obtained properties of AlN ceramics are essential and appropriate for RF- window and electronic applications.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated fromCassia renigeraBark and Detect Its Effects on Four Varieties of Rice

AbstractThe present study reports a cost‐effective and environmentally benign method for biogenic synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) usingCassia renigerabark extract (CRBE) and evaluation of its effect on four rice varieties (PR 7, basmati 1509, HR 47, and sharbati). The physicochemical characterisation of CRBE: ZnO NPs was carried out using X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. Structural investigation using Rietveld refinement method revealed hexagonal wurtzite structure of CRBE: ZnO NPs containing P6 3 mc space group. UV‐ Visible spectra of CRBE: ZnO NPs displayed a broad peak ranging from 430–540 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of CRBE: ZnO NPs displayed a broad peak at 3325 cm−1which represent amine group and the bend at 432 cm−1showed Zn−O stretching confirming the formation of ZnO NPs. FESEM micrograph of CRBE: ZnO NPs depicted hexagonal grains of varying size distributions with an average grain size of ∼28 nm. The effect of CRBE: ZnO NPs on the growth of different rice varieties was examined and was compared with the untreated seeds of rice. CRBE: ZnO NPs treated seeds of rice varieties displayed a significant increase in germination rate, moisture rate, and growth rate (shoot/root length, number of leaves)w.r.t. untreated seeds. CRBE: ZnO NPs mediated rice seeds possessed anti‐pathogenic activity againstXanthomonas oryzae(Xoo). The results of the present work represent that CRBE: ZnO NPs can serve as potent nano‐fertilizer in the field of agriculture.

A novel 1-D square-pyramidal coordinated palladium (II) hybrid compounds [C9H16N2]PdX4 (X=Cl, Br) showing broadband emission, electrical properties and narrow optical band gap

Hybrid halide perovskite-like semiconductors are attractive materials for various optoelectronic applications, from photovoltaics to smart devices. Here, two new one-dimensional palladium halides, [C9H16N2]PdCl4 (1) and [C9H16N2]PdBr4 (2) showing electrical and optical properties were prepared by reaction of 2,4,6-trimethyl-m-phenyl-enediamine with PdX2 (X ​= ​Cl, Br) in the corresponding concentrated halogen acids HX.Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compounds [C9H16N2]PdX4(X ​= ​Cl,Br) belong to isostructural phases and crystallize in the orthorhombic system with non-centrosymmetric space group Pmc21. The basic unit of the crystal structure in each compound is composed of an independent [PdX4]2- anion charge balanced by a [C9H16N2]2+ cation. Remarkably, the central Pd(II) atom is coordinated by five halogen atoms PdX5 forming a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. These hybrid compounds present good thermal stability up to 500 ​K. The DSC and electric measurements show that no phase transition occurs in the compounds over the temperature range 300–400 ​K. Optical absorption measurements suggest that the two hybrids Pd(II)-based metal halides have a narrow optical band gap (Eg) of ∼3.26 ​eV (X ​= ​Cl) and ∼2.98 ​eV (X ​= ​Br) which makes them promising materials in optoelectronic devices. Besides, compounds exhibit broadband green emission excited by UV light at room temperature. The electrical study shows the contribution of the grain and grain boundary in the conduction of these materials and confirms the optical result where the conductivity of the compound (1) is higher than the compound (2). The variation of the conductivity of grain confirms the activation energies calculated for the two regions.

ZnO Powder Nanostructures: Characterization and <i>Ab Initio</i> Study

This work presents the structural and microstructural properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) powders, for that, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD), Optical microscope as characterization methods. Powder X-ray diffraction data confirm a hexagonal crystal structure formation with space group p63mc of ZnO. By Rietveld refinement, we have determined the microstructural parameters with the c axis of the preferential orientation, the ZnO replicas were clearly observed under an optical microscope. Band structure and density of states of the phase of crystal ZnO computed using Ab Initio methods, confirmed that pure ZnO is a direct band gap semiconductor in hexagonal wurtzite structure.

Nonstoichiometric Ellenbergerite-Type Phosphates: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Chemistry, and Magnetic Behavior

We synthesized single crystals of Na0.55Ni6(OH)3(H0.61PO4)4 (I) and polycrystals of (Na, Ni)0.64Ni5.68(OH)3(H0.67PO4)4 (II) with ellenbergerite-like structures using the hydrothermal method. The phases crystallize in the hexagonal space group P63mc with the following unit cell parameters: a = 12.5342(1) Å, c = 4.9470(1) Å, and V = 673.08(2) Å3 for I; a = 12.4708(2) Å, c = 4.9435(2) Å, and V = 665.82(2) Å3 for II; and Z = 2. Their crystal structures are based on a 3D framework built from NiO6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra. The difference between I and II lies in the way the structural channels are filled along the [001] direction. These channels accommodate segments of Na- and (Na, Ni)-centered chains of face-sharing octahedra in the structures I and II, respectively. The magnetic susceptibility χ and the specific heat Cp evidence pronounced low-dimensional magnetic behavior at elevated temperatures and the formation of the weakly ferromagnetic long-range order at TNI = 61 K and TNII = 63 K. Analysis of the χ(T) data within both chain and dimer spin models allows the estimation of the leading exchange interaction parameters in the compounds under study.

Synthesis of spray deposited transition metals doped (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu) compositionally complex ZnO thin films with enhanced band gap and magnetism

Compositionally complex ceramics (CCCs) is now considered as a subgroup of high entropy ceramics (HECs); which focuses on the further opportunities of exploring wide compositional spaces and low entropy options of HECs. This study for the first time attempts to render high configurational disorder in the cationic site of ZnO lattice through the incorporation of higher concentration quinary 3d transition metals dopants i.e. Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu. The authors here demonstrate the synthesis of pure ZnO and compositionally complex (BaxSrxMnxFexNix) Zn1-5xO (where x = 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06; the samples denoted as 10CCZO, 20CCZO, and 30CCZO respectively) thin films by low-cost spray pyrolysis technique at 250 °C. In order to investigate the unique wurtzite phase stability of all CCZO crystal structures, XRD analyses were carried out with Rietveld refinement. XRD study showed the single hexagonal wurtzite phase presence of P63mc space group in all CCZO samples and notable change in lattice parameters with doping increment. SEM results revealed a significant change in surface morphology as it transformed flake-shaped grains for pure ZnO to flower and interconnected flake patterns. UV–visible spectroscopy disclosed enhanced transmittance and optical band gap of 3.94, 3.97 eV in 10CCZO and 20CCZO, respectively. VSM test showed that the magnetization values increased substantially in CCZO thin films indicating the potential prospect of these CCZO in magneto-optical applications. In addition, tuned functional properties were correlated with microstructural features.

X-ray peaks profile analysis, optical and cathodoluminescence investigations of cobalt-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Effects of Co doping on the structural and optical properties of ZnO oxide nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by a solvothermal method are reported. X-ray diffraction examinations using Rietveld refinement confirms the hexagonal wurtzite symmetry ZnO phase nanostructure belonging to P63mc space group. No segregated secondary phases or Co rich clusters were detected. The X-ray diffraction peaks shifts towards higher angle gradually as the concentration of nominal Co content increases in ZnO. This shifting in peak position reflect that Co is well replaced Zn in ZnO matrix. With increasing the Co content to 3%, both lattice parameters a and c of the hexagonal ZnO tended to gradually decrease, suggesting substitutional doping of Co at the tetrahedral Zn2+sites. For Co loading of5%, these trends reversed and the lattice showed a gradual expansion, which is explained by additional interstitial incorporation of Co. The Williamson-Hall (W–H) method with various models i.e. uniform deformation model (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM) and uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM), as well as size-strain plot (SSP) method, and the morphological observations using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image were used to evaluate the crystallite size as well as the lattice strain. Optical studies carried out by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) indicated a decrease in the value of the band gap from 3.238 eV to 2.993 eV with increasing Co doping concentration. The obtained results are confirmed by cathodoluminescence technique.

Defects and band gap shrinkage in ZnO/rGO composite nano-pebbles prepared by solid–state reaction

In the present investigation, ZnO/rGO nanocomposites were prepared using conventional solid-state reaction method. Raman, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, PL and FESEM characterization tools were used to analyze the synthesized materials. Raman analysis reveals the formation of rGO with prominent D and G-band peaks. XRD patterns confirm the crystalline and hexagonal wurtzite structure with P63mc space group of all the samples. Rietveld refinement demonstrates the size variation (33 nm–56 nm) and strain profile. FESEM micrographs of ZnO/rGO composites have established the formation of densely packed hexagonal nano-pebbles. UV–Vis and room temperature PL measurements indicate that the optical properties of ZnO and ZnO/rGO nanocomposites are affected by the rGO concentration. It also confirms a band gap shrinkage during nanocomposite preparation compared to the pure ZnO structure. Urbach energy is found to increase with increase in rGO content and the strength of electron-phonon interaction enhances. It also affects the PL emission in the UV region. FTIR spectra confirm the presence of different functional groups. Present investigation shows that ZnO/rGO materials are potential candidates for design and development of sensors for detecting gases.

Phase equilibria in the Nd2O3–BaO–Fe2O3 system: Crystal structure, oxygen content, and properties of intermediate oxides

AbstractThe phase equilibria in the ½Nd2O3–BaO–½Fe2O3 system were systematically studied at 1373 K in air and presented in the form of a phase diagram. By X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of quenched samples, the homogeneity ranges and crystal structure were determined for the following intermediate oxides: Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 (space group (SG) Pnma) and with 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 (SG Pm‐3m), Ba6+yNd2‐yFe4O15‐δ with 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.4 (SG P63mc), and Ba1.1Nd1.9Fe2O7‐δ (SG P42/mnm). The structural parameters of single‐phase oxides were refined by the Rietveld method. The changes in oxygen content for Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7), Ba6Nd2Fe4O15‐δ, and Ba1.1Nd1.9Fe2O7‐δ versus temperature in air were determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Gradual substitution of neodymium by barium in the Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) oxides leads to a decrease of oxygen content. Partial ordering via formation of separate domains with ap × ap × 5ap superstructure in Nd0.4Ba0.6FeO3‐δ, which cannot be detected by XRD, noticeably influence its thermal expansion and electrical conductivity.

From Cc to P63mc: Structural Variation in La3S2Cl2[SbS3] and La3OSCl2[SbS3] Induced by the Isovalent Anion Substitution

The first antimony oxychloride sulfide, namely, La3OSCl2[SbS3], has been designed by isovalent anion substitution strategy. It belongs to the polar hexagonal space group P63mc (No. 186) with a = 9.327(5) Å, c = 7.075(5) Å, V = 533.0(5) Å3, and Z = 2. It is composed of three-dimensional (3D) cationic [La3OSCl2]3+ networks hosting covalent [SbS3] molecular anions. The 3D cationic [La3OSCl2]3+ are formed by the one-dimensional (1D) hexagonal columns of corner-shared [(Cl/S)La3] polyhedra propagating along the 63 axis situated in (0,0,z) and [OLa3] trigonal pyramids via corner-sharing. Moreover, the alternating [SbS3] and [OLa3] trigonal pyramids are arranged along the 3-fold axis located at (1/3, 2/3, z), generating a dipole moment component along the c-direction. Another remarkable structural motif is the occurrence of the empty octahedra formed by the disordered Cl/S anions, which further share the face to form 1D chains extending along the 63 axis located at (0,0,z). Interestingly, the occurrence of the isolated [La3SbOS3]4+ cubane-like clusters instead of the “chains of [La3SbOS3]4+” make the title compound distinct from the related La4OCl2S4 featuring common chains of [La4OS3]4+. The preliminary nonlinear optical (NLO) measurement indicates a moderate second-harmonic-generation (SHG) signal (ca. 0.7 × AgGaS2) at 2050 nm laser. Moreover, calculated birefringence for La3OSCl2[SbS3] is ∼0.269 at 2050 nm. In addition, the optical energy gap of 2.5 eV for La3OSCl2[SbS3] was derived, which can be assigned to the charge transition from the highest value of valence band derived dominantly from the of S 3p states to the lowest value of conduction band mainly made up of the Sb 5p and of La 5d states.

Methylene blue dye degradation potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles bioreduced using Solanum trilobatum leaf extract

Ecofriendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was carried out using Solanum trilobatum (S. trilobatum) leaf extract as bioreducing agent. SEM images disclosed spherical ZnO NPs formation having a mean diameter of ∼25 nm. EDAX spectrum demonstrated presence of Zn and O elements and absence of peaks corresponding to impurity elements that revealed purity of ZnO NPs. X-ray diffraction pattern displayed diffraction peaks associated with hexagonal wurtzite structured ZnO. Rietveld refinement analysis of XRD data indicated that ZnO NPs have hexagonal single phase (P63mc space group). Profile parameters (Rp, Rwp, and χ2) with minimum values designated harmony between calculated and observed diffraction patterns. FTIR spectrum of ZnO NPs signified high intense band at 540.94 cm−1 associated with characteristic stretching of Zn–O bond. Photocatalytic performance of ZnO NPs showed noticeable methylene blue dye decomposition with an efficiency of 94.07 % under sunlight illumination. Total organic carbon analysis disclosed considerable removal of organic carbon content from the methylene blue dye. Conclusively, S. trilobatum leaf extract can be employed as bioreductant agent to synthesis semiconductor nanomaterials for environmental remediation applications.

SYNERGETIC EFFECT OF Sn3+ ON STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF ZnO NANOSTRUCTURES

This work shows the impact of Sn3+ ion doping on structural, optical and dielectric properties of ZnO synthesized via co-precipitation technique. The synthesized samples were examined using XRD (X-ray Diffractometer), FeSEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), PL (Photoluminescence) and Impedance Spectroscopy. The XRD patterns confirmed the hexagonal structure with P63mc space group and the crystalline sizes, strain and volume of cell are 37.4 nm, 2.5968Å and 59.85Å3 . The morphological micrographs were recorded via S EM. The photoluminescence spectra were measured using a photoluminescence spectrometer with a 325 nm excitation wavelength. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer) spectrometer was used to measure IR spectra in the range 500 − 3600 cm-1 . Complex impedance spectroscopy of the Sn3+ /ZnO − 400 samples was performed at 310 K using a galvenostat in the frequency range of 5MHz to 50 Hz at applied voltage of 50mV. The grain edge resistance of the Sn3+ /ZnO − 400 sample is 14.57MΩ (at 310 K).