Ultrasonic Spray Research Articles

The Characterization of Zn1-XCoxO Thin Films Synthesized by Ultrasonic Spray Deposition with Controlled Visible Light Absorption

The Characterization of Zn_1-XCo_xO Thin Films Synthesized by Ultrasonic Spray Deposition with Controlled Visible Light Absorption

In situ XRD and operando XRD-XANES study of the regeneration of LaCo0.8Cu0.2O3 perovskite for preferential oxidation of CO

Combinations of perovskite-type oxides with transition and precious metals exhibit remarkable regenerating properties that can be exploited for catalytic applications. The objective of the present work was to study the structural changes experienced by LaCo0.8Cu0.2O3 under reducing/oxidizing atmosphere (redox) and Preferential Oxidation of CO (PrOx, with high H2 concentration) conditions and their reversibility. LaCo0.8Cu0.2O3 was prepared by ultrasonic spray combustion and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Structural changes were followed by operando XRD and XAS. Metallic Co and Cu were segregated under both sets of reducing conditions and re-dissolved into the perovskite upon oxidation at 500 °C. Simultaneously, the perovskite-type oxide disappeared under reducing conditions and formed again upon high-temperature oxidation. The effects of this reversible reduction/dissolution of B-site metals on catalyst structure and activity were studied concerning the catalytic process of PrOx. The active phases of cobalt and copper oxides suffer a reduction during the PrOx reaction due to the high H2 concentration; thus, the application of an intermediate oxidation treatment can regenerate the catalytic system and the perovskite can be used for several cycles of reaction and regeneration. In contrast, when this intermediate oxidation treatment is not applied, the catalytic performance decreases in successive activity cycles.

A biodegradable polymer stent with high radial performance: Potential for treatment of portal vein stenosis

AbstractBiodegradable polymer stents have a wide application prospect in the treatment of vascular stenosis diseases. However, weak radial performance of polymer stents hinders the treatment of the diseases with high demand for radial supporting, such as portal vein stenosis. According to previous research, the constraint mode between monofilaments is a key factor that affects the radial performance of polymer braided stent. In this work, a series of Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) stents with the elastomer coating were prepared by ultrasonic spraying process to realize the constraints of monofilament cross points. The results are showed that the radial stiffness and peak force of the coated stent are significantly increased, up to 28 and 35 times higher than that of the bare stent. It is found that the cross points are constrained by the coating, which improves the constraining force between the monofilaments resulting in the increase of the radial force during the deformation process. More importantly, the mechanism of action between the radial force of the coated stent and the mechanical performance of elastic coating has been proposed, revealing a significant positive correlation between them. The radial force of the coated stent could be quantitatively regulated by the six‐arm poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (6SPLCL) coating cross‐linked by Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in different proportions. Finally, we build a mechanical model of stents and find that there is a consistency between the theoretical curve and the actual curve trend. This provides further research and expands the application scope for improving the radial supporting performance of the biodegradable polymer stent.

Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic Cell Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques

This research paper investigates the enhancement of solar photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency through a comparative analysis of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. With the escalating demand for renewable energy solutions, improving the efficiency of solar cells is paramount. This study focuses on several promising materials including silicon, perovskite, CIGS, organic, and dye-sensitized options, alongside innovative manufacturing techniques such as roll-to-roll printing, ultrasonic spraying, and laser scribing. The methodology employed an experimental approach, where various prototypes were fabricated and tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Regression analysis was utilized to examine the impact of different materials and manufacturing techniques on solar cell performance. Key findings revealed that specific manufacturing techniques, particularly laser scribing, significantly enhance the efficiency of silicon-based cells. Moreover, perovskite cells displayed robust performance under varied environmental conditions, suggesting their broader application potential. Material enhancements such as sodium doping in CIGS cells were also shown to substantially increase efficiency. The implications of these findings are significant, offering insights into the effective integration of materials and techniques that could lead to more cost-effective and efficient solar energy systems. This study not only advances the academic understanding of photovoltaic technologies but also guides practical implementations in the solar industry.

Micropatternable Ink Composed of MAX Phase ZIF-8 for Gas Sensing Applications

This work provides a detailed introduction to the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and various performance tests of the Ti3C2/ZIF-8 composite material. Initially, the composite material is obtained through the synthesis, mixing, and subsequent processing of MXene solution and ZIF-8 nanoparticles. The coating structure and properties were comprehensively characterized using SEM, TEM, and XRD. These analyses revealed the material's layered structure, high crystallinity, and surface activity. BET analysis of Ti3C2/ZIF-8 also shows excellent gas adsorption-desorption performance, having an especially high-efficiency adsorption capacity for VOCs. TGA further demonstrates the thermal stability and chemical stability of Ti3C2/ZIF-8 and its printability was tested indicating widespread application potential in coating preparation through ultrasonic spray technology. Finally, we show methods to regulate and control coating thickness and roughness for precision manufacturing. These analyses together emphasize the application value of Ti3C2/ZIF-8 in fields such as gas-storage, gas-separation, and environmental monitoring.

Dry powder inhalation containing muco-inert ciprofloxacin and colistin co-loaded liposomes for pulmonary P. Aeruginosa biofilm eradication

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), a predominant pathogen in lung infections, poses significant challenges due to its biofilm formation, which is the primary cause of chronic and recalcitrant pulmonary infections. Bacteria within these biofilms exhibit heightened resistance to antibiotics compared to their planktonic counterparts, and their secreted toxins exacerbate lung infections. Diverging from traditional antibacterial therapy for biofilm eradication, this study introduces a novel dry powder inhalation containing muco-inert ciprofloxacin and colistin co-encapsulated liposomes (Cipro-Col-Lips) prepared using ultrasonic spray freeze drying (USFD) technique. This USFD dry powder is designed to efficiently deliver muco-inert Cipro-Col-Lips to the lungs. Once deposited, the liposomes rapidly diffuse into the airway mucus, reaching the biofilm sites. The muco-inert Cipro-Col-Lips neutralize the biofilm-secreted toxins and simultaneously trigger the release of their therapeutic payload, exerting a synergistic antibiofilm effect. Our results demonstrated that the optimal USFD liposomal dry powder formulation exhibited satisfactory in vitro aerosol performance in terms of fine particle fraction (FPF) of 44.44 ± 0.78 %, mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.27 ± 0.21 μm, and emitted dose (ED) of 99.31 ± 3.31 %. The muco-inert Cipro-Col-Lips effectively penetrate the airway mucus and accumulate at the biofilm site, neutralizing toxins and safeguarding lung cells. The triggered release of ciprofloxacin and colistin works synergistically to reduce the biofilm’s antibiotic resistance, impede the development of antibiotic resistance, and eliminate 99.99 % of biofilm-embedded bacteria, including persister bacteria. Using a PA-beads induced biofilm-associated lung infection mouse model, the in vivo efficacy of this liposomal dry powder aerosol was tested, and the results demonstrated that this liposomal dry powder aerosol achieved a 99.7 % reduction in bacterial colonization, and significantly mitigated inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. The USFD dry powder inhalation containing muco-inert Cipro-Col-Lips emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating PA biofilm-associated lung infections.

Photocatalytic activity of rare earth elements (Gd and ce) co-doped ZnO nanostructured films

Organic dyes, which are one of the main sources of surface and groundwater pollution, cause health problems as well as environmental hazards. For this reason, ZnO, which stands out among the promising semiconductor photocatalysts in wastewater treatment due to its advantages, was preferred. In particular, Gd–Ce co-doped ZnO nanostructured films, which have been studied for the first time in the literature, were produced by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique and photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue (MB) dye was carried out. Ultraviolet–Visible Spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used to obtain the transmittance and morphology of thin films. According to the FESEM analysis results, morphological changes in the type of nanostructure were observed after the doping. While the photocatalytic degradation percentage of the ZnO film with Gd doping was 65.84 %, when both Gd and Ce were doped, the degradation percentage increased significantly, reaching 91.58 %. Photocatalytic studies revealed that Gd–Ce co-doped ZnO films exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency compared to only Gd doped ZnO films. Therefore, when all the results are evaluated, it is concluded that ZnO:Gd:Ce photocatalysts may have a significant potential application in environmental remediation.

Effect of deposition time on properties of the ZnO by USD Method

This investigation aims to improve the properties of 304 L stainless steel (SS) substrates for use in corrosion, mechanical, and biomedical applications by depositing ZnO thin films. The ultrasonic spraying technique was used to prepare ZnO thin films with depositional times of 1, 4, and 9 minutes. XRD and Raman studied the surface characteristics of ZnO samples. XRD analysis revealed a hexagonal structure with an average crystallite size of 22 nm for ZnO. Indentation nano measurements indicated an increase in the hardness of the films examined. To determine the type of conductivity and estimate the charge carrier density, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis were performed. The thin film deposited for 9 minutes was found to be the most effective in improving corrosion resistance.

Sirolimus-coated Eustachian tube balloon dilatation for treating Eustachian tube dysfunction in a rat model

Eustachian tube balloon dilatation (ETBD) has shown promising results in the treatment of ET dysfunction (ETD); however, recurrent symptoms after ETBD frequently occur in patients with refractory ETD. The excessive pressure of balloon catheter during ETBD may induce the tissue hyperplasia and fibrotic changes around the injured mucosa. Sirolimus (SRL), an antiproliferative agent, inhibits tissue proliferation. An SRL-coated balloon catheter was fabricated using an ultrasonic spray coating technique with a coating solution composed of SRL, purified shellac, and vitamin E. This study aimed to investigate effectiveness of ETBD with a SRL-coated balloon catheter to prevent tissue proliferation in the rat ET after ETBD. In 21 Sprague–Dawley rats, the left ET was randomly divided into the control (drug-free ETBD; n = 9) and the SRL (n = 9) groups. All rats were sacrificed for histological examination immediately after and at 1 and 4 weeks after ETBD. Three rats were used to represent the normal ET. The SRL-coated ETBD significantly suppressed tissue proliferation caused by mechanical injuries compared with the control group. ETBD with SRL-coated balloon catheter was effective and safe to maintain ET luminal patency without tissue proliferation at the site of mechanical injuries for 4 weeks in a rat ET model.

One step synthesis of cerium-based porous carbon microsphere by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and its adsorption of rhodamine B

Cerium-based porous carbon microsphere (Ce/PCM) was synthesized by one step ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP), and the structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Raman spectrometer. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of Ce/PCM was tested by Rhodamine B. (Rh B). The characteristic’s results showed the structure and specific surface area of Ce/PCM were affected by the pyrolysis temperature, and 800-Ce/PCM had the maximum specific surface area as 472.9 m2·g−1. The adsorption evaluation showed that 800-Ce/PCM had the best removal efficiency, and the maximum adsorption capacity was as high as 508.2 mg·g−1. The results suggested the adsorption kinetics of Ce/PCM for Rh B follows pseudo second-order dynamics and Freundlich model, which indicated that the adsorption process includes chemical adsorption and multilayer adsorption. Kinetic thermodynamic studies proved the absorption was endothermic reaction. The analysis of absorption mechanism indicated that the removal mechanism mainly includes pore filling, hydrogen bonding and surface adsorption.

Distribution of relaxation times used for analyzing the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

In this paper, a 25 cm2 polymer electrolyte membrane single cell is prepared by ultrasonic spraying coating method. The polarization curves and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopies (EIS) data of this cell are collected under different conditions, such as cell temperature, humidity, back pressure and pure O2. EIS data are analyzed by Distribution of Relaxation Time (DRT), and some results are concluded: (i) with the increase of current density, the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) time constant became lower, and the ORR reaction resistance and oxygen diffusion resistance both increases. (ii) With the increase of back pressure, the DRT peak assigned to oxygen diffusion process in cathode moves to low frequencies, the peak area decreases simultaneously. (iii) the proportion of the ORR polarization resistance gradually increases from 77 % to 84 % with the cell temperature increase from 65 °C to 80 °C. (iv) With the increase of humidity, the performance of the cell is decreased. (v) The oxygen diffusion resistance is negligible in pure oxygen working condition analyzed by DRT method.

The Effects of the Polymers as a Sacrificed Material for the Hydroxyapatite Powder Synthesized by an Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Process

The HAp (hydroxyapatite) excellent ion exchange resin and has adsorption properties of heavy metals and organic materials. It is used as an adsorption material and as an organic drug-delivery material due to these characteristics, that are essentially controlled the specific surface area. In this paper, the specific surface area was controlled by adding polymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polystyrene beads (PSB), and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Through the USP process, the HAp powder is able to synthesize into the spherical shape, specific surface area, and pore were controlled by the properties of the polymers.

Spray pyrolysis-derived W-doped MoSe2/rGO paper-like microspheres: optimization of microstructure and mesostructure for enhanced lithium storage

Two-dimensional MoSe2 is a promising candidate for lithium-ion battery anodes. However, its conductivity and lithium storage volumetric effect still need to be optimized. In this work, W-doped MoSe2/rGO paper-like microspheres are successfully prepared through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, achieving optimization at both the microstructure and mesostructure to enhance the lithium storage performance of the material. Firstly, by utilizing the similar two-dimensional structure between MoSe2 and rGO, self-assembly is achieved through spray pyrolysis, resulting in a well-defined van der Waals heterostructure at the interface on the microscale, enhancing the electron and ion transfer capability of the composite. Secondly, the mesoscale paper-like microsphere morphology provides additional volume expansion buffering space. Moreover, W-doping not only increases the interlayer spacing of MoSe2 (0.73 nm), thereby reducing the diffusion resistance of Li+, but also allow for the modulation of the energy band structure of the material. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that W-doped MoSe2/rGO exhibits the narrowest bandgap (0.892 eV). Therefore, the composite demonstrates excellent lithium storage performance, maintaining a specific capacity of 732.9 mAh·g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 1 A·g−1.Graphical abstract

IGZO thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis: effect of Zn precursor milling and In and Ga concentration

Codoped zinc oxide thin films with indium and gallium (IGZO) were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by the ultrasonic chemical spray (USP) technique. The influence of the mechanical grinding process of Zn precursor (zinc acetate, AcZn) and the In and Ga concentrations was analyzed. The grinding process was carried out in a planetary ball mill, with a ball:/precursor ratio of 4:1, and a constant rotation speed of 300 RPM. The starting solutions were prepared at a molar concentration of 0.2 and variable In and Ga atomic concentration (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 at%). The deposition conditions were kept constant, substrate temperature of 450 °C and deposition time of 7 min. Structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties were analyzed. From the structural analysis a preferential orientation along the (101) plane for dominant In concentrated IGZO films was observed, whereas for dominant Ga concentrated was the (002) plane. The average optical transmission was in the range of 83–90%, confirming the high transparency of all the deposited films. The bandgap values, Eg, showed slight variations, from 3.43 to 3.53 eV. The best electrical properties were obtained in the IGZO films with an In:Ga ratio of 1.5:1 [IGZO(1.5:1)], evaluated by the figure of merit, 3.50 × 10–3 (Ω/□)−1, calculated for an optical transmission of 86% and a sheet resistance of 63 Ω/□. According to the obtained results, the IGZO thin films deposited by the USP technique, are potentially applicable in the field of optoelectronics, mainly as transparent electrode.

Efficient removal of amoxicillin and methyl orange with antibacterial activity assessment via nanostructured ZnO coatings synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method

Our study explores the potential of ZnO nanostructured coatings synthesized through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and focuses on the dual functionality of these coatings: efficiently removing amoxicillin and methyl orange, while also assessing their antibacterial activity. The characterization techniques used in this work include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The degradation rates of amoxicillin and methyl orange were studied through the decrease in absorption bands at 228 nm and 436 nm, respectively, under UV irradiation. By closely analyzing the responses of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Bacillus Cereus and Bacillus Subtilis bacteria, zinc oxide thin films demonstrate antibacterial efficacy due to the attraction of opposite charges to the bacterial surface, which influences the oxidation process of the membrane, ultimately resulting in cellular death.

Effect of substrate temperature on ultrasonic spray deposited film morphology and coffee stain effect

Effect of substrate temperature on ultrasonic spray deposited film morphology and coffee stain effect

Interfacial carbon quantum dot thin film impacts on morphological and chemical structures of fluorine-doped tin oxide films

Morphology and chemical bonding states, including surface roughness, film density, F-doping, and oxygen vacancy (VO) concentration directly affect the electrical and optical properties of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) films. In this study, morphology and chemical bonding states of FTO films are engineered simultaneously by introducing a carbon quantum dot (CQD) thin film as an interface layer during ultrasonic spray pyrolysis deposition. The abundant oxygen-containing surface functional groups and large surface free energy of the CQD thin film promoted (200) oriented crystal growth and accelerated nucleation of FTO, resulting in smooth and dense FTO film morphology. The abundant carboxyl surface functional groups on the CQDs generate active F− species that are effectively doped into SnO2. Formic acid, formed by dissociation of the carboxyl group, can serve as a strong reducing agent for extracting oxygen atoms from the SnO2 lattice, thereby increasing the VO concentration. The accelerated F-doping and VO concentration result in the generation of additional free electrons. The effects of the optimized CQD on the morphological and chemical structures of FTO films are demonstrated by their superior electrical (sheet resistance of ∼5.7 Ω/□) and optical properties (visible transmittance of ∼85.9 %) compared with bare FTO. Moreover, CQD/FTO used as transparent conducting electrodes in electrochromic (EC) application exhibited improved EC performances, including fast switching speeds (5.3 s and 2.3 s for bleaching and coloration, respectively) and high coloration efficiency (81.1 cm2/C) compared to that of bare FTO.

Synthesis of spherical SiO2 powders from water glass and colloidal Sol through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Synthesis of spherical SiO2 powders from water glass and colloidal Sol through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Structural, Optical, Electrical, and Nanomechanical Properties of F-Doped Sno2 Fabricated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Structural, Optical, Electrical, and Nanomechanical Properties of F-Doped Sno2 Fabricated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Incorporation of Graphene Nanoplatelets into Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in the Presence of Highly Branched Waterborne Polyurethanes.

Enhancing interfacial interactions in fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) is crucial for improving their mechanical properties. This can be achieved through the incorporation of nanomaterials or chemically functional agents into FRPCs. This study reports the tailoring of the fiber-matrix interface in FRPCs using non-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in combination with a waterborne, highly branched, multi-functional polyurethane dispersion (HBPUD). A unique ultrasonic spray deposition technique was utilized to deposit aqueous mixtures of GNP/HBPUDs onto the surfaces of carbon fiber fabrics, which were used to prepare epoxy-prepreg sheets and corresponding FRPC laminates. The influence of the polyurethane (PU) and GNP content and their ratio at the fiber-matrix interface on the tensile properties of resulting high-performance composites was systematically investigated using stress-strain analysis of the produced FRPC plates and SEM analysis of their fractured surfaces. A synergistic stiffening and toughening effect was observed when as low as 20 to 30 mg of GNPs was deposited per square meter of each side of the carbon fiber fabrics in the presence of the multi-functional PU layer. This resulted in a significant improvement in the tensile strength from 908 to 1022 MPa, while maintaining or slightly improving the initial Young's modulus from approximately 63 to 66 MPa.