UV-visible Reflectance Spectra Research Articles

Structural, morphological, spectral properties and high quantum efficiency of Eu3+, B3+ co-activated double perovskite Ba2GdMO6 (M = Nb, Ta) phosphors

The influence of boron on the structural, morphological, and spectral properties was examined using Ba2Gd1−xMO6 (M = Nb, Ta) double perovskite ceramics co-doped with xEu3+ and yB3+ (x = 10 mol%, y = 0, 5, 15, 30, 50, 70, 100 mol%), which were synthesized through the solid-state method. X-ray diffractions of all the samples revealed a single-phase structure, and SEM micrographs of B3+, Eu3+ doped grains showed that the flux effect of boron promotes grain growth. The optical band gap energy was calculated from UV–Vis reflectance spectra, where Eg values decreased between 0 and 100 B3+. PL emissions of phosphors increase up to 50 mol% B3+ concentration due to increasing grain size and improving crystallinity, while a somewhat increase occurred in the asymmetry ratio for both series. The increase of the Judd-Ofelt (JO) parameters (Ω2 and Ω4) with increasing B3+ was associated with the decreasing local symmetry of Eu3+ sites and the decreasing electron density in the ligands. Moreover, while the increase of boron improved the quantum efficiency of phosphors, the ηQE% values of 50 mol% B3+ concentration were 80.84 % and 98.02 % for Ba2Gd1-xMO6:xEu3+, yB3+ (M = Nb, Ta), respectively. The paper may provide an alternative perspective and a new strategy for the structural, morphology, and luminescence efficiency of RE3+-doped double perovskite phosphors.

Electrospun Cu-Co ferrite nanofibers: synthesis, structure, optical and magnetic properties, and anti-cancer activity.

In this study, we investigated Cu-Co ferrite nanofibers (NFs) that were synthesized for the first time employing the electrospinning technique. The structure, phase purity and crystallite size of all the prepared NFs were revealed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. The NFs crystallized in the Fd3̄m (no. 227) space group and the cation distribution arrangement over distinct sites in their structure was analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis showed the microstructure of the NFs and verified their expected chemical compositions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the fibrous nature and the construction of the NFs. The band gap energies derived from the UV-vis reflectance spectra showed a blue shift with an increase in the amount of Cu in the sample from 1.42 eV to 1.86 eV. Magnetization (M) as a function of magnetic field (H) measurements performed at ambient and low temperatures showed the ferrimagnetic behavior of all the NFs. The magnetic parameters including coercivity (Hc), saturation magnetization (Ms), remanent magnetization (Mr), and squareness ratio were determined from the recorded magnetization curves. At 300 K, Ms was reduced from 78.8 to 42.4 emu g-1, Mr reduced from 22.8 to 7.6 emu g-1 and the Bohr magneton reduced from 3.3 to 1.8μB with an increase in the content of Cu in the samples. The same trend was observed at 10 K, where Ms was reduced from 93.7 to 50.9 emu g-1, Mr reduced from 60.9 to 35.9 emu g-1 and the Bohr magneton reduced from 3.94 to 2.16μB. Alternatively, Hc has the highest values for x = 0 (850 Oe at 300 K and 5220 Oe at 10 K) and x = 0.6 (800 Oe at 300 K and 5400 Oe at 10 K). The anti-cancer activity of the NFs was evaluated using the MTT cell viability assay, showing a reduction in the viability of both HCT-116 and HeLa cancer cells compared to non-cancerous HEK-293 cells after treatment with the NFs. Apoptotic activity was examined by DAPI staining, where treatment with the NFs induced chromatin condensation and nuclear disintegration in HCT-116 cells.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of SnO2:ZnO nanocomposites for photocatalytic, antimicrobial and electrochemical urea detection applications

In this work, we have synthesized SnO2:ZnO nanocomposites (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 M ZnO) by employing an efficient microwave-assisted synthesis method. The synthesized nanocomposite's structural, morphological, and optical characteristics are examined using different physicochemical techniques. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the SnO2 and ZnO nanoparticles crystallize in tetragonal and hexagonal crystal systems, respectively. This observation is further substantiated by the results obtained in the Raman analysis. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope study of SnO2:ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) reveals a few rod-shaped nanoparticles as well as big, irregularly shaped particles of reduced size. Additionally, the absorption edge of diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectra exhibits a red shift, and the band gap value of SnO2:ZnO NCs at equal proportion is determined to be 3.3 eV. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the synthesized nanocomposites is investigated for different dyes. With a degradation efficiency of 98 %, the nanocomposites tend to be more reactive towards crystal violet dye (20 ppm) than the other dyes while adding 20 mg of synthesized SnO2:ZnO NCs in equal proportions. The impact of pH and reactive oxygen species involved in the degradation process is also tested. SnO2:ZnO material showed nearly similar degradation efficiency even after six recycles. The study of electrochemical detection of urea employing SnO2:ZnO NCs showed a two-fold increase in peak current value with a detection limit between 0.05 and 4 mM urea. In addition, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains were used to test the nanocomposite's antibacterial capabilities, which showed promise as potential antimicrobial agents.

SBA-15 mesoporous particles with adsorbed cresol red dye and functionalized with 3-aminopropyl groups: Materials properties and dye release studies

Research in the field of sensing has focused on tailoring the responsiveness of materials through the variation in materials properties achieved via functionalization of the mesoporous matrix. pH indicator dyes capable of protonation/deprotonation reactions are known to display different forms, resulting in changes in colour. This research focused on the preparation of mesoporous substrates SBA-15 with integrated pH indicator dye o-cresolsulphonephtalein (cresol red) grafted with (3-aminopropy)trimethoxysilane (gaining functionalized-SBA-15 material) in order to gain a colour change response following release of the dye. UV-Vis reflectance and absorbance spectra were used to evaluate forms of cresol red. The textural properties, including specific surface area, pore size distribution and pore volume were evaluated using nitrogen sorption, and XRD analysis was conducted to evaluate crystallinity of the material and pore ordering. The presence of 3-aminopropyl groups was determined by thermal decomposition using TGA–DSC/MS. The functionalized SBA-15 materials loaded with cresol red mostly retained ordering of the pores and showed a slight reduction in surface area. Functionalization changed the surface properties of the material. In the non-functionalized SBA-15, cresol red was present in both double (H2L) and single (HL−) protonated forms, whereas in the functionalized SBA-15 the deprotonated L2−form prevailed. Through desorption experiments cresol red was successfully desorbed from selected sample to different media. The change of colour caused by alterations in the form of the dye once released from the mesoporous silica material into the medium was confirmed. The form of cresol red released was determined by the pH of the medium.

Tailoring the Structural and Optical Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by an Ecofriendly Green Route Using Plant Extracts.

The present study explores an environmentally friendly green approach to obtain cerium oxide nanoparticles via a biomediated route using Mellisa officinalis and Hypericum perforatum plant extracts as reducing agents. The as-prepared nanoparticles were studied for their structural and morphological characteristics using XRD diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Raman, fluorescence and electronic absorption spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD pattern has shown the centered fluorite crystal structure of cerium oxide nanoparticles with average crystallite size below 10 nm. These observations were in agreement with the STEM data. The cubic fluorite structure of the cerium oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by the vibrational mode around 462 cm-1 due to the Ce-08 unit. The optical band gap was estimated from UV-Vis reflectance spectra, which was found to decrease from 3.24 eV to 2.98 eV. A higher specific area was determined for the sample using M. officinalis aqueous extract. The EDX data indicated that only cerium and oxygen are present in the green synthesized nanoparticles.

A new zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid bismuth (III) halide: Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal analysis, photophysical properties and DFT calculations

Low-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid Bi(III) halides, with organic N, O-heterocycles, are promising solid-state photoluminescent materials, but are underexplored. In this work, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel bismuth (III) hybrid salt, namely (C8H12NO)4[Bi2Cl10] (referred as (1)). (1) was synthesized using a solvent-evaporation method and extensively characterized using various techniques. The crystal structure of (1) was determined to be zero-dimensional (0D). In this structure, the individual bioctahedral [Bi2Cl10]4− dimers, which share edges, are completely isolated from each other. These dimers are separated by large 4-methoxybenzylammonium cations (C8H12NO)+. The latter are crucial for the crystal structural stability by balancing [Bi2Cl10]4-dimer charges and maintaining overall integrity. Solid-state diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectrum demonstrates that (1) is a semiconductor with a band gap of 3.32 eV. Its photoluminescence spectrum exhibits intense blue emission when exposed to UV light, with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.22, 0.21). Theoretical calculations suggest that the emission with multiple centers originates both from a charge transition between (C8H12NO)+ and Bi2Cl104− ions and from excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) processes related to fluorescence properties. These ESPT processes occur through C–H…π and C–H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the organic cations.

Investigation on bio-synthesized Ni- and Al-doped cobalt ferrite using lemon juice as eco-fuel

Pure and doped cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel auto-combustion route with the aid of lemon juice as eco-fuel. In this study, Ni2+ and Al3+ ions were chosen as the dopants. The cubic spinel crystal structure of the synthesized ferrite samples was elucidated from the powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystallographic parameters associated with the samples were obtained from the Rietveld profile refinement of the diffraction patterns. The precise lattice parameter obtained from the Nelson-Riley extrapolation method is found nearly matches with the lattice parameter obtained from the Rietveld refinement of respective samples. The average crystallite size and microstrain accompanying with the samples were estimated from various methods such as via the Debye-Scherrer method, Williamson-Hall analysis and size-strain plot. By employing Tauc’s plot method, the optical parameters such as the direct bandgap, sub-bandgap and the Urbach energy of all the samples were calculated by analyzing the UV-Visible reflectance spectra. The room temperature magnetic properties of all the samples were estimated from the vibrating sample magnetometry. The nature of magnetic hysteresis revealed the semi-hard ferrimagnetism of the prepared cobalt ferrite samples. Also, the variation of magnetic properties with doping was analyzed. The weakening of interaction among the ions in tetrahedral and octahedral sites causes a decrease in the values of remanent magnetization, saturation magnetization and coercivity of doped samples.

Facile synthesis of Pd nanoparticles dispersed polypyrrole-carbon black/NiO nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of colored and colorless organic pollutants

Creation and designing of efficient visible-light responsive photocatalysts requires highly precise and extremely determined efforts in order to obtain material with promising properties and efficient transfer of charge carriers. In this work, we aim to develop and manufacture a distinct visible light photocatalyst consisting of NiO nanostructures, polypyrrole doped carbon black (PPyC) and Pd nanoparticles for wastewater treatment. The Pd NPs and PPyC doped NiO trio photocatalyst was developed via simple ultrasonication and photoreduction methods. XRD analysis showed that NiO has crystalline face centered cubic structure while the successful development of ternary photocatalyst was smoothly confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) studies. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that NiO possessed fine irregular shape particles with size ranging from 20 to 50 nm grown abundantly in huge density, while the PPyC exhibited beads shape structures interconnected with each other giving chain like appearance. The diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectra showed red shift and lowering in bandgap upon Pd and PPyC doping. The newly produced Pd-PPyC@NiO photocatalyst has been exploited for the photocatalytic removal of colorless insecticide imidacloprid and colored methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. The newly created Pd-PPyC@NiO photocatalyst removed 96.0% of imidacloprid just in 20 min representing ⁓ 3 times more efficient than bare NiO. Furthermore, Pd-PPyC@NiO photocatalyst was exceptionally well towards the destruction of MB under same visible light source, indicating its potential use in photocatalysis.

Luminescence studies of high color purity red-emitting [formula omitted] phosphor prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis technique

A set of red-emitting phosphor materials (Ca1−xAl4O7:Eux3+, x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.11, 0.13) were synthesized through microwave-assisted combustion synthesis for the first time. The crystal structures and phase purity of Eu3+ ions-activated calcium dialuminate (CaAl4O7) phosphor were investigated by XRD study and Rietveld refinement analysis were performed. The prepared phosphors exhibit monoclinic crystal structure having C2/c space group. From the radius difference percentage calculation, the occupancy of Eu3+ ions in Ca2+ sites was confirmed which is in better harmony with the refinement result. Morphological analysis was investigated through SEM study. Structural characteristics and the presence of the functional groups were analysed though FTIR study. The optical band gap (Eg) was determined to be 5.46 eV by studying the UV–VIS reflectance spectra. PL measurements were carried out for the prepared material to study the luminescent behaviour. The presence of charge transfer band was observed in the excitation spectra. It is found that the prepared phosphor materials exhibits emission rich in red at 611 nm with fixed excitation wavelength at 393 nm. The concentration quenching and energy transfer kinetics were analysed by employing Blasse and Dexter’s formula that attributed the non-radiative energy transfer to the dipole-dipole (d-d) interactions. Local site symmetry was analysed to study the symmetry of the environment in the neighbourhood of Eu3+ ions in the host matrix. To analyse the colorimetric performance of the phosphor materials, the correlated color temperature (CCT), color purity were calculated by using the CIE chromaticity co-ordinates (CIE 1931). The calculated CCT value shows the appearance of the emitted color of the phosphor in the warmer region. CaAl4O7:Eu3+ phosphor manifests high color purity which was found to be 97.39 %. The PL decay time measurement were performed for Ca1−xAl4O7:Eux3+ (x = 0.07) phosphor to obtain the decay lifetime. The estimated decay time (1.44 ms) indicates that the prepared phosphor material has a good potency to be utilized as a red-emitting phosphor for wLED, display technology and other applications.

Cuprous oxide core-shell heterostructure facilely encapsulated by cadmium metal organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Light absorption and separation of photo-generated electrons and holes are important to photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of a photocatalyst. Herein, a special metal organic framework (MOFs) was fabricated by encapsulating of 2-methylimidazole and cadmium nitrate on the silica coated cuprous oxide (Cu2O/SiO2/CdIF). The structure, morphology, composition, and valence state of the obtained materials were analyzed. It was demonstrated that the core-shell Cu2O/SiO2/CdIF heterostructure was achieved. Also, the photocatalytic activity and stability of H2 generation over the Cu2O/SiO2/CdIF nanocomposite were investigated. Interestingly, the Cu2O/SiO2/CdIF nanocomposite exhibited high activity which was hardly changed after five recycles. By means of Raman spectra, solid diffuse reflection UV–vis spectra, photoelectric response, and interfacial resistance, it was shown that higher light absorption, efficient charge separation and strong synergistic effect among the components in the heterostructure were responsible to the enhanced performance in the Cu2O/SiO2/CdIF nanocomposite.

Enhanced glucose sensing performance of p-n Cu2O homojunction promoted by Cu(I)/Cu(III) redox process

Developing enzyme-free glucose sensors that rely on transitional metal oxides has become a tendency to satisfy the growing demands of glucose monitor. In this work, the photoactive Cu2O film has been prepared by electrochemical deposition for effective and selective detection of glucose. Characterizations including XRD, Raman spectrum, UV–vis reflectance spectrum, and electrochemical testing were performed. We found that the as-prepared Cu2O films were self-composed of p-n Cu2O homojunction structure with enhanced photocurrent response for PEC-type glucose sensing. Further investigation on p-n Cu2O indicates that the intrinsic charge recombination has been retarded, which paves the way to construct photoelectrochemical-type (PEC-type) glucose sensors. Benefitted from the properties of p-n Cu2O homojunction, high sensitive PEC-type glucose detection has been achieved at the dual-range of 1 μM to 10 μM and 20 μM to 11 mM. We attribute to our investigations can provide in-depth understanding on electric assist-redox and glucose catalytic processes for the detection of glucose, that may guide the fabrication of glucose sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Potassium Poly(heptazine imide) Coupled with Ti3C2 MXene-Derived TiO2 as a Composite Photocatalyst for Efficient Pollutant Degradation.

The photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is an effective and sustainable way to solve environmental problems, and the key is to develop an efficient, low-cost, and stable photocatalyst. Polymeric potassium poly(heptazine imide) (K-PHI), as a new member of the carbon nitride family, is a promising candidate but is characterized by a high charge recombination rate. To solve this problem, K-PHI was in-situ composited with MXene Ti3C2-derived TiO2 to construct a type-II heterojunction. The morphology and structure of composite K-PHI/TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized via different technologies, including TEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, and UV-vis reflectance spectra. Robust heterostructures and tight interactions between the two components of the composite were verified. Furthermore, the K-PHI/TiO2 photocatalyst showed excellent activity for Rhodamine 6G removal under visible light illumination. When the weight percent of K-PHI in the original mixture of K-PHI and Ti3C2 was set to 10%, the prepared K-PHI/TiO2 composite photocatalyst shows the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency as high as 96.3%. The electron paramagnetic resonance characterization indicated that the·OH radical is the active species accounting for the degradation of Rhodamine 6G.

New Low-Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Lead Halide Hybrid Systems Directed by Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium-Based Cation or Imines: Synthesis, Structures, Non-Covalent Interactions and Optical Properties

The organic–inorganic lead halide hybrids comprising semiconducting perovskite components and organic modules have proven to be promising candidates for optoelectronic applications. The modulation of the inorganic components as optical centres by diverse organic cationic templates is under intense investigation. Herein, we successfully prepared new one-dimensional lead halide hybrid perovskites [L1]2n[Pb2Cl6]n∞·nH2O (1) and [PbBr2(L2)]n∞·0.5nH2O (2), and the dimeric complex [PbBr2(L3)]2 (3) in water media. In 1, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2H-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium cation [L1]+ resulted from the oxidative condensation–cyclization between formaldehyde, ethanolamine and 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde (2-PCA); the polydentate Schiff base ligands L2 and L3 formed in the in situ condensation of 2-PCA and ethanolamine or ethylenediamine, respectively. The lead chloride hybrid 1 contains the previously unreported type of a [Pb2Cl6]∞ double chain constructed from three-edge- and five-edge-sharing PbCl6 octahedra, and cations forming π-bonded stacks aligned along the inorganic wires. In the crystal of 2, pairs of the double-side organically decorated [PbBr2(L2)]∞ chains built of corner-sharing PbBr3N2O octahedra arrange hydrophilic channels to host water molecules. In the solid state, the identically stacked dimers of 3 form columns parallel to the ab plane with the Pb2Br4 moieties in the column being strictly coplanar. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to rationalize the packing patterns through hydrogen bonds of O−H···O/Cl and C−H···O/Cl types with the involvement of OH groups of [L1]+, L2 and water molecules in 1 and 2, as well as C–H∙∙∙Br hydrogen bonding in 2 and 3. The QTAIM analysis of non-covalent interactions in 1–3 was performed. According to the analysis of the solid-state UV–visible reflectance spectra by a Tauc plot, the optical band gap values of 1, 2 and 3 as direct gap semiconductors were estimated to be 3.36, 3.13 and 2.96 eV, respectively.

Influence of K/Na ions on structure and luminescence properties of red phosphors K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2: Eu3+

In this paper, we demonstrated the influence of K/Na alkali ions on the structural and photo-cathodoluminescence properties of novel K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ red phosphor synthesized by the solid-state method. The purity of phosphors is determined from the X-ray diffraction. Rietveld refinement studies confirms that the compounds both K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ and NaGd(WO4)2:Eu3+ were crystallized in the tetragonal structure with I41/a space group and KGd(WO4)2:Eu3+ was crystallized in monoclinic structure with C2/c space group. The FTIR results indicate that the presence of characteristic functional groups in synthesized samples. The optical bandgap determined from the UV-Visible reflectance spectra in the order K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ <KGd(WO4)2:Eu3+<NaGd(WO4)2:Eu3+. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum reveal that all the synthesized phosphors can be efficiently excited near UV and Ultraviolet (UV) indicating suitable for solid state display applications. The PL emission spectra indicate the two characteristic emissions located at 614 nm (5D0→7F1) and 590 nm (5D0→7F1) under the excitation of 395 nm. The Judd-Offelt (JO) intensity parameters are calculated to investigate the luminescence behavior and to determine the local structure around the activator related to the Eu3+ ion. The Ω2 > Ω4 of JO parameters indicates the asymmetric environment around the activator suggesting the co-valency of Eu-O bonds with respect to host matrix. Radiative lifetime, branching ratio, electronic dipole transition probabilities were calculated based on the Judd-Ofelt formalism. Cathodoluminescence studies shows the characteristic emission of the Eu3+ ions for low current and voltage which further confirms the pure red color emission of phosphors. All the synthesized phosphors can emit the red emissions with correlated color temperature range from 1500 to 2000 K. For K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ sample the chromaticity coordinate (x = 0.667, y = 0.329) are closer to the NTSC trichromatic coordinated (x = 0.67,y = 0.33) than that of Y2O2S:Eu3+ suggesting that K0.5Na0.5Gd(WO4)2:Eu3+ can be a potential red phosphor material for warm white LED's applications.

Investigation of Dracocephalum extract based on bulk and nanometer size as green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in different corrosive media

In recent years, green corrosion inhibitors derived from natural plant resources have garnered much interest. In the present work, at first, we investigated the corrosion behavior of mild steel (st-37) in the presence, and absence of Dracocephalum extract based on bulk size as a corrosion inhibitor in two widely used acidic environments (0.5 M H2SO4, and 1.0 M HCl), at room temperature. Then, we used Dracocephalum extract based on nanometer size to reduce the optimal concentration of inhibitor, increase the corrosion resistant, and efficiency. Dracocephalum extract does not contain heavy metals or other toxic compounds, and also good characteristics such as low cost, eco-friendly, and widespread availability, make it suitable nature candidate as an environmentally safe green inhibitor. The anticorrosive behavior was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PP). In all of the studies, the inhibitory efficiency (IE%) increased as the extract dose was increased. But by using nano extract, in addition to maintaining high efficiency, the amount of inhibitor was reduced significantly. The highest IE% is 94% at the best dose of nano extract (75 ppm), but the highest IE% is 89% at the best dose of the bulk extract (200 ppm) in H2SO4 solution. Also, for the HCl solution, the highest IE% is 88% at the best dose of nano extract (100 ppm), but the highest IE% is 90% at the best dose of the bulk extract (400 ppm), by polarization method. The PP results suggest that this compound has an effect on both anodic, and cathodic processes, and that it adsorbs on mild steel surface according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and a solid UV–Visible reflection spectrum were used to investigate the alloys' surface morphology.

Preparation and characterization of PH-responsive polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/anthocyanin films

Anthocyanin/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan composite membrane was prepared by solution casting method using chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as matrix and natural pigment anthocyanin as filler. The structures of the composite films were characterized by Uv-visible reflectance spectrum (UV-VIS), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of adding anthocyanins on the physical properties, water resistance, degradation, antibacterial properties and pH responsiveness of the films were investigated. The experimental results showed that the prepared anthocyanin/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan composite indicator films show color changes from pink to purple to blue and then to yellow-green when the pH value ranges from 2 to 14. The total color difference ΔE value is greater than 12. The antibacterial properties and other properties of the composite film can enhance by adding anthocyanin. The tensile strength of anthocyanin/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan film is more than 70 MPa, which is larger than that of polyvinyl film and polyvinyl alcohol/chitosanfilm. The film has excellent physical, antibacterial properties and obvious pH response performance, making it ideal for food packaging.

Synthesis, crystal structures, photophysics and computational study of a series of luminescent Pb2+ compounds bearing various functionalized diimine ligands

A series of luminescent Pb2+ complexes, [Pb(L1)(N3)2]n (1), [Pb(L2)(OAc)2]2 (2), [Pb(L3)]n (3), [Pb(L4)(H2O)]n(4), [Pb(L5)(Cl)(H2O)]2 (5), where L1 = pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline, L2 = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine, H2L3 = 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid, H2L4 = 2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid, HL5 = 2,2′-bipyridine-6-carboxylic acid, have been synthesized by treatment of the polydentate ligands with various hydrated Pb2+ salts. These complexes have been characterized by IR, TGA and elemental analysis. Their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography and the phase purity of the bulk samples were further confirmed by PXRD. Different architectures, including discrete, linear, layer and 3-D supramolecular networks, are observed in these compounds. The solid-state UV–visible reflectance spectra and luminescence of these complexes have been investigated in detail at room temperature. The emissions of these compounds have different origins, which are dependent on the coordination modes, coordination number and the ancillary ligands. To decipher the emission origin, DFT calculations have also been carried out based on the asymmetric units in the crystal structures of these compounds.

Extending the visible light absorption of NH2-UiO-66 through diazotization reaction for photocatalytic chromium (VI) reduction.

The optical properties of NH2-UiO-66 as a visible light-active metal organic framework was further enhanced through the diazotization reaction with π-conjugated 1-naphthol reagent. Diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectrum of diazotized MOF, named as Azo-UiO-66, exhibited a significant red shift compared to unfunctionalized NH2-UiO-66 due to the formation of diazo compound. Also, Tauc calculations indicated considerable decrease in band gap energy from 2.68 to 1.7eV, resulting in improvement of visible light harvesting. Furthermore, other physicochemical techniques, e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energ-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and CHN elemental analyses demonstrated the successful MOF diazotization with 1-naphthol and preservation of NH2-UiO-66 framework upon post-modification process. The reduction of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), as a serious contaminant in wastewater to less toxic Cr(III) was performed over prepared photocatalyst, which demonstrated the positive role of ligand functionalization and enhancement of visible light absorption on overall photocatalytic performance of Azo-UiO-66.

Fabrication of Carbon/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites as Highly Efficient Catalytic Materials for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Different nanostructured semiconducting ZnO photoanodes were prepared by Hydrothermal (HT), Co-precipitation (CoP) and Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) methods for their use in the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) in the present study. Additionally, different ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized by mixing the Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), Graphene Oxide (GO) and their combination with the ZnO nanostructures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed various morphologies of ZnO nanostructures and nanocomposites such as nanoflowers, nanorods, rhombohedral, cubic, and cauliflower-like nanorods, and nanorods with hexagonal symmetry. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra confirmed the purity of the synthesized samples. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) demonstrated the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO and a minor presence of CNTs and graphene. The UV-Visible, transmittance and diffuse reflectance spectra demonstrated that the ZnO synthesized through the CBD method exhibits the highest transmittance as 70–71% in the UV-Vis range and reduced % R. Optical band gaps of the samples were determined with the help of Tauc plots. Comparison of J-V characteristics showed that the ZnO synthesized via the HT method exhibits the highest conversion efficiency of 1.45%. Comparison among pristine ZnO synthesized via CBD and ZnO nanocomposites revealed that ZnO/CNTs possesses the highest energy conversion efficiency of 1.23% with enhanced JSC of 4.49 mA/cm2.

SnO2 Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Water Treatment

The green synthesis approach was utilized to synthesize tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using Ocimum Basilicum leaves extract with different concentrations (10, 15, 20 ml) and different reaction temperatures (30, 60, 90 °C). The green synthesis method is considered economical, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. X-ray diffraction patterns of the synthesized SnO2 NPs have displayed a tetragonal crystalline structure. The crystallite size of SnO2 NPs increased from 15.12 to 17.9 nm with increasing reaction temperature while decreasing from 20.68 to 17.9 nm with increasing extract concentrations. The morphology of the synthesized SnO2 NPs was investigated using high-energy transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The optical energy gap was determined using the diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectra range (300–1200) nm of SnO2 NPs at different reaction temperatures and different extract concentrations. UV/Visible Spectrophotometer was used for studying the photodegradation of methylene blue dye (MB) dye. The photocatalytic degradation of MB revealed that SnO2 NPs at reaction temperature 90 °C degraded 69% of MB solution when exposed to UV illumination for 90 min while the degradation reaches 90% for 180 min of exposure. It was obvious that the degradation rate of MB was increased with the increase of reaction temperature, and the extract concentration.