UV-Vis Spectrometer Research Articles

Novel solar simulated photocatalytic heterolysis of pharmaceutical wastewater via slag nanocomposite immobilization: Optimization using response surface methodology

Abstract This study converted slag from the steelmaking industry into an Fe2O3-rich nanocomposite using solvothermal technique for photodegradation of pharmaceutical wastewater in an immobilized mode. The nanocomposite was characterized using XRF, SEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV–Vis spectrometer. The XRF analysis result reveals a significant increase in the weight percent of Fe2O3 and SiO2, with a decrease in CaO content. The SEM images revealed the spherical and heterogeneous nature of the nanocomposite in shape and structure, while the FTIR confirms the increase in the vibration band of Si–O–Si and Fe–O with a reduction in the wide stretch mode of Ca–O. The XRD result illustrated the crystalline peak of Fe2O3 with a nanoparticle crystal size of 15.17 nm. The slag nanocomposite was used for the photodegradation of paracetamol. The optimum operating parameters were obtained using response surface methodology at an R2 value of 0.99 and p-value < 0.05. The degradation efficiency obtained at the optimum value was 96.96%. The degradation efficiency of the fifth repeated cycle of the immobilized nanocomposite was 77.89%. The degradation mechanism revealed that OH• radical was the major species of the degradation process. This work showed that slag nanocomposite might be effectively used for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.

Dynamics in between Structural and Electrical Properties of as Grown ZnO Thin Films by Thermal ALD

The mechanism behind n-type conductivity of undoped ZnO films are not understood well. One and two dimensional defects (grain boundaries, dislocations), and zero dimensional stoichiometric point defects (vacancies, self-interstitials and impurities) play a crucial role in determining the electrical properties of ZnO. All defect mechanisms are strongly controlled by the growth method and conditions. While it is more straightforward examining the one and two dimensional defects, measuring and unveiling the mechanism behind the zero dimensional point defect contribution and their sole effect on the electrical properties are challenging. This is why there has been controversial discussion of results among experimental and computational works relating physical and chemical properties of ZnO to sustainable electrical properties. In this study, to correlate the dynamics in between structural and electrical properties of ZnO grown by thermal ALD; growth temperature, DEZ and DI water precursor pulse times, DEZ/DI water precursor pulse ratio, and N2 purge time were varied. To obtain growth condition specific structural and electrical properties; XRD, AFM, profilometer, ellipsometry, XPS/CasaXPS, UV-VIS spectrometer, Hall-Effect measurements were utilized. Although, there was no strong correlation for oxygen vacancies, the contribution of hydrogen impurities, zinc interstitials and oxygen vacancies to conductivity was observed at different growth conditions. Lowest resistivity and highest average % transmittance were obtained as 6.8x10-3 ohm.cm and 92% in visible spectrum (380-700 nm), respectively.

Structural, electrical and nonlinear optical characterization of Sn-doped CdO thin film synthesized via spray pyrolysis for optoelectronic applications

Transparent conducting metal oxides (TCOs) are well known for their application in optoelectronic devices. However, the nonlinear optical (NLO) study of TCOs helps to understand the characteristic features which give insight into their practical utilization as well as device application in each optical spectrum. In this work, we studied the structural, electrical, optical, and nonlinear optical properties of Sn-doped CdO. The structural, electrical, optical, and nonlinear optical properties of Sn-doped CdO were studied by using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Hall measurement system, UV–vis spectrometer, and Z-scan measurement. The XRD analysis shows that Sn-doped CdO is a polycrystalline material with a preferential peak of a plane (111) shifting slightly toward the (200) plane as Sn doping suddenly increases. Sn-doped CdO proved good electrical properties with conductivity increase from 0.192 × 102 Ω−1 cm−1 to 2.03 × 102 Ω−1 cm−1 and decrease in resistivity from 52.1 × 10−3 Ωcm to 4.92 × 10−3 Ωcm as the molar dopant concentration increase from 0.0001 M to 0.0005 M. The obtained bandgap for undoped and 0.0005 M, 0.0004 M, 0.0003 M, 0.0002 M, 0.0001 M Sn-doped CdO are 2.37, 1.63, 1.70, 1.81, 1.86, and 2.09 respectively. The NLO absorption coefficient (β) for 0.0003 M, 0.0004 M and 0.0005 M are 6.31 × 10−3 m/W, 11.47 × 10−3 m/W and 10.6 × 10−3 m/W respectively.

New Hybrid Compounds Incorporating Natural Products as Multifunctional Agents against Alzheimer's Disease.

A series of new hybrid derivatives 1a-c, 2a-c, 3a-c, 4a-c, 5a-c, inspired by nature, were synthesized and studied as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These compounds were designed to merge together the trifluoromethyl benzyloxyaminic bioactive moiety, previously identified, with different acids available in nature. The ability of the synthesized compounds to chelate biometals, such as Cu2+, Zn2+ and Fe2+, was studied by UV-Vis spectrometer, and through a preliminary screening their antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH. Then, selected compounds were tested by in vitro ABTS free radical method and ex vivo rat brain TBARS assay. Compounds 2a-c, combining the strongest antioxidant and biometal chelators activities, were studied for their ability to contrast Aβ1-40 fibrillization process. Finally, starting from the promising profile obtained for compound 2a, we evaluated if it could be able to induce a positive cross-interaction between transthyretin (TTR) and Aβ in presence and in absence of Cu2+.

A selective NH3 gas sensor based on (Ag2O)1-x(SnO2)x nanocomposites thin films at various operating temperatures

تم استخدام تقنية ترسيب الليزر النبضي (PLD) للتحضير الأغشية الرقيقة (Ag2O)1-x(SnO2)x النانوية المركبة بنسب مختلفة من x=(0, 0.2,0.4) من النسب الوزنية المرسبة على قواعد زجاجية. تم تلدين الأفلام بعد ذلك في الهواء لمدة ساعتين عند 300 درجة مئوية. تم تأكيد تشكيل المركب (Ag2O)1-x(SnO2)x من خلال تحقيق حيود الأشعة السينية(XRD). وفقًا للفحص المجهري الإلكتروني الماسح (FESEM) ، كانت جزيئات (Ag2O)1-x(SnO2)x التي تم إنشاؤها كروية الشكل. تم أستخدم تحليل مطياف تشتت الاشعة السينية (EDX) لتأكيد العناصر الموجودة في الأفلام المركبة.اظهر تحليل القوة الذرية المجهري (AFM) أن الأفلام الناتجة لها حجم حبيبي بين 37.68 -49.57 نانومتر وخشونة متوسط الجذر التربيعي (RMS ) من 4.92 إلى 8.22 نانومتر. تحتوي الأفلام المحضرة على فجوة طاقة مباشرة بين 2.06 و 3.36 الكترون فولت ، وفقاً لبيانات لبيانات المطياف المرئي للأشعة فوق البنفسجية (UV-Vis) . تم اختبار الأفلام لاستشعار NH3 تحت درجات حرارة تشغيل مختلفة. الاختلافات الملحوظة في مقاومة الغشاء الرقيق لاستجابة استشعار الغاز تدل على الموصلية من النوع n او النوع p عند الغازالمختزل ، تزداد مقاومة أفلام (Ag2O)1-x(SnO2)x عندما تكون x=0, 0.2wt ، مما يشير إلى أن الأفلام من النوع p ، ومع ذلك ، فإن الفيلم الرقيق يعرض السلوك العكسي عندما x = 0.4wt ، مما يشير إلى أنه من النوع n بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، أظهرت جميع الأفلام التي تم إنتاجها حساسية لغاز NH3 بتركيز 95 جزء في المليون. يمتلك الغشاء الرقيق Ag2O حساسية بنسبة 50.5٪ عند درجة حرارة تشغيل 200 درجة مئوية مع أوقات استجابة واسترداد تبلغ 22.5 و 39.6 ثانية على التوالي.علاوة على ذلك أظهرت الأغشية الرقيقة المركبة حساسية أكبرمن الأغشية الرقيقة المصنوعة من أوكسيد الفضة النقي.

Assessment of corrosion inhibition performance of olive leaf extract mediated chitosan–Ag nanocomposites and influence of KI addition for X60 steel in acid solution

Chitosan–silver (CHT–Ag) nanocomposite (NCP) containing various dosages of chitosan (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g) was synthesized in-situ using olive leaf extract (OLE) as reducing and capping agent. The OLE mediated CHT–Ag NCP was characterized using UV–vis spectrometer, attenuated total reflectance-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The prepared NCP was assessed as corrosion inhibitor for X60 steel in 5% HCl solution using weight loss (WL) and electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)) methods complemented by surface analysis of the corroded carbon steel (CS) without and with the NCPs utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/EDS, 3D optical profilometer and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The influence of adding KI on the corrosion inhibition performance of NCPs was investigated as well. TEM results indicate that CHT–Ag nanocomposites are polydisperse and spherical in shape with sizes in the range of 3.7–18.1 nm. The crystalline nature of Ag nanoparticles in the nanocomposites was confirmed by XRD and TEM examination. The prepared NCPs function as effective inhibitors for X60 CS corrosion in the acidic environment. Corrosion inhibition effect was observed to increase with rise in the NCPs concentration with the optimum inhibition efficiency (IE) obtained at the maximum dosage of 0.5% studied. The order of corrosion inhibition performance followed the trend CHT2.0 – Ag > CHT1.0 – Ag > CHT0.5 – Ag NCP. Also, IE was found to decrease with rise in temperature. The PDP data indicates that the NCPs alone and in combination with KI, reduced X60 CS corrosion via the mechanism of active site blocking effect. The addition of KI to the NCPs improves IE but not due to synergism. The surface assessment data confirms the establishment of a protective layer due to NCPs adsorption on the X60 CS surface.

FABRICATION OF POLYETHERSULFONE – POLYITACONIC ACID (PES-PIA) MEMBRANE FOR REMOVAL OF REACTIVE RED 120

The hazardous and mutagenic properties of dye effluents discharged into water bodies have led to the development of membrane separation for water treatment. pH-sensitive membranes have been widely employed as they exhibit remarkable improvements in the permeability and separation performance of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. In this study, the PES membranes incorporated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), pluronic F108, and polyitaconic acid (PIA) by phase inversion were fabricated and characterized. PIA at different weight percentages were introduced into the PES dope solution via blending technique. The dye removal capacity, chemical composition, and thermal stability were characterized using UV-Vis spectrometer, fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) respectively. The fabricated membranes showed excellent rejection of reactive red 120 (RR120), which is an anionic dye. The study evaluated the membrane performance of pure water permeation (PWP) along with RR120 dye rejection. M20-PPI1, with a weight percentage of PVP/Pluronic F108/PIA; 3%/1.5%/0.25%, exhibited the highest water flux of 12 L/m2h and dye rejection of 82% at pH value of 2 for RR120 dye rejection. The findings propose that M20-PPI1 is an effective pH-sensitive membrane for dye rejection.

Colorimetric detection of African swine fever (ASF)-associated microRNA based on rolling circle amplification and salt-induced gold nanoparticle aggregation

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease with a high mortality rate in domestic and wild pigs, for which no effective vaccine and antiviral drugs are available. The great infectivity of the ASF virus highlights the need for sensitive, simple, and on-site detection assays of ASF. We herein developed a colorimetric sensing strategy for the detection of an ASF-associated miRNA, based on isothermal rolling circle amplification (RCA) and salt-induced gold nanoparticle aggregation. Ssc-miR-451 was selected as the target ASF biomarker due to its high expression in ASF virus-infected pigs. With a red-purple-blue color shifting, this biosensing platform offers convenient detection of ssc-miR-451 with a UV–Vis spectrometer or the naked eye. The proposed assay exhibits a dose-response relationship between the optical absorbance ratio (A525/A640) and the amounts of ssc-miR-451, with a detection limit calculated as 3.56 fmol (equivalent to 11.86 pM in 300 μL reaction mixture). This assay's coefficient of variation (CV%) was determined to be less than 5.95%, revealing its reproducibility is satisfactory. In addition, the newly developed method was successfully applied in the detection of spiked ssc-miR-451 in pig serum samples. In light of its simplicity, convenience (colorimetric), sensitivity, and energy efficiency (isothermal amplification), this biosensing strategy presents great potential to be applied in the local swine industry and pig farming for screening of viral diseases affecting pigs.

To Study the Cadmium Sulphide Thin Films Synthesis by Simple Spin Coating Method for Energy Application

The paper examines the properties of CdS thin film, which is used for window material of solar cells and optical devices. The cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin film was prepared by sol-gel method on glass and ITO substrate. Prepared thin film dried in a vacuum oven at 70℃. Thin film and powder of CdS characterized for structural, optical, and electrical properties by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), UV-Visible spectrometer, and Keithley spectrometer. The average crystallite sizes, microstrain, and dislocation density of the samples were calculated by the Debye Scherrer formula. The optical band gap of CdS calculated by the Tauc-plot method and obtained 2.40 and 2.41eV for powder and film. The absorption wavelength of CdS is suddenly decreased near 280nm and becomes flat in the higher wavelength region. The FTIR spectrometer is used to identification of unknown materials and bond formation. The bond formation, imperfections, and impurities were observed by the PL spectrometer. Keithley spectrometer is used for I-V characteristics and calculates electrical resistivity by Ohms law.

Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Ce-Doped MgFe2O4 Prepared by Microwave Hydrothermal Method

The microwave hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize MgFe2-x Ce x O4 (x = 0.0 – 0.10) nanoparticles, which have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis spectrometer, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and dielectric properties. XRD investigation confirms the cubic spinel structure, and the Debye–Scherrer formula was used to determine the crystallite size, showing values of 19 – 108 nm. FTIR confirms the presence of all functional groups and FE-SEM displays particle-like morphology. The UV-visible analysis was used to explain the variation of the optical bandgap as Ce3+ doping increased. VSM analysis of MgFe2-x Ce x O4 showed ferromagnetic behaviour. The samples exhibit low magnetization values ranging from 8.83 emu g−1 to 18.91 emu g−1. The values of the dielectric constant (ε′) and the dielectric loss (tanδ) decreased with frequency due to the influence of space-charge polarization and showed a dispersive behaviour at higher frequencies.

Development of statistical regression and artificial neural network models for estimating nitrogen, phosphorus, COD, and suspended solid concentrations in eutrophic rivers using UV–Vis spectroscopy

River water quality monitoring is crucial for understanding water dynamics and formulating policies to conserve the water environment. In situ ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry holds great potential for real-time monitoring of multiple water quality parameters. However, establishing a reliable methodology to link absorption spectra to specific water quality parameters remains challenging, particularly for eutrophic rivers under various flow and water quality conditions. To address this, a framework integrating desktop and in situ UV–Vis spectrometers was developed to establish reliable conversion models. The absorption spectra obtained from a desktop spectrometer were utilized to create models for estimating nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and suspended solids (SS). We validated these models using the absorption spectra obtained from an in situ spectrometer. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) employing selected wavelengths and principal component regression (PCR) employing all wavelengths demonstrated high accuracy in estimating NO3-N and COD, respectively. The artificial neural network (ANN) was proved suitable for predicting TN in stream water with low NH4-N concentration using all wavelengths. Due to the dominance of photo-responsive phosphorus species adsorbed onto suspended solids, PLSR and PCR methods utilizing all wavelengths effectively estimated TP and SS, respectively. The determination coefficients (R2) of all the calibrated models exceeded 0.6, and most of the normalized root mean square errors (NRMSEs) were within 0.4. Our approach shows excellent efficiency and potential in establishing reliable models monitoring nitrogen, phosphorus, COD, and SS simultaneously. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming and uncertain in situ absorption spectrum measurements during model setup, which may be affected by fluctuating natural and anthropogenic environmental conditions.

Plant extract-mediated synthesis Cobalt doping in zinc oxide nanoparticles and their in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial performance

In this research, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles doped with different percentages of produced cobalt using the green synthesis method. ZnO nanoparticles showed good cellular and microbial toxicity due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Adding cobalt metal to the nanostructure can lead to the appearance of a new feature. To investigate the effect of adding cobalt metal, synthesized ZnO nanoparticles containing 3 and 6% cobalt were synthesized using plant extract. The resulting nanostructures were characterized by a Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. Ultimately, the synthesized samples' cytotoxicity and antimicrobial tests were performed. XRD confirmed the formation of a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure. XRD and electron imaging showed that doping resulted in a decrease in average crystal size. The results showed that with cobalt doping, the particle size decreased slightly. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects results showed that in all three studies, cobalt doping leads to an increase in the toxicity of this nanostructure compared to non-doped nanoparticles.

First-time comparison between NO2 vertical columns from Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) and Pandora measurements

Abstract. The Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) is a UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometer on board the GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite 2B) satellite launched into a geostationary orbit in February 2020. To evaluate the GEMS NO2 total column data, a comparison was carried out using the NO2 vertical column density (VCD) that measured direct sunlight using the Pandora spectrometer system at four sites in Seosan, South Korea, from November 2020 to January 2021. Correlation coefficients between GEMS and Pandora NO2 data at four sites ranged from 0.35 to 0.48, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) from 4.7×1015 to 5.5×1015 molec. cm−2 for a cloud fraction (CF) <0.7. Higher correlation coefficients of 0.62–0.78 with lower RMSEs from 3.3×1015 to 5.0×1015 molec. cm−2 were found with CF <0.3, indicating the higher sensitivity of GEMS to atmospheric NO2 in less cloudy conditions. Overall, the GEMS NO2 total column data tended to be lower than the Pandora data, owing to differences in the representative spatial coverage, with a large negative bias under high CF conditions. With a correction for horizontal representativeness in the Pandora measurement coverage, correlation coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 0.81, with RMSEs from 3.2×1015 to 4.9×1015 molec. cm−2, were achieved for CF <0.3, showing a better correlation with the correction than without the correction.

Development of graphene oxide-based polypyrrole nanocomposite for effective removal of anionic and cationic dyes from water

The majority of toxins, including metal ions, organic wastes, particularly dyes, and other inorganic wastes, are released into the environment today as a main problem of increased industry. These pollutants primarily disrupt the balance of the environment and harm people's health. In this work, attempts were taken to develop a graphene oxide-based nanocomposite with polypyrrole (GO/PP) as a versatile adsorbent. Initially, GO/PP nanocomposites were prepared with different GO/PP ratios, and initial adsorption studies were conducted towards organic dyes, lead ions, cadmium ions, and fluoride ions to identify the best ratio. GO/PP with a 20:80 ratio was identified as the most efficient adsorbent out of all the prepared materials. This material was characterized to identify its crystallinity, morphology, functional groups, and thermal properties using the X-ray diffractometer (XRD) technique, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV–visible spectrometer, and Raman spectroscopy. In this work, we report the adsorption properties of cationic rhodamine B (RhB) and anionic methyl orange (MeO) towards GO/PP 20:80 nanocomposites. The best-fitted kinetic model for both dyes was the pseudo-second-order model. The calculated dye removal efficiency for MeO and RhB was 98.40% and 99.90% within a contact time of 30 min and 10 min respectively at optimum pH of 7. The best-fitted isotherm model for RhB was the Freundlich model with 10.52 mg g−1 and the best-fitted isotherm model for MeO was the Langmuir model with 9.61 mg g−1 maximum adsorption capacities. The studies indicated that GO/PP can be used in gravity filtration and can effectively be regenerated.

Zircon-Type CaCrO4 Chromite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Application for Sunlight-Induced Degradation of Rhodamine B.

The degradation of organic dye pollutants is a critical environmental issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. To address this problem, we investigated the potential of CaCrO4 chromite (CCO) as a photocatalyst for the degradation of cationic and anionic dye solutions under sunlight irradiation. CaCrO4 was synthesized via a sol-gel auto-combustion route and sintered at 900 °C. The Rietveld refined XRD profile confirmed the zircon-type structure of CaCrO4 crystallized in the tetragonal unit cell with I41/amd space group symmetry. The surface morphology of the sample was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), which revealed the polyhedral texture of the grains. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies were carried out to analyze the elemental composition and chemical states of the ions present in the compound. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed the vibrational modes corresponding to the tetrahedral and dodecahedral metal oxide bonds. The optical band gap was approximated to be in the range of 1.928 eV by using the Tauc relation. The CaCrO4 catalyst with different contents (5, 20, 35, and 50 mg) was investigated for its photocatalytic performance for the degradation of RhB dye solution under sunlight irradiation using a UV-Vis spectrometer over the experimental wavelength range of 450-600 nm. The degradation efficacy increased from 70.630 to 93.550% for 5-35 mg and then decreased to 68.720% for 50 mg in 140 min under visible light illumination. The comparative study demonstrates that a higher degradation rate was achieved for cationic than anionic dyes in the order RhB > MB > MO. The highest deterioration (93.80%) was achieved for the RhB dye in 140 min. Equilibrium and kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of 21.125 mg/g was observed for the catalyst concentration of 35 mg. From the cyclic test, it has been observed that the synthesized photocatalyst is structurally and morphologically stable and reusable. The radical trapping experiment demonstrated that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the primary species engaged in the photodegradation process. A possible mechanism for the degradation of RhB has been proposed. Hence, we conclude that CaCrO4 can be used as an efficient photocatalyst for the remediation of organic dye pollutants from the environment.

Investigation of Structural, Dielectric and Optical Properties of Polyaniline-Magnesium Ferrite Composites.

A study on the influence of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles on the optical and dielectric attributes of Polyaniline has been conducted. Magnesium nano Ferrite powder is synthesized by the self-propagating solution combustion method. Polyaniline-Magnesium nano ferrite composites are synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline with the addition of Magnesium nanoparticles. The samples are characterized with XRD and UV-Vis spectrometer, in the wavelength range of 200-800 nm and studied for optical properties. Dielectric properties are studied in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 5 MHz. X-ray diffraction reveals single phase formation of Magnesium ferrite, whereas Polyaniline shows an amorphous nature. In the XRD of the composites, we see the crystalline peaks of ferrite becoming more intense with the addition of ferrite and whereas the peak of Polyaniline diminishes. The crystallite size is quantified with the Debye-Scherrer formula, and it increases as the content of ferrite in the composites increases. The micro-strain decreases in the composites as the percentage of ferrite enhances in the composites. In the UV-Vis absorption spectra of composites, the peaks of Polyaniline shift to higher wavelength and there is also an absorption band in the spectra of composites corresponding to that of Magnesium ferrite particles. Both direct and indirect band gaps are calculated with the Tauc plot, and both the optical band gap decrease as the percentage of ferrite increases in the composite. The dielectric loss and dielectric constant both decrease with frequency in all the samples, and the dielectric response are in good agreement with Maxwell-Wagner model. Ferrite-polymer composites with both conducting and magnetic properties are considered useful for electromagnetic shielding and microwave absorption.

Impact of Diverse Parameters on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide-Copper Oxide Nanocomposites Derived from an Aqueous Extract of Garcinia mangostana L. Leaf.

Compared to conventional metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanocomposites have demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency in various applications. In this study, we aimed to synthesize zinc oxide-copper oxide nanocomposites (ZnO-CuO NCs) using a green synthesis approach. The synthesis involved mixing 4 g of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with different concentrations of mangosteen (G. mangostana) leaf extract (0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 g/mL) and 2 or 4 g of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, followed by calcination at temperatures of 300, 400 and 500 °C. The synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs were characterized using various techniques, including a UV-Visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer. Based on the results of this study, the optical, structural and morphological properties of ZnO-CuO NCs were found to be influenced by the concentration of the mangosteen leaf extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O used. Among the tested conditions, ZnO-CuO NCs derived from 0.05 g/mL of mangosteen leaf extract, 4 g of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and 2 g of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, calcinated at 500 °C exhibited the following characteristics: the lowest energy bandgap (2.57 eV), well-defined Zn-O and Cu-O bands, the smallest particle size of 39.10 nm with highest surface area-to-volume ratio and crystalline size of 18.17 nm. In conclusion, we successfully synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs using a green synthesis approach with mangosteen leaf extract. The properties of the nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the concentration of the plant extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of precursor used. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers seeking innovative methods for the production and utilization of nanocomposite materials.

Growth of copper indium diselenide ternary thin films (CuInSe2) for solar cells: Optimization of electrodeposition potential and pH parameters

Herein, copper indium diselenide ternary (CuInSe2) thin film has been deposited on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate by electrochemical deposition technique with different potential and pH solutions. CuInSe2 thin films were deposited by one-step electrodeposition before post-depot selenization at 450 °C for 30 min. The effect of potential and pH on the structural and optical properties of CuInSe thin film have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Visible spectrometer. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, it was observed that all samples exhibit prominent reflections (112), (204/220), and (312/116) of tetragonal CuInSe2. The films electrodeposited at −0.8 V potential shows growth and peak values increasing in the (204/220) crystal direction within a pH range of 2.2, whereas the films electrodeposited at pH 2.6 tend to favor an increase in (112) peaks. We also noticed an improvement in surface morphology and adherent of CuInSe2 thin films electrodeposited at −0.8 V applied potential from the solution having pH 2.6. The band gaps of samples electrodeposited at −0.8V potentials from pH 2.6, 2.4, and 2.2 solutions were 1.15 eV, 1.25 eV, and 1.21 eV, respectively. As part of our investigation, we used a Solar Cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) to perform our electrodeposited films. The most effective Power conversion efficiency (PCE) was obtained for thin films electrodeposited at −0.8 V within the solution having pH 2.4.

Nano Uncaria gambir as Chemopreventive Agent Against Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. Uncaria gambir is an Indonesian herbal plant that can be used as an anti-cancer. However, herbal medicines have low bioavailability, which affects their bioactivity. Nanoencapsulation can increase bioavailability and stability of bioactive compounds in herbal medicines. This recent finding tried to unravel anti-cancer and chemopreventive of U. gambir nano-encapsulated by Na-alginate. U. gambir bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized using UV-Vis spectrometer, FTIR, NMR and HR-MS. U. gambir extract was nanoencapsulated using Na-alginate. Anti-cancer effect was assessed by MTT assay towards T47D cell. Meanwhile, a chemopreventive analysis was carried out in breast cancer mice-induced benzo[α]pyrene. The healthy mice were divided into 8 groups comprising control and treatment. Elucidation of U. gambir ethyl acetate extract confirmed high catechin content, 89.34% (w/w). Successful nanoencapsulation of U. gambir (G-NPs) was indicated. The particle size of G-NPs was 78.40 ± 12.25 nm. Loading efficiency (LE) and loading amount (LA) of G-NPs were 97.56 ± 0.04% and 32.52 ± 0.01%, respectively. G-NPs had an EC50 value of 10.39 ± 3.50 µg/mL, which was more toxic than the EC50 value of extract towards the T47D cell line. Administration of 200 mg/kg BW G-NPs to mice induced by benzo[α]pyrene exhibited SOD and GSH levels of 13.69 ng/mL and 455.6 ng/mL. In addition, the lowest TNF-α level was 27.96 ng/mL. A dose of 100 mg/kg BW G-NPs could best increase CAT levels by 7.18 ng/mL. There was no damage or histological abnormalities found in histological analysis of the breast tissue in the group given 200 mg/kg BW G-NPs.

Photocatalytic and Biological Activities of Spherical Shape Cellulose/Silver Nanocomposites Using Xenostegia tridentata (L.) Leaf Extract

A novel green synthesis of cellulose/Ag nanocomposites (Cell/XTLL Ag NCs) with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using Xenostegia tridentata (L.) leaf extracts (XTLL). The synthesized nanocomposites have been appreciably characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XRD, UV-Vis spectrometer, AFM, DRS, XPS, TGA, and ICP-OES. The Ag nanoparticles found for the Cell/XTLL 60 mM AgNO3 have an average particle size of 33.78 nm. Moreover, Cell/XTLL Ag NC film, prepared with 60 mM AgNO3, suggests greater antioxidant activity. The most potent cell/XTLL 60 mM AgNO3 against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichoderma viride, and Fusarium oxysporum has strong antimicrobial activity and the best antimicrobial properties due to the fact that because the concentration of AgNO3 solution increased, the zone of inhibition additionally accelerated. The Cell/XTLL 60 mM becomes examined in vitro for its ability of human tumor cell growth inhibitory impact on human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 using MTT assay. The catalytic activity of Cell/XTLL 60 mM AgNO3 was assessed by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and compared with bare cellulose. The Ag NPs are homogeneously unfolded out in Cell/XTLL 60 mM AgNO3 which leads to low electron-hole recombination and accelerated dye adsorption. In particular, 100 mg of Cell/XTLL 60 mM AgNO3, as catalyst, showed excellent photocatalytic activity with the efficiency of 91% degradation of methylene blue (MB).