Constant Values Research Articles

Temperature control strategy for safer and heat-efficient operations in a catalytic flow reactor

A new temperature control strategy for a packed-bed tubular reactor was proposed. Case studies of a highly exothermic 1st-order reaction and an actual 2nd-order reaction were conducted using the computational fluid dynamics software COMSOL Multiphysics® 4.4. Through the simulation, the important factors for reactor temperature control were confirmed, which were the parameters related to heat transfer. Based on the ratio of the heat generation rate to the heat transfer rate, a new dimensionless number was proposed for controlling the temperature increase within an acceptable range in a reactor. Through case studies, the validity of the proposed dimensionless number was confirmed, and an important value of a proportionality constant was derived from the results. Using the proposed dimensionless number, a reactor size can be maximized within an acceptable temperature increase. The results obtained in this study are expected to provide important guidelines for temperature control and maximization of production using flow reactors.

How do oil prices affect the GDP and its components? New evidence from a time-varying threshold model

Revealing the precise thresholds at which fluctuations in oil prices start to affect gross domestic product and its various components (consumption, investment, expenditure and exports) holds significant implications for policymakers in both oil-importing and oil-exporting countries. Existing studies assessing the effects of oil prices on economic activity typically assume constant or stable threshold values. However, recent evidence suggests that this restrictive assumption may not accurately capture the dynamic nature of these relationships. We address this issue by adopting a more realistic framework that allows for the possibility that oil prices will have a time-varying effect on economic activity. We also employ the innovative time-varying threshold regression kink model of Yang and Su (2018). Our analysis focuses on a sample of 20 top oil-importing and oil-exporting countries during the period 1995Q1 to 2023Q2. The findings of our investigation provide compelling evidence to support the existence of time-varying threshold levels in the relationship between oil prices and macroeconomic activity for most countries in our sample. Notably, our research unveils a substantial heterogeneity in the oil price thresholds across the investigated countries, thereby challenging the notion of a universal threshold applicable to all.

Insight into mechanism of excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity of CuO/MgO/ZnO nanocomposite for advanced solution of environmental remediation

Environmental remediation has sought several innovative ways for the treatment of wastewater and captivated researchers around the globe towards it. Through this study, we aim to proceed with the efforts to foster sustainable and feasible ways for the treatment of wastewater. In this work, we report the sol-gel synthesis of CuO/MgO/ZnO nanocomposite and carry out their systematic characterization with the help of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as FTIR, SEM, TEM, PL, XRD, Raman, and AFM. The SEM along with TEM and AFM provided useful insights into the surface morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite on both 2D and 3D surfaces and concluded the well-dispersed behavior of the nanocomposite. The characteristic functional groups responsible for carrying out the reaction of Cu–O, Mg–O, and Zn–O were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. On the other hand, crystal size, dislocation density, and microstrain of the nanocomposite were calculated by XRD. For optical studies, photoluminescence spectroscopy was performed. Once the characterization of the nanocomposite was done, they were eventually treated against the toxic organic dye, methylene blue. The calculated rate constant values of k for CuO was 2.48 × 10−3 min−1, for CuO/MgO (2.04 × 10−3 min−1), for CuO/ZnO (1.82 × 10−3 min−1) and CuO/MgO/ZnO was found to be 2.00 × 10−3 min−1. It has become increasingly evident that nanotechnology can be used in various facets of modern life, and its implementation in wastewater treatment has recently received much attention.

Single-phase thermosyphon heat transport device, a future prospect for heat removal applications: An experimental comparison with heat pipe and two-phase closed thermosyphon

Over the years, the passive mode of heat transportation has gained immense popularity, which includes two-phase devices viz. Heat pipe (HP) and Two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT). But recently, the thermosyphon heat transport device (THTD) entered the pool, wherein the heat transfer fluid (HTF) in liquid phase transports heat by natural circulation (thermosyphon). Hence, to gauge their efficacy, in the present experimental investigation, the three devices (with the same geometry and HTF) are compared by imposing isothermal (40°C–90 °C) and isoflux (50–900 W) heating conditions.In isothermal mode, HP transports heat with a minimal temperature gradient compared to TPCT and THTD. The thermal resistance (TR) of TPCT and THTD is 5.4 to 10.1 times and 6.6 to 10.1 times respectively greater than HP. For isothermal temperatures below 80 °C, the TR of THTD is less than TPCT (viscous limit). Later the trend reverses as the TPCT outperforms, while THTD experiences HTF boiling. Further, the heat extracted by HP is 2.1 to 3.9 times and 3 to 3.5 times greater than TPCT and THTD respectively. Hence, its application is justified if cost is not a concern, while THTD (with high-temperature HTF) is suggested over TPCT on an economic basis. Even the isoflux mode showed a similar trend of TR. The system response (based on time constant) depicted both HP and TPCT have similar and nearly constant values over the heat load range, while in THTD, it decreases with an increase in heat load and approaches the other two. Hence, a high-temperature HTF would lead to competitive results. Further, concerning the heat transport distance, as the TR of THTD remained the same compared to the increment in TPCT, the application of the former is justified in long-distance heat transportation. Ultimately, HP is the front-runner, while TPCT and THTD perform on par depending on operating conditions and geometry.

Naphthoquinones and anthraquinones: Exploring their impact on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity.

The identification of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors holds significant relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the prevailing form of dementia. The exploration of alternative inhibitors to the conventional acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is steadily gaining prominence. Quinones, categorized as plant metabolites, represent a specific class of compounds. In this study, the inhibitory effects of various naphthoquinone derivatives, along with anthraquinone and its derivatives, on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme were investigated for this purpose. An in vitro investigation was conducted to examine the effects of these compounds in order to clarify the possible mechanism of inhibition in the interaction between the enzyme and chemicals. In addition, an in silico investigation was carried out to understand the conceivable inhibitor binding process to the enzyme's active site. The acquired outcomes corroborated the in vitro results. The AChE enzyme was found to be effectively inhibited by both naphthoquinones and anthraquinones, with inhibition constant (KI) values ranging from 0.014 to 0.123μM (micormolar). The AChE enzyme was inhibited differently by this quinone and its derivatives. Although derivatives of naphthoquinone and anthraquinone exhibited a competitive inhibitory effect, derivatives of anthraquinone exhibited a noncompetitive inhibition effect. Furthermore, because it had the lowest KI value of any of these substances, 1,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone (1c) was shown to be the most potent inhibitor. The findings will add to the body of knowledge on the creation of fresh, potent, and successful treatment approaches.

Fluorescence chemosensor for anion recognition, solvatochromism and protein binding studies based on Schiff- base derivative

A new salicylidene-based chemosensor (E)-N1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-N2-phenylbenzene-1,2-diamine (MNP) has been developed by condensation of 3-methoxy-5-nitrosalicylaldehyde with N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine and analysed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR and ESI-MS spectral techniques. The photophysical properties of MNP, including solvatochromism were investigated and the colour changed from bright yellow to red in the presence of water. This MNP specifically detects only Cu2+ with "turn-off" and a colour turned from light yellow to violet in CH3CN/H2O (9/1, v/v) mixture.The optimized geometry of the MNP-Cu complex was analyzed using DFT methods and the results is confirm the formation of the MNP-Cu complex. Besides, the F− and H2PO4−anions are preferentially sensed by the MNP in comparison to other anions, leading a "turn-off" and the colour change from light yellow to dark yellow in the THF medium. From the pH sensor data, the fluorescence intensity increased at pH 4.0 due to protonation of the -OH group. The interaction of the MNP with protein molecules (BSA, HSA) was investigated using absorption and emission spectral methods. The investigation computed values of the binding constant and the Stern-Volmer quenching constant demonstrated that the MNP had a far stronger affinity for BSA than for HSA. The interaction of the MNP with protein molecules was confirmed using docking studies.

In vitro and in vivo activities of KSP-1007, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of serine- and metallo-β-lactamases, in combination with meropenem against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

KSP-1007 is a novel bicyclic boronate-based broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor and is being developed in combination with meropenem (MEM) for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a global health concern, and here, we describe its characteristics. KSP-1007 exhibited low apparent inhibition constant (Ki app) values against all classes of β-lactamase, including imipenemase types and oxacillinase types from Acinetobacter baumannii. Against 207 Enterobacterales and 55 A. baumannii, including carbapenemase producers, KSP-1007 at fixed concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 µg/mL dose-dependently potentiated the in vitro activity of MEM in broth microdilution MIC testing. The MIC90 of MEM/KSP-1007 at 8 µg/mL against Enterobacterales was lower than those of MEM/vaborbactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam, and colistin and similar to those of aztreonam/avibactam, cefiderocol, and tigecycline. The in vitro activity of MEM/KSP-1007 at ≥4 µg/mL against Enterobacterales harboring metallo-β-lactamase was superior to that of cefepime/taniborbactam. MEM/KSP-1007 showed excellent activity against Escherichia coli with PBP3 mutations and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase compared to aztreonam/avibactam, cefepime/taniborbactam, and cefiderocol. MEM/KSP-1007 at 8 µg/mL showed greater efficacy against A. baumannii than these comparators except for cefiderocol, tigecycline, and colistin. A 2-fold reduction in MEM MIC against 96 Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in combination with KSP-1007. MEM/KSP-1007 demonstrated bactericidal activity against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa based on minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC ratios of ≤4. KSP-1007 enhanced the in vivo activity of MEM against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa in murine systemic, complicated urinary tract, and thigh infection models. Collectively, MEM/KSP-1007 has a good profile for treating carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Industrial sustainable Fabrication, SEM Characterization, mechanical Testing, ANOVA analysis of PP-PETF recycled Composites: Artificial intelligence and deep learning studies for nuclear shielding applications

The sustainable processing of polymeric waste is required innovation. In this article, polypropylene (PP)- polyethylene terephthalate fiber (PETF) composite materials were fabricated according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001–2 and 2008) for commercial manufacturing using extrusion and injection molding. The variations of 0, 10, 30, and 40 % of PETF loadings were utilized for mechanical properties’ optimization. The results indicate that tensile strength, strain, and young’s modulus of elasticity were in the range of 22–25 MPa, 3–5 % and 870–1167 MPa. Correspondingly, the values of flexural strength, strain and modulus constant were in the range of 39–40 MPa, 9–12 % and 1909–2140 MPa, respectively. The impact energies were in the range of 2.6–3.4 kJ/m2. Thermally, the PP-PETF composites were found stable. The scanning electron microscope characterization, presence of induced micro defects, optimum flake structure, analysis of variance, deep learning, and artificial intelligence studies predict the utilization of PP-PETF composites for manufacturing of panels and sheets regarding static loading bearing applications. The reported technical strategies can be utilized as a reference processing technique for industrial manufacturing of PP-PETF based recycled composite products.

Effect of irradiation intensity on the rate of photocatalysis of TiO2 coatings obtained by detonation spraying

AbstractThe influence of UV irradiation intensity on the rate constant of photocatalytic reaction of TiO2 coatings applied by detonation spraying on the hot‐rolled carbon steel and glass‐cloth‐base laminate (plastic) is studied. The effect of substrate material on the studied phenomenon is pronounced. The kinetic curves at different UV irradiation intensities and the rate constants of the photocatalytic reaction are obtained for different values of energy flux density varied from 3.0 to 8.0 mW/m2. The photocatalytic rate constant of coatings placed on plastic increases with an increase in the energy flux density from.038 to.055 1/h. Samples applied at a spray distance of 50 mm are characterized by a higher the photocatalytic rate constant than those applied at a distance of 40 mm. The value of photocatalytic rate constant does not change starting from a certain flow value for such samples and reaches the saturation value of about.054 1/h. Saturation is achieved quite quickly already at a density flux of about 5.5 mW/m2. Two new phenomenological models based on differential equation, the analytical solutions to which sufficiently describe experimental dependence of the photocatalytic rate constant on the energy flux density, are proposed.

Computational investigation of the structural, elastic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of chloroperovskites GaXCl3 (X = Be, Ca, or Sr) using DFT framework

In this study, we employed the pseudopotential plane wave approach to examine the influence of the X atom (X = Be, Ca, or Sr) on the physical properties of isostructural chloroperovskites GaXCl3. The GGA-PBEsol functional was employed to simulate the exchange–correlation interactions. The computed equilibrium lattice parameters exhibit a high level of concordance with the existing theoretical findings. The cohesion energy and enthalpy of formation were computed to verify the energetic stability of the materials under consideration. The determined values of the single-crystal elastic constants (Cij) indicate that GaBeCl3 remains mechanically stable up to a hydrostatic pressure of 18 GPa. Similarly, GaCaCl3 preserves its stability up to 5 GPa, while GaSrCl3 remains mechanically stable up to 1.25 GPa. The projected Cij values were used to estimate several elastic moduli and related properties, including the shear and bulk moduli, sound wave speeds, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Debye temperature. The energy band structures of the studied compounds, as predicted by the HSE06 functional, demonstrate their wide bandgap semiconductor nature. Specifically, GaBeCl3 demonstrates an indirect bandgap of 3.828 eV, while GaCaCl3 reveals an indirect bandgap of 4.612 eV and GaSrCl3 has an indirect bandgap of 4.405 eV. The quasiharmonic Debye approach was employed to examine various thermal parameters, including the temperature dependence of the unit cell volume, bulk modulus, expansion coefficient, Debye temperature, isochoric and isobar heat capacities, Grüneisen parameter, and entropy function. It has been shown that GaBeCl3 demonstrates a lower thermal expansion coefficient and a higher Debye temperature in comparison to GaCaCl3 and GaSrCl3.

Exploring late-time cosmic acceleration: A study of a linear [formula omitted] cosmological model using observational data

Understanding the evolution of dark energy poses a significant challenge in modern cosmology, as it is responsible for the universe’s accelerated expansion. In this study, we focus on a specific f(T) cosmological model and analyze its behavior using observational data, including 31 data points from the CC dataset, 1048 points from the Pantheon SNe Ia samples, and 6 points from the BAO dataset. By considering a linear f(T) model with an additional constant term, we derive the expression for the Hubble parameter as a function of cosmic redshift for non-relativistic pressureless matter. We obtain the best-fit values for the Hubble constant, H0, and the model parameters α and β, indicating a stable model capable of explaining late-time cosmic acceleration without invoking a dark energy component. This is achieved through modifying field equations to account for the observed accelerated expansion of the universe.

A novel approach for the lifetime prediction and structural health monitoring of concrete sewer systems exposed to biogenic sulphide corrosion

A novel, combined experimental-modelling approach is presented for the estimation of the corrosion depth, load bearing capacity and lifetime of unreinforced concrete sewer pipes exposed to prolonged biogenic sulphide corrosion. The biogenic sulphide corrosion process is mimicked through two types of representative chemical experiments, namely: (i) long-term experiments performed under moderately controlled pH conditions, where dry-cast concrete cube samples are exposed to monthly refreshed sulphuric acid solutions with initial pH values of 3, 2 and 1 for a period of 12 months, and (ii) short-term experiments carried out under highly controlled pH conditions, in which dry-cast concrete disk samples are subjected to sulphuric acid solutions with almost constant pH values of 2, 1 and 0.5 for a period of two months. By applying X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses, insight into the micro-scale morphology and elemental composition of the corrosion profile is obtained. In addition, the corrosion front and depth characteristics are measured by conducting phenolphthalein tests and analyses of surface colour and texture of macro-scale samples. From the experimental results, the time course of the corrosion depth is calibrated with a model for sulphate attack under a constant pH level. The model formulation is combined with detailed finite element method results from the literature to predict the long-term load bearing capacity of a concrete sewer pipe. The model is subsequently generalised for sulphate corrosion under a varying pH level. When combined with the installation of pH measuring devices on the inside of sewer pipes, the current engineering model may serve as an excellent practical tool for continuously monitoring the structural health and predicting the lifetime of in-situ sewer systems subject to sulphate attack under random acidity fluctuations.

Dynamic controlled variables based dynamic self-optimizing control

Self-optimizing control is a strategy for selecting controlled variables, where the economic objective guides the selection and design of controlled variables, with the expectation that maintaining the controlled variables at constant values can achieve optimization effects, translating the process optimization problem into a process control problem. Currently, self-optimizing control is widely applied to steady-state optimization problems. However, the development of process systems exhibits a trend towards refinement, highlighting the importance of optimizing dynamic processes such as batch processes and grade transitions. This paper formally introduces the self-optimizing control problem for dynamic optimization, termed the dynamic self-optimizing control problem, extending the original definition of self-optimizing control. A novel concept, ”dynamic controlled variables” (DCVs), is proposed, and an implicit control policy is presented based on this concept. The paper theoretically analyzes the advantages and generality of DCVs compared to explicit control strategies and elucidates the relationship between DCVs and traditional controllers. Moreover, this paper puts forth a data-driven approach to designing self-optimizing DCVs, which considers DCV design as a mapping identification problem and employs deep neural networks to parameterize the variables. Three case studies validate the efficacy and superiority of DCVs in approximating multi-valued and discontinuous functions, as well as their application to dynamic optimization problems with non-fixed horizons, which traditional self-optimizing control methods are unable to address.

Ab-initio study of potassium-based halide perovskites for photovoltaic and opto-electronic applications

A first principle Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis was applied to investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of cubic perovskites KXB3 (X= Ge, Sn; B= Cl, Br). Using the computational code WIEN2K, the corresponding properties have been studied through the use of Generalized Gradient Approximation. Experimental values of lattice constants are consistent with those derived from calculations. The wide direct band gap of 1.5–2 eV (M-M) is confirmed by the electronic band structure. This behavior suggests that the compounds under study are semiconducting KXB3 (X= Ge, Sn; B= Cl, Br) halide perovskite materials are a promising alternative to photovoltaic semiconductors because of their appealing optical properties, as confirmed by a variety of optical properties. Because of their advancement in perovskites, these materials can captivate the world. So, these perovskites materials can captivate world due to its advancement in Opto-electronic application especially in photovoltaic area.

Benzofurans as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Treating Alzheimer's Disease: Synthesis, in vitro Testing, and in silico Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cholinergic neurotransmission. During the development of AD, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) binds to β-amyloid peptides to form amyloid fibrils, which aggregate into plaque deposits. Meanwhile, tau proteins are hyperphosphorylated, forming neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) that aggregate into inclusions. These complexes are cytotoxic for the brain, causing impairment of memory, attention, and cognition. AChE inhibitors are the main treatment for AD, but their effect is only palliative. This study aimed to design and synthesize novel benzofuran derivatives and evaluate their inhibition of AChE in vitro and in silico. Results: The seven synthesized benzofuran derivatives inhibited AChE in vitro. Benzofurans hydroxy ester 4, amino ester 5, and amido ester (±)-7 had the lowest inhibition constant (Ki) values and displayed good affinity for EeAChE in molecular docking. Six derivatives showed competitive inhibition, while the best compound (5: Ki=36.53 μM) exhibited uncompetitive inhibition. The amino, hydroxyl, amide, and ester groups of the ligands favored interaction with the enzyme by hydrogen bonds. Conclusion: Three benzofurans were promising AChE inhibitors with excellent Ki values. In future research on their their application to AD, 5 will be considered as the base structure.

Exploring antisymmetric tensor effects on black hole shadows and quasinormal frequencies

This study explores the impact of antisymmetric tensor effects on spherically symmetric black holes, investigating photon spheres, shadows, emission rate and quasinormal frequencies in relation to a parameter which triggers the Lorentz symmetry breaking. We examine these configurations without and with the presence of a cosmological constant. In the first scenario, the Lorentz violation parameter, denoted as λ, plays a pivotal role in reducing both the photon sphere and the shadow radius, while also leading to a damping effect on quasinormal frequencies. Conversely, in the second scenario, as the values of the cosmological constant (Λ) increase, we observe an expansion in the shadow radius. Also, we provide the constraints of the shadows based on the analysis observational data obtained from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) focusing on Sagittarius A* shadow images. Additionally, with the increasing Λ, the associated gravitational wave frequencies exhibit reduced damping modes.

Remarks on overestimating the effects of inhomogeneities on the Hubble constant

The Hubble constant is one of the most important parameters in cosmology. Discrepancies in values of the Hubble constant estimated from various measurements, the so-called Hubble tension, are a serious problem. In this paper, we study the effects of small-scale inhomogeneities of structure formation on the measurement of the Hubble constant using the luminosity distance-redshift relation. By adopting the adhesion model in Newtonian cosmology as the model of structure formation, we investigate whether or not the effects of inhomogeneities can be sufficiently large to affect the current observations of the Hubble constant. We show that inappropriate treatment of the effects of inhomogeneities can cause a large deviation of the measured value of the Hubble constant from the background value, whose magnitude is comparable with the Hubble tension. Our main message is the importance of adopting an appropriate model of structure formation to investigate the effects of inhomogeneities. We also add discussion on the spatial averaging approach used to estimate the measured Hubble constant in the inhomogeneous universe.

Effects of turbulent Prandtl number on supercritical carbon dioxide turbulent flow with high heat flux in vertical round tube

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is a promising working medium for coal-fired power plants, high-temperature solar power systems, nuclear reactor systems, and fuel cells owing to its high efficiency and inertness. In these cases, the sCO2 is in a round tube under high temperature and pressure, far from the pseudo-critical point. Here, the thermophysical properties of sCO2 changes, resulting in large prediction errors. In this study, a conjugate heat transfer model with the k-ε turbulent model was created to analyze the tube performance of the sCO2, and the effects of turbulent Prandtl number (Prt) on the sCO2 turbulent flow with high heat flux were examined through experimental and numerical investigations. Prt had a considerable effect on the performance of the sCO2 turbulent flow far from the pseudo-critical point. The mean relative errors of the inner wall temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient were reduced by approximately 13% and 27%, respectively, when Prt was decreased from 1 to 0.55. For the sCO2 turbulent flow with a high heat flux, constant Prt values of 0.55–0.6 were applicable. The findings afford key insights for the development of sCO2 turbulent flow with high heat flux.

Identification of cholesterol in different media by using the FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV–visible spectra combined with DFT calculations

In this investigation, the experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of cholesterol in the solid phase and in ethanol solution have been combined with the B3LYP/6–311++G** calculations and the scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQMFF) methodology, normal internal coordinates and transferable scaling factors to obtain the complete vibrational assignments of 216 vibration modes expected. Hence, complete vibrational assignments for that steroid of greatest biological importance are reported for first time in gas phase and ethanol solution together with its scaled force constants. Changes in the positions of some bands and in force constants values are observed in the different media due to the predicted intra-molecular interactions between CH3/CH3, CH3/CH2 and CH2/CH2 groups by atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations. The 1H- and 13C NMR chemical shifts of normal and deuterated cholesterol in aqueous solution confirm that the H atom of OH group is involved in the formation of H bonds in solution. Studies of experimental electronic spectra of cholesterol in different concentrations of ethanol revealed that the positions of peaks maxima increase conform increase the solution concentration. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses reveal that the polar OH group and the four fused rings play important roles in the stability and properties of cholesterol than the large hydrophobic moiety. Frontier orbitals predicted low reactivity of cholesterol in ethanol probably due to its high ω value in this medium.

Co-Ni spinel nanoparticles for energy storage applications: Composition, structural parameters and electrical properties

In the ambit of this investigation, we delved into the properties of (Co/Ni)Fe2O4 spinel nanoparticles (CNSNs) with a spectrum of Co/Ni ratios, delineated as Co1-xNixFe2O4, where x adopts values of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0. The synthesis of these CNSNs was adeptly executed via the citrate precursor technique. This study meticulously examined the crystal structure and granular morphology by applying X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was unequivocally determined that each specimen exhibited a homogenous phase. The lattice parameters for the synthesized CNSN compounds agreed with the mean ionic radii of the Co2+ and Ni2+ ions, mirroring their respective concentrations within the nanoparticles. Furthermore, an extensive analysis of the alternating current (AC) electrical properties was carried out, encompassing a broad frequency range from 1 kHz to 3 MHz and a wide temperature range from 303 to 423 K. The observed behavior of the electrical properties was thoroughly evaluated and elucidated, considering the chemical composition of each CNSN. The relationship between the frequency dependency of σac, έ and tanδ is congruent with the prevailing literature and theoretical constructs that elucidate the composite materials' conductivity and dielectric constant, comprising grains and grain boundaries. The present CNSN samples do not exhibit maximum peak for tanδ, potentially due to the wider range of frequencies used than the anticipated peak frequency. The samples' measured conductivity and dielectric constant values displayed a high degree of coherence, corroborating each other's findings. Literature corroborates that the escalation in ac-conductivity values with frequency intimates certainly that the prepared samples may herald promise for utilization in energy storage solutions, bolstering the synergistic efficacy observed. Another conceivable application of these CNSN materials could be their integration in microwave technologies, suggesting a broad scope for future technological advancements.