Energy Dispersive X-ray Research Articles

Correlation between structural modifications and physical parameters of Sb doped InSe alloys for optoelectronic applications

Bulk samples of In0.1Se0.9-xSbx (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.24) were synthesized using the conventional melt-quenching technique. The impact of Sb doping on the structural and physical properties of InSe alloys was systematically explored. The substitution of Sb at the expense of Se introduces defects and dislocations in the lattice, which significantly influence the properties of the InSeSb system. With increasing Sb content, physical parameters such as the average coordination number, cross-linking density, mean bond energy, and cohesive energy were observed to increase. Theoretically calculated band gap values lie between 1.7 and 1.3 eV. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the alloys, revealing the coexistence of rhombohedral α-In2Se3 and orthorhombic Sb2Se3 phases. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition, showing the presence of In, Se, and Sb in the bulk samples. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy further validated the presence of distinct structural units and molecular bonds as a function of Sb content, confirming the coexistence of α-In2Se3 and Sb2Se3 phases alongside In–Se, Se–Se, and Sb–Se bonds. A strong correlation was established between the experimental findings and theoretically calculated parameters, including the average coordination number, mean bond energy, glass transition temperature, cohesive energy, and optical band gap. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the compositional dependence of structural and physical properties in InSeSb chalcogenide alloys, enhancing our understanding of their potential applications.

Luminescent Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as an imaging probe in N2a cells

This work reports the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles co-doped with trivalent terbium (Tb3+) and samarium (Sm3+) ions by a surfactant free chemical precipitation method. Co-doping enables to combine the optical properties of Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions. Characterization techniques like X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to determine the crystalline and structural properties. These studies confirmed that the lanthanide ions Tb3+ and Sm3+ were successfully doped onto the HAp lattice. The photoluminescence emission spectra exhibited intense emissions from both the lanthanide ions. The Sm3+ photoluminescence spectra showed enhanced emission,indicating that energy is being transferred from the Tb3+ to Sm3+ ions. To examine the cell viability, N2a cellswere subjected to the MTT cytotoxicity assay. As demonstrated by the cell imaging on N2a cells, the synthesised nanoparticles are ideal candidates for fluorescent labelling using lanthanide ions. Furthermore, thestrong cytocompatibility of Tb3+/Sm3+ co-doped hydroxyapatitesuggests that it is a promising nanoscale biomaterial.

Investigation of the microstructure, electrical and mechanical properties of Al-CNTs-B4C composite prepared by double-step stir casting for power transmission conductor

Abstract Monolithic aluminium alloy is a modern engineering material that is in high demand owing to its excellent performance and versatility. It has a high electrical conductivity, low density, high strength- to- weight ratio, and high resistance to corrosion. However, it lacks adequate resistance to creep, fatigue, stable microstructure, and strength at elevated temperatures. To overcome these deficiencies, aluminium matrix composites are developed. This work focuses on an experimental investigation of the microstructure, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity of Al-CNTs-B4C composite consolidated by a double-step stir casting technique. An x-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, and a field-emission scanning electron microscope fitted with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the start-up powders and the cast samples. A Brinell tester was used to measure the microhardness of the cast samples. A four-point probe meter was used to determine the electrical conductivity. The microstructural results revealed formation of Al4C3 and Al3BC intermetallics, B4C phase and amorphous carbon precipitate. Marginally improved electrical conductivity of 33.33 × 107 S m−1 (65.1% IACS) was obtained with Al-5CNTs-15B4C, together with high microhardness of 725.72 MPa. The microhardness improved by 94.7% over monolithic pure Al. The double-step stir casting enhanced the homogenous dispersion of the reinforcements. The improvements in the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were attributed to the synergy between B4C and CNTs which induced Orowan looping, load transfer effect, plastic deformation and dislocation pinning in the composite. It is recommended that this composite will perform creditably in power transmission.

Biochar as an Enzyme Immobilization Support and Its Application for Dye Degradation

Wastewaters generated by the textile industry often contain significant amounts of harmful (carcinogenic and mutagenic) cationic dyes, whose efficient removal is of crucial importance. This study investigates the laccase immobilization on biochar obtained from sour cherry stones (SCS-B), as a cost effective adsorbent, and evaluates its application for brilliant green (BG) degradation. The successful immobilization of laccase on biochar was achieved via adsorption and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An immobilization efficiency of 66% was achieved using 0.274 U/mL of laccase at pH 5 and a temperature of 40 °C. The adsorption kinetics of laccase followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemical adsorption plays a significant role in the immobilization process. The BG degradation by immobilized system was further optimized by evaluating effects of pH, temperature, dye concentration, and contact time. More than 92% of BG (50 mg/L) was removed within 4 h at pH 5 and temperature of 30 °C. These findings suggest that SCS-B can effectively be used as an enzyme carrier and be further utilized for the removal of emerging pollutants, positioning it as a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.

Impact of Dual-coated Silver Nanoparticle and Antibiotic Sutures on Wound Healing in Inflammatory Mouse Models

ABSTRACT Background: The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in biomedicine has emerged in a big way owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesize that combining the AgNPs with antibiotics for coating sutures will enhance the antibacterial property of sutures with the added advantage of the immunomodulatory effect of AgNPs on tissue healing. Materials and Methods: Polyglactin sutures were coated with AgNPs using the dip-coating method. The uniform coating and morphology of AgNPs on the suture surface were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each type of suture – polyglactin plain, antibiotic coated (Triclosan), AgNP coated, and dually coated (antibiotic and AgNP) – was assessed for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and anaerobes. These sutures were utilized in an abdominal and systemic inflammatory mice model for ileal anastomosis. The intestinal tissue was evaluated for acute and chronic inflammation and collagen deposition to assess the healing and inflammatory response. Results: The SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed successful coating of AgNPs on plain and antibiotic-coated sutures. In comparison with the other groups, the dually coated suture had the best in vitro antibacterial efficacy. The AgNP-coated sutures were able to decrease both acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, but the collagen synthesis and deposition were enhanced. Conclusion: AgNPs can be coated on Polyglactin suture either alone or in combination with antibiotics with preserved antibacterial effects. The dual coating of sutures gives a synergistic antibacterial effect. The AgNP diminishes immune response in the presence of preserved extracellular matrix generation.

Microscopic characteristics and corrosion rate modeling in galvanized high-strength steel wires

The electrochemical reaction mechanism of galvanized high-strength steel wires (GHSSWs) has not been fully elucidated. Scholars have observed a significant discrepancy between the theoretical mass loss rate calculated using the Faraday equation for electrochemical corrosion and the experimental values. To address this issue, this study conducted electrochemical corrosion tests on 195 sets of GHSSWs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and non-contact 3D scanning systems were used to characterize the surface morphology and elemental composition of specimens before and after rust removal, revealing the reaction mechanism during electrochemical corrosion in GHSSWs. The correlation between corrosion length, current intensity, and electrolysis time with the corrosion rate was investigated, and a correction function for mass loss in GHSSWs under constant current electrochemical corrosion was established. The results indicate that during the initial stage of electrochemical corrosion in GHSSWs, internal stress between the corrosion products and the GHSSWs substrate leads to the formation of apparent cracks in the corroded wire, increasing the contact area between the specimen and the electrolyte and accelerating the corrosion process. In later stages, the formation of needle-like α-FeOOH corrosion products provides protective effects, leading to a decrease in the corrosion rate.

Investigation of Ceria based Heterostructure Composite Mixed Matrix Membrane with Polybenzimidazole for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Application at High Temperature

In recent years Ceria based heterostructure composites are considered as one of the highest performing solid state ionic conductors, therefore we wanted to leverage the benefits of using these materials for high temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). In this study a Polybenzimidazole (PBI)/Ceria carbonate CHC (Ceria based heterostructure composite) membrane was prepared by drop casting method and tested as an electrolyte for a high temperature H2/Air PEMFC application in anhydrous condition. Inorganic composite of ceria and alkali metal carbonates (Li2CO3, Na2CO3) was prepared by solid state route to obtain Ceria carbonate CHC. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the formation of the heterostructure and their successful incorporation into the PBI membranes. Homogeneity of fillers inside the membrane was further verified by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). 5wt% of inorganic powder induced inside the PBI fillers reduced the phosphoric acid uptake of composite membrane (∼17% less) compared to pristine PBI membrane, which ultimately resulted into a lower swelling and dimensional change of the composite membrane. Thermal robustness of the phosphoric acid doped composite and pristine PBI membranes was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) which showed that the prepared membranes were gone under a less than 10% reduction in weight up till 200ºC, ensuring their validity of application in high temp PEM fuel cells. The added inorganic functionalities resulted in a slight increase in the proton conductivity of PA doped composite PBI membranes i.e., 42.3 mS cm-1 at 180 ºC while for pristine PBI membrane it is 36 mS cm-1 at same temperature. A single cell with composite PBI membranes outperformed a pristine PBI membrane resulted into a ∼120% higher peak power density i.e., 320.88 mW cm-2. The composite membrane also displayed the excellent durability and showed a less than 10-4 mV/h degradation in cell potential till 180 ºC.

Characterization of fuel cladding chemical interaction on a high burnup U-10Zr metallic fuel via electron energy loss spectroscopy enhanced by machine learning

Fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) is one of the limiting factors for metallic fuels in nuclear application. A comprehensive analysis of chemical elements in FCCI is the basis for understanding the phenomena and developing potential mitigating strategies. The detection of low atomic number elements (Z < 11) and lanthanide fission products is challenging for energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This work used scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) based electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to study the distribution of carbon and lanthanides in the FCCI region of a solid U-10Zr (wt%) fuel irradiated to 13.2 at. % burnup at fast flux testing facility. Processing the EELS data involved three major steps: 1) enhancing the signal to noise ratio by denoising the spectrum using principal component analysis methods; 2) identification of chemical elements with core energy loss edges; 3) microstructural phase segmentation based on raw EELS spectrums using the K-means clustering method. EELS analysis revealed the formation of zirconium carbide, a rind-like microstructural phase in FCCI region between fuel and cladding. This rind appeared to be intact at this burnup. The study also revealed the shift of plasmon peak between zirconium and zirconium carbide. The EELS mapping also indicated a different distribution of Ce from other lanthanide elements, such as La, Pr, and Nd, suggesting the lanthanides should be separately investigated. The use of the K-means clustering method on the EELS data of FCCI region revealed different phases, especially Fe-Ce and Zr-C, that concurred with the findings from EDS and STEM-EELS elemental mappings.

Investigation of the chemiluminescence behavior of Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots as a sensing platform for uric acid

The current study explores the application of Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots (MQDs) as a chemiluminescent (CL) probe to determine uric acid (UA) in biological samples. The MQDs sensor was synthesized using ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The presence of MQDs significantly enhances the ultra-weak Fe(II)–S2O82− CL system. Subsequently, quenching of the probe’s CL signal was observed in the presence of UA. Thus, the designed CL sensor offers an excellent analytical capability for determining UA in the 0.15–2.5 µM range, with a limit of detection of 0.093 µM. The method was effectively used to analyze UA in human serum and urine, yielding recovery rates between 94.4 % and 108.3 % with relative standard deviations (RSD) ranging from 1.9 % to 5.9 %.

Crystallographic Characterization of Gypsum Synthesized from Marine Wastes: Babylonia japonica, Olive sayana, and Conasprella bermudensis

The study synthesized gypsum nanocrystals using conventional wet chemical precipitation methods from marine mollusks like Babylonia Japonica, Olive Sayana, and Conasprella bermudensis. Different characterization techniques like Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) were used to confirm the formation of the nanocrystals. XRD data assessed various structural parameters, including the dimension of the unit cell, crystallinity index, specific surface area, lattice parameters, dislocation density, and macrostrain. The Rietveld refinement study did not reveal the formation of alternate phases, and the predicted lattice parameters, Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), and X-ray density contradicted the actual data. The synthesized gypsum displays crystallite dimension within the acceptable range of < 200 nm, as calculated using various XRD model equations. Additionally, the values for strain (2× 10-4 to 4 × 10-4), stress (-1×107 to 2×107 N/m2), and energy density (2.87 × 102 to 2.16× 103 J/m3) were also estimated for the synthesized samples. The preferential growth calculation indicates stable phase formation of gypsum along the (020) and (040) plane. Furthermore, The study compared the properties of gypsum, including pH, conductivity, and potential difference (PD), in soil extraction and an aqueous medium.

Temperature-Dependent Compressive Strength Modeling of Geopolymer Blocks Utilizing Glass Powder and Steel Slag

This article investigates the development of geopolymers as a modern, environmentally sustainable binder with ceramic-like properties, offering exceptional thermal and fire-resistant characteristics. The study primarily utilized fly ash (FA) in combination with glass powder (GP) and steel slag (SS). The SS content varied between 30% and 40%, while the molarity of NaOH was set at 10M, 12M, and 14M. Based on these variables, a total of 18 mixes incorporating GP and SS were formulated. The samples were subjected to elevated temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, after which their compressive strength was measured. To better understand the material formation, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis analyses were conducted. The study aimed to examine the influence of oxide ratios (Na/Si, Si/Al, H2O/Na2O, and Na/Al) on compressive strength at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the research sought to develop a predictive model, elucidating the relationship between these oxide ratios and compressive strength of geopolymers. To achieve this, ten machine learning techniques were applied, revealing the complex connection between oxide ratios and the strength properties of geopolymers. The support vector regressor (SVR) model outperformed other regression and boosting models, achieving a high coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.95, indicating superior predictive accuracy. The reduced error levels and high R2 values highlighted the enhanced performance of the SVR model. A sensitivity analysis was done to understand the contributions of each parameter to the outcome predictions further. Employing machine learning techniques to forecast compressive strength of geopolymer blocks under various elevated temperature conditions improves predictive accuracy and optimizes resource utilization, leading to significant time savings.

Optimizing the content of Li2CO3, Na2SO4 and TEA in fly ash–cement system by response surface methodology

With an optimized dosage, hardening accelerators become a vital means of modifying fly ash-cement system (FAC). This study comprehensively investigated the mechanical properties of FAC modified by Li2CO3, Na2SO4, and triethanolamine (TEA) under different dosages, and optimized the dosage of accelerators through the response surface method (RSM). The synergistic effect of accelerators on the hydration of FAC was characterized by thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated that the factors and response value followed a quadratic polynomial model. The regression coefficients R2 of the model were all greater than 0.9, indicating good agreement with the experimental data. The content of Li2CO3 and Na2SO4 had an extremely significant effect on the compressive strength of 1d and 3d, followed by TEA. The optimal mix ratio predicted by RSM was 0.12% Li2CO3, 0.47% Na2SO4, and 0.40% TEA. Early hydration stages revealed that the combined action of these accelerators increased the formation of CH, CaCO3, and amorphous C-(A)-S-H gel. Microscopically, the surface of fly ash exhibited alkali-induced corrosion, thereby enhancing its pozzolanic reactivity.

Combinatorial synthesis of AlNi alloys by low-pressure cold spray deposition and post-laser alloying process

Aluminum-Nickel (AlNi) alloys are of great interest due to their exceptional high-temperature wear and corrosion resistance, making them valuable in transport, energy, and materials processing applications. However, challenges in the production and shaping of these alloys, particularly as thick coatings, remain significant. This study introduces an innovative method for the high-throughput synthesis of AlNi coatings, utilizing a two-step process: low-pressure cold spray deposition followed by laser surface alloying. The combination of these two techniques not only improves the synthesis process but also opens avenues for exploring new material compositions with specific application requirements. This approach holds significant potential for accelerating the development and optimization of advanced coatings and multiphase compounds in applications such as repair and additive manufacturing.Aluminum and nickel powders were co-sprayed to create coatings with controlled compositions ranging from 50Al50Ni to 10Al90Ni (wt%). Subsequent laser treatment induced in-situ alloying and homogenization, resulting in dense, uniform AlNi coatings. The microstructure and chemical composition were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) identified the formation of various phases, including Al3Ni and AlNi3 phases. The process demonstrated effective alloying and microstructural homogeneity, with residual alumina present at the surface. Despite the presence of some microstructural defects, such as cracking, this method provides a robust foundation for further refinement and opens new possibilities for tailoring alloy properties through combinatorial cold spray and laser alloying techniques.

Area-based composition predictions of materials fabricated using simultaneous wire-powder-directed energy deposition

Functionally graded materials are an emergent method for designing components with programmable site-specific material properties. These materials are typically fabricated using metal additive manufacturing tools by simultaneously feeding multiple wire and/or powder feedstocks at various rates to achieve spatial composition change. The wire-powder-directed energy deposition (WP-DED) technique is of particular interest for many functionally graded material applications by balancing the low raw materials cost of wire with the high resolution of powder. However, feeding wire and powder are inherently different processes since all extruded wire enters the melt pool, while much of the blown powder is scattered, which makes determining the composition of the build challenging. In this study, we devise a simple area-based measurement method for estimating the composition of WP-DED structures. WP-DED single beads are printed using 309L stainless steel wire and commercially pure Fe powder at five wire feed rates (0.5, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 mm/mm) and five powder feed rates (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 rpm). Characteristic defects including interface gaps and macrosegregation (lack of mixing) tendencies are examined. High powder feed rates (8, 10 rpm) result in interface gaps at all wire feed rates, but smooth deposition and complete mixing is achieved at low powder feed rates, particularly with lower wire feed rates as well. The area-based composition measurement method is within ±20% of energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements for all samples, showing its effectiveness as a rapid composition estimate for WP-DED materials development.

Microplastics pollution in tropical estuary (Muttukadu Backwater), Southeast Coast of India: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, potential sources and ecological risk assessment

Around the world, microplastic pollution is pervasive and is regarded as the biggest threat to all ecosystems. We conducted the present study to determine the prevalence of microplastics (MPs), their polymer hazard risk (PHI), and any potential sources of these particles in the estuary of Muttukadu Backwater, Southeast Coast of India. Microplastics were extricated from surface water and sediment by the wet peroxide method, identified by a stereo zoom microscope (SM), and characterized by ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDS analysis. The average microplastic abundance in sediment and surface water was 815±158 particles Kg−1 and 195±38 particles m−3, respectively. The most common microplastics based on shapes were fibers and fragments in both sediment and surface water, with blue and green-colored microplastics being the most frequently observed colors. Type II polymer particles (<3.00 mm–1.00 mm) are dominant particles in sediment (36 %), and type I (5.00 mm–3.00 mm) particles dominate in surface water samples (49 %). Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) results showed that the following chemical elements, such as O, C, Cl, Fe, Na, Al, K, Ca, and Si, as well as the order of the trace metal Pb > Cr > Ni > Co > As > Cu > Cd > Zn, are observed by microplastics of all sediment sampling location. The pollution load index (PI), polymer hazard index (PHI), and potential ecological risk (PER) index models revealed varying level of risk. The polymer hazard index (PHI) reveals that both water and sediments are moderate to highly MP contamination. The hazards of polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyamide significantly contributed to hazard level IV. Inadequate plastic waste management, human habitation and tourism, rapid industrialization, and coastal construction are the main sources of microplastic contamination in the study area. The proper guidelines, potential policies, and technological interventions are much needed to reduce the microplastic contamination along Southeast Coast of India.

Silica coated N-doped carbon modified with ruthenium nanoparticles: An effective waste derived carbon nanocatalyst in oxidation reactions and also its evaluation by DFT and anti-bacterial studies

This report presents the development of an inexpensive mesoporous nanocatalyst i.e. silica coated N-doped carbon modified with ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru/RuO2@NSAC). The carbon and nanosilica components were derived from waste materials namely waste tea extract and rice husk respectively highlighting the sustainable approach to the synthesis process. The nanocatalyst was thoroughly characterized using various advanced techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), High resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray resonance fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). These characterizations provided comprehensive insights into the structural features of the nanocatalyst. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of both metallic ruthenium and Ru (IV) on the nanocatalytic support. The particle size of Ru/RuO2@NSAC was determined using Scherrer's equation and came out to be 21.37 nm. This nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable performance as a robust heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of alkylarenes and alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds. It exhibited excellent recyclability, maintaining its activity for up to five consecutive runs. Post-recycling, the catalyst was again characterized by P-XRD and FEG-SEM to ensure its structural integrity. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of Ru/RuO2@NSAC was evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A density functional theory study was also conducted to support the experimental findings, providing a theoretical basis for the observed catalytic behavior.

Synthesis of zinc hydroxyl acetate nanosheet-assembled honeycomb-like and flower-like structures by chemical bath deposition method for the construction of hydrophobic surfaces

Layered zinc hydroxyl acetate (LZHA) nanosheet-assembled honeycomb-like and flower-like structures were synthesized by a chemical bath deposition method using aqueous zinc acetate solution as the bath solution and a porous ZnO coating as the substrate. The morphology of LZHA architectures growing on the surface of the substrate depends on the type of LZHA nucleation. The homogeneous nucleation facilitates the adsorption of crumpled LZHA nanosheets generated in the solution onto the substrate surface, whereas heterogeneous nucleation promotes the formation of flat LZHA nanosheets on the substrate surface. The crumpled and flat LZHA nanosheets serving as the seeds undergo cyclic “growth-division” processes to evolve into LZHA nanosheet-assembled honeycomb-like and flower-like structures, respectively. The hierarchical architecture features of the LZHA honeycombs and flowers can be topologically inherited without any crack and collapse when converted into ZnO by calcination. The LZHA honeycomb-like and Ag nanoparticle modified ZnO flower-like structures were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, field-emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer. The synthesized ZnO honeycomb-like and flower-like structures show excellent hydrophobic properties owning to the appropriate roughness provided by the hierarchical structures. In particular, the surface assembled by ZnO honeycombs derived from their LZHA precursors with deposition time of 4 h shows a higher water contact angle of 162.3°. In addition, the Ag nanoparticle modification on the petals of ZnO flowers results in the formation of multi-scale rough surfaces, and thus increases the water contact angle. The synthesized superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit promising applications in fields such as anti-icing, anti-corrosion and reducing fluidic drag.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Magnetic Characterization of Iron Oxides in Suspended Sediments

&lt;p class="Abstract"&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;River sediment is the product of a sedimentation process in the river environment that originates from the weathering of bedrock or erosion processes, organic materials, particles, or anthropogenic substances. Previous research shows the magnetic mineral content in the sediments of the Citarum River and its tributaries. Suspended sediment was collected from the Citarum River and its tributaries in West Java, Indonesia, for mineralogical and granulometric analysis. The aim of this research is to distinguish between magnetic mineral sources, a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and rock magnetism. The hysteresis parameter verifies that the XRD measurement results show that the main magnetic minerals in suspended sediments are ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite (Fe&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;). According to the results of the SEM-EDX investigations, the magnetic granules in the Citarum River and its tributaries derive from two distinct sources: pedogenic and anthropogenic. The Citarum River and its tributaries’ magnetic granules are generally octahedral or angular in shape, with broken corners, indicating a pedogenic origin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Microstructural, magnetic, and optical properties of nickel-doped spinel zinc ferrite nanoparticles

This study focuses on the synthesis of nickel-substituted zinc ferrite nanoparticles, , via the sol-gel method and examines how nickel substitution influences their structural, magnetic, and optical properties. The lattice constant of the nanoparticles, which varied from 8.4296 Å to 8.4212 Å, decreased as the nickel concentration increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology, revealing grain sizes between 46 and 53 nm, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition, showing nearly spherical nanoparticles containing all the constituent elements. The magnetic properties were analyzed using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), which highlighted significant differences between the theoretical and experimental magnetic moments, indicating the presence of Yafet-Kittel magnetic ordering in the system. The saturation magnetization was enhanced by ions, reaching a maximum value of 23.864 emu/g. This enhancement makes the nickel-substituted zinc ferrite nanoparticles suitable for applications in data recording media and magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, the values of the magnetic crystalline anisotropy constant, initial permeability, effective anisotropy constant, and anisotropic field of the synthesized samples were estimated.The optical properties of the synthesized samples were evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy, and the band gap was determined through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The optical bandgap of pure zinc ferrite was measured to be 2.26 eV, and it decreased with increasing nickel concentration in the nanoparticles.

In situ energy dispersive X-ray diffraction achieved in twin screw extrusion

In situ energy dispersive X-ray diffraction achieved in twin screw extrusion