Addition Of ZnO Research Articles

Internal and external variables influencing microwave dielectric properties of (1-x)Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3-xSrTiO3 ceramics

The physical and chemical state of ceramics are very important for their microwave dielectric properties, especially at high frequencies above GHz. Therefore, the microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of (1-x)Mg(Zr0.05Ti0.95)O3–xSrTiO3((1-x)MZT–xST) ceramics were investigated by controlling external variables. The compounds were synthesized through a solid-state reaction mechanism and sintered at relatively low temperatures. A cavity resonator method was employed to analyze the microwave dielectric properties. Optimal sintering conditions significantly enhanced the microwave dielectric performance of MZTST ceramics. The addition of ZnO substantially reduced the sintering temperature and equilibrium sintering time, enabling the activation of optimal conditions and the achievement of temperature-stable microwave dielectrics like NP0: εr ∼20.16 at 10 GHz, Qf of ∼81839 GHz at 7.93 GHz, and τf close to zero (∼0.12 ppm/°C). This enhanced performance was attributed to the optimization of internal variables, including enhanced relative density, homogeneous grain size, optimal phase fraction, and chemical ordering.

Enhancing sintered magnesia: Role of ZnO in densification, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance

This study introduces a method to reduce the thermal conductivity and boost cement clinker corrosion resistance in sintered magnesia using ZnO-modified additives. Solid-solution modified sintered magnesia was prepared at 1700 °C, and the impact of ZnO on the sintering properties, room-temperature strength, thermophysical properties, and corrosion resistance was assessed. ZnO addition enhanced the densification, grain size, and strength of sintered magnesia due to activated sintering from the ZnO and MgO solid-solution reaction at high temperatures. Additionally, ZnO addition improved the thermal stability and thermal shock resistance of sintered magnesia in a high-temperature environment. However, excessive ZnO led to incomplete diffusion, impeding grain growth and degrading the properties of magnesia. The thermal conductivity significantly decreased compared to the unmodified sample, particularly at 1000 °C with 4 mol% ZnO addition. Moreover, ZnO improved the corrosion resistance due to increased grain size and densification, with 4 mol% ZnO yielding the best results.

Microstructures, Optical, magnetic Properties, and photocatalytic activity of magnetically separable and reusable ZnO-Doped Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite synthesized via green route

We report magnetically-separable, reusable, green-synthesized Fe3O4/rGO/ZnO, as heterogeneous catalyst for photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution under certain treatments. Fe3O4 nanoparticles was green-synthesized using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, while rGO was synthesized utilizing Amaranthus viridis leaf extract. Fe3O4/rGO was composited under sonication treatment. Afterwards, Fe3O4/rGO was doped with ZnO with various concentration of ZnO. X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction showed that Fe3O4 and ZnO had spinel cubic and hexagonal structure, respectively; another phase appeared as Fe2O3 spinel cubic structure. Crystallite size was decreased as the ZnO concentration increased. Morphology image showed almost spherical, non-uniform, and slightly dispersed particle under agglomerated condition, attaching to rGO sheets. The particle size of Fe3O4, Fe3O4/rGO, and Fe3O4/rGO/ZnO is 14.3; 14.1; and 10.4 nm, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed metallic functional groups, such as Fe-O and Zn–O at 562–589 and 462–478 cm−1 also suggests nanocomposite formation. However, blue-shift absorption and band gap widening were observed with ZnO addition. Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation as-synthesized GO and rGO. Vibrating sample magnetometer showed that green-synthesized Fe3O4/rGO/ZnO exhibited superparamagnetic properties. Removal efficiency of photodegradation methylene blue was optimal for green-synthesized Fe3O4/rGO/ZnO under sonication treatment, reached 100 % degradation within 180 min for uptake every 30 min. Photodegradation was also analyzed using Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, resulting rate constant of 24.7 × 10−3 min−1 and half-life time of 28.1 min at optimum treatment. Reusability of photocatalytic activity after 3 cycles showed only a tiny drop in catalytic efficiency. Meanwhile, it possesses high stability in catalytic activity and structure. The green-synthesized Fe3O4/rGO/ZnO potential as an environmentally friendly reusable photocatalyst for wastewater degradation.

Characterization of composite bioplastic from Cassava starch with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

This study focused on bioplastics and composite bioplastics with incorporated ZnO and TiO2. The ZnO gave a film more transparent than that made with TiO2. The effects of these additives on physical and mechanical properties, biodegradability, surface morphology, and thermal properties of the films were investigated. The functional groups O-H, C-H, C=O, and C-O in the bioplastic and the composites were confirmed by FT-IR. The addition of ZnO and TiO2 could increase thermal stability. The composites exhibited higher tensile strength than the control bioplastic film. The bioplastic film was 100% biodegradable compared to 14.71% and 14.59% for ZnO and TiO2 containing bioplastic films, respectively.

Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3‐based ceramics with increased depolarization temperature and piezoelectric coefficient

AbstractSodium bismuth titanate‐based materials are expected to be an alternative candidate to lead‐based ceramic materials due to their excellent electrical properties. However, the low depolarization temperature (Td) limits their practical application. In this work, the phase structure evolution and microstructure of 0.9(0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3–0.6BiFeO3)–0.1BaTiO3: xZnO (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) (abbreviated as 100xZnO) composite ceramics are investigated, and their piezoelectric properties are improved by combination of constructing 0–3 type composites and quenching treatment technology. The addition of ZnO can increase both Td and d33 because ZnO can enhance the lattice distortion of rhombohedral phase and lead to the increase in ferroelectric order. Specifically, the optimum composition x = 0.03 obtains the d33 value of 106 pC/N (25°C), which retains 84% of the value at room temperature up to 240°C. And the quenching technology further enhances the ferroelectric order and increases Td, which is up to 280°C for x = 0.03.

Nucleophiles realizing the reduction of ZnO content for vulcanization accompanied by the improvement in thermo‐oxidative resistance for vulcanized isoprene rubbers

AbstractAt present, vulcanization is an indispensable process in rubber industries and ZnO is an important ingredient in vulcanization reactions. However, ZnO is toxic to aquatic organisms and the use of ZnO is unfavorable to the sustainable development of rubber industry. The decrease of ZnO content without the reduction in properties of rubbers has been an open question in rubber industries. In this work, our group designs nucleophiles with an ability to open the ring of sulfur. With the decrease of ZnO content, the addition of nucleophiles maintains the ring‐opening capacity of sulfur. As a result, changes in several properties of rubbers such as tensile strength, tear strength, and crosslinking density are negligible with the reduction of ZnO content. Also, the thermo‐oxidative resistance of rubbers improves dramatically with the decrease of ZnO content and addition of nucleophiles. Through designing nucleophiles to reduce the content of ZnO, this work provides a strategy to develop sustainable rubber industries.

Experimental effects of ash (ZnO) and catalyst (CeO[formula omitted]) on DPF regeneration performance and emission characteristics

The regeneration characteristics of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) are studied on a regeneration test bench, with a focus on the effects of ash and catalyst, including the effects of ZnO and CeO2 on the regeneration performance and emission characteristics of the DPF. The results indicate that the addition of ZnO and CeO2 can easily lead to local high temperatures during the regeneration process of the DPF, with the highest peak temperature appearing in a 1:3 ratio for both ZnO and CeO2, leading to a significant increase in CO2. Compared with ZnO, CeO2 can advance the DPF rapid regeneration period by about 300 s. When the ratio of PU: CeO2 is 1:5, the total particulate matter emitted is reduced to the lowest level, but it will significantly increase the emission of nuclear model particles, especially particles below 23 nm. Under the same mixing ratio, an increase in carbon loading can enhance the oxidation ability of ZnO towards carbon black, but the difference between the number of particles emitted during DPF regeneration and regeneration efficiency will gradually decrease.

The Antifungal and Antiviral Activity of Coatings Containing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Verbascum L. or Formitopsis betulina Extracts and Their Influence on the Quality of Strawberries after Storage

The goal of this study was to analyze the antifungal and antiviral activity of coatings based on Formitopsis betulina, Verbascum L. and Uncaria tomentosa extracts with ZnO nanoparticles as active compounds. The other purpose was to investigate the impact of polypropylene bags coated with the obtained antiviral/antifungal coatings on the microbial quality/purity of strawberries. The results of this study showed that the analyzed coatings inhibited Candida albicans growth completely. They did not inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, but they decreased its number. Additionally, all layers demonstrated a high activity against the Φ 6 bacteriophage particles. Analyzing the microbial purity of the strawberries after storage, it was noticed that the modified bags with Verbascum L. (ZnVL) and F. betulina (ZnFb) extracts and the addition of the nano ZnO had a significant effect on the decrease of the total count and on the number of yeast and mold. After 144 h of storage of the strawberries, the ZnVL coating was found to be more effective than the ZnFb layer. However, after 216 h of storage, ZnVL was more active against yeast and mold, but the packaging covered with the ZnFb coating was more effective against bacteria.

Binary metallic sulphide‐based nanocomposites with ZnO additives: A dual‐functioning electrode material for energy storage and glucose sensing

AbstractIn the contemporary age, there is a growing need for innovative energy storage solutions that integrate the crucial features of supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries to meet evolving energy requirements. Herein, we used the hydrothermal method to synthesize a binary composite electrode material. The addition of ZnO as a doping material significantly enhances the specific capacity of cobalt niobium sulphide (CoNbS) from 538.16 C g−1 to 912.62 C g−1 due to its high conductivity and the presence of redox‐active sites. We have also developed a supercapattery (CoNbS@ZnO//activated carbon [AC]), which has demonstrated outstanding performance with a remarkable specific capacity of 325.92 C g−1 at a current density of 1.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the supercapattery device shows improved energy and power densities, measuring 35 Wh/kg and 2397 W/kg, respectively. After 5000 galvanostatic charging discharging (GCD) cycles, the device shows columbic efficiency (90%) and capacity retention (83%). Additionally, the CoNbS@ZnO//AC hybrid device is used as an electrochemical sensor for glucose detection. The device showed a high sensitivity against the glucose and detected up to a small value. The synthesis of nanomaterials opens up new opportunities to create high‐performance energy related systems.

Environmentally friendly YIn0.9Fe0.1O3-ZnO yellow pigment displaying near infra red (NIR) reflectance and photocatalytic activity

In this research, we produced ochre/yellow pigments of YIn0.9Fe0.1O3, combined with ZnO pigments, through a citrate-assisted sol-gel approach. We investigated the impact of varying ZnO addition methods (incorporated into the sol-gel bath and physically mixed with YIn0.9Fe0.1O3 pigments) on their color properties, near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and photocatalytic activity. The effect of the different ZnO addition methods was investigated on pprecursors and final calcined pigments through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vis-NIR reflectance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and thermal analyses such as thermogravimetry (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated for their photocatalytic characteristics by examining the degradation of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) when exposed to UV radiation. The potential environmental applications of the pigments were investigated not only for direct pollutant degradation but also in terms of energetic sustainability. In fact, the developed pigments can be employed as passive cooling materials to mitigate the temperature of buildings, thus dramatically reducing energy consumption. For this reason, the pigments were embedded into a polymeric binder and coated onto roofing aluminum sheets. The obtained coatings were investigated in terms of NIR reflectance and heat adsorption. The photocatalytic ability of the coatings was assessed by the degradation of 4-NP and methylene blue (MB) under xenon arc lamp. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of producing a pale yellow pigment with both NIR reflectance and photocatalytic capabilities.

ZnO–Doped CaO Binary Core–Shell Catalysts for Biodiesel Production via Mexican Palm Oil Transesterification

This work investigates biodiesel production via transesterification of Mexican palm oil with methanol catalyzed by binary solid base core–shell catalysts with improved catalytic stability. A series of CaO–ZnO mixed solids were prepared using an inexpensive co–precipitation method by varying ZnO content from 5 to 20 mol%. Several factors, such as surface basicity, ZnO content, phase compositions, and thermal treatment of the catalysts, were all proven to be crucial for the production of biodiesel with good quality. Thermal treatment could effectively remove the surface adsorbed water and impurities and improved the catalytic activity. The addition of ZnO to CaO significantly enhanced the catalysts’ stability; however, it led to lower surface basicity and slightly diminished catalytic activity. ZnO doping inhibited the formation of surface Ca(OH)2 and promoted the formation of Ca–Zn–O or CaZn2(OH)6 phase as the core and a surface CaCO3 shell, which effectively decreased Ca2+ leaching by approximately 74% in methanol and 65% in a methanol–glycerol (4:1) mixture. A combined method of separation and purification for obtaining clean biodiesel with high quality was proposed. The biodiesel obtained under the control conditions exhibited properties which satisfied the corresponding standards well.

Effect of zinc oxide on the electrochemical properties of micro-arc oxidation coatings in seawater

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of ZnO on the structure and properties of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on rare earth magnesium alloy under large concentration gradient.Design/methodology/approachThe macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thickness, surface roughness, chemical composition and structure of the coating were characterized by different characterization methods. The corrosion resistance of the film was studied by electrochemical and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. The results show that the addition of ZnO can significantly improve the compactness and corrosion resistance of the MAO coating, but the high concentration of ZnO will cause microcracks, which will reduce the corrosion resistance to a certain extent.FindingsWhen the concentration of zinc oxide is 8 g/L, the compactness and corrosion resistance of the coating are the best, and the thickness of the coating is positively correlated with the concentration of ZnO.Research limitations/implicationsToo high concentration of ZnO reduces the performance of MAO coating.Practical implicationsThe MAO coating prepared by adding ZnO has good corrosion resistance. Combined with organic coatings, it can be applied in corrosive marine environments, such as ship parts and hulls. To a certain extent, it can reduce the economic loss caused by corrosion.Originality/valueThe effect of ZnO on the corrosion resistance of MAO coating in electrolyte solution was studied systematically, and the conclusion was new to the common knowledge.

Semiconductor Enhanced rGO/Ag0/ZnO Ternary Hybrid Revealing Charge Transfer Enhancement in SERS Detection of Raman Reporter Molecules

AbstractIn this work, we have investigated the role of the chemical enhancement mechanism in SERS detection on a ternary hybrid substrate fabricated by incorporating ZnO nanostructures into an in situ synthesized reduced graphene oxide/silver composite. The sensing performance of the ternary substrate at various ZnO concentrations is investigated using Raman reporter molecules (RRM) such as Rhodamine 6G and 4‐Mercaptobenzoic acid. The SERS signals show enhancement by adding varied amounts of ZnO, revealing a new way of SERS enhancement by incorporating semiconductor nanostructures rather than conventional hotspot engineering. To probe chemical enhancement, we kept the electromagnetic contribution constant by keeping the same concentration of Ag in all the substrates investigated in this study. The obtained enhanced SERS signals of the probe molecules reveal the contribution from the chemical enhancement mechanism with the addition of ZnO. This vital observation reveals a new gateway in the field of SERS detection for developing a semiconductor‐enhanced, economical, and sustainable SERS substrate.

Синтез и свойства каталитических хемосорбентов на основе оксида титана

In this work, we studied the synthesis and properties of catalytic chemisorbents based on titanium dioxide with additions of ZnO and γ-Al2O3. The goal was to obtain chemisorbents with desired performance characteristics and evaluate their potential in destructive hydrogenation of organo-sulfur compounds. Their sulfur capacity and hydrogenating capacity were measured by the static method with carbon disulfide absorption. Textural and morphological characteristics were deter-mined with the use of X-ray phase analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and scanning electron microscopy. It was also found that addition of alumina did not give additional reflections on the X-ray pattern, in contrast to introduction of zinc oxide. It was found that addi-tion of zinc oxide significantly increased the values of the specific surface area, many times more than expected, according to additivity principle. Conversely, addition of alumina did not give the expected increase in surface area. The one and the other were explained through active interaction of phases. The ratios of components for obtaining chemisorbents with optimal strength properties were established. It was found that a composite consisting of titanium and aluminum oxides was more resistant to sulfurization than one with additions of zinc oxide. SEM and low-temperature ni-trogen adsorption/desorption methods confirmed the mesoporous structure of the studied samples, while the sample containing gamma alumina showed a more pronounced desorption branch to-gether with the surface consisting of spherical formations arranged in a regular order. The sample with zinc oxide had slit-like pores in its volume. Hydrogenation of thiophene with gaseous hydro-gen was carried out for the studied composites. Chromatographic analysis of the resulting product was performed. It was proven that composites based on titanium, zinc, and aluminum oxides not only had sorption properties with respect to organosulfur compounds, but also catalyzed their de-structive hydrogenation. Thus, it was established that the studied samples were chemisorbents. The study provides insight into synthesis and properties of catalytic titania-based chemisorbents, high-lighting the influence of additives and their potential for organosulfur reduction reactions.

BaO, ZnO, B2O3, PbO, and SiC effects on phosphorescent afterglow damping and thermal stability of SrAl2O4 base pigments at industrial glazes

Phosphorescent glazes are usually used in direction signs of emergency routes. That is why afterglow damping and thermal stability of phosphorescent pigments are the most decisive factors of phosphorescent glazes. This study aims to choose a suitable glaze to enhance the time and intensity of the afterglow. For this reason, the effects of BaO, ZnO, B2O3, and PbO additives on the afterglow intensity and lifetime of reference industrial glaze containing SrAl2O4 phosphorescent material were investigated. 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 %wt SrAl2O4 phosphorescence powder was mixed with base industrial glaze to recognize the optimum component. Samples were fired at 1040 °C for 40 min in the same conditions and then were analyzed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Results showed that increasing the SrAl2O4 proportion increased samples afterglow damping time, and 10 %wt SrAl2O4 was chosen as the optimum amount. Also, BaO is more efficient for increasing the intensity and afterglow lifetime. Moreover, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 %wt SiC were added to the reference industrial glaze containing 10 %wt SrAl2O4 to investigate the reduction firing conditions on the glaze afterglow. Increasing the SiC ratio up to 0.02 %wt increased the afterglow lifetime from 5 ± 0.4 to 27 ± 1.7 min, but the afterglow intensity was decreased. Despite this, adding 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 %wt SiC darkened the glaze and reduced the intensity and afterglow lifetime. The sample containing 0.1 %wt SiC did not melt properly, and this sample did not have any afterglow. Furthermore, the temperature required for firing affects the afterglow of the samples. On the other hand, to investigate the effect of temperature, the base industrial glaze containing 10 %wt SrAl2O4 was fired at 1040, 1120, and 1140 °C to determine thermal stability. The sample fired at 1140 °C had almost no phosphorescent afterglow. Also, dilatometry tests at the temperature of 600 °C and hot-stage microscope analysis were performed to determine the linear coefficient of thermal expansion and the melting point of the samples, respectively. The results showed the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the industrial glaze with 10 %wt SrAl2O4 was 73.3 × 10−7 1/°C, and it could be changed between 58.5 × 10−7 1/°C by adding 10 %wt B2O3 to 73.5 × 10−7 1/°C by adding 10 %wt BaO. The melting point of the pure industrial glaze was 1130 °C, and adding 10 %wt, SrAl2O4 decreased it to 1076 °C. Also, by adding 10 %wt BaO, ZnO, B2O3, and PbO to phosphorescent glaze, melting point was obtained 1128 °C, 1020 °C, 1030 °C, and 974 °C respectively. The same sample with 0.02 %wt SiC melted at 1154 °C.

Influence of a binary phase ZnO–CuO on the structural and reflectance properties of poly-ε-caprolactone based nanocomposites

The binary phase metal oxide of ZnO and CuO (BPMO-ZC) nanopowders were synthesized by the chemical bath deposition. The BPMO-ZC nanopowders were distributed through the poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) matrix by solution casting. The effect of the BPMO-ZC on the structure, thermal and reflectance properties of PCL was investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the combined hexagonal wurtzite and cubic forms of the respective ZnO and CuO nanomaterials as well as an orthorhombic form of the semi-crystalline PCL nanocomposite films. Morphology included aggregated particles with heterogeneous distribution. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the degree of crystallinity of nanocomposites films increased in the presence of the nanopowders. Nanocomposites displayed poor thermal stability compared to PCL, but improved residue. Reflectance measurement revealed that the absorption edges of PCL shifted to higher wavelength with the addition of ZnO–CuO.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of ZnO@sulphur-doped carbon particles for use in supercapacitors

Here, the electrochemical performance of ZnO@sulphur-doped carbon particles from banana peels in three stages for use in supercapacitors was investigated. The first stage involves the production of activated carbon from banana peel by NaOH activation (BPAC). The second stage involves the production of sulphur-doped BPAC (BPAC-S) by sulphuric acid activation of the obtained BPAC sample. In the third stage, the ZnO-doped BPAC-S sample was produced by ZnO doping using hydrothermal process. The electrochemical performances of the obtained BPAC-S and ZnO-doped BPAC-S samples were investigated in supercapacitor application as an electrode material. The characterization of the obtained materials was performed by SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDS and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analyses. In particular, there are significant changes in the capacitive response with the changes in the porous structure of the composite material with the addition of ZnO. In supercapacitor applications, the electrochemical properties of these electrode materials were investigated by CV, high charge/discharge and EIS analyses. The maximum specific capacitances for the BPAC-S and ZnO-doped BPAC-S at 10 mA/g were 147.03 and 224.15 F/g.

Preparation of Photochromic Microcapsules of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Inorganic Metal Oxide Composite Shells with UV‐Resistant Properties and Application to Printing on Cotton Fabrics

AbstractTo further enhance the fatigue resistance of spiropyran‐based photochromic materials and to explore the functionality of organic–inorganic metal oxide microcapsule shell materials, cross‐linked (P(MMA‐PETA)) and homopolymer (PMMA) shells have been developed by cross‐linking TiO2 and hybridizing ZnO on a PMMA matrix. PMMA/TiO2 photochromic microcapsules and PMMA/ZnO photochromic microcapsules with ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing function are prepared by successfully encapsulating spiropyran photochromic compounds using these two composite shells. The results show that both microcapsules exhibit a complete spherical core–shell structure with good UV resistance and thermal stability. The TG test underlines a 50% coating rate of PMMA/ZnO microcapsules on spiropyran photochromic material, with an optimal ZnO addition of 10% and particle size range from 2 to 8 µm, effectively blocking UV‐A and part UV‐B radiation. Further, a 75% maximal coating rate is observed for PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules on spiropyran with optimal TiO2 addition at 2–4%, a particle size of around 5 µm, diffusely reflecting 48% of UV rays. The photochromic fabrics prepared with PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules have better UV resistance, with a UV protection factor value of 59.48, and excellent fatigue resistance after at least 30 cycles of UV–visible light irradiation.

Hydrothermally constructed and visible-light activated efficient NiO/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposites for methylene blue dye degradation and antibacterial applications

NiO-based binary and ternary nanocomposites were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The properties of the samples were explored comprehensively using various characterization techniques. The XRD, TEM, HRTEM and XPS results confirmed the composites formation. The synthesized samples were exploited for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of MB dye. The NiO/ZnO/g-C3N4 shows superior photocatalytic activity than pristine NiO and other binary compounds. The bactericidal activity was analyzed against various bacteria. From the results, it is exposed that the bactericidal activity of NiO was enhanced by the addition of ZnO and, g-C3N4. The NiO/ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed enhanced antibacterial properties with ZOI of 27 mm against S. aureus and with ZOI of 25 mm and 24 mm against E. faecalis and E. coli., respectively. Based on the existing results, NiO/ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites could be used for the dye degradation process and antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria.

Study on the electrochemical effect of ZnO addition on flash sintering of 3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia

Flash Sintering has shown tremendous promise in reducing the sintering time and temperature. However, significant heterogeneity in densification and microstructure was observed in the flash-sintered sample due to hotspot formation and electrochemical effects (electrochemical blackening). In this work, we have varied the extent of electrochemical reaction by (0.75-3 mol%) ZnO addition during flash sintering of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ). A substantial increase in grain size was observed throughout with an increase in dopant concentration. With the addition of 0.75 mol% ZnO dopant in 3YSZ, a significant improvement in densification and a significant reduction in the presence of cracks were observed. The extent of electrochemical blackening was seen to be increasing with the increase in dopant concentration. The blackened phase was found to be distorted tetragonal Zirconia by Raman analysis. The ZnO doped 3YSZ showed ionic to electronic transition in conduction during flash sintering likely due to electrochemical effects.