ZnO Hybrid Research Articles

Influence of MWCNT/ZnO hybrid nanofluids’ thermo-physical characteristics for heat transfer applications

Hybrid nanofluids (HNF’s) can perform as promising heat transfer fluids because of their enhanced thermo-physical characteristics. However, there are certain limitations of using them at higher concentrations. Moreover, lot of works on hybrid nanofluids focussed greatly on assessing thermal conductivity and viscosity. But the other parameters like specific heat and density also play an important role in heat transfer applications in addition to the volume concentration. Also, the effect of the combination of different nano particles on heat transfer is also a crucial area. Hence in this work, it is aimed to determine the thermo-physical characteristics of MWCNT/ZnO hybrid nanofluids (70:30) at varied loading and temperatures. Two step strategy was employed to prepare the (HNF’s) at distinct loadings varying in the range of 0.01%–0.05% and at a range of temperatures of 30°C–70°C with base fluid as water. The mixture’s ratios were 30:70 of MWCNT and ZnO, respectively. HNF’s exhibited an improved thermal conductivity in comparison to the original fluid, which was 80% more than the base fluid. With the rise in the temperature, the density, viscosity and specific heat all trended downward. There is an increase in the density and viscosity with the increase in the volume concentration of the hybrid nano particles. This work suggested that the MWCNT and ZnO hybrid nanofluids are better heat transfer fluids for enhancing the heat transfer and can emerge as efficient coolants for the applications of heat transfer.

A hybrid ZnO nanoparticle electron transporting layer for inverted structure organic solar cells with efficiency over 19%

A hybrid ZnO nanoparticle electron transporting layer for inverted structure organic solar cells with efficiency over 19%

CeO2:ZnO hybrid nanorods for self-powered UV-photodetectors

In this study we present and discuss p-n heterostructures for photodetection. The hybrid structures consist of CeO2:ZnO-Cu2O, featuring different concentrations of CeO2, fabricated by using hydrothermal co-growth for CeO2 and ZnO, and sputtering deposition for Cu2O. As the concentration of CeO2 in the ZnO pristine nanorods was increased, the structural, optical and functional features of the materials showed relevant changes, in terms of crystalline domains and optical bandgap. After Cu2O deposition, the ternary materials were tested as UV photodectors, showing very good performance in terms of fast response and decay times. Specifically, we found that the CeO2:ZnO-Cu2O devices maintain a stable current under light irradiation, whose value was dependent on the CeO2 amount incorporated in the ZnO 1D nanostructures. Among all tested configurations, the 5.5 % hybrid CeO2:ZnO-Cu2O exhibits the highest current efficiency, accompanied by rapid rise and decay times. Our investigation suggests that the CeO2:ZnO-Cu2O configuration holds great potential for optoelectronic applications, particularly in the development of UV photodetectors.

An intriguing way to synthesize a TiO2–ZnO hybrid nanostructure for the pragmatic application as a photocatalyst

In an attempt to counter the problem of treating wastewater more efficiently, we report the study on photocatalytic properties of metal oxide nanostructures under different light sources. A novel sonication-assisted refluxing method was employed to synthesize a binary heterostructure consisting of TiO2 and ZnO. XRD and EDS analysis of synthesized materials confirm the presence of both TiO2 and ZnO. Also, the change in the intensity of XRD peaks and elemental composition are well observed with a change in molar concentration of Ti and Zn. HR-TEM micrographs show nanostructures having hybrid Janus and Core-shell type structures. The XPS spectra were probed to identify the surface chemical species associated with the prepared heterostructures. Raman spectra confirm the smaller ZnO particles attached over agglomerated TiO2 as a shell layer as depicted in TEM results. Optical studies exhibit the modification in the band structure of the materials due to the formation of the heterostructure. The synthesized hybrid catalyst shows impressive results in photocatalytic performance. The catalytic potency of the prepared heterostructures under UV light is reminiscent of Anatase while it gets convalescent with an increment of Zn content under visible light. The photocatalytic performance of synthesized materials under sunlight shows their potential to be utilized as commercial catalysts for direct application in wastewater treatment. The kinetic study of the degradation data reveals interesting facets of the catalysis. It suggests that the photo-corrosion of the catalyst inordinately changes the rate of photocatalytic reaction which ultimately affects the photocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst. The study also discusses the role of kinetic and validation parameters in the selection of the best-fitted kinetic model with realistic arguments.

Facile synthesis, morphological, optical, catalytic and photocatalytic properties of Ag nanoparticles decorated Ce doped ZnO hybrid plasmonic nanorods

Designing plasmonic metal–semiconductor hybrid nanostructures for photodecomposition of industrial textile effluent has been considered as a great way to boost the catalytic and photocatalytic capability by promoting effective separation of photoexcited charge carriers. Herein, fabrication of Ag nanoparticles decorated Ce doped ZnO nanostructures were demonstrated via facile wet chemical method. The morphology and structure of the fabricated photocatalysts were analysed using FESEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy whereas PL, TRPL and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy were employed to examine their optical behaviour. Catalytic response of the synthesized catalysts was studied for 4-NP to 4-AP reduction and the results are more favourable for Ag loaded Ce doped ZnO catalysts and achieved 96.4 % reduction of 4-NP in only 4 min. Photocatalytic measurements showed that higher Ag NP loading onto Ce doped ZnO nanostructures led to superior photodegradation ability over other photocatalysts for the degradation of synthetic dyes and levofloxacin antibiotic. The sunlight driven photodecolorization of harmful synthetic dyes and levofloxacin were studied and efficacy of 97.5, 97.1, 85.1, and 70.9 % were achieved for MG, MB, RhB and MO dyes, respectively in 12 min and 97.2 % efficiency for degradation of levofloxacin was achieved in 20 min of sunlight exposure. Furthermore, the key reactive species was identified and tentative photodegradation process was explained. This work provides an excellent plasmonic-semiconductor catalyst and photocatalyst with good photostability and practical applicability indicating its enormous potential for application in environmental remediation.

Hybrid Cellulosic Substrates Impregnated with Meta-PBI-Stabilized Carbon Nanotubes/Plant Extract-Synthesized Zinc Oxide-Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Study.

Novel fibrous cellulosic substrates impregnated with meta-polybenzimidazole (PBI)-stabilized carbon nanotubes/zinc oxide with different weight content of ZnO and with the use of dimethylacetamide as dispersant media. The pristine ZnO nanoparticle powder was prepared by plant extract-mediated synthesis using Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. The green synthesized ZnO possesses an average crystallite size of 15 nm. The formation of agglomerates from ZnO NPs with size 250 nm-350 nm in the m-PBI@CNTs/ZnO was determined. The prepared materials were investigated by PXRD analysis, XPS, SEM, EDS, AFM, and TEM in order to establish the phase and surface composition, structure, and morphology of the hybrids. The potential of the synthesized hybrid composites to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye as a model contaminant in aqueous solutions under UV illumination was studied. The photocatalytic results show that in the course of the photocatalytic reaction, the m-PBI@CNTs/ZnO 1:3 photocatalyst leads to the highest degree of degradation of the methylene blue dye (67%) in comparison with the other two studied m-PBI@CNTs/ZnO 1:1 and 1:2 composites (48% and 41%). The antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles and the hybrid CNT materials was evaluated by the RMDA and the dynamic contact method, respectively. The profound antibacterial effect of the m-PBI@CNTs/ZnO hybrids was monitored for 120 h of exposition in dark and UV illumination regimes. The photocatalytic property of ZnO nanoparticles significantly shortens the time for bactericidal action of the composites in both regimes. The m-PBI@CNTs/ZnO 1:2 combination achieved complete elimination of 5.105 CFU/mL E. coli cells after 10 min of UV irradiation.

Silver nanogranules-decorated ZnO hybrid nanostructures with enhanced UV photoresponses

Detecting low-power ultraviolet (UV) light is crucial for practical applications. However, 1D ZnO/Ag based photodetectors (PDs) suffer from high expenses and care due to special operating conditions, posing challenges in capturing weak light signals and response time. To overcome these limitations, we integrate ZnO nanostructures with localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles via a surfactant-free hydrothermal-assisted polyol method, resulting in a notable bandgap reduction. SEM analysis revealed roughly spherical nanostructures for pristine ZnO and a porous structure in ZnO@Ag, around 1.4 µm in size with small agglomerates. XRD patterns showed reduced ZnO diffraction peak intensities in ZnO@Ag, confirming their core-like ZnO morphology. The fabricated ZnO@Ag heterojunction PD on an FTO substrate resulted in notable enhancement of PD performance. The ZnO@Ag heterojunction PD demonstrated a rapid 1.77 s response time, a 0.64 s recovery time and a specific detectivity of 11×107 cmHz1/2W−1, indicating its potential for low-cost and sustainable optoelectronics.

Copper doped hybrid 2D ZnO-stearic acid nanocomposite for boosting photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under simulated solar light

This study explores the enhancement of photocatalytic performance in 2D ZnO-stearic acid (SA) composites through copper (II) doping. Materials containing 1–10 mol% Cu (II) were synthesized by coprecipitation and characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, UV–visible and vibrational spectroscopies, as well as X-ray diffraction. These analyses confirmed the formation of single-phase composites with structures resembling the ZnO-SA precursor, but exhibiting discrete Zn/Cu doping, forming Zn1-xCuOx-SA materials. Scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed layered structure and the elemental compositions of the samples. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images confirm the layered morphology of the Zn0.95Cu0.05O-SA sample, underscoring its two-dimensional material characteristics. Absorption band edge of the undoped hybrid ZnO is centered in the UVA zone, while copper-doped samples expanded into the visible range. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibit multiple emission peaks related to defects within ZnO host. An intensity slight decrease in PL intensity is observed with increasing copper concentration, indicated a low recombination rate. Photoelectrochemical testing showed that Cu doping reduces charge recombination and increases current density, thereby improving photocatalytic degradation of pollutants such as indigo carmine and 4-chlorophenol under simulated sunlight. The optimally doped Zn0.95Cu0.05O-SA displayed significant efficiency improvements, degrading contaminants up to four times faster than the undoped composite and maintaining consistent performance over multiple cycles. Additional testing linked these photocatalytic improvements to enhanced charge separation and electron/hole transfer facilitated by Cu2+ ions, thereby boosting photocatalytic activity.

Improving photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO nanoflowers through gold incorporation for Rhodamine B photodegradation

In this study, we reported the synthesis and characterization of Au-doped ZnO hybrid nanostructures via a wet chemical approach and assessed their photocatalytic efficiency for the removal of Rhodamine (Rh–B). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) has been done to verify the crystal structure, i.e. phase identification, crystallite size, texture, stress, and strain. The XRD patterns demonstrate that the wurtzite structure has been retained and that Au nanoparticles were effectively ingested into the ZnO nanoflowers lattice. This demonstrates that Au nanoparticles are effectively absorbed into the ZnO nanoflowers lattice, considering that peaks shifted in the direction of smaller Bragg's angles. As a result, the size of the crystallites increases from (20.7–25.3) nm, and their microstrain decreases from (0.92–0.72) x 10−3 A0 for pure-ZnO to Au-doped ZnO heterostructures, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) investigation reveals flower-like structures of pure ZnO while a further closed look indicates that these flowers are made up of a variety of oriented, thorn-like branched NWs with diameters ranging from (50–90) nm and lengths ranging from a few microns. The corresponding EDS evaluation of pure ZnO nanoflowers and Au-doped ZnO heterostructures clearly shows that the noble metal Au NPs are deposited, and enormously safeguard the surface of ZnO nanoflowers. Reducing the Au-doped ZnO band gap which generated a red shift in light absorption, was confirmed by the PL spectra which in turn increased the photocatalytic efficiency and reduced the dye degradation time of Rh–B. The photocatalytic ability of Au-doped ZnO heterostructures considerably increased the photodegradation efficiency of Rh–B molecules from 28 min for pure ZnO to 10 min for Au-doped ZnO heterostructures. Due to their wide surface area and distinct morphology as compared to pure ZnO nanoflowers.

Characterization, optimization, and performance evaluation of PCM with Al2O3 and ZnO hybrid nanoparticles for photovoltaic thermal energy storage

The electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) panel is affected significantly with increased cell temperature. Among various approaches, the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) with nanoparticles is currently one of the most effective for reducing and managing the temperature of PV panels. In this study, paraffin wax as PCM with different loading levels (0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 %) of hybrid nanoparticles Al2O3 and ZnO were successfully synthesized and their effects on the performance of the Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) system were investigated experimentally. Additionally, a prediction model was developed to analyze the interaction between the operating factors (independent variable) and response factors (dependent variable) of the PVT/PCM and PVT with Hybrid nano-PCM (PVT/HNPCM) systems based on response surface methodology (RSM). Experimental results showed that compared to only PCM, the thermal conductivity of HNPCM increased by 24.68 %, 28.57 %, and 41.56 % for the inclusion of 0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 % hybrid nanomaterial respectively. The electrical efficiency of the PVT/HNPCM, and PVT/PCM system enhanced by 31.46 % and 28.70 % respectively compared to the conventional PV system in this study. With a cooling-water mass flow rate of 0.0021 kg/s, the highest thermal efficiency of 47 % was achieved for the PVT/PCM system, whereas 51.28 % was achieved for the PVT/HNPCM system. The analysis of the variance test yielded a P value <0.0001 which is less than 0.05 for the model of overall efficiency for PVT/PCM and PVT/HNPCM system, indicating the suggested model's appropriateness and statistical significance. These optimal conditions are observed when the solar intensity ranges from 774 W/m2 to 809 W/m2 and the mass flow rate is 0.002 kg/s for both the PVT/PCM and PVT/HNPCM systems. However, these systems advance sustainable urban development and climate goals by combining PV panels' electrical generation with thermal energy harvesting, boosting overall energy efficiency in the built environment.

Poly-(lactic acid) composite films comprising carvacrol and cellulose nanocrystal–zinc oxide with synergistic antibacterial effects

Herein, carvacrol (CRV) and modified cellulose nanocrystal–zinc oxide (CNC–ZnO) were incorporated into a poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix to prepare a PLA-based composite film using a simple solution casting method to achieve antimicrobial effects for application in antimicrobial food packaging. Compared with films obtained from neat PLA, the PLA@CRV20%@CNC–ZnO3% composite film shows better performance in terms of mechanical properties, ultraviolet (UV) blocking, and antimicrobial effects. The PLA composites containing CRV and 3 wt% CNC–ZnO blends exhibit improved tensile strength (21.8 MPa) and elongation at break (403.1 %) as well as excellent UV resistance. In particular, CRV and the CNC–ZnO hybrid endow the obtained PLA composite films with a synergistic antibacterial effect, resulting in good antibacterial properties for microbes, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger. The diameters of the inhibition zone of the PLA@CRV20%@CNC–ZnO3% composite films against E. coli, S. aureus, and A. niger were 4.9, 5.0, and 3.4 cm, respectively. Appling the PLA@CRV20%@CNC–ZnO3% composite film as an antibacterial food packaging material, the storage period for strawberries was considerably extended. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing new organic/inorganic composite antimicrobial film materials from PLA.

Random Forest Regression Analysis for Estimating Dielectric Properties in Epoxy Composites Doped with Hybrid Nano Fillers

Bisphenol-A resin epoxy resin composites doped with various concentrations of inorganic hybrid nanofillers, TiO2 + ZnO, were thoroughly examined in the research described in this report for their microwave dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Ultrasonic dispersion techniques were used to disperse the TiO2 + ZnO hybrid nanofiller into the Bisphenol-A resin. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to ascertain the structural characteristics of the TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and TiO2 + ZnO hybrid NPs doped neat epoxy (epoxy + hardener). A Vector network analyzer was used to measure the dielectric properties of the hybrid NPs doped neat epoxy in the frequency range from 200 MHz to 20 GHz. Our findings offer important new perspectives on the polarization mechanisms and structural properties of these composite materials. The complex relationship between frequency and dielectric characterization led to measurement complexities that often come with extensive time and cost requirements. This paper presents the random forest regression model as an effective method for predicting the frequency-dependent dielectric constants in composite materials. The main objective of this study was to examine the performance metrics, such as the adjusted R-squared score, root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE), across various values of the minimum node size parameter (n min). This study showcases the effectiveness of the RF regression model to accurately and efficiently predict the frequency-dependent dielectric constants in composites. As a result, it eliminates the requirement for laborious and expensive laboratory testing.

Anti-CD38 targeted nanotrojan horses stimulated by acoustic waves as therapeutic nanotools selectively against Burkitt’s lymphoma cells

The horizon of nanomedicine research is moving toward the design of therapeutic tools able to be completely safe per se, and simultaneously be capable of becoming toxic when externally activated by stimuli of different nature. Among all the stimuli, ultrasounds come to the fore as an innovative approach to produce cytotoxicity on demand in presence of NPs, without invasiveness, with high biosafety and low cost. In this context, zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are among the most promising metal oxide materials for theranostic application due to their optical and semi-conductor properties, high surface reactivity, and their response to ultrasound irradiation. Here, ZnO nanocrystals constitute the stimuli-responsive core with a customized biomimicking lipidic shielding, resembling the composition of natural extracellular vesicles. This core–shell hybrid structure provides high bio- and hemocompatibility towards healthy cells and is here proofed for the treatment of Burkitt’s Lymphoma. This is a very common haematological tumor, typically found in children, for which consolidated therapies are so far the combination of chemo-therapy drugs and targeted immunotherapy. In this work, the proposed safe-by-design antiCD38-targeted hybrid nanosystem exhibits an efficient selectivity toward cancerous cells, and an on-demand activation, leading to a significant killing efficacy due to the synergistic interaction between US and targeted hybrid NPs. Interestingly, this innovative treatment does not significantly affect healthy B lymphocytes nor a negative control cancer cell line, a CD38- acute myeloid leukemia, being thus highly specific and targeted. Different characterization and analyses confirmed indeed the effective formation of targeted hybrid ZnO NPs, their cellular internalization and the damages produced in Burkitt’s Lymphoma cells only with respect to the other cell lines. The presented work holds promises for future clinical applications, as well as translation to other tumor types.Graphical abstract

Exploring Functional Polymers in the Synthesis of Luminescent ZnO Quantum Dots for the Detection of Cr6+, Fe2+, and Cu2.

The main aim of this work is to demonstrate that well-defined methacrylate-based copolymers with oligoethylene glycol side chains and functional groups such as thiol and glycidyl, obtained by photo-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) in ethanol, are highly suitable as templates in the synthesis and protection of ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) with remarkable photoluminescent properties. While the affinity of thiol groups to metallic surfaces is well established, their interaction with metal oxides has received less scrutiny. Furthermore, under basic conditions, glycidyl groups could react with hydroxyl groups on the surface of ZnO, representing another strategy for hybrid synthesis. The size and crystalline morphology of the resulting hybrids were assessed using DLS, TEM, and XRD, indicating that both polymers, even with a low proportion of functional groups (5% mol) are appropriate as templates and ligands for ZnO QDs synthesis. Notably, thiol-containing polymers yield hybrids with ZnO featuring excellent quantum yield (up to 52%), while polymers with glycidyl groups require combination with the organosilane aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to achieve optimal results. In both cases, these hybrids exhibited robust stability in both ethanol and aqueous environments. Beyond fundamental research, due to the remarkable photoluminescent properties and affordability, these hybrid ZnO QDs are expected to have potential applications in biotechnology and green science; in particular, in this study, we examined their use in the detection of environmental contaminants like Fe2+, Cr6+, and Cu2+. Specifically, the limit of detection achieved at 1.13 µM for the highly toxic Cr6+ underscores the significant sensing capabilities of the hybrids.

Processing, mechanical, corrosion, and wear behavior of ZnO-reinforced Mg and Mg–Zr matrix composites for bioimplant applications

The need for efficient biodegradable material for implants has been rising due to issues related to the rate of degradation, toxicity, and osseointegration. This work aims to study the mechanical, corrosion, and wear behavior of ZnO nanoparticles reinforced Mg and Mg–Zr Matrix composites processed using powder metallurgy for bioimplant applications. The magnesium powder with ZnO nanoparticles and Zr microparticles was blended, compacted at 550 MPa, and subsequently sintered at 450 °C for 2 h. The synthesized composites were characterized in terms of structure, microstructure, densification, microhardness, wear, and in vitro corrosion analysis in simulated body fluid. The results showed that ZnO with Zr significantly altered the basal structure of Mg and underwent grain refinement with uniform distribution of ZnO predominantly near grain boundaries. Close to 99 % densification with 50 % enhancement in microhardness was obtained for the Mg–Zr–ZnO composite in comparison to pristine Mg. Moreover, the wear characteristics of the Mg–Zr–ZnO hybrid composite showed enhancement in wear resistance by 35 % relative to pure Mg. Corrosion assessment of the processed Mg composite samples was systematically performed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The obtained results confirmed the enhanced corrosion-resistant performance of Mg–Zr–ZnO samples in SBF medium. The refined microstructure and synergistic impact of Zr and ZnO particles as reinforcement in hybrid Mg composite have improved microhardness, corrosion, and wear characteristics, making it a potential bioimplant material.

Near fully depleted Pt/Sb2Se3/ZnO hybrid junctions for high-performance polarized detection and encrypted communication

Based on near fully depleted hybrid junctions, a Pt/Sb2Se3/ZnO polarized photodetector shows an overall photodetecting performance, which can be further applied in near-infrared polarization encrypted communication.

Work function analysis of photo-enhanced triethylamine adsorption impact on Au embedded CeO2 coated ZnO hybrid nanostructures: An investigation by scanning kelvin probe

This article utilizes a scanning kelvin probe to examine the impact of visible light and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on an organic/inorganic/noble metal hybrid sensing layer. ZnO/Poly/CeO2/Poly/Au hybrid nanostructures were prepared on ITO substrate by layer-by-layer coating technique. In this case, PAH and DS polymers act as binders. The assembly of Au nanorods (NRs) on the polymer-coated ZnO NRs incorporated with CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and its maximum absorbance in the visible light region were studied by the structural and optical characterizations, respectively. The hybrid sensor's optical properties allowed for sizable changes in contact potential difference (CPD) when exposed to light. Although a non-selective interaction was observed, the increased responsiveness to Triethylamine (TEA) under visible light creates coordination bonds between the hybrid molecules. Notably, the surface charge was tuned in the surface of the sensing layer by varying the surfactant to explore the TEA responsiveness. Intriguingly, ZnO/Poly/CeO2 (+) has demonstrated improved adsorption capability towards TEA under irradiation due to the surface oxygen vacancies compared to ZnO/Poly/CeO2 (-). Also, ZnO/Poly/CeO2 (+) exhibited higher selectivity at adsorbing TEA than either ethanol or n-hexane.

Experimental study on flow boiling heat transfer augmentation of novel zinc oxide coated copper hybrid nanofluids

Understanding the nanofluid flow boiling phenomena is essential for many engineering applications including atomic reactors, cooling of electronic devices, synthetic buildings and spacecraft. Hybrid nanofluids, which are commonly defined as mixtures of two or more nanoparticles, are yet unknown to have improved features. When the coupled nanoparticles are suitably coated with one another, one on top of the other, this would be a successful technique as the usage of such nanofluids is hardly reported. The current research aims to investigate the effects of various novel hybrid ZnO coated Cu ( Cu@ZnO) nanofluid concentrations on the critical heat flux ( CHF) and heat transfer coefficient ( HTC) for their potential real-life application. The Cu@ZnO nanoparticles with hybrid properties were selected because Cu increased the conductivity of heat whereas ZnO improved chemical durability. Efficient spark discharge in liquid nitrogen was employed in three stages to produce robust Cu@ZnO nanoparticles with hybrid properties. In order to create durable nanofluids, the nanoparticles with mixed properties were dispersed using an ultrasonication process at four different volumetric concentrations: 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075% and 0.1%. At 45°C, the nanofluids’ thermal conduction was 31% higher than that of base fluid. The flow boiling (subcooled) tests are carried out in minichannel with novel nanofluids. When the flow boiling investigation was being conducted, a greater concentration improved the HTC and CHF. In comparison to water, 0.1% of nanofluid caused the maximum rises in CHF and HTC, which were found to be 168.09% and 186.9%, respectively. It is possible for the fluid to utilize latent heat, create bubbles, distinct and delay the commencement of CHF because the thick Cu@ZnO-coated surface possesses strong thermal conductivity.

Ceramic hybrid nanofiber-based elastic scaffold pressure sensor with good sensitivity, breathability, and washability

Flexible pressure sensors have recently attracted increasing attention. Piezoresistive sensors are widely used in wearable devices, human health monitoring, electronic skin, human-computer interactions, and other fields owing to their good sensitivity and rapid response. The assembly of a pressure sensor using SnO2–ZnO hybrid nanofibers is proposed in this study to improve its performance. The heterojunction at the interface between ZnO and SnO2 facilitates electron transfer from SnO2 to ZnO by suppressing electron-hole recombination and accelerating electron motion in ZnO. The scaffold sensor, as compared to other reported pressure sensors, exhibits better flexibility, optimized sensitivity, and pressure sensing range, and can detect dynamic pressure over a wide range (0–60 kPa). The sensor exhibits strong sensitivity (11.5 kPa−1), fast response and recovery times of 42 and 28 ms, respectively, and durable cyclic stability (600 cycles). This sensor can quickly detect human motion from subtle deformations, including weak changes in the joints of the fingers, wrists, and elbows, with a bending degree of approximately 20°. Owing to its excellent performance, breathability, and washability, it can be directly attached to skin or clothing for long-term use and has broad application prospects in wearable electronics.

Novel Hybrid ZnO Nanoparticles Entrapped Aqua Zeolite Matrix for Controlled Release of Fertilizer for Sustainable Growth of Plants

Novel Hybrid ZnO Nanoparticles Entrapped Aqua Zeolite Matrix for Controlled Release of Fertilizer for Sustainable Growth of Plants