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Boron nitride (BN) has encouraged researchers to use it in composite materials due to its different properties. BN-based nanocomposites have been synthesized using a modified chemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of hexagonal-BN and nickel oxide (NiO) phases in samples. XRD analysis shows that samples are textured along (100) plane which distorts structure and leads to formation of defect states. The electron density difference between BN and NiO as well as textural growth are two main reasons for variation in diffraction peak intensities. Raman spectroscopic results also revealed that peak intensity and position shifts with increase in NiO content, due to the distortions induced by NiO incorporation confirming the presence of defect states. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results showed that morphology of synthesized nanocomposites varies with increase of NiO concentration. Ultra-violet (UV)-visible results revealed that the absorption edge is red-shifted with NiO content, consequently, the band-gap energy of composites get decreased. Distorted crystal structure and defect states are responsible for variation in structural, morphological as well as optical properties. Results suggested that the nanocomposites can be explored for photodetection as well as gas sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron carbide enriched with 10B isotope (10B4C) was synthesized by simple and low cost solvothermal method. Structural, morphological and optical analysis has been done. Hexagonal phase of the synthesized material show emission in visible region and makes it a promising material for cancer diagnosis. Cytotoxicity analysis has been done to analyze its suitability for biomedical applications. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been performed using thermal neutron source in comparison to clinically studied compound on tumor cell lines (HeLa and U-87MG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is the extreme realistic solution to regularly growing energy crisis. Several solar energy conversion systems have been in harnessing into useful form of energy. The performance of solar energy devices depends on the properties of nanomaterial used for solar energy conversion. As the primary sources of energy are depleted increasingly and give rise to the energy and environmental crisis for humankind. Therefore, exploration of FeS2 pyrite nanostructures for energy and environment applications are carried out in this review. This review focuses on the synthesis, functionalization as well as applications of FeS2 nanomaterial. The shape and size control have been governed by the synthesis methods such as hydrothermal method, sulfidation, solvothermal method and hot injection method. All these methods are discussed in detail. The review involves overview of FeS2, also outlining the structure, basic magnetic, optical and transport properties. Then the comprehensive study regarding modification of FeS2 nanostructures is also illustrated. The well synthesized FeS2 nanomaterials have been used for basic building blocks of functional systems and their application in photovoltaics and photocatalysis is briefly reviewed. Lastly, various future strategies and trends in these research areas are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]