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A 3D architecture is fabricated using 2D nano-sheets of GO and MoS2 as the building blocks by a facile, one-pot chronoamperometry method to achieve a conductive additive free, binder free and scalable supercapacitor electrode. The superior electrochemical properties of the 3D PPy-rGO–MoS2 (PGMo) are due to its porous structure, thin wall, high surface area and high electrical conductivity that endow rapid transportation of electrolyte ions and electrons throughout the electrode matrix. The synergistic effect between the components in a proper ratio improves the supercapacitor performance and material stability of PGMo. The possible correlation of the structure and electrochemical performance of the 3D ternary composite is backed by a fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. The high specific capacitance (387 F g−1) and impressive cycling stability (>1000 cycles) estimated for PGMo open up an opportunity to consider the 3D ternary nanostructures as cutting edge materials for energy storage solutions.

3D (three dimensional) architectures synthesised using an easily scalable solid state method which results in an interconnected network of porous h-BN sheets with boron trioxide are reported in this study. The boron trioxide acts as a nucleating agent for the formation of laterally large nanosheets of h-BN with a low density and increases the specific surface area. The stable form shows improved mechanical properties (experimentally and using MD simulation) and serves as a suitable material for humidity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor applications. The sensor shows stability for up to several months without losing its sensitivity.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nano-ceramic powder was synthesized successfully via microwave irradiation technique. To study the effect of MgO inclusion on the mechanical properties of pure HAp, its composites with different (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5) wt% of MgO were prepared. The influence of sintering temperature on the mechanical properties of pure HAp and its composites with MgO was also observed at 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 °C respectively. Samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the phase stability. The mechanical properties of pure HAp and its composites with MgO were measured using several parameters such as density, Young's modulus, fracture toughness, load bearing capability and porosity. It was revealed that MgO addition significantly enhanced the grain growth as well as the mechanical properties of HAp. The HAp composite modified with 0.5 wt% of MgO sintered at 1200 °C exhibited the best mechanical characteristics. This composite exhibits density of 3.04 g cm−3, Young's modulus of 126.31 GPa, fracture toughness of 178.58 MJ cm−3 and a maximum load bearing capability of 11.61 kN. To authenticate the biocompatibility of prepared biomaterials, the cell viability (MTT assay) was carried out and the mechanically best composite was found to be compatible for biomedical applications.

The aim of the present study was to synthesize CeO2 nanoparticles using plant pathogenic fungus F. solani and also to study the antibacterial activity as well as the influence on the inhibition of biofilm formation against biomedically important bacterial strains namely Staphylococcus aureus, Psedomonas aeriginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) suggested a crystallization temperature of the as-synthesized CeO2 nanopowder at 400 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy substantiated the presence of CeO2 nanoparticles with a cubic fluorite structure. The contribution of functional groups corresponding to the F. solani fungal supernatant for the synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of calcined CeO2 nanopowder was recorded. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) ascertained the formation of homogeneously distributed spherically shaped CeO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated the spherical morphology of the CeO2 nanoparticles having sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm and also the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern revealed the polycrystalline nature of the CeO2 nanoparticles, which is consistent with the XRD results. The presence of surface oxidation states Ce (3d) and O (1s) of the CeO2 nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray Phoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The antibacterial activity of CeO2 nanoparticles was evaluated by the disc diffusion method and it showed the highest activity against P. aeruginosa as well as K. pneumoniae. In addition, the inhibition on biofilm formation by CeO2 nanoparticles has also been examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Furthermore, the electrochemical property of the biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles was studied by the cyclic voltammetry technique.