Search

A nanocomposite with a unique satellite dish-like structure, termed arsenic (III) oxide iodide (AsO2I)/polypyrrole (Ppy) intercalated with iodide ions (AsO2I/Ppy-I), has been meticulously developed via a two-step process. It features natural satellite dish-like nanostructures, potentially serving as nanoresonators for efficient single photon absorption. With a bandgap of 2.8 eV, the AsO2I/Ppy-I nanocomposite efficiently absorbs photons in the UV and visible light regions, making it suitable for single photon detection. Impressive performance is seen in photocurrent sensitivity measurements, recording values of 0.017 mA.cm−2 under white light and 0.009 mA.cm−2 under monochromatic light at 340 nm. Additionally, it exhibits high responsivity and detectivity, with peak values at wavelengths of 340 nm and 440 nm associated with the diameter of the Satellite dish nanostructure. Cost-effectiveness and simple synthesis methods make it attractive for industrial applications, while its unique structural characteristics and enhanced optical properties position it as a valuable asset in optoelectronic technologies. It holds promise as a leading material in advanced quantum technology, marking a significant leap forward in optoelectronic technologies, with potential applications in quantum cryptography, communication, and computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the optical, structural, and dielectric properties of NiO nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into a poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) polymer blend. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the formation of face-centered cubic NiO NPs with a crystallite size of around 9.9 nm and lattice strain of 5.6 × 10−3, as determined by the Williamson–Hall method. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed spherical NiO NPs with sizes ranging from 5 nm to 12 nm. The embedding of NiO NPs into the matrix structure of PVA/SA was confirmed by peak shifting and new peaks from the XRD patterns, and the appearance of spherical nanoparticles with size ranging between 5 nm and 12 nm from HRTEM images. Significant shifting was observed in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral bands, indicating strong interaction between the blend components and NiO. Optical studies showed that doping of PVA/SA with NiO NPs enhanced the material's absorption, with a consequent effect on the optical energy band gap, demonstrated by a red shift in the absorption edge with a decrease from 5.0 eV for pristine PVA/SA to 0.09 eV for the 8 wt.% NiO-doped film. In addition, dielectric studies showed an increase in conductivity with the addition of NiO NPs, suggesting their suitability for solid polymer electrolyte applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, highly efficient Mo(VI) oxide-iodide/polypyrrole (MoO2I3−/Ppy) cup coral-like structure has been developed. This composite is synthesized using an economical oxidative polymerization method. The significant enhancement observed in the material’s morphology of the prepared nanocomposite preserves its optical properties, presenting a promising bandgap of 2.8 eV. This flexible MoO2I3−/Ppy composite demonstrates exceptional optical properties under various conditions, including exposure to light, monochromatic wavelengths, and darkness. The measured current density (Jph) values indicate the device’s potential, which reflects its sensitivity. Specifically, the recorded Jph values are 0.6 mA/cm2 under general illumination, 0.46 mA/cm2 at a 340 nm monochromatic wavelength, and 0.3 mA/cm2 in dark conditions. The efficiency and detectivity of the flexible MoO2I3−/Ppy photodetector have been meticulously assessed. The photoresponsivity (R), measured at 2.34 mA/W, highlights its high capability to convert incident light into discernible electrical signals. The detectivity (D) value of 5.22 × 108 Jones demonstrates the photodetector’s ability to detect weak light signals with remarkable precision. Its high performance, flexibility, and cost-effective production methods make the prepared photodetector an asset in optoelectronics, particularly to sectors seeking reliable and efficient solutions for light detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize Co-doped ZnO nanorods of different Co concentration ranges, including 0, 1, 3, and 5%. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by various analytical techniques to reveal their crystalline structure, morphology, optical, magnetic, and photosensing properties. The XRD results of the prepared samples revealed the hexagonal structure of ZnO, which shows a p63mc space group without any impurity. Also, with the incorporation of the Co ions into the ZnO lattice, the crystalline size varies from 38 to 50 nm. The surface morphology of the prepared samples showed the ZnO nanorods structure and the EDX results confirmed the Co ions incorporated into the ZnO lattice. Optical studies revealed that the 1% Co-doped ZnO nanorods sample exhibits lower reflectance. The obtained bandgap values are 3.197, 3.186, 3.194, and 3.199 eV for 0, 1, 3, and 5% of the cobalt concentrations, respectively. VSM study confirms the significant changes of the M–H loop, where the presence of dopant reveals the ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. Finally, the photosensing studies were carried out at the illumination of the UV laser source of wavelength 365 nm and the 1% Co-doped ZnO nanorods-based photodetector showed highest Responsivity (R), Detectivity (D*), and External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) values of 8.02 × 10–2 (AW−1), 5.94 × 109 (Jones) and 25.8%, respectively, compared to the other fabricated devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials exhibit distinct characteristics from conventional materials as a result of their extensive surface area and condensed dimensions. Additionally, it possesses unique and outstanding functionalities that render it a valuable addition to asphalt pavement. The optimal production process parameters were determined by the characteristics of the binder and nanomaterial. In this work, styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) was loaded with a synthesized nanoceramic powder, namely, mullite (3Al2O3–2SiO2) in different concentrations (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) concerning the weight of rubber. Mullite is a scarce silicate mineral having a high abrasion resistance and acceptable thermal stability. In the current work, it was synthesized through the sol–gel method providing a ceramic powder. It was sintered up to 1000 °C producing nano-sized ceramic particles. We attempt to introduce synthesized mullite into the elastomeric matrix of SBR to boost its abrasion resistance. Novel nanocomposites of SBR and mullite were prepared mechanically. Subsequently, they were molded in a hot press forming thin films as sheets for investigations. Scanning electron microscopy showed a good dispersion for the ceramic particles inside the elastomeric matrix. The produced hybrid rubber/ceramic (organic/inorganic) nanocomposites can be applied as favorable linear sheets in industrial and construction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A straightforward pulsed laser ablation method at room temperature was successful in fabricating Fe3O4/carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4/CNTs). Another thing that was controlled was the laser ablation time when different amounts of magnetic nanoparticles were added to decorate CNTs. The magnetic nanocomposite materials were investigated for their adsorption capacity for lead (Pb2+). The prepared samples were studied via different techniques to show the change in the morphology, structure, magnetic, and adsorption properties in detail, such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, Raman, TGA, XPS, BET, and VSM. These methods demonstrated that increasing the ablation time could raise the amount of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the nanocomposites up to a point. After that, the hardness of the tubular structure changed the amount. All of the nanocomposites had good superparamagnetic properties, and the saturation magnetization changed depending on how many Fe3O4 nanoparticles were added. Nanocomposites are very good at adsorbing things and recycling them, which is because they are strongly magnetic and have a lot of Fe3O4/CNTs spread out. A study was done to find the best conditions for adsorption, so that the most Pb2+ ions could be removed. By adjusting various physicochemical variables, such as pH, reaction time, and adsorbent dosage, this was possible. The goal is reached by thoroughly getting rid of as many Pb2+ ions as possible. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model accurately described the adsorption kinetics for getting rid of Pb2+. We can, therefore, conclude that the Fe3O4/CNTs nanocomposites can be used again and again after being destroyed for 30 min. This makes them a cheap way to remove Pb2+ from water-based solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flower-like Cr2O3−Cr(OH)3/poly-2-chloroaniline (P2CA) nanocomposite is synthesized through oxidative polymerization of 2CA using K2Cr2O7, with the preparation process performed on a polypyrrole (Ppy) seeding film. SEM images show that the P2CA material has a tissue-like structure, with fibers exhibiting a great degree of behavior. The Cr2O3−Cr(OH)3/P2CA composite displays a large porous structure with flower-shaped properties and a slotted behavior, featuring circular empty holes, with nanoparticles having a pore structure ranging from 5 to 100 nm. The calculated bandgap values for P2CA and Cr2O3−Cr(OH)3/P2CA are 2.02 and 1.87 eV, respectively. The Cr2O3−Cr(OH)3/P2CA composite photoelectrode is utilized for hydrogen gas production from sewage water, with the produced current density (Jph) reflecting the hydrogen generation rate. The Jph value in on/off light conditions demonstrates a significant enhancement under light of 0.002 and 0.018 mA.cm−2, correspondingly. Furthermore, the Jph increases from − 0.005 to − 0.006 mA.cm−2 at 340 and 730 nm, respectively, indicating the responsivity of this composite in the infrared region. So, the results demonstrate the potential of the Cr2O3−Cr(OH)3/P2CA nanocomposite photoelectrode as a cost-effective and efficient alternative for the production of hydrogen gas, without the limitations associated with previous materials and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The porous-spherical MnO2-Mn(OH)2/Ppy (polypyrrole) nanocomposite is synthesized through a one-pot, cost-effective oxidative polymerization method using KMnO4. This synthesis technique demonstrates great promise in terms of its ability to achieve mass production of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite has a great optical property related to its wide optical absorbance from UV to near IR region (250 till 730 nm). The electrical properties of the MnO2-Mn(OH)2/Ppy nanocomposite photodetector were systematically tested under various optical conditions. Through these measurements, the performance of the photodetector was evaluated and characterized. The current density (Jph) is used to estimate the sensitivity of the generated electrons under the photon's irradiation. Under off/on light, the produced Jph are 4.2 and 9.5 mA cm−2, correspondingly. While, as the wavelengths increase from 340 to 730 nm, the Jph values exhibit a decrease, declining from 0.34 to 0.28 mA/cm². This trend illustrates the nanocomposite excellent responsiveness to photons across a wide range of optical regions. The promising sensitivity related to the photoresponsivity (R) of of 3.42 mA W−1. These values are estimated through detectivity (D) calculation, in which the D value is 6.42*108 Jones. With its exceptional reproducibility, the developed photodetector demonstrates strong suitability for industrial applications. Additionally, its synthesis process incurs low costs, further enhancing its attractiveness for practical implementation in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a theoretical simulation of optical spectra of Au@Ag core/shell nanocubes dimers. The influence of the core/shell size ratio and the dimers separation gap on these spectra have been studied using boundary element method (BEM). The scattering sections of various core/shell size ratio (= 10 to 80%) with different separation gap (2 to 16 nm) have been numerically determined via Maxwell equations. We have examined the scattering sections along a wide wavelengths range, 250–1500 nm, in visible and IR domain. The edge lengths of 60, 80, 100, and 120 nm of the shell nanocubes have been considered. We revealed the formation of Fano resonance line shape through the investigation of the scattering section variation within the entire wavelengths. The Fano resonance line shape emerges with the variation of the gap between the dimer as well as of the core/shell size ratio. The trace of the Fano interference dip is slightly blue shifted and it is lost above gap separation equal 4 nm. The core/shell dimer with varied core/shell size ratio manipulate and image easily the trace of the Fano resonance dip up to core/shell size ratio equal 50% for gap separation above 4 nm. We demonstrate the important duality of the gap separation and core/shell ratio variation in designing Fano resonance interface. This has a potential effect on applications in non-linear optics, metamaterial, and tunable nanophotonic devices such as filters, wave-guiding, subwavelength optical imaging, chemical, and biological sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]