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This review article focuses on the potential of cobalt oxide composites with conducting polymers, particularly polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI), as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors, batteries, and supercapatteries. Cobalt oxide, known for its high theoretical capacitance, is limited by poor conductivity and structural degradation during cycling. However, the integration of PPy and PANI has been proven to enhance the electrochemical performance through improved conductivity, increased pseudocapacitive effects, and enhanced structural integrity. This synergistic combination facilitates efficient charge transport and ion diffusion, resulting in improved cycling stability and energy storage capacity. Despite significant progress in synthesis techniques and composite design, challenges such as maintaining structural stability during prolonged cycling and scalability for mass production remain. This review highlights the synthesis methods, latest advancements, and electrochemical performance in cobalt oxide/PPy and cobalt oxide/PANI composites, emphasizing their potential to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage devices. Further exploration into their application, especially in battery systems, is necessary to fully harness their capabilities and meet the increasing demands of energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As modern civilization's energy demands continue to rise, the need for efficient renewable energy solutions becomes increasingly critical. In addressing this challenge, our research explores the potential of newly developed iron (Fe)-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin-film electrodes, synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method, as a promising energy storage device. By systematically varying the Fe doping levels, we aim to elucidate the relationship between Fe content and the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the MoS2 electrodes. The optimized FM-3 electrode exhibited a remarkable areal capacitance of 8.25 F/cm2 at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with an energy density of 0.22 mWh/cm2 and a power density of 2.2 mW/cm2. Furthermore, the FM-3 demonstrated impressive long-term cycling stability, retaining 85.58% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. To further explore practical applicability, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor device was assembled using an FM-3 electrode and activated carbon. The device achieved an impressive areal capacitance of 0.43 F/cm2 at a current density of 20 mA/cm2, delivering an energy density of 0.133 mWh/cm2 and a power density of 7.5 mW/cm2. The exceptional performance of the FM-3 electrode can be attributed to the enhanced diffusion rate, charge transfer efficiency, and better carrier mobility induced by Fe doping. This work not only highlights the significant electrochemical performance improvements of Fe-doped MoS2 electrodes but also demonstrates their potential for scalable energy storage solutions, making a valuable contribution to the field of next-generation energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) in the presence of an alkaline catalyst is one of the major pretreatment processes that recover cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin at effective process conditions and also for the production of bioethanol. Replacement of conventional catalysts with waste‐derived catalysts in the pretreatment process will be helpful for the development of low‐cost biorefinery. The continuous impact of different mass transfer properties during the chemical pretreatment of LCB will affect the final yield of products at a high reaction time and has been reviewed in the current study. Intraparticle diffusion of an alkaline catalyst into LCB is going to determine the diffusion of the selected catalyst within the porous biomass structure, which helps in the enhancement of the final yield of the product recovery at low‐process conditions. The diffusion of the synthesized catalyst within the selected biomass during the chemical pretreatment process is a rate‐limiting step that influences the final recovery yield of desired products. Enhancement of the biomass pretreatment reaction through the assessment of the diffusivity using the modified Nernst–Einstein relation is also discussed. Determination of different unique mass transfer properties rate of diffusion, diffusivity flux, and mass transfer coefficient are also to be analyzed to advance the reaction rate of the pretreatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Senna auriculata flower extract for antibacterial activities was reported. The silver spectra compared to the plant extract show a rightward shift in AgNP peaks, indicating successful nanoparticle formation. The absorption band at 302 nm and the disappearance or shift of other peaks further confirm the synthesis. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that the AgNPs synthesized with S. auriculata extract have an average crystallite size of 25 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results exhibited a polydispersed, spherical shape with sizes ranging from 70 nm, in clear contrast to the electron microscope image that showed their spherical shape. When examining the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) image, a specific set of lattice planes was correlated with a specific spot. A histogram of AgNP particle size distribution can be seen. AgNPs were tested against four different strains of bacteria for their antibacterial effectiveness, including gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus), as well as gram positive bacteria (S. aureus, d. Bacillus subtilis), at various concentrations of AgNP. The results of in vitro experiments indicate that AgNPs containing S. auriculata flowers inhibit amylase well. At two concentrations, ~16.03% and ~70.99%, AgNPs inhibit the reaction at low and high concentrations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study presents a facile hydrothermal approach for synthesizing NiMn2O4 and NiMn2O4/C nanostructures (NSs) intended for implementation as electrode materials in high-performance supercapacitors. The NiMn2O4 and NiMn2O4/C NSs synthesized via the hydrothermal method were comprehensively characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, FT-IR, XPS, and BET. Subsequently, the electrochemical performance of both NiMn2O4 and NiMn2O4/C was evaluated via CV, GCD, and EIS in 2 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Our results demonstrate that the NiMn2O4/C electrode revealed a substantial specific capacitance/capacity of 789.3 F g–1/552.5 C g–1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s–1. Furthermore, the NiMn2O4/C electrode maintained a specific capacity retention of less than 4% after 5000 cycles. When coupled with an activated carbon (AC) electrode, the NiMn2O4/C//AC configuration exhibited a notable specific capacitance/capacity of 101.6 F g–1/162.5 C g–1, accompanied by a high energy density of 36.11 W h kg–1 at a power density of 1000 W kg–1, and sustained excellent cyclic stability (84% retention after 5000 cycles). Additionally, electrochemical analysis revealed an overpotential of 199 mV at 50 mA cm–2 and a minimal Tafel slope of 89 mV dec–1 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), suggesting the suitability of the NiMn2O4/C electrode for alkaline water electrocatalysis. Prolonged chronopotentiometry investigations at 100 mA cm–2 over 24 h further demonstrated a remarkable 97.3% retention of the OER activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the gas-sensing performance of a novel lead sulfide (PbS)-based sensor developed using Kohl, showing high sensitivity to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH3) under ambient conditions. The Kohl-based sensors were tested across a voltage range of 5–6 V. Structural, morphological, and surface properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We also delved into the underlying mechanism of the sensor's functionality. The PbS sensors demonstrated a response time of 202 s and a recovery time of 110 s for LPG, and a response time of 180 s, and a recovery time of 115 s for NH3. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of sensor functionality were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy harvesting systems fabricated from rubber composite materials are promising due to their ability to produce green energy with no environmental pollution. Thus, the present work investigated energy harvesting through piezoelectricity using rubber composites. These composites were fabricated by mixing titanium carbide (TiC) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as reinforcing and electrically conductive fillers into a silicone rubber matrix. Excellent mechanical and electromechanical properties were produced by these composites. For example, the compressive modulus was 1.55 ± 0.08 MPa (control) and increased to 1.95 ± 0.07 MPa (6 phr or per hundred parts of rubber of TiC) and 2.02 ± 0.09 MPa (6 phr of MoS2). Similarly, the stretchability was 133 ± 7% (control) and increased to 153 ± 9% (6 phr of TiC) and 165 ± 12% (6 phr of MoS2). The reinforcing efficiency (R.E.) and reinforcing factor (R.F.) were also determined theoretically. These results agree well with those of the mechanical property tests and thus validate the experimental work. Finally, the electromechanical tests showed that at 30% strain, the output voltage was 3.5 mV (6 phr of TiC) and 6.7 mV (6 phr of MoS2). Overall, the results show that TiC and MoS2 added to silicone rubber lead to robust and versatile composite materials. These composite materials can be useful in achieving higher energy generation, high stretchability, and optimum stiffness and are in line with existing theoretical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ni3V2O8 (NVO) and Ni3V2O8-reduced graphene oxide (NVO-rGO) are synthesized hydrothermally, and their extensive structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterizations follow subsequently. The synthetic materials' crystalline structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and its unique marigold-like morphology was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The chemical states of the elements were investigated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to assess the electrochemical performance. A specific capacitance of 132 F/g, an energy density of 5.04 Wh/kg, and a power density of 187 W/kg were demonstrated by Ni3V2O8-rGO. Key electrochemical characteristics were b = 0.67; a transfer coefficient of 0.52; a standard rate constant of 6.07 × 10−5 cm/S; a diffusion coefficient of 5.27 × 10−8 cm2/S; and a series resistance of 1.65 Ω. By employing Ni3V2O8-rGO and activated carbon, an asymmetric supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 7.85 F/g, an energy density of 3.52 Wh/kg, and a power density of 225 W/kg was achieved. The series resistance increased from 4.27 Ω to 6.63 Ω during cyclic stability tests, which showed 99% columbic efficiency and 87% energy retention. The potential of Ni3V2O8-rGO as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors is highlighted by these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesize nanostructured nickel oxide (NiO) and doped cobalt (Co) by combining nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2.6H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as initial substances. We analyzed the characteristics of the product nanostructures, including their structure, optical properties, and magnetic properties, using various techniques such as x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM). The NiO nanoparticles doped with Co showed photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions. We calculated the degradation efficiencies by analyzing the UV–Vis absorption spectra at the dye's absorption wavelength of 664 nm. It was observed that the NiO‐doped Co nanoparticles facilitated enhanced recombination and migration of active elements, which led to more effective degradation of organic dyes during photocatalysis. We also assessed the electrochemical properties of the materials using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy in a 1 mol% NaOH solution. The NiO‐modified electrode exhibited poor voltammogram performance due to insufficient contact between nanoparticles and the electrolyte solution. In contrast, the uncapped NiO's oxidation and reduction cyclic voltammograms displayed redox peaks at 0.36 and 0.30 V, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface microstructure modification of metal oxides also improves the electrochemical performance of metal oxide nanoparticles. The present investigation demonstrates how varying the urea molar content during the hydrothermal process altered the surfaces of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles. Successive increases of 0.1 M in urea concentration transformed the surface shape of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles from flower-like to sheet-like microstructures. Excellent electrochemical performance of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles was demonstrated in an aqueous 1 M KOH electrolyte. The improved MnCo2O4 nanoparticles have been employed to develop an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC). The ASC device exhibits an energy density of 13 Wh/kg at a power density of 553 W/kg and a specific capacitance of 29 F g−1 at a current density of 4 mA/cm2. The MnCo2O4 nanoparticle electrode demonstrates remarkable electrocatalytic activity in both HER and OER. The MnCo2O4 electrode shows overpotential for HER and OER at 356 mV and 1.46 V, respectively. The Tafel slopes for HER and OER of the MnCo2O4 electrode are 356 mV/dec and 187 mV/dec, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal method has been utilized to synthesize graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) polymers and cobalt oxide composites effectively. The weight percentage of g-C3N4 nanoparticles influenced the electrochemical performance of the Co3O4-g-C3N4 composite. In an aqueous electrolyte, the Co3O4-g-C3N4 composite electrode, produced with 150 mg of g-C3N4 nanoparticles, revealed remarkable electrochemical performance. With an increase in the weight percentage of g-C3N4 nanoparticles, the capacitive contribution of the Co3O4-g-C3N4 composite electrode increased. The Co3O4-g-C3N4-150 mg composite electrode shows a specific capacitance of 198 F/g. The optimized electrode, activated carbon, and polyvinyl alcohol gel with potassium hydroxide were used to develop an asymmetric supercapacitor. At a current density of 5 mA/cm2, the asymmetric supercapacitor demonstrated exceptional energy storage capacity with remarkable energy density and power density. The device retained great capacity over 6k galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) cycles, with no rise in series resistance following cyclic stability. The columbic efficiency of the asymmetric supercapacitor was likewise high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different configurations of the composites originated with machine or human motion, and their mechanical stability for wearable electronics is in focus. Here, the study highlights that these configurations are critical for wearable devices. To achieve these aspects, the electroactive and dielectric silicone rubber (SR) was used as a host matrix. This SR not only provides flexibility, twisting, or stretchability for such devices, but its lightweight makes them comfortable for robust wearable devices. The reinforcing fillers such as graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) or diatomaceous earth (DE) and their hybrids are used. The electromechanical properties of the device were performed using the universal testing machine. The output voltage generated at 15 phr filler was 0.3 mV (GNP), 0.15 mV (DE), and 0.22 mV (hybrid). Similarly, the biomechanical properties were studied with human motion joints such as thumb pressing or wrist bending. The output voltage at 15 phr was best for thumb pressing and it was 0.42 mV (GNP), 0.18 mV (DE), and 0.25 mV (hybrid). In the same way, the mechanical aspects studied in this work are compressive modulus, tensile strength, and fracture strain. For example, the compressive modulus was 1.28 MPa (control) and increased at 15 phr filler to 2.44 MPa (GNP), 3.2 MPa (DE), and 2.75 MPa (hybrid). Similarly, the mechanical stretchability of the devices was 134% (control) and changed at 15 phr filler to 128% (GNP), 78% (DE), and 109% (hybrid). Overall, the work demonstrates the method to develop a device with high mechanical, electromechanical, and biomechanical properties and their usefulness for wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electro-mechanical configurations can be piezo-electric transducers, triboelectric generators, electromagnetic induction, or hybrid systems. Our present study aims at developing energy generation through the piezoelectric principle. Gel-type soft SR with Shore A hardness below 30 was used as a versatile material for an elastomeric substrate. Also, multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and diatomaceous earth (DE) were used as reinforcing fillers. This "gel-type" soft SR has crosslinking polymer networks with silicone encapsulated within its structure. Mechanical properties such as modulus or stretchability are of utmost importance for such devices based on "gel-type" soft. From the experiments, some of the mechanical aspect's values are summarized. For example, the stretchability was 99% (control) and changes to 127% (3 phr, MWCNT), 76% (20 phr DE), and 103% (20 phr hybrid). From electro-mechanical tests, the output voltage was 0.21 mV (control) and changed to 0.26 mV (3 phr, MWCNT), 0.19 mV (20 phr DE), and 0.29 mV (20 phr hybrid). Moreover, from real-time biomechanical human motion tests in "gel-type" soft-based composites, a relationship among output voltage from machine to human motions was established. Overall, these configurations make them promising against traditional portable devices such as batteries for small power applications such as mobile phones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for multi-functional elastomers is increasing, as they offer a range of desirable properties such as reinforcement, mechanical stretchability, magnetic sensitivity, strain sensing, and energy harvesting capabilities. The excellent durability of these composites is the key factor behind their promising multi-functionality. In this study, various composites based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), clay minerals (MT-Clay), electrolyte iron particles (EIP), and their hybrids were used to fabricate these devices using silicone rubber as the elastomeric matrix. The mechanical performance of these composites was evaluated, with their compressive moduli, which was found to be 1.73 MPa for the control sample, 3.9 MPa for MWCNT composites at 3 per hundred parts of rubber (phr), 2.2 MPa for MT-Clay composites (8 phr), 3.2 MPa for EIP composites (80 phr), and 4.1 MPa for hybrid composites (80 phr). After evaluating the mechanical performance, the composites were assessed for industrial use based on their improved properties. The deviation from their experimental performance was studied using various theoretical models such as the Guth–Gold Smallwood model and the Halpin–Tsai model. Finally, a piezo-electric energy harvesting device was fabricated using the aforementioned composites, and their output voltages were measured. The MWCNT composites showed the highest output voltage of approximately 2 milli-volt (mV), indicating their potential for this application. Lastly, magnetic sensitivity and stress relaxation tests were performed on the hybrid and EIP composites, with the hybrid composite demonstrating better magnetic sensitivity and stress relaxation. Overall, this study provides guidance on achieving promising mechanical properties in such materials and their suitability for various applications, such as energy harvesting and magnetic sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an attempt has been made to synthesize silver nanoparticles from Murraya koenigii leaf extract at room temperature. The synthesized materials are stable for several months. The UV‐vis spectrophotometric analysis is carried out to ensure the formation of silver nanomaterials. XRD pattern confirms the formation of polycrystalline silver nanomaterials with the cubic crystal structure. Irregularly shaped particles are observed under field emission scanning electron microscopic observations. Elemental studies show the presence of Ag and O elements. The synthesized nanomaterial is multi‐applicative and shows potential efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms like Pseudomonas aeruginasa and Staphylococcus aureus. The results show that the leaf extract of M. koenigii is an efficient bio‐reductant for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials. The synthesized nanoparticles show potent anti‐microbial activities against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present research, walnut like copper sulfide is prepared via a facile single‐step potentiostatic electrodeposition method on conducting stainless steel substrate. The walnut like morphology of copper sulfide thin film lies of microplates and further microplates converted to nanogranuals, by means of a change in deposition time and thickness. Copper sulfide thin film electrode reveals a specific capacitance of 132 F g−1 at 50 mA cm−2. The film thickness changes with deposition time. The films acquire maximum thickness of 610 nm for 25 min of deposition. X‐ray diffraction analysis revels that the CuS thin films is polycrystalline in nature and the crystallite size is 29 nm. The peak at 612 cm−1 in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirms the formation of CuS. The wettability study shows the hydrophilic nature, the contact angle of water with CuS electrode is 66°, and the charge transfer resistance of CuS electrode is 7.78 Ω. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the capture of nitrate by magnesium ions in plasma-activated water (PAW) and its antifungal effect on the cell viability of the newly emerged mushroom pathogen Cryptococcus pseudolongus. Optical emission spectra of the plasma jet exhibited several emission bands attributable to plasma-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The plasma was injected directly into deionized water (DW) with and without an immersed magnesium block. Plasma treatment of DW produced acidic PAW. However, plasma-activated magnesium water (PA-Mg-W) tended to be neutralized due to the reduction in plasma-generated hydrogen ions by electrons released from the zero-valent magnesium. Optical absorption and Raman spectra confirmed that nitrate ions were the dominant reactive species in the PAW and PA-Mg-W. Nitrate had a concentration-dependent antifungal effect on the tested fungal cells. We observed that the free nitrate content could be controlled to be lower in the PA-Mg-W than in the PAW due to the formation of nitrate salts by the magnesium ions. Although both the PAW and PA-Mg-W had antifungal effects on C. pseudolongus, their effectiveness differed, with cell viability higher in the PA-Mg-W than in the PAW. This study demonstrates that the antifungal effect of PAW could be manipulated using nitrate capture. The wide use of plasma therapy for problematic fungus control is challenging because fungi have rigid cell wall structures in different fungal groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]