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A series of CoPd/KIT-6 bimetallic catalysts with various Co:Pd molar ratios at different calcination temperatures were prepared and used for the direct synthesis of H2O2 from H2 and O2. These catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption, low and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) methods. It was found that the particle size, electronic interactions, morphology, and textural properties of these catalysts as well as their catalytic activity in the reaction of H2 with O2 were affected by Co addition and different calcination temperatures. Also, the results showed that while the H2O2 selectivity depends on Pd2+ species, the H2 conversion is related to Pd0 active sites. Among these catalysts, CoPd/KIT-6 calcined at 350 °C (CoPd/KIT-350 catalyst) showed the best catalytic activity with 50 % of H2O2 selectivity and 51 % conversion of H2.

Silver nanoparticles are known to have antimicrobial properties. In the present paper, antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles coated on low density poly ethylene films was evaluated against Escherichia coli as the representative organism. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using banana peel extract as the reducing agent and characterized by means of UV–Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analyses. Formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the Surface Plasmon Resonance spectrum with absorption maxima at 431 nm. Particles were seen to be highly polydispersed with the average size in the range of 50–390 nm. Presence of elemental silver was confirmed by the Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli in the agar well diffusion test, with the zone of inhibition diameter measuring 19 mm. The silver nanoparticle coated low density poly ethylene film was prepared successfully and our antimicrobial studies revealed that the coated films declined the growth profile of bacteria starting from the log phase. Hence biosynthesized silver nanoparticles incorporated low density poly ethylene films can be suggested as an active packaging material for food packaging after further characterization and migration studies.

In this study we report a facile, cost effective one step preparation method for the synthesis of Mn doped cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) through co-precipitation technique. The synthesis was performed at relatively low temperature using a green reagent oxalic acid as reducing agent. The structural and optical attributes of the samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy). The XRD and FTIR results show the formation of Mn doped ceria NPs having a cubic fluorite structure. The morphology and chemical composition of the prepared sample was realized using SEM and EDX spectrum. The synthesized Mn doped ceria NPs shows greater absorption in the visible region and reduced particle size compared to pure ceria NPs.

Functional nanomaterials possess exceptional multi-physical (e.g., mechanical, electrical and optical) properties compared with their bulk counterparts. To facilitate both synthesis and device applications of these nanomaterials, it is highly desired to characterize their multi-physical properties with high accuracy and efficiency. The nanomanipulation techniques under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has enabled the testing of mechanical and electrical properties of various nanomaterials. However, the seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and optical testing techniques into an SEM for triple-field-coupled characterization of single nanostructures is still unexplored. In this work, we report the first SEM-based nanomanipulation system for high-resolution mechano-optoelectronic testing of single semiconductor InGaN/GaN nanowires (NWs). A custom-made optical measurement setup was integrated onto a four-probe nanomanipulator inside an SEM, with two optical microfibers actuated by the nanoma-nipulator for NW excitation and emission measurement. A conductive tungsten nanoprobe and a conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever probe were integrated onto the nanomanipulator for electrical nanoprobing of single NWs for electroluminescence (EL) measurement. The AFM probe also served as a force sensor for quantifying the contact force applied to the NW during nanoprobing. Using this unique system, we examined, for the first time, the effect of mechanical compression applied to an InGaN/GaN NW on its optoelectronic properties.

The effect of aging time and temperature variants on the Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) has been investigated in this study. After the aging process, microstructural characterization was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) data. Using an innovative technique, Austenite finish (Af) temperature was determined. Aging effects on the hardness of the material were studied using Vickers Microhardness Test. SEM results revealed uniform distribution of α-Ni and β-Ti phases, appearance and disappearance of martensite plates and presence of precipitates. XRD analysis of the samples indicated that etching resulted in formation of oxides. The Af temperature was observed to increase with increase in aging temperature. In the Vickers Microhardness Test, it was seen that the mid-range time variant samples showed lower HV values.

Ferric acetylacetonate/covalent organic framework (Fe(acac)3/COF) composite was synthesized by interfacial polymerization method at room temperature. The crystal structure, morphology and porosity property of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and nitrogen adsorption. The interaction between Fe(acac)3 and COF was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Fe(acac)3/COF composite was used as a photocatalyst for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions. It exhibits high activity and selectivity for the reaction, of which the mechanism was investigated by determining its photoelectric properties. The Fe(acac)3/COF catalyst developed in this work has application potential in other photocatalytic reactions.

In this work, pre-strain annealing strengthening (PSAS) effect was investigated in an extruded Mg-1.0Gd-1.5 Zn (wt.%) alloy with respect to different grain sizes. The evolution of microstructures was provided by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) under the initial state, pre-compression, intermediate annealing and re-compression conditions. The obtained results showed a grain size-dependent PSAS effect in the alloy. The sample with larger grain sizes corresponded to a higher strengthening effect, which mainly resulted from a more remarkable hindrance for the growth of existing twins and a larger proportion of activation for the nucleation of new twins. This was closely associated with the increase of back stress and friction stress for twin boundary motion impeded by the larger restraint of dislocations, the higher stress field surrounding solutes and the more Zn segregation. In addition to twinning behavior, Guinier Preston (G.P.) zones on basal 〈a〉 dislocations were found after intermediate annealing and provided an extra strengthening by inhibiting the motions of gilding pre-existing dislocations and newly formed ones, but it was independent on the grain size.

Novel hybrid coatings on pure magnesium were prepared by combining plasma electrolytic carburizing (PEC) with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to further enhance the anti-corrosion property in this paper. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the micro-structure of the coatings, meanwhile, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were separately used to investigate the elemental as well as phase compositions of the coatings. The anti-corrosion property of the coatings was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization curves as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).The results show that PEC process is closely related with the effects of adsorption as well as diffusion of the activated carbon atoms, and it can provide a favorable pretreatment surface with predesigned chemical composition to obtain a new kind of phase, namely SiC with superior corrosion resistance and chemical stability, in the following PEC+MAO hybrid coatings. Meanwhile, PEC preprocessing also can afford an excellent micro-structure to increase the coating thickness as well as to improve the compactness of the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings. During the fabrication process of the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings, an overlapping phenomenon in regard to coating thickness can be observed instead of heaping up layer by layer. Compared with both single PEC surface modification layers as well as single MAO coatings, the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings exhibit more superior anti-corrosion property. Especially, the EIS data reveal that the PEC+MAO hybrid coatings can act as an effective protection system to provide relatively excellent long-range anti-corrosion protection. Note also that employing same MAO technique for both single MAO treatment as well as PEC+MAO combining procedure is the key to this research.

In this work, nonisothermal dissolution of intermetallic Mg17Al12 in Mg-Al alloy has been firstly studied via Differential Scanning Calorimetry-DSC, X-Ray Diffraction-XRD and Scanning Electron Microscope-SEM as well as CALPHAD_based dissolution models and molecular dynamics simulation. The size and volume fraction of Mg17Al12 phase could be predicted via the present kinetic dissolution model and agree well with experimental results. Also, the data-driven screening calculation shows that there is a range of temperature for significantly dissolving Mg17Al12 phase, which could be increased with the increase of heating rate. The evolution of structural order for Mg17Al12 phase has also been performed via molecular dynamics simulation with LAMMPS. The simulated results indicate that the structural order of Mg17Al12 phase during heating is mainly affected by the Al-contained atomic pairs (Al-Al and Al-Mg), suggested that Mg atoms are thermodynamically and kinetically more active than Al atoms in Mg17Al12 phase during heating, which has also been approved via the calculated atomic mobility of Mg and Al atoms in Mg17Al12 phase in this work. Therefore, the atomic mobility of Mg atoms is mainly attributed to the interdiffusion coefficient of Mg17Al12 phase which determines the dissolution of Mg17Al12 phase during heating. The fundamental principle in this work could be used for other intermetallics and offers the greatly valuable information for optimizing the thermal processing in application of metal structural materials.

The ability to analyze nanoparticles in the atom probe has often been limited by the complexity of the sample preparation. In this work, we present a method to lift–out single nanoparticles in the scanning electron microscope. First, nanoparticles are dispersed on a lacey carbon grid, then positioned on a sharp substrate tip and coated on all sides with a metallic matrix by physical vapor deposition. Compositional and structural insights are provided for spherical gold nanoparticles and a segregation of silver and copper in silver copper oxide nanorods is shown in 3D atom maps. Using the standard atom probe reconstruction algorithm, data quality is limited by typical standard reconstruction artifacts for heterogeneous specimens (trajectory aberrations) and the choice of suitable coatings for the particles. This approach can be applied to various unsupported free-standing nanoparticles, enables preselection of particles via correlative techniques, and reliably produces well-defined structured samples. The only prerequisite is that the nanoparticles must be large enough to be manipulated, which was done for sizes down to ~50 nm.

The dynamic oxidation of molten Mg–Al alloy was investigated via the oxide /metal/oxide (OMO) sandwich method. The characteristics of sandwiches were explored using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The results showed the formation of porous oxide films with varying thicknesses from 0.43 to 16.7 mm. Both the measurements and calculations confirmed the literature findings that the oxidation product consists mainly of MgO and MgAl2O4 compounds. The increase in thickness and amount of folds formed on the oxide films implies the significant effect of aluminum in reducing the oxidation resistance of magnesium.

Effect of the second phase in the micro-galvanic corrosion of a commercial Mg alloy containing rare earth elements, cast WE43 alloy, was investigated in 0.6 M NaCl solution and 0.6 M Na2SO4 solution by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) analysis, hydrogen evolution, weight loss measurement, and electrochemical techniques. It is confirmed that the second phase of cast WE43 alloy is more active than Mg matrix and exhibits an anodic role in the micro-galvanic corrosion with α-Mg matrix as cathode and dissolves preferentially in Na2SO4 solution, in contrast to the situation in NaCl solution. The corrosion rate of cast WE43 alloy in Na2SO4 solution is much higher than that in NaCl solution, which is different from the conventional wisdom and could be attributed to the different role of the second phase in the micro-galvanic corrosion in two solutions.

To upgrade the electric properties of lead-free piezoceramics, (1–x)(Ba0.98Ca0.02Ti0.94Sn0.04Zr0.02)O3-xY2O3 (abbreviated as (1–x)BCTSZ-xY, x = 0 mol%, 0.02 mol%, 0.04 mol%, 0.06 mol%, 0.08 mol% and 0.1 mol%) ceramics were successfully synthesized by traditional solid-state sintering method. The phase structure and microstructure of ceramics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and piezoresponse force microscopyeramics (PFM). The electric properties of ceramics were researched through piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric test instruments. The results show that all samples have pure perovskite structure and favorable electric properties. The optimal electric properties which especially include superior ferroelectric properties are gained when Y2O3 content is 0.06 mol% (d33 = 419 pC/N, kp = 52%, Tc = 89.5 °C, er = 26900, tanδ = 2.86%, Pr = 14.41 μC/cm2, Ec = 1.8 kV/cm). Moreover, the temperature-dependent dielectricity of samples shows apparent relaxor behavior under different frequencies. The Curie–Weiss law further proves that all samples are typical relaxor ferroelectrics, and the relaxor degree of samples decreases with increase of Y2O3 content. In conclusion, Y2O3 plays a significant role in enhancing electric properties of BCTSZ ceramics.

The emphasis of this exploration was to examine the workability and work hardening performance of Mg (Magnesium) specimen and Mg-B4C composites created via the powder metallurgy technique. The pure Mg and Mg-B4C composites are made with distinct weight percentages (Mg-5% B4C, Mg-10% B4C, and Mg-15% B4C) at the unit aspect ratio. The powders and composites characterization are executed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrum) with an elemental map, and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) examination. It displays that, the B4C particles were dispersed consistently with the Mg matrix. The workability and work hardening examination was conducted in triaxial stress conditions using the cold deformation process. The consequence of workability stress exponent factor (βσ), distinct stress proportion factors (σm/σeff and σθ/σeff), instantaneous work hardening exponent (ni), work hardening exponent (n), coefficient of strength (k) and instantaneous coefficient of strength (ki) are recognized. The outcome displays that Mg-15% B4C specimen has greater workability and work hardening parameter, initial relative density, and triaxial stresses compared with the Mg specimen and Mg-(5–10%) B4C composites.

Non-toxic rare earth (RE) composite materials are promising and active in optoelectronic fields, such as pigment. In this work, Na ions doped γ-Ce2S3 pigments were synthesized by solid-phase vulcanization and followed by in-situ synthesis to prepare an outer layer of CePO4 film. The characterizations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicate that Na-doped γ-Ce2S3 and CePO4 uniformly and tightly coated core–shell structure was successfully synthesized. The thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and reflection spectrum (RS) reveal that the CePO4 coating significantly improves the colorant and thermal stability performance of γ-Ce2S3. The excellent color quality of γ-Ce2S3@CePO4 (L∗ = 45.16, a∗ = 55.94, b∗ = 44.53) is achieved and the red color (L∗ = 43.82, a∗ = 49.79, b∗ = 38.04) is still retained even if the sample is heated in air at 400 °C for 30 min.

A composite coating of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N CDs) and polydopamine (PDA) was prepared on magnesium alloy by combining electrodeposition with dip coating methods. The microstructure of the N CDs/PDA composite coating, including composition, surface morphology, and crystalline structure, is characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The corrosion protection performances of the composite coating are evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and salt spray tests. The effect of the particle size of the N CDs on the corrosion performance is also investigated. The results show that the corrosion performance of the N CDs coatings are enhanced with the increase of the particle sizes. Furthermore, an obvious self-healing performance is observed on the surface of the N CDs/PDA composite coating. These results indicate that N CDs/PDA composite coating can improve the corrosion performance of the Mg alloy, and open a new design direction for the protective coating of metallic materials.

In this study, the Ti/SnO2-RuO2 electrodes with different Yb contents were prepared by sol-gel method and thermal decomposition method, and the surface morphology and crystal structure of the electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the electrochemical properties of the electrodes were tested by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical oxidation device was constructed with Yb-doped Ti/SnO2-RuO2 electrode as the anode and titanium plate as the cathode, and the electrochemical oxidation effect and product changes of the anode on coking wastewater were investigated. The results show that the surface of the electrode is flat with high crystallinity of SnO2 and RuO2 crystals at 1.5% Yb doping, and the LSV and CV curves indicate that the rare earth doping of 1.5% increases the oxygen precipitation potential and electrocatalytic oxidation activity of the electrode. When the electrode with rare earth doping of 1.5% is the anode with current density of 10mA/cm2 electrochemical oxidation time of 30min, the electrode can remove COD up to 85.06%, TOC up to 60.59% and UV254 from 1.594 to 0.507 for coking wastewater. GC-MS, UV-vis and three-dimensional fluorescence results of coking wastewater before and after treatment show that large toxic substances in coking wastewater are degraded to low toxic organic substances, and most soluble organic substances are degraded and transformed. This study provides the possibility of basic research for the engineering practice of electrochemical oxidation for the treatment of coking wastewater.

Zinc oxide-hydroxyapatite composites were prepared using wet impregnation method. Firstly, a natural phosphate ore rich in silica and calcium phosphate was sieved to separate silica phase from phosphate phase. Then, through a chemical precipitation method, a pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) was obtained, which was used as a support for ZnO immobilization and applied for the photodegradation of two toxic contaminants: a transparent molecule (caffeine) and dye molecule (rhodamine B). During the present work two weight ratio percentages of zinc oxide were used: 25 wt.% and 50 wt.% of ZnO relative to HAP. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), BET surface area (SBET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS) and by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM-STEM). The immobilization of ZnO on HAP surface followed by thermal treatment at 400 °C for 2 h to get a homogenous dispersion of ZnO on the hydroxyapatite support. At high ZnO impregnation percentage, photodegradation performances of ZnO-HAP under UV illumination were fast and superior than the ZnO photocatalyst alone. The results showed that due to the presence of HAP, the conversion of both molecules became faster and greater, since it promotes the synergic phenomena of adsorption and photocatalysis. The toxicity of the treated substrate solutions obtained in the corn kernels germination test indicated a low toxicity after the photodegradation processes, probably due to a high mineralization degree.

In the present work, transparent and anti-fogging AlPO4-5 films were prepared on glass substrates using a novel developed process. The process entails a simple in-situ sol-gel followed by vapor phase transport. The in-situ sol-gel process was implemented by coating the precursor sols for the synthesis of AlPO4-5 on the glass substrates successively using the spin-coating method. The films and powders scribed from the films were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The unique films were composed of oblique oriented nano-flake AlPO4-5 crystals with the thickness of about 20 nm. The formation of nano-flake crystals can be ascribed to the high concentration of the precursors, resulting in the formation of a supersaturation system. The obtained films showed high antifogging performance due to the superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of lower than 1.0°. The silicone oil contact angle was also low about 8.2°. In addition, heteroatom-substituted AlPO4-5 films showing different colors can be obtained easily by simply adding transition metal ions in the phosphate acid solution during the preparation that can extend the application of the method for different coating demand.

Sulfonic acid functionalized titanate nanotubes were prepared by the sulphonation reaction of hydrothermally synthesized TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfating agent. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetry-differential thermal gravimetry (TG-DTG) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The characterization results revealed that the catalysts retained the tubular structure of the TNTs and possessed a large number of active sulfonic acid sites. The catalytic performance of the catalysts for the synthesis of n-butyl levulinate was investigated via the alcoholysis of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol under atmospheric pressure. The effects of the reaction factors such as the catalyst dosage, reaction time, and temperature on the alcoholysis of the furfuryl alcohol were systematically studied. Under mild conditions, about 79.9% yield of n-butyl levulinate was achieved. In addition, the catalysts showed a stable catalytic performance after four consecutive cycles. Furthermore, no leaching of the active species was observed during the hot filtration testing, which can be attributed to the covalently linked –SO3H groups on the TNTs surface. In addition, the opened tubular nanostructure of the catalyst and the introduced strong Bronsted acid sites exhibited synergistic effects, which facilitated the selective conversion of the furfuryl alcohol to butyl levulinate.

Both one-pot solvothermal method and impregnation were adopted to synthesize sodium modified Fe-Mn microsphere catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) of light olefins. The effects of Mn and Na promoters on the microsphere morphology, electronic state and catalytic performance of Fe3O4 catalysts were evaluated by Ar adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy mapping (EDS-mapping), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), CO temperature-programmed desorption (CO-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Mossbauer spectra. SEM, TEM and Ar adsorption-desorption showed that catalysts were in a uniform spherical shape with the size of 300−400 nm, while FeMn microsphere owned a smaller size and a larger surface area. Mn promoter could enhance the chemisorption of CO, and suppressed the hydrogenation of olefins, then lead to higher selectivity of light olefins. Na promoter strengthened the FTS reaction activity due to its basicity and electronic donation. Mn15Na32im showed the highest CO conversion of 97.21 % with the light olefin selectivity of 33.02 %.

In this work, a highly active CeO2 catalyst with hollow nanosphere morphology for low temperature NOx storage was prepared by a surfactant-assisted solvothermal reaction. The physicochemical properties of ceria samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption, H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The as-prepared CeO2nanosphere possesses excellent NO oxidation capacity, smaller mesopores, better reducibility, more surface Ce3+ content. Compared with CeO2 with nanorod and nanoparticle morphologies, CeO2 nanosphere shows better intrinsic low temperature NOx trapping performance, with a wide operating temperature window (150–300 °C), high NOx adsorption capacity (NAC, 640–745 μmol/g) and high NOx storage capacity (NSC, 250–350 μmol/g). Two reaction pathways are speculated for NOx adsorption on CeO2 nanosphere, including “nitrate route” and “nitrite route”. The thermally unstable surface nitrites formed on the CeO2 nanosphere allow ceria to release more NOx during the desorption process. The present work provides a new ceria morphology for NOx traps, which may become a potential excellent NOx storage material.

In the present work, cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and chronopotentiometry(CP) were used to investigate the electrochemical coreduction behaviors of La(III) and Mg(II) as well as La(III), Mg(II) and Mn(II) on Mo electrode in LiCl + KCl molten salts. CV and SWV results exhibit that the coreduction mechanism of La (III) and Mg(II) on Mo electrode is that La(III) is reduced and Mg–La intermetallic compound is formed, leading to the deposition potential of La(III) shifting to more positive one. The electrochemical signals pertaining to the formation of metallic La, Mg and Mn as well as Mg–La intermetallic compound are also observed by coreduction of La(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) in LiCl + KCl molten salt on the inert Mo electrode. However, the electrochemical signals associated with the formation of La–Mn and Mg–Mn alloys are not observed, which means that the depolarization effect of La(III) and Mg(II) does not occur on pre-deposited Mn electrode. The Mg–La–Mn alloys were formed by co-deposition of La(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) on Mo electrode at various concentration ratios of La(III) and Mg(II). The results of scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction displays that the Mg–La–Mn alloys are comprised of La–Mg compound Mg17La2, Mg and Mn phases. The concentration ratio of La(III) and Mn(II) has few effects on the alloy composition.

The electrochemical behavior of Mg2+ and Al3+ in LiCl-KCl (mass 4: 1) melt at 973 K was studied on a Mo electrode systematically by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that the reductions of Mg2+ and Al3+were reversible processes controlled by the rate of the mass transfer. When Mg2+ and Al3+ coexisted in LiCl-KCl melt, they had no significant effect on the reduction potential of each other. The equilibrium potentials of Mg2+/Mg and Al3+/Al were obtained by open circuit potential method. Their apparent standard potentials were also calculated in this system and the values were −2.52 V vs Cl2/Cl−, −1.66 V vs Cl2/Cl−, respectively. Correspondingly, the apparent Gibbs free energies of Mg2+/Mg and Al3+/Al were −485.71 kJ/mol, −480.78 kJ/mol. Finally, potentiostatic electrolysis was performed on a Mo electrode in LiCl-KCl-MgCl2-AlCl3 (the mass ratio of MgCl2 to AlCl3 was 10:1) melt at different potentials. The components of the deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The study revealed that the content of Al in the deposit decreased as the overpotential increased and Al tended to segregate at the grain boundaries.

Fe81Al19Tbx (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloys were prepared by a non-consumable vacuum arc melting technique under an inert argon gas atmosphere. The microstructures of the alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy combined with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The magnetic properties and magnetostriction coefficients of the alloys were measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and adifferential resistive strain sensor, respectively. The results show that the Fe81Al19 alloy consists of a single A2 phase with bcc structure, whereas the Tb doped Fe81Al19 alloys are composed of the A2 phase and a small amount of rare earth-rich phase. The doping of the rare earth element Tb makes the Fe81Al19 alloy preferentially oriented along with the crystal direction. With the increase of Tb content, the magnetostriction coefficient of the alloy first increases and then decreases. When x=0.1, the magnetostriction coefficient reaches the maximum, which is 146 × 10−6. Compared with the as-cast Fe81Al19 alloy (27 × 10−6), it increases by 441%. The enhanced magnetostrictive properties are mainly attributed to the preferred orientation along of A2 phase of the Tb doped Fe81Al19 alloys and lattice distortion caused by the small amount of rare earth atoms entering the Fe–Al alloy lattice.

Cyan-emitting Ca9NaGd2/3(PO4)7:Eu2+ phosphors were synthesized via high temperature solid-state route. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to verify the phase and morphology of the Ca9NaGd2/3(PO4)7:Eu2+ (CNGP:Eu2+) phosphors. The as-obtained phosphor exhibits a broad excitation band of 250–420 nm, which is near the ultraviolet region. An intense asymmetric cyan emission at 496 nm corresponds to the 5d-4f transition of Eu2+. The multiple-site luminescent properties of Eu2+ ions in CNGP benefit from versatile structure of β-Ca3(PO4)2 compounds. The effective energy transfer distance is 5.46 nm (through the spectral overlap calculation), validating that the resonant energy migration type is via dipole–dipole interaction mechanism. Compared to the initial one at room temperature, the luminescent intensity of CNGP:Eu2+ phosphor can maintain 77% as it is heated up to 420 K. A white light-emitting diode (WLED) with excellent luminescent properties was successfully fabricated. Moreover, the CIE chromaticity coordinates of fabricated WLED driven by changing current just change slightly.

The phase equilibria of the Mg–Ag–Cu ternary system at 350 and 400 °C were experimentally investigated using twenty-eight key samples. The phase equilibria and compositions in key samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to analyze the crystal structure and solid solubility of compounds. Five three-phase equilibria and several two-phase equilibria have been determined at 350 and 400 °C. The solid solubility range of Cu in the compounds Mg3Ag, MgAg and fcc(Ag) were examined at 350 and 400 °C. The maximum solid solubility of Ag in the compound MgCu2 was found to be 11.46 at.% and 11.25 at.% with a constant value of about 66 at.% Cu at 350 and 400 °C, respectively. Besides, the solid solubility limits of Ag in the compounds Mg2Cu and fcc(Cu) were found to be less than 5 at.% at 350 and 400 °C. No ternary compound was observed in the present work.

FeS2-embedded in porous carbon (FeS2/C) was prepared by simultaneous sulfidation and carbonization of an iron-based metal-organic framework precursor, and subsequently immobilized in polyvinylidene fluoride membranes (FeS2/C@PVDF) for organics removal via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The composition, structure, and morphology of the FeS2/C@PVDF membrane were extensively characterized. Scanning electron microscopy images manifest that the FeS2/C nanoparticles with an average diameter of 40 nm are assembled on the external and internal membrane surface. The as-prepared FeS2/C@PVDF membrane exhibits excellent performances over a wide pH range of 1.53-9.50, exceeding carbon-free syn-FeS2@PVDF. The effective degradation could be improved by inner pyrite FeS2 cores and thus enhanced the electron transfer between carbon shell and PMS. Electron paramagnetic resonance and quenching experiments elucidated that radical ( HO ∙ , SO 4 ∙ - ) and nonradical (1O2) species were the predominant reactive oxidants. In addition, FeS2/C@PVDF exhibited high stability with low Fe leaching (0.377 mg/L) owing to the effective protection of the outer carbon skeleton. Plentiful porosity of PVDF membranes not only affords a controlled size and confined uniform distribution of the immobilized FeS2/C nanoparticles, but also enables a persistent exposure of active sites and enhanced mass transfer efficiency. Our findings demonstrate a promise for utilizing the novel FeS2/C@PVDF membrane as an efficient catalyst for the environmental cleanup.

In Rechargeable Battery, anode electrode plays a crucial role as it directly influences the electrochemical performance (High power and energy). This leads to synthesize a novel anode electrode material. Manganese oxide is one of the prominent transition metal oxides. Hence in the present work Dimanganese trioxide (Mn2O3) nanoparticles are synthesized using Green combustion synthesis process. Manganese (II) nitrate tetrahydrate is used as precursor and Tamarind seed powder is used as fuel in the synthesis process. Precursor weight is kept constant and fuel concentration is varied as 0.1 g, 0.2 g and 0.3 g. The precursor and fuel are mixed and calcinated at 700 °C to produce Mn2O3 nanoparticles. The Structural, Electrical and Electrochemical properties of the synthesized Mn2O3 nanoparticles are studied using XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), SEM (Scanning Electron microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), UVDRS (Ultraviolet Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy), EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). XRD result confirms that the synthesized Mn2O3 nanoparticles are highly crystalline with cubic structure. The FTIR spectrum is drawn from (400 to 4000)cm−1. The FTIR peaks in the range of (490 to 600cm−1) correlates to Mn-O bending vibrations. The study of SEM images of synthesized Mn2O3 nanoparticles depicts the porous material. Interplanar distance is analyzed using TEM images and is found to be 0.21 nm for sample with 0.2 g fuel concentration. The study of UVDRS analysis gives the band gap ranging from 1.30 eV to 1.36 eV. EIS of the synthesized Mn2O3 nanoparticles gives the impedance in the range from 274.6 Ω to 323.8 Ω. The BET results confirm the sample Mn200 is of Type-II isotherm with the specific surface area about 2.4862 m2 /g. The Mn2O3 nanoparticles prepared using 0.2 g fuel concentration exhibit improved Structural, Electrical and Electrochemical properties. Hence these nanoparticles may be used as electrode material in rechargeable batteries.

In this present study, a Friction stir weld (FSW) technique is applied to fabricate the FSW joints of aluminium alloy plates of 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 in butt-joint arrangement using a FSW tool of shape taper threaded cylindrical (TTC). The FSW joints are produced using constant FSW parameters of tool rotation speed (TRS) of 650 rpm, tool traverse speed (TTS) of 150 mm/min and tool plunge depth (TPD) of 6.20 mm. Tensile and microstructure specimens are removed from the weld joint in the direction perpendicular to the tool traverse and across the weld region. Initially, each of these specimens are heat treated to solution temperature (400, 420, 440, 460, 480, 500 °C) for 1 h and tested for tensile properties. The heat-treated microstructure samples are examined for the presence of abnormal grain growth (AGG) in the weld nugget zone (WNZ), thermally affected zone (TMAZ), heat affected zone (HAZ) of the weld region using stereo-zoom microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microstructure specimens subjected to solution heat treatment up to 480 °C are stable and reveals no AGG. However, for 500 °C the microstructures are not stable and the presence of AGG in the weld regions are observed. At 480 °C, the tested specimen shows homogeneity in hardness distribution across the weld regions. Thus, solution temperature of 480 °C is chosen as an optimizing solution temperature. Further, the tensile specimens are subjected to ageing temperature with constant temperature of 180 °C for various durations range 5, 8 and 12 h. Thus, these experimental investigations indicate that the specimen subjected to solution treatment at 480 °C followed by ageing temperature of 180 °C for 12 h show higher ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 435 MPa and percentage increase of 6.8% compared to the specimens without heat treatment having UTS of 407 MPa.

We are presenting here fabrication of silicon (Si) nanowires (NWs) arrays by using Si (1 0 0) wafer as substrate, by metal assisted chemical etching (MACE) method. The Si-NWs growth on the Si wafer has been done by using etching time of 45 min in etching solution of hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen peroxide. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used for the structural analysis of NWs to estimate the crystalline size, micro-strain, dislocation density of fabricated nanostructures. The surface morphology of Si-NWs array has been studied through field effect scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The optical properties like energy band gap of fabricated Si-NWs has been carried out through UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.

Studies on the formation and evolution of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film under different ambient temperatures are important to understand the failure behavior of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test is performed on the whole discharge process of Si@Graphite@C/Li cell at 0, 25 and 55 ℃, respectively. Combining with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations, it is found that the SEI film undergoes a complicated evolution process of pre-formation, self-improvement and gradual decay in succession at 25 ℃. Besides, due to the dissolution of organo-alkyl lithium at high temperature, the formed film is mainly composed of LiF, Li2CO3 and other inorganic salts, which helps to decrease the impedance. However, the electrolyte is consumed continuously on the new exposed interface, leading to the degraded performance of the cell. Moreover, the dynamic properties of Li+ ions are poor at low temperature, though the migration ability of Li+ ions in the solid phase can be improved as the cycle goes on. Therefore, the development and application of in-situ EIS technology are expected to become an important means to explain the electrochemical performance of batteries.

The Photocatalytic degradation and anti microbiological studies of a Hospital Waste Water (HWW) using synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) form the core area of the present study. The synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) were characterized using XRD, FE-SEM (Scanning electron microscope) studies. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) was considered as a potent physicochemical parameter to study photocatalytic degradation of HWW under solar irradiation. Bacterial strains of E. coli and B. subtilis were considered for the antibacterial assay whereas Phytophthora and A. flavus was investigated to study the antifungal property of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps). HWW is a laden with high concentrations of pharmaceutical metabolites, disinfectants, heavy metals, gene-toxic reagents as well as infectious microbes which when discharged without any pre-treatment pose a great threat to the environment. The results indicate that ZnO NPs exhibited good photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity and can be used for treatment for HWW and its administration.

Poly (o-toluidine) (PoT) was synthesised by chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. The para disubstituted aromatic rings band at 813 cm−1, indicating the polymer formation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization of the polymer amorphous crystalline form was carried out using X-ray diffraction method (XRD). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showed uniformly distributed fibrous spongy like morphology. A thermal property of the polymer was evaluated by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrochemical characterization studies were carried out to compare the improved performance of PoT modified GCE (PoT/GCE) in optimum pH1.0 under different atmospheric condition by cyclic voltammetry (CV). It was proved that the nitrogen atmosphere enhanced the electrocatalytic activity toward methanol reduction as indicated by the increased reduction peak current in linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). It has been observed that PoT/GCE has good oxygen reduction ability, and also enhances methanol reduction. Diffusion coefficient values were calculated for PoT/GCE in different atmospheric condition using Chronoamperometric and Chronocoulometric studies. The double layer capacitance value of the resistance is 1.5948 × 10−10F/cm2 which was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

A new metal-oxo-clusters-based inorganic framework [NaCo2Mo2O7(OH)3]n (NaCoMo), named as 3D platelike ternary-oxo-cluster, has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structure analysis reveals that there are no classical building units in NaCoMo, and the asymmetric units of NaCoMo are directly extended into a new platelike 3D structure. Density functional theory calculations (DFT) indicates that the crystal formation process is exothermic and the structure is extremely stable. In addition, the compound presents excellent catalytic activity in the condensation and cyclization reaction of sulfonyl hydrazides and 1,3-diketones to synthesize pyrazoles, and the yield of the desired product is up to 99%. The successful synthesis of NaCoMo represents the discovery of a new kind of non-classical polyoxometalates.

Environmental benefits and amazing performance can be obtained by utilizing palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres which illustrate colossal potential in fibre reinforced composites. An investigation has been made to determine the effects of alkaline treatment on water absorption and swelling behaviour of palm oil fibre composites as well as kenaf fibre composites. Untreated and treated natural fibres and were prepared in random orientation with different volume fraction of palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres; 30%, 40%, and 60. All the treated fibres were treated with 1 w/v% and 5 w/v% of sodium hydroxide concentration. Water absorption test was performed by immersing the sample in the distilled water periodically measuring the sample weight. Thickness swelling test was carried out by measuring the thickness of the specimens before and after soaking in the distilled water within certain period of time. All specimens were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to study the fibre morphology. TPOF_30_5SH achieved the least percentage of water absorption (1.44%) when it was compared with the UPOF_30 and TPOF_40_1SH. UPOF_60 shows the highest percentage of thickness swelling (8.96%). TPOF_30_5SH and TPOF_40_5SH show reduction of water absorption when they were compared with UPOF_30 and UPOF_40 respectively. All the treated kenaf fibre composites with 5 w/v% sodium hydroxide concentration such as TKF_30_5SH, TKF_40_5SH and TKF_60_5SH show improved result of thickness swelling. Materials covering the surface of palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres were more effectively removed with 5 w/v% sodium hydroxide than by treatment with 1 w/v% sodium hydroxide while observing under SEM.

The present work investigates the fabrication and performance studies of nanoscale metal cluster loaded Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs) based amperometric cholesterol biosensors. By a simple chemical reduction method Pt/ MWNTs, Au/MWNTs, and Pt-Au/MWNTs nanocomposites are prepared. Metal-decorated MWNTs are characterized by using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Amperometric biosensors are fabricated by depositing cholesterol oxidase (COx) enzyme on nanocrystalline metal/MWNTs modified GCE. Performance studies of these fabricated biosensors are conducted by using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The fabricated Au/MWNT based biosensor is best suited for the determination of cholesterol with a response time of 15 s, linear range from 2 µM to 1.4 mM, and limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.5 µM.

Pure and doped ZnS thin films were synthesised using Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) over glass substrate with 15 deposition cycles at ambient temperature. In this study, pure ZnS nanoparticles were doped with the Cu, Co and Ag elements. The structural and optical properties of pure and doped ZnS thin films were explored. The structural and morphological properties of pure and doped ZnS thin films were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM images confirmed that average diameter of nano-particles of ZnS was between 53 and 90 nm. Optical properties determined from UV–VIS spectrophotometry were used to analyse the measured absorbance. The Zinc sulphide thin film shows high absorption in the visible region. Further, ZnS doped with Co, Cu and Ag with doping concentration of 3% was investigated for the feasibility and quality of the solar cells. The optical absorption peak was approximately located at 350 nm. The increase of bandwidth with decrease of the absorption values were observed with doped ZnS thin films and the Ag doped ZnS thin film has broad absorption spectra over the visible light region.

In this work, biocomposites based polylactic acid (PLA) filled with piper betle fiber (PBF) were successfully synthesized by solvent cast-film method using chloroform as the solvent. The PBF was treated with 7% NaOH. The biocomposites were loaded separately with untreated and treated PBF at 1 to 3 wt% and investigated for tensile properties and morphological of fractured surfaces. Tensile strength and modulus elasticity of biocomposites were increased with addition of betel particles and found to be higher than the matrix. Furthermore, the alkali treatment of PBF had considerably improved tensile and modulus of biocomposites compared to those of biocomposites with untreated PBF. A contrary trend was found in the case of elongation at break. However, biocomposites with treated PBF had greater elongation compared to those of biocomposites with untreated PBF. These results were identified by fracture examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM observations showed the good bonds formed between treated PBF and PLA. This indicated by less cavity and roughness on biocomposite fractured surface with treated PBF.

The present study describes the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extracts of Pergularia daemia (Hamilton, 1822). Initially, the synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by visual observation as colour change from light yellow to brown colour. Further, the morphology of the biosynthesized nanoparticles, average size and presence of elemental silver were characterized by UV – Visible spectroscopy, X - ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). The UV spectra results show a strong resonance centre and surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at 420 nm. XRD studies revealed that the synthesized AgNPs shows spherical in shape. The FT-IR spectrum described the biological molecules which perform dual functions of stabilization and formation of silver nanoparticles in the aqueous medium. FE-SEM image shows a size distribution of nanoparticles size range 30–45 nm. In vitro antibacterial effect of various concentrations of AgNPs was investigated against Gram negative bacterial strain. The antimicrobial property of AgNPs was tested against Gram negative (Escherichia coli) pathogen, which showed zones of inhibition at different concentrations. The result shows that biosynthesized AgNPs have significant antibacterial activity.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis using microalgae is a promising low-cost sustainable alternative. High CO2 tolerant microalgae have not yet been explored for this application. This study pretends to determine the potential of an environmental green algae Desmodesmus abundans acclimated to low and high CO2 (LCA and HCA strains, respectively) as a platform for AgNPs synthesis and evaluate the effect of pH (5, 7.5, 11) and biological component (cells, supernatant and both components) in comparison to a collection strain Spirulina platensis. Exponential grown cultures were centrifuged, the pellet resuspended in 10 mM AgNO3 prepared in water or supernatant at different pH and incubated for 40 h (24 °C, continuous light). After, the filtrated solution was characterized using UV–visible absorption spectra, Zetasizer and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results showed drastic differences between strains. No nanoparticles were observed with strain LCA, except at pH 11 using the pellet, which generated large particles (127.8 ± 14.8 nm diameter, −26.7 ± 2.4 mV zeta potential). In contrast, the HCA strain in these conditions showed the smallest AgNPs with the lowest zeta potential (14.9 ± 6.4 nm, −32.7 ± 5.3 mV). When the supernatant was conserved, HCA exhibited AgNPs in all pH solutions, with smallest sizes at pH 11 (27.7 ± 14.0 nm, −20.0 ± 1.8 mV). In addition, the HCA supernatant alone showed reducing potential for AgNP synthesis (51.8 ± 20.7 nm, −17.4 ± 1.3 mV). S. platensis also generated AgNPs in all conditions, but nanoscale particles were observed only at pH 11 (18.3 ± 7.5 nm, −33.9 ± 2.4 mV). In conclusion, high CO2 atmospheres seem to potentiate AgNPs synthesis by microalgae with interesting properties accordingly to biological component employed, representing a potential byproduct in CO2 mitigation systems.

Microwave radiations produce heat on any materials that contains mobile electric charges by acting as high frequency electric field. Alumina Nanoparticles are the future of aluminium used platforms. Effectiveness, compact size, better conductivity and many more facilities can be attained by alumina nanoparticles. In this work, a facile, cost effective microwave method to prepare Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles is used for synthesis with variations. Two types of aluminium precursor were used. Various parameters were changed to study the size and shape of the resultant particles. FT-IR was taken to confirm the presence of the compounds. The prepared nano particles was characterized by XRD the shape and size of the sample was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Precursors and Microwave power were the key factors of the size of nanoparticles. This work will continue in electrochemistry oriented applications.

It is a great challenge to develop membrane materials with high performance and long durability for acid-alkaline amphoteric water electrolysis. Hence, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets were compounded with the (2,2′-m-phenylene)-5,5′-benzimidazole (m-PBI) matrix for the preparation of m-PBI/g-C3N4 composite membranes. The synthesis of g-C3N4 nanosheets and m-PBI matrix have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscoy (TEM) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H NMR), respectively. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and SEM of the composite membranes showed the g-C3N4 nanosheets were well dispersed in the m-PBI/g-C3N4 composite membrane. The mechanical properties test exhibited the good mechanical strength, and the TGA curves of m-PBI showed the high thermal stability of composite membranes. Besides, the m-PBI/g-C3N4 composite membrane showed excellent proton and hydroxide ion conductivity, which was higher than pure m-PBI and Nafion 115 membrane. The acid-alkaline amphoteric water electrolysis test showed m-PBI/1% g-C3N4 composite membrane has the best performance with a current density of 800 mA cm−2 at cell voltage of 1.98 V at 20 °C. It showed that m-PBI/g-C3N4 composite membrane has a good application prospect for acid-alkaline amphoteric water electrolysis.

Polymers have exhibited a promising ability for the corrosion protection of metals. In the present study, poly(o-anisidine) (POA) nanoparticles and its nanocomposites with silicon dioxide (SiO2) like POA/SiO2 containing different compositions content of SiO2 (5%, 10% & 15% w/w) were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization. FT-IR spectra of POA/SiO2 composites indicate the presence of SiO2 nanoparticles in the polymer nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies was showed more crystalline behavior of polymer nanocomposites and the particle grain size was calculated using Scherer’s formula and it was found to be within nano range. The surface morphology of the polymer composites were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirms the incorporation of silicon and oxygen in the polymer nanocomposites. Further the synthesized polymeric composites were introduced into acrylic resin and the polymer/SiO2/acrylic hybrid materials were applied on the surface of mild steel sample. The corrosion efficiency and corrosion rate of the polymer nanocomposites were calculated for mild steel in 3.5% NaCl solution using Polarization curve and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

PVA-NaI based composite electrolyte has been synthesized using the solution casting method. The prepared composite was characterized by electrical and structural properties. Conductivity measurement of the composite was done using Complex Impedance Spectroscopy. The maximum conducting sample was further studied for its structural properties using X-Ray Diffraction. Perfect complexation between PVA and salt NaI was evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Crystallinity or amorphicity of the maximum conducting sample was studied using X-Ray diffraction. The maximum conducting sample was used as a humidity sensor and surface properties were observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Nano composites of conducting polyaniline with ZnS nanoparticles (PANI/ZnS) have been synthesized by in-situ polymerization of aniline monomer using ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. The formation of PANI/ZnS composites was assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscope (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X ray diffraction analysis (XRD). FTIR and UV studies provided the information of functional group and optical behavior respectively SEM studies shows the well dispersion of ZnS Nanoparticles in the polyaniline matrix. Size determination identified and confirmed by TEM analysis.

A comparative study has been performed in the synthesis of the perovskite material and also its deposition by the one step and two step dipping methods has been studied and compared. The perovskite material prepared by both the methods have undergone through the characterization techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy. The J-V measurements with Keithley source meter has also been performed, which verifies the successful fabrication of the PSC in ambient air with single step as well sequential deposition of perovskite using PEDOT: PSS as HTM in each case.

In past one decade thermoplastic composite matrix reinforced with graphene (Gr) (such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-Gr, polyamide (PA)-Gr etc.) has been widely explored for 3D printing applications. But hitherto little has been reported on 4D capabilities of ABS-Gr (nano-particles) composite matrix prepared by chemical assisted mechanical blending. In this work, chemical assisted mechanical blending of ABS-Gr has been explored for 4D printing applications by considering magnetic field as stimulus with two way programming feature. The ABS-Gr composite was prepared with different weight proportions (10%, 15% and 20%) with chemical assisted mechanical blending. The twin screw extrusion (TSE) of composite lumps was carried to prepare 3D printing feedstock filament wires. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) was performed for morphological analysis of ABS-Gr composites. For 4D capabilities, composites of ABS and Gr were investigated for magnetic properties by performing vibration scanning magnetometry (VSM) test. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of all proportions/compositions was performed to study bond strength analysis of ABS-Gr composite. Morphological analysis based on SEM/EDS has shown increase in carbon content as Gr content was increased. The VSM results showed that composite possesses magnetic properties and can be used for self assembly applications. Composite with composition/proportion ABS + 20%Gr has better magnetization, retentivity and coercivity. FTIR showed increase in bond strength of ABS-Gr composite due to uniform blending of nanoparticles. Further lower absorbance percentage outlined that the prepared composite matrix may be used for sensing low frequency signals in typical remote sensing applications.

Herein, we reported a novel and a facile method to fabricated TiO2 nanowire arrays on Nitinol alloy substrate as electrode material for supercapacitors. The rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays on alloy substrates were developed using chemical vapor deposition technique with camphor as the source. A systematic study for the growth of nanostructure TiO2@NiTi has been carried out along with its exceptional physical and chemical properties for energy storage application. The growth of the nanostructure for different concentration at the elevated temperature has been studied through different characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, which resulted in confirming the formation of rutile phase having length and diameter of 10 ± 3 µm and 80 ± 10 nm, respectively. In addition, the COMSOL simulation was carried out to determine the temperature gradient in the furnace tube at elevated temperature. The presence of nickel in the bi-metallic alloys played a vital role in the growth of TiO2 nanostructures array. The synthesized TiO2 nanowire arrays on Nitinol substrate exhibited the specific capacitance of ∼ 1F/g with long term stability, making it a potential candidate for supercapacitor applications.

The study's aim was to affirm the micro morphological diversity of sand grains and to uncover the relationship between morphological features of sand grains and sampling sites from various transportation environments, like wind (Aeolian), River, Lake, and beach sand samples, their surface micromorphology and geochemical analysis has been investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDS/EDAX). Exoscopy of sand particles are very useful for knowing the dominant type and rate of sediment transportation. Four different environmental sand samples were collected in the Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Karnataka (KA) states in South India. Aeolian, River, and Beach sand samples were collected in the Anantapur, Nellore, and Vishakhapatnam districts of AP. Lake samples were collected in the Udupi district of KA. The importance of the study is to identify the rate of transportation of the sample in different environmental condition like water, and wind. The present study data can be utilized for special relevance to environmental scientists, research scholars, and planning agencies for monitoring geomorphological agents for the sustainable development of ecosystems in a well-organized way. Micro textures on sand grain surfaces show details about the past environment. Environmental processes such as wind and water produce distinctive micro textures on sand grain surfaces, which can be seen using a scanning electron microscope at high magnification. The analysis of quartz sand grains from various sedimentary environments using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that some sedimentary processes impose distinct surface textures on the grains.