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In the present article, facile and novel synthesis of Cu 2 MnSnS 4 /reduced-graphene (CMTS/rGO) nanocomposites is achieved. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were explored to test the supposed formation. CMTS semiconductors grow within a tetragonal symmetry and rGO crystallize into hexagonal phase. CMTS particle size is very small having dimensions around 10–12 nm and corroborates with the average particle size calculated from the SEM. The TEM micrograph of rGO consists ∼10 nm thick nanosheets. The composite materials exhibit 2D morphology with 17 nm thick rGO nanosheets holding CMTS quantum dots (9 nm). Electronic structure modulations with rGO specify the replication of energy band gaps with experimental agreements. Photocatalytic activity against malachite green (MG) enhances from 74 % (CMTS) to 95 % (CMTS/rGO). In addition, the electrochemical measurements demonstrate the specific capacitance for 10 % CMTS/rGO (870 F/g) is about four times larger than that of pure CMTS (268 F/g). Our results prompt the evidence of possible applications and further research in photocatalysis via graphene reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanostructures was analyzed for their structural, morphological, elemental, and optical Properties. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirms a highly crystalline nature and reveals that the TiO2 nanocrystals crystallize in the body‐centered tetragonal phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that all the samples are composed of microspheres that are formed from the agglomeration of smaller nanoparticles. The size of the microspheres varies from sample to sample and has a direct relation to the volume of the precursors used. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) shows that the synthesized materials are in good stoichiometry with uniform distribution of the constituents throughout the sample. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of different samples showed a 100% transmittance peak in the 500 to 1000 cm−1 region. Ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectroscopy shows that the material has a good absorption in the visible region and is suitable for photocatalysis. The bandgap of the samples was determined by using the Tauc plot. The synthesized material was used for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl red (MR), a hazardous dye. The 95% degradation of MR occurred in the presence of UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the synthesis of MnTiO3 nanoparticles employing a simple, eco‐friendly and low‐cost hydrothermal method. The properties of MnTiO3 nanoparticles were analysed by XRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM, TEM and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural properties revealed that the MnTiO3 have rhombohedral phase. Morphological studies revealed that the synthesised sample has granular‐like structure. FTIR technique confirmed the formation of MnTiO3 nanoparticles. TGA shows that the as synthesised sample is thermally more stable. The electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AMP) by using nano‐perovskite‐type manganese titanate (MnTiO3)‐modified glassy carbon electrode is reported. The conductive behaviour of MnTiO3‐modified glassy carbon electrode (MnTiO3/GCE) was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed for the detection of AMP. DPV technique showed a comparatively lower detection potential with a higher peak response towards AMP sensing with a linear range of 1.3 to 13.8 μM. The limit of detection and sensitivity were found 1.26 μM and 36.22 μA μM−1 m−2, respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode also demonstrated better repeatability, reproducibility and higher stability, hence used for the analysis of AMP in pharmaceutical and human serum samples with good recoveries. Electrochemical properties showed that the MnTiO3 perovskite has specific capacitance 357.2 F g−1 revealing its charge storing ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine ZnO and Gd-doped ZnO nanostructures were synthesized via the hydrothermal route to study the influence of Gd doping on the growth and properties of the nanostructures. Synthesized nanostructures were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction technique (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. Optical study demonstrated that the nanostructures exhibit good visible light transmittance and absorbs ultraviolet light energy. Photoluminescence (PL) study of the nanostructures showed that Gd-doping enhanced the PL activity of the nanostructures by possible introduction of the defect levels. The corresponding augmentation in PL intensity (visible light luminescent intensity) is attributed to comparative increase in crystallinity, complex defects (traps) and electron hole pair recombination rate. This enhanced luminescent property of Gd-doped ZnO nanostructures can be exploited for the luminescence based applications like sensors, UV-Lasers, phosphors, LEDs, luminescent biolabels, etc. • Synthesis of pristine ZnO and Gd-doped ZnO nanostructures via hydrothermal route. • X-ray diffraction technique showed that incorporation of Gd3+ ions as dopant does not alter the crystal structure but introduces only a slight variation in lattice parameters as reflected by a slight shift in peak positions. • Photoluminescent measurements showed that the intensity of the emission Peaks (particularly at 650 known as orange red emission) gets enhanced as the concentration of Gd3+ ions in the nanostructures increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the fabrication of WO 3 nanostructures via hydrothermal route. This is the first report on pristine WO 3 nanoparticles being synthesized in a relatively short timed (4h) hydrothermal reaction. The obtained material was characterized in detail by a number of techniques: X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical studies, and Fourier transform analysis. From the observed results, these WO 3 nanoparticles exhibit a diameter approximately between 3 and 30 nm. Density functional theory calculations confirm the electronic band gap of 3.4 eV in accordance to experimental band gap obtained from optical absorption spectra. Cyclic voltammetry of the prepared WO 3 nanoparticles reveal the exhibition of remarkable electrochemical activity. In addition, the WO 3 particles were exposed to phenol and it was observed that 90.8% of phenol was degraded during the reaction time of 1.5 h. According to The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) the synthesized material shows blue emission and is suitable for blue LEDs. • Rapid synthesis of WO 3 nanostructures via hydrothermal route with a diameter of about 3–30 nm is achieved. • DFT calculations confirm the electronic band gap of 3.2 eV in accordance to experimental band gap. • Degradation of Phenol is observed up to 90% of Phenol during the reaction time of 1.5 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]