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A comparative study has been carried out in the current work to investigate the influence of three additives [ namely ; Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA), Tree Glue Powder (TGP) and Silica Fume (SF)] on two fundamental characteristics of Local Plaster of Paris (LPOP) (namely; Setting Time and Compressive Strength) in order to enhance both of them (together). This target had been achieved firstly; by adding each additive individually, secondly; by adding each one of them with another one (dually), and thirdly; by adding all of them together (triple addition). The experimental work contains preparing eight LPOP mixtures based on the weighted content of those additives (1.0% for TGP, 4.0% for PVA and 1.2% for SF) as well as the reference mixture (i.e. a mixture free of additives). All the aforementioned mixtures had a (Water / Plaster = 0.5). It was found that; adding each additive individually, enhances one of the aforementioned characteristics and decrease the other, whereas adding two of them dually, was found either to significantly enhance one characteristic and mitigate the decreasing in the other, or slightly enhance one of them. Finally, It was also found that adding all the three additives together, gives the optimum enhancement for both characteristics together (precisely: 23.8% for the compressive strength and310.4% for the setting time)..

© 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.In this study, p-NiO/n-GaAs heterojunctions were fabricated using the thermal evaporation method that least affects the physical properties of the target sample. For the n-GaAs [100] crystal, all the cleaning process was carried out according to the conventional procedures. After making an ohmic contact with Au (99.9%) metal on the back mat face of the n-GaA single crystals, NiO was thermal evaporated on the front polished face of the crystal. Optical transmittance values of the NiO thin films were determined by a UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer. The optical band gaps of non-annealed and annealed NiO thin films were determined as 3.54 and 3.48 eV, respectively. XRD, SEM, EDX and AFM measurements were also performed to examine the effect of annealing in NiO thin films. Current–voltage (I-V) measurements of NiO/GaAs heterojunctions were made to determine photoelectric and electrical properties under illumination and in the dark. The energy dependence of interface states (Nss) were extracted from the I-V measurements by assuming the voltage dependence of the barrier height Фb and the ideality factor n. The NiO/GaAs contacts were found to have a good rectifier and photodiode properties from the I-V graphics.

An attempt has been made in the current work to study the influence of using one of the natural fibers (which is: The Sisal Fiber (SF)) on enhancing the compressive strength of Local Plaster of Paris (LPOP). The research plan involves studying the effect of gage length of the chopped SF (CSF) (precisely:10 mm and 30 mm) and also the effect of the weighted content of CSF (1% and 2%). The experimental work involves casting five mixtures (of three cubic (5 × 5 × 5)cm specimens each). Four of these mixtures contain CSF with different gage lengths and weighted contents, and the fifth mixture is the reference one (free from CSF). The (Water/Plaster) ratio for all those mixes were fixed at (0.5). It was found that, the addition of CSF leaded to an improvement in the compressive strength of LPOP for both weighted contents and gage lengths, and the optimum content was (1%) for both gage lengths (10 mm and 30 mm). Furthermore, it was also found that, the compressive strength of LPOP is improved when the gage length of LPOP is increased from (10 mm) to (30 mm).

We report the performance of extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) pH sensors based on the properties of nanostructured porous silicon layer (nano PSi). Four different forms of nano PSi layers with different characteristic features are used as a sensor for determining the pH level. The synthesized nano PSi layer was prepared by laser-assisted etching of n-type (100) by using different illumination intensities 15, 30, 45 and 60 mW/cm2 of 530 nm laser wavelength. The structural and morphological properties of nano PSi were investigated through exploring scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and gravimetrical measurements. Nano PSi with pore-like structures of various pore shapes and sizes are as follows: fine circular pores, star full pore, circular pores and rectangular pores; star full pore shape was prepared through varying the laser illumination intensity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, current–voltage measurements and specific surface area of were employed to describe the density of the hydrogenated dangling bonds (Si–Hx) of the nano PSi layer. The synthesized nano PSi pH sensors were tested and dry out in the pH range from 3 to 11 at room temperature. The performance of nano PSi pH sensors was comparatively analyzed based on the density of (Si–Hx), specific surface area, porosity and layer thickness of nano PSi. Concerning EGFET pH sensor showed noticeably enhanced pH sensitivity and linearity with increasing the density of (Si–Hx) and specific surface area. Higher sensitivity with excellent linearity was obtained for pore-like structures of circular pore shapes when the laser illumination intensity was about 45 mW/cm2.

Li-rich layer-structured cathode thin films have been successfully synthesized by combustion technique and deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique to produce LCNAO Ferrimagnetism. Pulsed Nd-YAG laser with wavelength ( λ = 532 nm ) was used and for (10 ns) and energy influence (1.4 J/cm2) at different substrate temperatures (100, 200, 300) °C and O2 pressure at 10 mbar. The structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of the films were determined by XRD, FESEM, SEM, and VSM. The results, Li rich layered structure at peak (003), very smooth surface without any pinholes or cracks. The film’s cross-section view on the Si substrate was used to estimate the film thickness, which was about 63.83 nm. Better crystalline features and spherical shape, average particle size of (1-12) nm could be obtained at substrate temperature of 200 °C. The result obtained at Ms (0.695) emug-1 of powder larger than LCNAO thin film (0.147) emug-1 about 5 times with natural soft loop has emerged with a very small coercive field. The equivalent circuits of the thin film was determined by EIS at substrate temperature (100) °C,with double layer capacitance, high surface area and indicated configuration of equivalent circuits and their symbols (CR(CR)(CR)(CR)) with no defects. Finally, a LiCo0.5Ni0.45Ag0.05O2 promising cathode material for LIBs because of the high theoretical capacity of 1068.5 mAhg-1. This encourages use as a small, easy-to-carry, high storage capacity in lithium batteries - Ion battery charger used in microelectronics, magnetic resonance devices, or future Electric Vehicles (EVs).

This detailed review presents an overview of current research on the synthesis, surface modification, and applications of Iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and iron oxide/gold (Fe3O4/Au) nanocomposites. The different synthesis techniques of Fe3O4 with various basic organic and inorganic modifications are presented. The applicability and role of inorganic and organic coating on iron oxide/gold core/shell schemes were explored. The trade-off between choices for surface functionalization related to specific applications such as imaging contrast agent, drug delivery carrier and therapeutic device using iron oxide/gold core/shell was also elaborated. The versatility of combining iron oxide/ and gold as nanocomposite as the choice for biomedical application is demonstrated in MRI, CT scan, drug delivery, biosensors, and hyperthermia application.

Mesoporous silicon (mesoPSi) layers fabricated by the photoelectrochemical etching (PECE) method in hydrofluoric acid (HF) are active as carbon monoxide gas sensors. The modified porous silicon (PSi) can be used with noble metals to manufacture an effective gas sensor. Embedded gold, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles Au, Pt, and Pd-NPs could modify the surface morphology of mesoPSi and form mesoPSi/AuPtPd-NPs hybrid structures through a simple and dipping process in fixed salt concentrations. The morphology of the hybrid structures has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The prepared gas sensor has measured the electrical characteristics at room temperature. Shape, nanoparticle size, and specific surface area strongly influenced the current–voltage characteristics. The results show that Au, Pd, and Pt-NPs sizes prepared by the dipping process for mesopore-like structures were in the range from 0.64 to 7.53 nm. Besides, considerable improvements in the response, recovery times and sensitivity of gas sensor were noticed when decreasing the incorporated Au, Pd, and Pt-NPs to the mesoPSi matrix.

Soil stabilization is a well-known methods for the treatment problematic soils. Its advantages over soil replacement include low cost and fast implementation. The alkaline activation of soft soils is a new technique that has been proposed recently to stabilize soft soils. However, its strengthening mechanism and the final product in terms of stiffness and brittleness resemble those observed in cemented soils. In other words, the residual strength which emerges when approaching failure is very low, and this results in immediate damage to building structures. These shortcomings need to be overcome, particularly in places where seismic loading can be expected. In the case of cemented columns under heavy embankments, horizontal displacement is likely to occur under seismic loading. This will result in the failure of stabilized material due to frail bending moments, making greater residual strengths more important than higher peak strengths. To address this problem, a fix fly ash content of 40% and polypropylene fibers in the range of 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% were considered. Compressive, flexural and indirect tensile strength test results revealed the feasibility of polypropylene fibers to improve post-peak behavior, thus allowing for higher residual strength after failure.

In this study, a low-cost, simple, single-step low-voltage operation and a well-controlled method for deposition of uniformed and unique size distributions of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the porous silicon (PS) layer were achieved via controlling the drift velocity of electrons in an aqueous solution of AgNO3. The laser diode of 530 nm and 60 mW/cm2 laser wavelength and illumination power density was employed to prepare PS layer by a laser-assisted etching process. The PS layer was incorporated on the platinum disk cathode electrode, and a stainless steel plate as an anode was employed. Low applied operating voltage of about 3V DC at different drift currents of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mA for 2 min was applied to sustain the drift motion of Ag2+. Structural properties of AgNPs layer were examined via the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. These measurements exposed that AgNPs were adjusted by controlling the drift current, and a uniform AgNPs with specific unique sizes were obtained. Grain size, specific surface area and nucleation sites of metallic AgNPs were intensely influenced by the drift current.

Colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) interact with biological fluids such as human plasma to form a protein coating (corona) on the surface of NPs (NP-protein complex). However, the impact of size and type of NPs on binding of the hard corona to the surface of NPs as well as damping of their optical spectra has not been systematically explored. To elucidate the interaction between biological environment (human plasma) and NPs, a photophysical measurement was conducted to quantify the interaction of two different types of NPs (gold (Au) and silver (Ag)) with common human plasma proteins. The colloidal AuNPs and AgNPs were electrostatically stabilized and varied in diameter from 10 to 80 nm in the presence of common human plasma. The sizes of the NPs were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optical absorption spectra were obtained for the complexes. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement and zeta potential were used to characterize the sizes, hydrodynamic diameters, and surface charges of the protein-NPs complexes. Protein separation was performed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to isolate and identify the protein bands. The absorption of proteins to the NPs was found to be strongly dependent on the size and type of NPs. The distance between surface of NPs by absorbed protein bound to the NPs gradually increased with size of NPs, particularly for AgNPs with primary diameter of

A Pd-Ag nanoparticles (NPs)/macro porous silicon (macroPSi) hetero structure based on plasmonic bimetallic photocatalyst was used to improve the activity of the methylene blue (MB) degradation. The Pd-Ag NPs/macroPSi photocatalyst efficiency was compared with that of the as-prepared macroPSi, Ag NPs/macroPSi and Pd NPs/macroPSi hetero structures to study the effect of Schottky alone and on the synergistic effect of Schottky and plasmonic. The modification of macroPSi was carried out through deposition of monometallic and bimetallic NPs of Ag and Pd, via simple immersion process. The structural properties of the photocatalysts were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The influence of monometallic and bimetallic NPs on the Photocatalytic activity was tested under ultraviolet light illumination. The results showed that the Photocatalytic activity of Pd-Ag NPs/macroPSi photocatalyst is higher than that of as-prepared macroPSi, Ag NPs/macroPSi, Pd NPs/ macroPSi photocatalysts. The maximum Photocatalytic efficiency of (98.8%) and a degradation rate of (0.033 min−1) were obtained by using Pd-Ag NPs/macroPSi photocatalyst.

The stress-strain state of a plastic layer under compression by two rigid parallel rough plates under conditions of plane deformation is investigated. The hypothesis of flat sections is used. Tangential stresses are found in the part of the layer under load, as an approximate solution of the system of equations of the stress-strain state of the compressible layer. The solution is obtained in analytical form. On this basis the velocities of the points of the layer are calculated in the analytic form. The size and shape of the free surface are calculated depending on the thickness of the layer. The coefficients of this dependence are determined by recurrent relations. On this basis, an algorithm for finding the shape of a free surface is found. The computational experiments are provided and the results are compared with results obtained with FEM and ANSYS.

The production of nanomaterials integrating diagnostic and therapeutic roles within one nanoplatform is important for medical applications. Such theranostics nanoplatforms could provide information on imaging, accurate diagnosis and, at the same time, could eradicate cancer cells. Fe3O4@Au core@shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@AuNPs) have gained broad attention due to their unique innovations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Seed-mediated growth procedures were used to produce the Fe3O4@AuNPs. In these processes, complicated surface modifications, resulted in unsatisfactory properties. This work used the ability of the sonochemical approach to synthesize highly efficient theranostics agent Fe3O4@AuNPs with a size of approximately 22 nm in 5 min. The inner core of Fe3O4 acts as an MRI agent, whereas the photothermal effect stands accomplished by near-infrared absorption of the gold shell (Au shell), which results in the eradication of cancer cells. We have shown that Fe3O4@AuNPs have great biocompatibility and no major cytotoxicity has been identified. Relaxivity value (r2) of synthesized Fe3O4@Au NPs, measured at 233 mM−1s−1, is significantly higher than those reported previously. The as-synthesized NPs have shown substantial photothermal ablation ability on MCF-7 in vitro under near-infrared laser irradiation. Consequently, Fe3O4@AuNPs synthesized in this study have great potential as an ideal candidate for MR imaging and PTT.

One of the most widely used modalities of clinical imaging is computed tomography (CT). Recent reports of new contrast agents toward CT imaging have been numerous. The production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as contrast agents for CT is primarily a topic of intense interest. AuNPs have beneficial features for this application, including excellent X-ray attenuation, flexible sizes and shapes, tailorable surface chemistry, excellent biocompatibility and high levels of contrast generating matter. AuNPs with a size of about 18.5 nm and semi-spherical shape were synthesized using a sonochemical method. The attenuation rate of X-rays as measured in Hounsfield units per unit concentration (HU/mg) was measured. Ultrasound treatment for a duration of five min has been shown to produce highly stable AuNPs in different media (AuNPs in water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was &minus, 42.1 mV and &minus, 39.5 mV, respectively). The CT value (HU = 395) of the AuNPs increased linearly with an increase in the AuNP dosage. The results confirm the use of ultrasonic treatment for the production of metal nanostructures, particularly highly stable non-toxic AuNPs, with good morphology and high-quality crystal structure using an easy and fast method. Synthesized AuNPs have the potential to be used as a CT contrast agent in medical imaging applications.

A highly stable and magnetized citric acid (CA)-functionalized iron oxide aqueous colloidal solution (Fe3O4@CA) was synthesized by using a simple and rapid method of one-step co-participation via a chemical reaction between Fe3+ and Fe2+ in a NaOH solution at 65 °C, followed by CA addition to functionalize the Fe3O4 surface in 25 min. The NPs were synthesized at lower temperatures and shortened time compared with conventional methods. Surface functionalization is highly suggested because bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are frequently deficient due to their low stability and hydrophilicity. Hence, 19 nm-sized Fe3O4 NPs coated with CA (Fe3O4@CA) were synthesized, and their microstructure, morphology, and magnetic properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. CA successfully modified the Fe3O4 surface to obtain a stabilized (homogeneous and well dispersed) aqueous colloidal solution. The Zeta potential value of the as-prepared Fe3O4@CA increases from − 31 to − 45 mV. These CA-functionalized NPs with high magnetic saturation (54.8 emu/g) show promising biomedical applications.

The specific form of mud-like structure Psi /AuNPS SERS sensors have been developed and experienced successfully. Two different forms of mud-like structure bare Psi layer SERS based substrate was created by a pulsed photochemical etching. A 50 % laser pulse duty cycle of laser wavelength of 410nm and laser power density of 300mW/cm2 and 400mW/cm2 in 20% HF solution was employed to create the required Psi morphologies. The structural properties of bare mud-like structure Psi was improved by integrating AuNPS within the mud Psi layer by immersing method within the solution of 10-3 M HAuCl4 to create well-organized and closely homogeneously distributed AuNPS hotspot gaps with steep specific surface areas SERS sensor. Specific features of bare mud-like structure Psi and SERS sensor were investigated by FESEM) images, photoluminescence (PL) measurements, (XRD) pattern and Raman microscope. The FE SEM images show, two various mud-like structures of linked and non- linked channels, and the pore-like structure of different dimensions was formed via changing the laser power density. The sensing performance of the developed SERS sensor is depended on the mud morphologies. An efficient detection process for ultra-low concentration of amoxicillin ranging from 10-4 to 10-10 M with an EF of5.5*108 and 8.4*1010 was achieved with mud Psi layer of multifaceted mud-like and pore-like structures of numerous slight pore dimensions. This improvement in the detection process is strongly owing to the higher value of the specific surface area of AuNPS and the density of small sizes of hot spots regions amongst them.

A set of carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensors based on porous silicon (PSi)/gold nanoparticle (AuNP) hetro structures were fabricated. Different forms of PSi surface morphologies were studied as a substrate for growth of AuNPs. Simple dipping process of PSi in hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) solution (HAuCl4) at fixed concentrations of 10−2 M/3.5 HF was used to synthesize AuNPs. The n-type PSi was equipped through photo-electrochemical etching process at current density value of 10 mA/cm2 under illumination condition of 530-nm wavelength and laser illumination intensity of 20 to 80 mW/cm2. Three different forms of PSi morphology, meso, macro, and double layers with pore shapes and sizes, were prepared. The structural and surface morphology properties of PSi-based substrate before and after deposition of AuNPs were investigated through studying of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical property (J-V) was carried out in primary vacuum and CO at low pressure. The results show that PSi surface morphologies strongly influenced the AuNP sizes and hence the sensor performance. It was found that decrease the AuNP sizes could be occasioned in high and fast current response.

In this research, an attempt has been made to study the effect of adding the micro-organisms in cement mortar on its tensile strength. In addition to evaluating the durability of cement mortar with and without micro-organisms by studying the deterioration in tensile strength after sulfuric acid (H2SO4 with 6% concentration) attack.

In this work, two configurations (planner and sandwich) structures of (Al/n PSi/n-Si/Al) porous silicon (PSi) gas sensor have been fabricated and tested extensively for CO2 gas molecules. Two laser wavelength infrared and violet of (810 nm) and (405 nm) was used in the laser assisting etching process on the n-type silicon substrate. The gas detection characteristic of planner and sandwich configuration were studied under different condition. The resistance measurement, for the planner and J-V characteristic for sandwich structures, which was analyzed based on the nano-sized silicon, porosity, layer thickness, and the effective dielectric constant of the PSi layer. The SEM image of the PSi layer showed the formation pore-like structure with cylindrical and rectangular pore shape with different dimensions for infrared illuminated PSi and crossed pores-like structure with randomly distributed for violet illuminated PSi. The sensing mechanism for sandwich structure configuration is governed by the porous silicon parameters, while for planer configuration the silicon channel among the pore has a significant role in sensing process.

In this work, we fabricated an efficient macroporous silicon/gold nanoparticles (macro psi/AuNPs) hybrid structure and how well controlling of plasmonic features on macro psi/AuNPs employs them for highly sensitive detection of the very low concentration of cyanine (Cy) dyes molecules. Macro-PSi was synthesized on n-type Si wafer with 3–10 Ω. cm resistivity and 100 orientation using Photo Electro Chemical Etching (PECE) process with630 nm illumination wavelength and 30 mW/cm2 illumination intensity. The macroPSi /AuNPs hybrid structure substrates were prepared by simple and quick dipping process of macroPSi in tetrachloroauric gold solution HAuCl4 with different concentrations of (10−2 M, 10−2 M diluted in 2.9 M of HF, 5 × 10−3 M, and 5 × 10−3 M diluted in 2.9 M of HF). Efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals was obtained from macroPSi/AuNPs substrates for Cy dye concentration of about 10−6 and 10−10 M. The detection method is dependent on a nanoparticles sizes process through controlling the concentration in a HAuCl4 solution. Higher SERS signal was found for sample with lower salt concentration of 5 × 10−3 M diluted in HF. The enhancement factors (EF) of Raman’s signal increased four orders of magnitude by diluting the salt concentration. The values of EF in the range of 0.8 × 103−0.72 × 107 were obtained by controlling the salt concentration from 10−2 to 5 × 10−3 diluted in HF acid.

Upconversion (UC) of lanthanide-doped nanostructure has the unique ability to convert low energy infrared (IR) light to high energy photons, which has significant potential for energy conversion applications. This review concisely discusses the basic concepts and fundamental theories of lanthanide nanostructures, synthesis techniques, and enhancement methods of upconversion for photovoltaic and for near-infrared (NIR) photodetector (PD) application. In addition, a few examples of lanthanide-doped nanostructures with improved performance were discussed, with particular emphasis on upconversion emission enhancement using coupling plasmon. The use of UC materials has been shown to significantly improve the NIR light-harvesting properties of photovoltaic devices and photocatalytic materials. However, the inefficiency of UC emission also prompted the need for additional modification of the optical properties of UC material. This improvement entailed the proper selection of the host matrix and optimization of the sensitizer and activator concentrations, followed by subjecting the UC material to surface-passivation, plasmonic enhancement, or doping. As expected, improving the optical properties of UC materials can lead to enhanced efficiency of PDs and photovoltaic devices.

This study is a new attempt to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the extract of fresh mature fruits of the Iraqi Prosopis farcta plant (Fabaceae). The synthesis has been performed under infrared (IR) irradiation treatment and compared with the heating procedure at 90 °C. P. farcta-AuNPs has been investigated as a nanocatalyst to remove Methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, size Distribution Report by Intensity, Zeta Potential, UV–Vis, GC-Mass and FTIR have been used to characterize the synthesized AuNPs. The color transformation of colloidal AuNPs under both IR radiation and heat confirmed the efficient reduction of Au+ to Au0 and its stabilization using P. farcta extract. AuNPs synthesized using IR were mainly spherical with an average diameter hydrodynamic size of 25.43 nm, and Zeta Potential of −26.5 mV. While AuNPs prepared using the heating treatment showed a quasi-spherical shape with an average size of 53.12 nm and Zeta Potential of −24.4 mV. FTIR analysis indicates that phenolic compounds of P. farcta extract are protected in the AuNPs synthesized by IR irradiation, but they are lost in another sample. Thus, the AuNPs bio-synthesized using IR radiation have higher colloidal stability, smaller size, more spherical and more preserved core–shell structure than Au NPs prepared using the heat treatment. Bionano-reduction of MB using synthesized AuNPs using IR irradiation best than synthesized using the heating procedure. This work encourages using IR irradiation as a new method to produce and improve AuNPs for catalytic handling.

Combining iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in one nanostructure is a promising technique for various applications. Fe3O4 NPs have special supermagnetic attributes that allow them to be applied in different areas, and Au NPs stand out in biomaterials due to their oxidation resistance, chemical stability, and unique optical properties. Recent studies have generally defined the physicochemical properties of nanostructures without concentrating on a particular formation strategy. This detailed review provides a summary of the latest research on the formation strategy and applications of Fe3O4@Au. The diverse methods of synthesis of Fe3O4@Au NPs with different basic organic and inorganic improvements are introduced. The role and applicability of Au coating on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs schemes were explored. The 40 most relevant publications were identified and reviewed. The versatility of combining Fe3O4@Au NPs as an option for medical application is proven in catalysis, hyperthermia, biomedical imaging, drug delivery and protein separation.

Vertically aligned Al-doped ZnO nanorods (AZO-NRs) were grown on glass substrate using a chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at various temperatures between 80°C and 130°C. The results showed the Al content in the AZO-NRs strongly depends on the growth temperature. The optimum doping level was attained at 110°C. The morphology was maintained in each sample, and the lasing properties were investigated against the Al-doped variation. The sample with a high doping level exhibited superior random lasing, with high intensity and spectral width of less than 0.08 nm. The same sample also had the lowest pumping threshold of 0.192 mW. More importantly, this study showed the possibility of utilizing doping as a tuning parameter for random lasing, whereby a 7.3 nm redshift in the lasing peak was observed with increasing doping concentration. This study also placed an emphasis on AZO-NRs as potential candidates for tunable random laser devices.

The surface uniformity of porous silicon (PSi) morphologies will enhance the overall properties of the PSi layer. In this study, the role of perpendicular magnetic field (MF) on structural, optical, and electrical properties of (PSi) substrates are reported. The (PSi) is prepared with a photo-electrochemical etching process in the front-side illumination pathway with and without a perpendicular magnetic field (MF). The application of (MF) on the path of the electric charge carrier leads to modify the morphologies of PSi surface. The pores shape, sizes, orientation, and homogeneity, and electrical properties will vary with the (MF). The role of (MF) will contribute to an increase in the number of pores and decrease the overlapping process. And also, promotes the orientation of the relatively more defined pores across the Psi surface. The observed noticeable changes in PL spectra, electrical properties, and charge carrier transport mechanisms may be owing to the surface reconstruction process. The influence of (MF) on the characteristics of Au thin layer / PSi/c-Si/Al structures will lead to converting its behavior from the resistor to Schottky-like junction.

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with excellent physicochemical properties have been produced using various techniques, including sonochemistry method. However, the effect of solvent type on the irradiation power and structure, morphology and colloidal stability of Pt NPs synthesized via sonication has received less attention. In this work, Pt NPs were sonochemically-assisted green synthesized in various solvents (water, ethanol and methanol) using the Prosopis farcta fruits extract (PFFs) as a reducing agent. The structure, morphology and colloidal stability (surface charge) of the synthesized Pt NPs were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Zeta potential, respectively, for exploring the physicochemical properties of Pt NPs. The Pt NPs produced were a face-centred cubic structure of crystalline Pt and mainly semi-spherically shaped with sizes range from1.6 nm to 5 nm. It was found that the interaction of the solvent with Pt NPs in the presence of ultrasound plays an important role in modulating particle size and surface charge. TEM results demonstrated the smallest NPs size of Pt NPs was acquired in methanol. The stability of Pt NPs in water, ethanol and methanol was −31 mV, +2.14 mV and −6.76 mV, respectively. This shows that the size and surface charge (zeta potential) of Pt NPs depends on the solvent's physical properties (viscosity, boiling point, and polarity).

Computed tomography (CT) imaging can be enhanced with the use of contrast agents. However, the conventionally used clinical small-molecule agents (Omnipaque) are encumbered by an array of constraints that include potentially toxic and unwanted side effects. Therefore, this study presents a facile plant-assisted synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) that employs ultrasonic irradiation to improve the Hounsfield (HU) values for CT imaging. This “one-step one-pot”, eco-friendly and simple approach produced highly stable, biocompatible and ultrasmall Pt NPs colloidal with a mean diameter of 3.8 nm. The extract from Prosopis farcta (P. farcta) fruits served as both a reducing agent and stabilizer. The cell viability test demonstrated that HEK-293 cells remained viable after being subjected to high concentrations of Pt NPs. The X-ray attenuation of the as-synthesized Pt NPs (HU = 355) exceeds those of commercial NPs and conventionally prepared NPs. Thus, this research gives new insights into the use of plants to prepare novel contrast agents for molecular imaging.

This paper reports the effects of low energy X-ray irradiation doses on the structures, morphologies and absorbance of some colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) produced in distilled water via the one-step pulse laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) method. An Nd:YAG pulse laser (wavelength of 1064 nm and fluence ranges of 0.076–7.692 J/cm2) was used to ablate the gold plate surface (acted as a target) immersed in distilled water (10 mL). The laser pulse duration was adjusted to 2.5 min (1000 pulses), 5 min (2000 pulses). Simultaneously, the colloidal suspension was irradiated with low energy X-ray. The obtained samples were characterized thoroughly using different analytical instruments. High quality, pure, surfactant-free AuNPs with well-defined morphology and broad size distribution were achieved. The recorded values of the Zeta potential of the as-synthesized AuNPs were increased from -33.1 to -41.2 mV which was mainly due to the low energy X-ray dose-mediated photo- and Auger-electrons generation plus the fragmentation of the bigger NPs into highly stable tinier species inside the colloidal suspension. The observed blue-shift in the absorbance peaks of the NPs centered at 523, 529, and 526 nm irradiated with the corresponding fluences of 0.076, 3.846, and 7.692 J/cm2 was ascribed to the quantum size effects. It is established that the synergy between laser ablation and low energy X-ray does may be effective to prepare the contaminants-free AuNPs in the liquid suspension in a simple rapid and cost-effective way.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be easily synthesised using several methods for various applications in the industrial and medical sectors. However, their performance as a catalyst has not yet to be appropriately studied and optimised due to large size distribution and high agglomeration property. In this work, AuNP were synthesized by a sonochemical method using sodium citrate as a reducing agent and capping material. A Vibra-Cell ultrasonic solid horn with a half-inch tip size, frequency of 20 kHz and different ultrasound output powers (12, 20 and 36 W) was used in the synthesis. The as-synthesized AuNPs exhibited a spherical morphology with smooth geometry, excellent stability and high monodispersity after 10 min of sonication. AuNPs sizes decreased with increased sonication output power, which implies that the particle size, surface plasmon resonance, stability and monodispersity of the AuNPs depended on ultrasound output power and reaction time. Overall, this study showed that the sonochemical synthesis of AuNPs was an easy and controllable approach and can be potentially applied to fabricate other nanosized particles. AuNP's catalytic efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue has a fast decoloration rate of about 10 min.

Mesoporous silicon (mesoPSi) layer prepared by a laser-assisted etching process in HF acid has been employed as CO2 gas sensors. The surface morphology of mesoPSi was modified by embedding gold nanoparticles AuNPs by simple and quick dipping process in different gold salts concentrations to form mesoPSi/AuNPs hybrid structures. Morphology of hybrid structures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrical characteristics of the prepared gas sensor were carried out at room temperature. It was found that the nanoparticles size, shape and the specific surface area of the nanoparticle strongly influence the current–voltage characteristics. Considerable improvement was noticed in sensitivity, response and recovery times of gas sensor with decreasing incorporated AuNPs into the mesoPSi matrix.

This study is directed to the feasibility of usage of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) as a precursor of alkaline activation reactions which made by potassium hydroxide in order to stabilize the soil and improve its expediency for the different case of construction. The effect of duration and temperature of curing, for the alkaline activation process, on the Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) of the soil-POFA mixture is important in enhancing the treated soil properties. Use of 30, 50, and 100°C of heating affected the UCS of the soil mixture. The highest strengths were obtained at 100°C for the alkali activation process. Microstructural analysis using The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Infrared spectrometric analysis (FTIR) shows the benefits of alkaline activation in terms of decreasing the duration of the alkaline process. The pore distribution analysis showed a trend to rise pore size volume with increasing temperature, which affects the mechanical characteristics. This was due to the fastest crystallization processes which account for strength gain after a short period of heating. It has been also presented the opportunity of observing the alkaline activation process by FTIR Spectra. This paper highlights a more environmentally friendly procedure of stabilizing soils compared with the traditional binders such as cement and lime.

Sonochemistry uses ultrasound to improve or modify chemical reactions. Sonochemistry occurs when the ultrasound causes chemical effects on the reaction system, such as the formation of free radicals, that intensify the reaction. Many studies have investigated the synthesis of nanomaterials by the sonochemical method, but there is still very limited information on the detailed characterization of these physicochemical and morphological nanoparticles. In this comprehensive review, recent advances in the sonochemical synthesis of nanomaterials based on iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NP), gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and iron oxide-coated gold nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au NP) are discussed. These materials are the most studied materials for various applications, such as medical and commercial uses. This review will: (1) address the simple processing and observations on the principles of sonochemistry as a starting point for understanding the fundamental mechanisms, (2) summarize and review the most relevant publications and (3) describe the typical shape of the products provided in sonochemistry. All in all, this review’s main outcome will provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature knowledge that promotes and encourages future sonochemical work.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have numerous usage in various applications, primarily in chemical and biological sensing. There are also various methods of producing AuNPs. However, in some of those methods, removing excess reagents, including ions or residual surfactants, can be difficult and time-consuming, while the functionalization of AuNPs with other types of molecules can only be achieved at lower efficacy. In this report, the AuNPs were produced using a rapid and solvent-free sonochemical and laser ablation methods. Morphology, structure and the colloidal stability of AuNPs produced by the two methods were analyzed and compared. Results have shown that the purity, homogeneity and crystallinity of AuNPs produced using the sonochemical technique showed better characteristics than those acquired by the laser ablation method. AuNPs also demonstrated smaller particle sizes (22 nm), smooth surfaces with higher colloidal stability (50.7 mV). The findings indicate that ultrasound irradiation power improves the crystalline properties of AuNPs and inhibits their agglomeration. The sonochemical approach can, therefore, be used to produce AuNPs with better physicochemical characteristics compared to laser ablation methods.

Core@shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au CSNPs) have multiple functions obtained in one stable entity and thus have been extensively investigated. Fe3O4 NPs have unique superparamagnetic properties which allow for their application in different fields, and Au NPs stand out in biomedical applications because of their chemical stability, oxidation resistance and high-quality intrinsic optical properties. Combining Fe3O4 and Au NPs in one core@shell nanostructure is a promising strategy for diagnostic biomedical applications. However, the conventional direct methods for Fe3O4@Au CSNP synthesis are laborious and time consuming. Therefore, this study presents a facile and rapid sonochemical technique of synthesising Fe3O4@Au CNPs with excellent physicochemical properties for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan. A Vibra Cell ultrasonic solid horn with a tip size of ½ inch, 20 kHz frequency and power output of 750 W were used, and the synthesis is achieved in just 10 min. Several techniques were used to characterise the Fe3O4@Au CSNPs and confirmed their average size of 21 nm and the formation of spherical Au shell on the Fe3O4 core. The Fe3O4@Au CNPs showed good biocompatibility and great potential as a dual-mode contrast agent for MRI/CT imaging. The transverse relaxivity values and X-ray attenuation of the as-synthesised NPs (222.28 mM−1s−1 and HU = 418) are greater than those of NPs prepared using conventional methods and commercial NPs. This work reveals considerable progress on Fe3O4@Au CSNPs by providing a facile and rapid method to synthesise high-quality Au-coated Fe3O4 NPs.

This study reports the synthesis and optimization of the sonochemical method for the functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) shells using the surface response methodology (RSM). The Au shell is coated on Fe3O4 NPs using a Vibra-Cell ultrasonic solid horn with tip size, frequency and power output of ½ inch, 20 kHz and 750 w, respectively within 8 min. Using RSM, experimental runs of 14 different combinations of HAuCl4 concentration, sodium citrate (SC) concentration, and sonication amplitude (independent variables) were performed with two centered points to optimize the experimental conditions. Variance analysis (ANOVA) was applied to achieve the best optimum conditions for the experimental data. The targeted zeta potential of –46.125 mV was achieved under the optimum conditions of 10 ml of HAuCl4, 30 ml of SC and sonication amplitude of 40%, which is consistent (about 99.2%) with the actual average zeta potential (–45.8 mV). The stability and monodispersion of Fe3O4NPs improved following modification to Fe3O4@Au, as indicated by the increase in zeta potential from –24.2 mV to –45.8 mV. The saturation magnetization (Ms) value of Fe3O4 was 54 emu/g, while that of Fe3O4@Au NP is 38 emu/g. In general, the sonochemical method effectively synthesizes highly stable and monodisperse Fe3O4@Au NPs with an average size of about 20 nm within 8 min.

The current work studies the effect of adding chopped carbon fiber (CCF) on gypsum plaster properties (precisely the compressive strength and the modulus of rupture). The research plan consists of using six mixes of gypsum plaster; these mixes are divided into two groups according to the (Water/Gypsum) ratios (0.5 & 0.6). Each group was divided into three subgroups according to CCF volume fraction (Vf): 0.0%, 0.2% and 0.4%. Three cubic (50×50×50) mm and three prismatic (40×40×160) mm samples were performed for each mix. It was found that, the addition of CCF to the gypsum plaster mixes increases both the compressive strength and the modulus of rupture for both (W/G) ratios, and the percentage of this increase is enlarged with increasing (W/G) ratio. On the other hand, when (W/G) ratio is enlarged, the compressive strength and the modulus of rupture is deteriorated for all (Vf) of CCF, and this percentage of deterioration is decreased in the presence of CCF.

This study presents a new, facile and fast strategy to synthesize platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) in methanol under ultrasonic irradiation. Here, for the first time, methanol was used to reduce Pt2+ to Pt0 in the absence of a reductive and surfactant. The hydroxyl free radical (OH•) liberated from methanol under the sonication effect facilitates the formation of PtNPs by aiding the production of nucleation sites and donating electrons to Pt2+. The results show that the PtNPs with an average diameter of 3.9 nm, high percentage PtNPs yield and pure Pt with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure can be synthesized sonochemically in one minute in the presence of methanol. The catalytic efficiency of the obtained PtNPs for degradation of methyl blue (MB) in an aqueous solution showed a rapid rate of decolorization of MB dye.

X-ray could be used in different useful purposes either diagnostic or therapeutic. However, the living tissues such as blood can be negatively affected with the ionizing radiation like X-ray when the body was exposed. The irregularly effect can involve the mechanical features of RBCs like shapes and radius which represent the main factors in functional performance of RBCs. Thus, any defect in these characters could lead to lose the RBC roles. Our study aimed to find the morphological changes of RBCs when they exposed to X-ray by measuring the radii using He-Ne laser technique. Three blood groups; O, AB and A, were exposed to different X-ray doses; 60, 80, 100 and 120 Kilo Electron Volt (KeV) for 1 minutes and the radius was checked after applying low power laser beams which was previously used for accurate measurement to the RBC radius compared to biological measuring techniques. The results showed that the radii of fringes (r) of irradiated RBCs for the tested groups were smaller than that of non-radiated RBCs for all X-ray doses. The radii of fringes (r) directly and significantly increase with increase the distance between the slide and screen (D). Radii of the tested RBC (d) groups were significantly altered compared to control groups which could relate to impairment of sodium and potassium pump mechanism which can lead to loss the RBC membrane permeability. Thus, RBCs uptake or loss the materials and liquids resulting in decreasing or increasing their sizes.

We investigate a critical state of the slope layer of less durable material in sheet sample by the loadings having opposite signs. It is shown that if there is no contact hardening of layer material, then a destruction occurs on the layer, independent of its slope angle. Using numerical experiments, we investigate a dependence of a sample strength from the slope angle of the layer for different relations between the external loads. We show that if there is a contact hardening of the layer, then a sample, containing less stable layer, may be equal in strength to a homogeneous sample for certain angles of layer slope.

The main objective in this discussion is to investigate the role of metal additives in In 2 O 3 to detect the toxic gases. Ag-In 2 O 3 nano composite thin films were grown by electron beam evaporation. In 2 O 3 :Ag nano composite thin films were deposited on quartz substrate by electron beam evaporation technique at a substrate temperature of 350°C, with deposition time 10mts and electron gun power of 75 W. The vacuum chamber was evacuated to a base vacuum of 6x10 −6 Torr and oxygen partial pressure was maintained at 0.1 mTorr. GIXRD patterns confirmed the formation of polycrystalline films with cubic structure of (222) plane direction for In 2 O 3 and (111) orientation for Ag 2 O. Thickness of the films was estimated by stylus profilometer. SEM micrographs of pure In 2 O 3 films shows spherical shaped grain morphology and after adding Ag to In 2 O 3 grain morphology changes to helical structure with an increase in grain size. All the above synthesized thin films have been tested for sensing of volatile organic compound (VOC) gases. The In 2 O 3 :Ag nano composite thin films deposited on quartz substrate have shown better response to volatile organic compound gases.

Pt nanoparticles (NPs) are successfully synthesized via sonochemically assisted green synthesis by using Prosopis farcta fruit extract (P. farcta) as a reducing agent and stabilizer. The synthesized Pt NPs are fully characterized to confirm the morphology, structure, colloidal stability, and biocompatibility. These Pt NPs exhibit excellent physicochemical properties and colloidal stability in aqueous solution with a zeta potential value of −38.9 mV. The high stability and biocompatibility of the Pt NPs can be attributed to the organic compounds contained in the P. farcta extract. The organic compound-coated Pt NPs are identified. The high energy produced by ultrasound irradiation facilitates a covalent interaction between the P. farcta extract and the Pt NPs despite the short duration of synthesis. Special attention has been given to explain the underlying complex processes that describe the reaction mechanism of Pt NPs synthesized by P. farcta under sonication. Results showed that the cell viability of the synthesized Pt NPs is unaffected (nontoxic) at relatively high concentrations (100 μg/ml), thereby making it a promising method for synthesizing Pt NPs that are relevant for medical applications.

In steel structures, bolted joints are used to connect structural elements. Due to the ease of its making, the square and rectangle arrangement of bolts are the prevalent pattern in these structural joints. To investigate the effect of changing the arrangement of bolts on the bearing capacity of single shear joint, square, circular and diamond are the patterns of bolts that have been chosen in this study. Nine specimens represent all these configurations experimentally have been tested under tension load. The results indicated that the highest bearing capacity of a single shear connection could be achieved using a square arrangement of bolts. While stresses could not be equally distributed around holes in circular and diamond pattern specimens of the same connection.

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were synthesized, through sonochemical and conventional methods, using the extract from Prosopis farcta fruits (PFFs) as a reducing agent and stabilizer. The structure, morphology and colloidal stability of Pt NPs synthesized by both methods were characterized and compared. A Vibra-Cell ultrasonic solid horn with tip size, frequency, a power output of 1 2 inch, 20 kHz and 750 watts, respectively, were used in the sonochemical synthesis of Pt NPs for 30 min. The formation of amorphous or crystalline Pt NPs is attributed to rapid heating/cooling cycles of the cavitation microbubbles generated by the sonication. The purity, uniformity and crystallinity of Pt NPs synthesized by the sonochemical method were shown to be better than those obtained from the conventional method. The Pt NPs also exhibited smaller particle size with higher colloidal stability and hydrodynamic size. The results confirm that the irradiation power of the sonochemical method enhances the crystalline properties of nanoparticles and hinders their agglomeration. Therefore, the sonochemical method can synthesize Pt NPs with better physicochemical properties compared to conventional methods.

This research presents a study of using an additive for the objective of increasing the setting time of a material used in several aspects in the constructional field, this material is “Local-Gypsum” which is locally called “Joss”, and the additive used in this study is “Trees Glue Powder” denoted by “TGP”. Nine mixtures of Local-gypsum (joss) had been experimented in the current study to find their setting time, these mixes were divided into three groups according to their water-joss ratios (W/J) (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5), and each group was sub-divided into three sub-groups according to their TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). It was found that, when TGP is added with the two contents (0.3% and 0.6%), the setting time of local gypsum (joss) is increased, and the percentage of this increase at (TGP content = 0.6%) is doubly multiplied as compared to the percentage at (TGP content = 0.3%). Moreover, when TGP content is increased from (0.0% to 0.6%), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase of (W/J) ratio from (0.3 to 0.5). It was also found that, when (W/J) ratio is increased, the setting time of joss is increased, and this behavior is applicable for all TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). While, when (W/J) is increased from (0.3 to 0.5), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase in TGP contents from (0.0% to 0.6%).

This research presents a comparative study to highlight the differences between the effect of using various contents of steel fibers on the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) in two types of self-compacting concretes (SCC) which are identical in their constituent materials, the only difference between them is the coarse aggregate type (normal in one and light in the other) with various specimen lengths (200mm cylinders and 100mm cubes). In this work, six types of mixes were casted, the first three (Mix1, Mix2 and Mix3) are of normal-weight SCC having steel fiber content (Vf) : 0.0%, 0.4% and 0.8% respectively, and the other three (Mix4, Mix5 and Mix6) are of light-weight SCC with the same aforementioned steel fiber contents respectively. It turns out that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is smaller in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and the percentage of this reduction is higher in cylindrical samples than in cubic samples, and this percentage of reduction is reduced with the increasing in steel fiber contents. It also turns out that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is increased with the increase in steel fiber contents, and this percentage of increase is higher in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and it is also larger in cylindrical samples than in cubic samples. Moreover, when the specimen length has been focused on, it was found that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is larger in (100mm) cubic specimens than in (100×200mm) cylindrical ones, and the percentage of this rise is also larger in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and it is reduced with increasing steel fibers contents.

Sonochemical synthesis (sonochemistry) is one of the most effective techniques of breaking down large clusters of nanoparticles (NPs) into smaller clusters or even individual NPs, which ensures their dispersibility (stability) in a solution over a long duration. This paper demonstrates the potential of sonochemistry becoming a valuable tool for the deposition of gold (Au) shell on iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) by explaining the underlying complex processes that control the deposition mechanism. This review summarizes the principles of the sonochemistry method and highlights the resulting phenomenon of acoustic cavitation and its associated physical, chemical and thermal effects. The effect of sonochemistry on the deposition of Au NPs on the Fe3O4 surface of various sizes is presented and discussed. A Vibra-Cell ultrasonic solid horn with tip size, frequency, power output of ½ inch, 20 kHz and 750 W respectively was used in core@shell synthesis. The sonochemical process was shown to affect the surface and structure of Fe3O4 NPs via acoustic cavitation, which prevents the agglomeration of clusters in a solution, resulting in a more stable dispersion. Deciphering the mechanism that governs the formation of Au shell on Fe3O4 core NPs has emphasized the potential of sonication in enhancing the chemical activity in solutions.

This research concentrates on evaluating the effect of using two new techniques for strengthening steel beams with carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips on the structural behavior of these beams at service and ultimate load stages by using a confining steel plate in two different configurations. Five steel beams with lengths of 1,500 mm were tested under a single concentrated load at midspan: the first (nonstrengthened) beam was used as a reference beam, the second beam was strengthened by only a CFRP strip located at the bottom flange (tension face), and the third beam was strengthened by only a steel plate, which is also located at the bottom flange. The first technique is represented in the fourth beam, which was strengthened by a CFRP strip confined by a steel plate welded at its ends, whereas the second technique is obtained by an amendment done on the first technique and is represented by the fifth beam, which was strengthened by a CFRP strip with the confining steel plate (welded at its ends) and glued with the CFRP strip by a suitable epoxy adhesive. Test results have shown that the first technique has led to less deflection, less tensile strain, and a higher yield load at the service load stage (i.e., elastic region), whereas the second modified technique has led to a further decrease in deflection and tensile strain and an additional increase in yield and ultimate loads, and both of those outcomes were higher than the algebraic sum of the increases resulting from beams strengthened by a “steel plate” and “CFRP strip” individually.

In this study, the effect of incorporating of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the performance of p-n+ porous silicon (p-n+ PSi) solar cell was examined. Surface morphology of p-n+ PSi was modified by incorporating AuNPs into n+ PSi layer through a simple and quick immersing process in the solution of HAuCl4 with concentrations of 10−2 M and 5 × 10-3 M diluted in 2.9 M of HF to synthesize p-n+ PSi/AuNPs hetero structures. The characteristics of p-n+ PSi and AuNPs were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x- ray spectroscope (EDX). Photovoltaic parameters of hetero structure solar cells are strongly depended on the shape and the size of hot spot regions and on the morphology of modified p-n+ PSi. Significant improvement was noticed in Photovoltaic parameters of bare p-n+ PSi after incorporating AuNPs due to the existing of high density of smaller gap sizes.