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The development of low-temperature combustion models combined with the use of biofuels has been considered as an efficient strategy to reduce pollutant emissions like CO, HC. NOx, and smoke. Indeed, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is the new approach to drastically minimize NOx emissions and smoke owing to the lower cylinder temperature and a higher rate of homogeneous A/F mixture as compared to compression ignition (CI) engines. The present research deal with the behavior analysis of a CI engine powered by diesel, Euglena Sanguinea (ES), and their blends (ES20D80, ES40D60, ES60D40, ES80D20). The experimental results revealed the highest brake thermal efficiency for ES20D80 although it decreased by 4.1% compared to diesel at normal mode. The average drop in HC, CO, and smoke was 2.1, 2.3, and 5.7% for ES20D80 as opposed to diesel fuel. Therefore, in the next stage, ES20D80 with various concentrations of graphite oxide (GO) nanoparticle (20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm) was chosen to carry out experiments in the HCCI mode, in which hydrogen gas was induced along with air through the intake pipe at a fixed flow rate of 3 lpm for the enrichment of the air-fuel mixture. As a result, the combination of hydrogen-enriched gas and GO-added ES20D80 in the HCCI mode showed similar performance to the CI engine but registered a major reduction of NOx and smoke emissions, corresponding to 75.24% and 53.07% respectively, as compared to diesel fuel at normal mode.

This paper aims to assess the mechanical and long-term durability performance of reactive powder concrete (RPC) containing granite powder (GrP) as cement replacement and waste glass powder (GP) as quartz sand replacement. The workability and mechanical behaviour of RPC containing various proportions of GrP and GP are assessed for different water/binder (w/b) ratios (0.3, 0.35, 0.4, and 0.45). The water resistance and tightness of RPC are measured by monitoring the electrical resistivity, water absorption, sorptivity, and chloride migration over a one-year period. Results reveal that substitution of GrP and GP at optimum levels of 15% and 30% respectively enhances the performance of RPC with the achievement of satisfiable workability at a 0.35 w/b ratio. A significant increase in the resistance towards chloride penetration and electrical resistivity was also observed with increasing ages. Thus, glass powder and granite powder can be considered as alternative construction materials providing economical and ecological efficiency.

Poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene)-based (P(VDF-TrFE)-based) terpolymers represent a new class of electroactive polymer materials that are relaxor-ferroelectric (RF) polymers and that offer unique and attractive property combinations in comparison with conventional ferroelectric polymers. The RF state is achieved by introducing a fluorine-containing termonomer as a “defect” into the ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer, which reduces the interaction between the VDF/TrFE dipoles. The resulting terpolymer exhibits a low Curie transition temperature and small remanent and coercive fields yielding a slim hysteresis loop that is typical for RF materials. Though the macroscopic behavior is similar to RF ceramics, the mechanisms of relaxor ferroelectricity in semi-crystalline polymers are different and not fully understood yet. Structure-property relationships play an important role in RF terpolymers, as they govern the final RF properties. Hence, a review of important characteristics, previous studies and relevant developments of P(VDF-TrFE)-based terfluoropolymers with either chlorofluoroethylene (CFE) or chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) as the termonomer is deemed useful. The role of the termonomer and of its composition, as well as the effects of the processing conditions on the semi-crystalline structure which in turn affects the final RF properties are discussed in detail. In addition, the presence of noteworthy transition(s) in the mid-temperature range and the influence of preparation conditions on those transitions are reviewed. A better understanding of the fundamental aspects affecting the semi-crystalline structures will help to elucidate the nature of RF activity in VDF-based terpolymers and also help to further improve their applications-relevant electroactive properties. ispartof: FERROELECTRICS vol:586 issue:1 pages:60-81 status: published

Hydrogen peroxide is a green propellant which apart from space propulsion is used in various industrial applications. Though hydrazine was used initially, the nature of hydrazine which is a toxic, carcinogenic and hazardous fuel resulted in various space agencies’ interest in green propellants. The essential step for high test peroxide (HTP) as a green mono propellant realization is on development of a reliable, effective, long life catalytic beds which are not affected by catalytic poisoning and impurities. In the present study, a 3D model is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics software to know the catalytic decomposition of 30% hydrogen peroxide flowing inside a 3 mm diameter 300 mm length channel. The effect of annular silver catalyst (I.D – 1.6 mm, O.D. – 2 mm, length 10 mm) on decomposition rate is studied in detail. The positioning of silver catalyst bed and number of beds increased the reaction rate with varying pressure drop. Among the variations simulated, the 4 catalyst model gives the better performance and gets decomposed to a greater extent. This model will help in the design of a micro thruster which can operate efficiently with low pressure drop.

The present work describes a technique to develop silver nanoparticles decorated calcium titanate–titania (AgNPs-CT-TiO2) nanostructured layer over Ti6Al4V alloy powder by simple chemical and heat treatment approach. The NaOH solution and heat treatment form a uniform porous nano-network morphology of sodium titanate and subsequent calcium nitrate treatment transforms it into calcium titanate along with rutile TiO2. However, simultaneous treatment with calcium and silver nitrate solution allows the incorporation of both calcium and silver ions over the nano-network morphology leading to the formation of AgNPs decorated calcium titanate along with anatase TiO2 (AgNPs-CT-TiO2@Ti6Al4V) that collectively induces biocompatibility towards MG 63 osteoblast-like cells as well as antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Thus modified AgNPs-CT-TiO2@Ti6Al4V alloy powders were subsequently blended with polymethyl methacrylate to develop a composite scaffold using NaCl as a porogen. This composite could be used as a scaffold or bone cement in various bone tissue engineering applications.

The low thermal conductivity of Phase Change Materials (PCM) reduces its performance and remains a challenging issue. In the present study, modified nano copper oxide powder (CuO) with various weight percentages is dispersed into paraffin wax to form Nano-PCM composites (NPCM). Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis showed the uniform dispersion of modified CuO and spherical in structure. Diffraction Scanning Calorimeter analysis (DSC) showed a trivial difference in the melting point of PCM and NPCM. The peak melting temperature of PCM was 18.56°C and for NPCM with 1% concentration was 17.14°C. The thermal conductivity of NPCM in solid and liquid states was high when compared to that of pure PCM. The thermal conductivity of NPCM with a 1% concentration is enhanced by 52% in a solid state and 20% in a liquid state. Solidification/Melting experiments conducted at different bath temperatures such as 15°C, 17°C, and 19°C for PCM and NPCM revealed that the solidification period and melting period reduced with an increase in concentrations of modified Nano CuO due to augmented heat transfer rates. The solidification time for NPCM with 1% concentration is reduced by 18.33% for discharging temperature 25°C, and melting time are reduced by 16.6% for charging temperature.

Utilisation of high carbon alcohols in diesel engines as fuel is gaining importance among researchers because of its better fuel properties that are compatible with mineral diesel. The present study utilises two such alcohols namely octanol and decanol along with diesel and biodiesel derived from lemongrass. Two ternary blends, 50% by volume of diesel – 30% by volume of biodiesel – 20% by volume of octanol, and 50% by volume of diesel – 30% by volume of biodiesel – 20% by volume of decanol, were prepared, and different engine characteristics were analysed and compared with both neat diesel and biodiesel operation. Results indicated that peak cylinder pressure lowered with the ternary blend. Peak heat release rate was higher for octanol blend. When compared with octanol blend, 2.5% higher brake thermal efficiency was observed for decanol blend. However, still, the brake thermal efficiency was 3.5% lower than the diesel operation. The oxides of nitrogen emission for decanol blend were 4% lower than octanol blend. In general, smoke emission was lower for higher alcohol blends in comparison with the binary blend operation. Among the higher alcohol blends, octanol portrayed a 15% lower smoke opacity. Both the hydrocarbon emission and the carbon monoxide emission increased with higher alcohol blends. The study revealed that 1-decanol could be a potential fuel candidate for diesel engines operating with biomass-derived lemongrass oil biodiesel.

Clinically, implant-related bone infections are a serious concern as they reduce the success rate of grafting techniques and increases the risk of morbidity. Clinicians use antibiotics to treat bone grafts. Silver-based components are gaining popularity for their exceptional antimicrobial activity. The current review provides the preparative procedure, characterization methods, and mechanical strength of silver-based composites. Additionally, the assessment includes information on the biocompatibility of silver-based composites and clinical studies for bone tissue engineering. Finally, the review discusses titanium implants coated with silver-based composites, their derivatives, and related studies. Overall, silver-based composites are a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Craters have been observed upon irradiation by single ion impacts of Ar monomer and Ar dimer ions with 35 keV/atom in monolayer graphene on copper at a fluence of 1 × 1012 atoms/cm2. The observed craters at the ion impacts are in the underlying copper substrate, which pull down the graphene layer conformally towards them, introducing disorder into graphene. The number density of craters per atom produced by Ar-monomers is higher than that of Ar-dimer ions. In the ion impact region, disorder is high, and graphene is metallic in both Ar-monomer and dimer irradiation. In the ion impact region of dimer irradiated graphene, local density of states is higher and there is a shift in Dirac point position by +0.07 eV and a bandgap opening of 0.25 eV in the ordered region ∼15 nm away from the ion impact. Microscopic ripples in graphene are not observed in the case of monomer irradiation while they are present in the case of dimer irradiation with a reduced wavelength. Isotropic compressive strain is introduced by the ion impacts and it is larger for Ar-dimer irradiation. The combined effects of compressive strain along with breaking the equivalence between A and B sublattice of graphene is attributed to the opening of the band gap in graphene.

To develop advanced anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIB), an extensive research effort is being employed. The effort focuses much on silicon-based anodes due to its high theoretical capacity. However, drawbacks exist such as low practical capacity, limited lithium diffusion, volume expansion, and stress-induced material damage, which retard the utilization of Si in LIB. To circumvent the above-stated issues, we developed a hetero-structure using silicon nitride (Si3N4) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as an anode for LIB. The developed Si3N4@MoS2 hetero-structure exhibits excellent initial capacity with better cycling stability than the pristine Si3N4. The tremendous electrochemical performance is attributed to (i) the formation of hetero-structure, as well as enhanced surface area (ii) The Si3N4@MoS2 forms a suitable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) by improving the electrode wettability attributed to its high polar nature (iii) The structural advantage of Si3N4@MoS2, it shortens the Li+transport path and improves the charge transfer and (iv) The highly abundant active sites of Si3N4@MoS2 improve the electrochemical performances.

An effective Ru/CNT electrocatalyst plays a crucial role in solid-state lithium-carbon dioxide batteries. In the present article, ruthenium metal decorated on a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is introduced as a cathode for the lithium-carbon dioxide batteries with Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 solid-state electrolyte. The Ru/CNT cathode exhibits a large surface area, maximum discharge capacity, excellent reversibility, and long cycle life with low overpotential. The electrocatalyst achieves improved electrocatalytic performance for the carbon dioxide reduction reaction and carbon dioxide evolution reaction, which are related to the available active sites. Using the Ru/CNT cathode, the solid-state lithium-carbon dioxide battery exhibits a maximum discharge capacity of 4541 mA h g-1 and 45 cycles of battery life with a small voltage gap of 1.24 V compared to the CNT cathode (maximum discharge capacity of 1828 mA h g-1, 25 cycles, and 1.64 V as voltage gap) at a current supply of 100 mA g-1 with a cutoff capacity of 500 mA h g-1. Solid-state lithium-carbon dioxide batteries have shown promising potential applications for future energy storage.

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) have many interesting properties, mainly light weight, cost efficiency, low density, high compressive strength, high hardness and durability. Hence, they emerged as a boon to the development of personnel armors in the past. The current work aims to review various new methodologies adapted for the reinforcement of Alumina (Al2O3) CMCs in recent times, including some of the interesting results obtained with respect to mechanical properties, suitability of the synthesized composites for armor applications, and the upcoming reinforcement trends. Finally, studies related to reinforcement in Al2O3 CMCs, specifically towards armor applications have been consolidated to arrive at some of the important inferences for concluding reasonably.

Background Self-assembly monolayers (SAMs) had been used widely to tailor the surface properties; and alkanthiols were the most common molecules which have been intensively studied. However, the assembly behavior of amine molecules and the characteristics of the SAMs are not well understood. Method In this study, dodecylamine (DDA) is used as a model molecule to study the self-assembly behavior of amine molecules from HClO4 solution onto an Au(111) surface. The adsorption process and the SAM characteristics are studied via cyclic voltammetry (CV), in-situ surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Significant findings The CV spectra show that the current densities of Fe+2/Fe+3 redox reaction decrease slightly after the treatment of DDA, implying the formation of a DDA adlayer. The in-situ SEIRAS spectra demonstrate that the adsorption of DDA performed slowly. These results imply a weak interaction of DDA with the gold surface. The STM observation in the HClO4 solution demonstrates that the adsorbed molecules arranged in an orderly manner, forming a flat-lying orientation. The lift-off orientation commonly found for thiol molecules doesn't occur for the DDA adlayer. On the basis of this study, the self-assembly ability of DDA on a gold surface is confirmed, and a weak DDA-Au interaction is verified.

The device performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) mainly depends on the sensitizers. Ruthenium sensitizers have played a vital role in the DSSCs to improve power conversion efficiency. However, the absorbance spectra of most Ru-sensitizers limited up to 600 nm, which maybe prohibiting further improvement of short-circuit current density (Jsc). To address this problem, TER-HDT was designed and synthesized by incorporating hexyl dithiafulvalene (HDT)-substituted bipyridine as an ancillary ligand and [2,2′:6′,2′'-terpyridine]-4,4′,4′'-tricarboxylic acid as anchoring ligand together. The synthesized TER-HDT was systematically studied and characterized by spectroscopic (proton NMR, Mass analysis), optical (UV-absorbance and photoluminescence), electrochemical and theoretical techniques. The novel sensitizer TER-HDT absorption tailed up to 900 nm, which originated from the enhanced intermolecular charge transfer in conjunction with efficient intra and intermolecular interactions. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels TER-HDT are suitable for electron injection and regeneration which may help to achieve high efficiency.

In this research work, an attempt was made to reinforce AA7168 aluminium alloy with Boron Carbide (B4C) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) through compos casting technique. Tribological test were performed ...

This work attempts to resolve one of the key issues related to the design and development of sustained-release spherule of aspirin for oral formulations, tailored to treat COVID-19. For that, in the Design of Experiments (DOE) an arbitrary interface, “coating efficiency” (CE) is introduced and scaled the cumulative percentage coating (CPC) to get predictable control over drug release (DR). Subsequently, the granules containing ASP are converted to spherules and then to Ethyl cellulose (EC) Coated spherules (CS) by a novel bed coating during the rolling (BCDR) process. Among spherules, one with 0.35 mm than 0.71 mm shows required properties. The CS has a low 1200 angle by Optical Microscopy (OM), smooth surface without cracks by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and better flow properties (Angle of repose 29.69 ± 0.780, Carr's index 6.73 ± 2.24%, Hausner's Ratio 1.07 ± 0.03) than granules and spherules. Once certain structure-dependent control over release is attained (EC coated spherules shows 10% reduction in burst release (BR) than uncoated spherules showing a release of 80–91%) the predictability is achieved and Design of space (DOS) by DOE (CE-70.14%and CPC-200% and DR-61.54%) is established. The results of DOE to experimentally validated results were within 20% deviation. The aspirin is changing its crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) from Form-I to Form-II showing polymorphism inside the drug reservoir with respect to the process. This CE and CPC approach in DOE can be used for delivery system design of other labile drugs similar to aspirin in emergency situations., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

Energy utilization in building sector constitutes 40% of the total energy consumption of the world, and in this, the wall alone consumes 50% of the buildings’ energy. Hence, in order to reduce energy cost and to maintain the thermal comfort inside a room, a novel wall construction method is suggested and its heat transfer characteristics are studied at different wall temperatures. The energy consumption required for room cooling got decreased by the use of this novel method, and also, the material requirements were found to be reduced about 12% for constructing the wall. To improve thermal resistance, the air gap is provided in the brick wall structure by placing the bricks in such a way that an air gap is formed in the middle. By this arrangement, 35% of the heat transfer surface area gets covered by the air gap. The heat transfer rates across the traditional solid wall and also the modified hollow wall were investigated for five test conditions ranging from 303 to 323 K in the step of 5 K. Using the hollow wall, the maximum reduction in the total heat flux found was 40.59 Wm−2 which is about 26% lower than the solid wall. Hence, the hollow wall would be an energy-saving structure compared to solid wall.

Nowadays, the Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) process was also working to cut the hard titanium alloys. During the WEDM, the generation of high temperatures was used to melt and vaporize and also flushed away the hard titanium alloy. The tough Ti–6Al–2Sn–4Zr–2Mo alloy was machined in the current research by the WEDM method and machining features such as surface roughness (SR) and Material Removal Rate (MRR) were statistically evaluated to achieve optimum performance. The investigations were performed using the Taguchi orthogonal array technique. The optimum process factors were defined from the main effect plot 32 μs, 3 m/min, and 12 g for material removal rate and as 10 μs, 32 μs, 7 m/min, and 12 g for surface roughness. The best essential parameters were established from the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis. The pulse on-time current and pulse off time were identified as important parameters for the material removal rate with a contribution of 23.60%, 5.91%, and 65.02%. The best essential parameters for surface roughness were pulse on time, pulse off time, and a combination of pulse on-time and pulse off time with a percentage contribution of 22.71% and 36.88% respectively.Moreover, the machined surface was examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

A new organometallic crystal diaquo-di(2-hydroxy-1-naphthoate)-cadmium(II) was synthesized by slow evaporation method and characterized for optical, spectral, thermal and biological applications. S...

In this work, biochar was added with grape seed biodiesel at different concentrations of 25 and 50 ppm to facilitate the ignition behavior of a diesel engine. Results conclude that the nano-biochar...

The rapid growth in industrialization steadily increased the energy demand. The world's population ultimately depends on petroleum as a major share of fuel for transportation and industrialization. Even though it is widely used in various sectors, its emission into the atmosphere creates serious problems in the form of acid rain, smog, etc. This present experimental investigation highlights the utilization of Vachellia nilotica seed oil methyl ester (VNSOME) synthesized from Vachellia nilotica seed oil (VNSO) fueled in a diesel engine to assess the emission and performance characteristics. VNSOME is produced using the alkaline catalyst (NaOH) transesterification technique. Four different fuel blends of biodiesel, namely, VNSOME5, VNSOME10, VNSOME15, and VNSOME20, were prepared and fueled in an unmodified engine. The engine brake thermal efficiency is lower, the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) using VNSOME20 is higher, and the temperature of exhaust gas emitted after combustion is increased. The thermal efficiency is reduced by 7.34% with increased BSFC and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of 9.3 and 14.28%, respectively, as compared to diesel fuel. Similarly, using an optimized biodiesel blend (VNSOME20), the emission emitted such as HC and CO is reduced by 19.14 and 22.2%, respectively. However, the engine fueled with the VNSOME20 biodiesel blend increased the level of CO2 and NO x emitted into the atmosphere when compared to diesel fuel.

Due to their recalcitrant nature and ubiquitous use, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will continue to be major water treatment hurdles. Although effective water treatment technologies ex...

This analysis studies the impact of the pulsating flow of Al $$_2$$ O $$_3$$ -blood non-Newtonian nanofluid in a channel in the presence of the magnetic field and thermal radiation. Viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects are taken into account. Blood is taken as Oldroyd-B fluid (base fluid) and Al $$_2$$ O $$_3$$ as nanoparticles. The present study is important in engineering and biological models. The walls of channel are assumed to be semi-infinite in length. Assumed that the flow is fully developed and induced by a pressure gradient. Analytical solutions for flow variables are obtained using the perturbation method. The influence of different parameters on temperature and rate of heat transfer have been analysed through graphical results. The results reveal that the temperature of nanofluid accelerates by increasing viscous dissipation and heat source and frequency parameter. Further, the rate of heat transfer enhances with an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction and viscous dissipation.

Abstract This article examines the prospects of using toluene added cashew nut shell pyro oil–diesel blends as alternative fuels in CI engine. Effects of adding fixed proportion (by vol.) of toluene (TU) to various cashew nut shell pyro oil (CPO)–diesel (D) blends on the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a direct injection, single cylinder, water cooled, naturally-aspirated, constant speed run, 4-stroke CI engine were investigated under varied brake power conditions. Tested fuels were neat diesel, CPOT5 (5% CPO + 5% TU + 90% D), CPOT10 (10% CPO + 5% TU + 85% D) and CPOT15 (15% CPO + 5% TU + 80% D). CPO was extracted through a lab-scale fast pyrolysis apparatus. Fuel samples were prepared and characterized according to ASTM standards. Owing to the features like low sensitivity, impressive anti pinging, etc., presence of toluene in an optimal CPO-diesel blend was expected to promote the engine characteristics. Set of experiments were conducted for each fuel mixture and the respective in-cylinder pressure, fuel consumption, exhaust emission levels, temperatures were recorded. At the rated power output condition, CPOT5 fuel had shown 1.67% increased brake thermal efficiency, 5% reduced brake specific fuel consumption, almost 3% reduced exhaust gas temperatures as well as reduced the exhaust emissions such as HC (from 91 to 87 ppm), CO (from 0.1 to 0.08%), NOx (from 458 to 426 ppm), smoke levels (from 72 to 69 BSN). CPOT5 showed improved combustion characteristics like reduced ignition delays and combustion durations, increased rates of cylinder pressure rise and heat release. However, overall attained improvements in the engine parameters were found to be not up to the mark which makes the chances of using CPOT5 as best alternative to diesel feeble. Article highlights The Cashew nut shells agro-waste is efficiently converted into an alternative fuel. Effect of adding toluene to pyro oil – diesel blends in CI engine is examined. Engine performance is improved marginally with 1.6% higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and 5% lower brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Reductions in CO, HC, NOx and smoke emissions are observed. Reduced Ignition delay and combustion durations, increased rate of pressure rise, and increased HRR are observed.

A great effort has been devoted to develop the numerical methods to solve Schrödinger equation for atoms and molecules which help to reveal the physico-chemical process and properties of various known/unknown materials. Designing the efficient probe to sense the heavy metals is a crucial process in chemistry. And, during this energy crisis, to find the effective conversion materials for water splitting is an important approach. The density functional theory (DFT) is a powerful tool to identify such materials and made great achievements in the field of heavy metal chemosensor and photocatalysis. Particularly, DFT helps to design the chemosensor for the effective sensor applications. The universe is moving towards the exhaustion of fossil fuels in a decade and so on, DFT plays a vital role to find the green energetic alternative to fossil fuel which is the Hydrogen energy. This book chapter will focus on the application of DFT deliberately on the heavy metal sensors and hydrogen evolution reaction.

Doping of heteroatom into well-structured mesoporous carbon architecture can significantly augment the capacitive performance. In this work, we report P-doped graphitic hollow carbon spheres (P-GHCS) grown over Fe-KIT-6 through the in situ approach using the catalytic CVD technique. The obtained P-GHCS possesses a relatively high surface area with uniform mesoporous structure, good graphitization with tunable P-doping contents. The highly favorable structure and desirable heteroatom doping were taken into account to evaluate the P-GHCS as a modified electrode material towards high-performance supercapacitor. The optimized P-GHCS-800 sample exhibits superior specific capacitance (Csp) 321 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 with outstanding cycling stability with 2.9% loss of its initial capacitance after 2000 cycles in 6 M KOH electrolyte background in the three-electrode computerized system. More importantly, the fabricated P-GHCS-800 symmetric supercapacitor device can withstand at a wide potential width of 2.0 V, together with remarkable cyclic stability (89.09%) after 2000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1 in aqueous 1 M Na2SO4 as electrolyte providing a relatively high energy density of 10.83 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 222.78 W kg−1. Additionally, we demonstrated the single symmetric supercapacitor cell which provided sufficient energy to turn on a red LED of 20 mW and emit light over a certain period of time opens up possible realistic applications.

Antiferromagnetic insulators are a ubiquitous class of magnetic materials, holding the promise of low-dissipation spin-based computing devices that can display ultra-fast switching and are robust against stray fields. However, their imperviousness to magnetic fields also makes them difficult to control in a reversible and scalable manner. Here we demonstrate a novel proof-of-principle ionic approach to control the spin reorientation (Morin) transition reversibly in the common antiferromagnetic insulator α-Fe2O3 (haematite) – now an emerging spintronic material that hosts topological antiferromagnetic spin-textures and long magnon-diffusion lengths. We use a low-temperature catalytic-spillover process involving the post-growth incorporation or removal of hydrogen from α-Fe2O3 thin films. Hydrogenation drives pronounced changes in its magnetic anisotropy, Néel vector orientation and canted magnetism via electron injection and local distortions. We explain these effects with a detailed magnetic anisotropy model and first-principles calculations. Tailoring our work for future applications, we demonstrate reversible control of the room-temperature spin-state by doping/expelling hydrogen in Rh-substituted α-Fe2O3.

Understanding of exciton dynamics in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is of great importance due to their immense application potential on various photonic devices. In this work, we demonstrate hot...

CuInSe2 thin films were deposited on ITO glass substrate by one-step electrochemical deposition (ECD) method without and with complexing agents like tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and triethanolamine (TEA) at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirm the as-deposited CuInSe2 thin films at 85 °C without and with complexing agents belong to the tetragonal crystal structure with the dominant peak representing the (112) plane. The single crystallized CuInSe2 thin films show Raman spectra with a dominant A1 mode at 174 cm−1. Raman spectra analysis conform that doesn’t peak present secondary phases like Cu2S and In2S3. AFM images of the as-deposited thin films show adherent, compact, and crack-free surface. The (αhν)2 fall is sharper in CuInSe2 thin films with TEA complex than the TMAH complex due to better crystallinity. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study, we found that CuInSe2 thin film with TEA complex acquires a very slighter charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 32 Ω when compared with CuInSe2 thin film samples deposited with and without TMAH. Also, photoelectrochemical investigation signifies that CuInSe2 thin films deposited with TEA complex exhibit engendering better photocurrent response and more rapid relocation of photo-induced charge carriers in contrast to the other thin films fabricated with TMAH. We observed from cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies that redox reaction of iodide/triiodide (I−/I−3) optimized using CuInSe2 thin film with TEA complex delivers superior electrocatalytic performance than the films with TMAH.

Layered hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites such as the lead halide Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) series are solution-processable two-dimensional (2D) materials with tunable optoelectronic properties. Dy...

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active switchable [2]rotaxane TR2 with two different molecular stations and arm-terminated TPE units at both ends, and their derivatives were synthesized by means of threading, followed by the stoppering tactic via click chemistry. The AIE behavior of thread A1 and [2]rotaxanes (TR1, TR2, and TR3) in CH3CN were activated by tuning water fractions (fw), which induced the development of various well-defined nanostructures including spheres, nanorods, truncated cubes, and nanocubes via the self-assembly of scaffolds. These AIE changes and distinct nanostructures formation verify that the reported analogous rotaxanes were controlled by the shuttling movements of the macrocycle along with wide ranges of multi-non-covalent interactions. The anion-templated construction of [2]rotaxane TR2 with a high level of structurally complex design always encounters more challenging tasks. Evidently, the key to the design involved encoding flexible arms on both triazolium motifs, and exhibited an impressive selectivity and sensitivity (with a detection limit of 0.20 μM) towards the complementary H2PO4− ion species. The specific mechanical molecular motion and host–guest interactions of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) were also further explored by quantum mechanical calculations. Importantly, the AIE changes of [2]rotaxanes TR1, TR2, and TR3 were further supported by their bioimaging applications and specifically, [2]rotaxane TR2 could be applied to in vitro imaging with H2PO4− at subcellular levels. This flexible multi-component synthetic strategy affords access to the systematic tuning of molecular structures and self-assembled architectures, and it will inspire further studies on the self-assembly of TPE-containing MIMs for materials science and biological applications.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are the most commonly used natural polymers for biomaterial synthesis. However, their low dispersibility, conductivity, and poor compatibility with the hydrophobic matrix hinder their potential applications. Therefore, we grafted sulfate half-ester and carboxylic functional groups onto CNC surfaces (S-CNC and C-CNC) to overcome these shortcomings. The effect of the dopants, surfactant ratios, and properties of CNCs on the thermal stability, conductivity, and surface morphology of polyaniline (PANI)-doped CNC nanocomposites were investigated through emulsion and in situ polymerization. The higher electrical conductivity and well-dispersed morphology of SCNC–PANI30 (1.1 × 10−2 S cm−1) but lower thermal stability than that of CCNC–PANI30 (T0: 189 °C) nanocomposites are highly related to dispersibility of S-CNCs. However, after 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) was added, the conductivity and thermal stability of SCNC/PANI increased up to 2.5 × 10−1 S cm−1 and 192 °C with almost no particle aggregation because of the increase in charge dispersion. The proposed biodegradable, renewable, and surface-modified S-CNC and C-CNC can be used in high-thermal-stability applications such as food packaging, optical films, reinforcement fillers, flexible semiconductors, and electromagnetic materials.

We have developed a supramolecular (close form) [2]pseudorotaxane polymer containing the green-emissive (λem = 523 nm) BODIPY-based pillar[5]arene host and the non-emissive spiropyran (SP)-based cyano guest (close form), which can be converted to a red-emissive (λem = 630 nm) merocyanine (MC)-based guest (open form) upon UV exposure as well as turned into a bi-fluorophoric host–guest polymer with ratiometric PL emission of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) behavior in THF/water solution (60% H2O, v/v). The equal host–guest molar ratio and the formation of the [2]pseudorotaxane polymer can be further verified using 1H NMR titration, Job's plot analysis, DOSY and ITC experiments. Hence, the bi-fluorophoric host–guest (with the MC open form) polymer possessed the highest red-emission of the MC acceptor, which was also confirmed using TRPL measurements to possess the shortest lifetime of 0.37 ns and the best FRET efficiency of 83.5%. Since the MC unit could react with CN− to induce a non-emissive quenching process, the mono-fluorophoric guest would show turn-off PL behavior and detect cyanide ions with a corresponding limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.94 μM. In comparison, the optimal LOD value of 0.48 μM toward CN− anion could be achieved by our bi-fluorophoric host–guest polymer via the FRET-OFF process. Therefore, cyanide detection and cell viability tests using the open form of the [2]pseudorotaxane polymer suggest useful bio-imaging applications in living cells.

The natural fiber is a best replacement for synthetic fiber which is reinforced with polymer composites for advanced engineering application. The main purpose of this paper is to study the tensile and flexural properties of untreated and treated palymra natural fiber reinforced polyester composites. Palmyra fibre is used as a reinforcement and the polyester resin is used as a matrix. Composites plates were fabricated through handlayup moulding techniques. The treated palymra fiber composites yields excellent tensile and flexural properties. Tensile tests revealed that the ultimate strength is about 48 MPa, and elongation break at 6%. The flexural strength is estimated to be around 64 MPa respectively. The mechanical properties of materials prepared from a chemical treated with potassium permanganate palmyra are found to be much stronger than those of untreated fiber. Surface morphologies of fracture surfaces of composites were reported using electron microscopy scanning (SEM).

Pure alumina powder is synthesized by solid state reaction method, wherein aluminium nitrate nano hydrate is annealed for 3 h at 1000 °C in muffle furnace. Carbon nano cones, as a reinforcer, are added to pure alumina in different weight proportions such as 0.5%, 2.5% and 4% and annealed at 1000 °C for 3 h in nitrogen atmosphere. The synthesized samples were characterized using XRD, SEM and DRS techniques to estimate crystallite size, interplanar distance and band gap. SEM reveals the surface morphologies of all samples and a rough estimate of crystallite sizes varying from few nm to 15 µm.

This investigation examine the polymer matrix composite material prepared from 32 wt% epoxy resin LY556 and 3 wt% hardener HY951 with Palm fiber (30 wt%, 20 wt%, 10 wt%) and S-glass. Composite materials are made by reinforcing at least two materials of different properties. Hybrid Composite materials are framed by combining natural and synthetic fibers. In this study based on the physical, synthetic and mechanical properties of the chosen materials the necessary epoxy resin LY556 and hardener HY951 are picked and fabricated accordingly by using hand lay-up method. The test specimens are cut as per the ASTM standards using waterjet cutting. Different tests were conducted to assess the Mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness of the hybrid composite material. The morphological study used to identify the structure of the composite material is done by using scanning electron microscope. The elemental analysis also examined using SEM-EDX. The test results show that the specimen 1 (30 wt% palm fiber) which have the better strength, firmness, high strength to weight ratio and other mechanical properties compared to other specimens 2 (20 wt% palm fiber) and 3 (10 wt% palm fiber). The morphological properties show that the composite materials have good bonding properties. The SEM-EDX analysis show that the composite material has 49.64% carbon which is a high strength element used for structural applications.

Physicochemical properties of lemongrass biodiesel and diesel engine parameters fueled with nanoparticles (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide, and Alumina) added in diesel/biodiesel blended have been investigated, in which zinc oxide nanoparticles was green synthesized from ldenlandia leaf. The synthesized Zno Nps was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X Ray Diffraction and FT-IR study. Each nanoparticles has own weightage of 50 ppm in 30% blend of lemongrass biodiesel/diesel. The performance, exhaust emission and combustion characteristics were performed for each lemongrass biodiesel nanoparticles blend using diesel engine and validation was carried out between each lemongrass biodiesel blends with diesel and ANOVA analysis was done to found out the dependency of parameters. It was concluded that characterization of ZnO, TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles such as XRD, SEM and FT-IR was conformed their behavior in anatase phase along with lemongrass oil also characterized by FT-IR. From ANOVA table, B3050ZnO has major significant dependence for brake thermal efficiency over 3%. It was concluded that lemongrass biodiesel with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles has better performance, emission and combustion characteristics over 5% among other two nano-additives.

By incorporating fibre, the comparatively low strength and stiffness qualities of most composites can be improved. The processing and characterization of organic jute fibre reinforced composites has been examined in the current investigation. Jute fibre was used as filler and epoxy resin as matrix in this work. Using hand debilitate method, the composites samples were prepared in the Hi-tech Rudolf laboratory with a suitable fabricating method and quality control. With various proportions of fibres and matrix ratios, the prepared composites are randomly orientated. The SEM, FTIR, impact and hardness tests were employed. From the test results, the increase in the composite's jute fibre volume fraction caused the impact energy and hardness strength of the composite to increase. In addition Taguchi analysis is performed for optimization of single response problem.

The administration of worn tires might be a worry in industrialized nations. The apparatus of morsel elastic as light-weight mix in bond principally based materials might be an unpracticed different for reusing this material. High substitutions of normal sand by morsel elastic were concentrated partner degreed an air-entraining specialist was used to affirm a cell structure inside the cement based composite. The acquired outcomes from tests in contemporary state uncover partner degree improvement in functionality. The tests led on solidified composite show guarantee for productive applications any place warm and acoustic properties region unit required. The aim of the study as sand replacement of rubber powder 0% to 10% in with mix of 1:3 ratios of cement mortar cubes. To the base requirement of mechanical strength for fine aggregate work was accomplished, since compressive strength differed somewhere in the range of one and ten percentage. At long last, potential applications as a development material are featured. The study reveals that optimum replacement of rubber powder in cement mortar cubes as 3% of up to 15%without treatment of chemical compounds and with treatment of chemical compound of Potassium hydroxide in Air Entrained Rubber (AER).

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) are becoming popular in the construction industry as these materials are bringing technical revolution in the field of civil engineering. Alccofine is a new generation micro fine concrete material for high Strength Concrete which is important in respect of workability as well as strength. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of Alccofine as Supplementary cementitious materials in construction industries. Because of the demands in the construction industry, the necessity of high performance concrete is also increased. Over the past few years, the efforts which are made for improving the performance of concrete suggest that cement replacement materials along with the minerals and chemical admixtures can improve the strength and durability characteristics of concrete. For high strength, Alccofine is a new generation micro fine concrete material and which is important in respect of workability as well as strength. The advantage of Alccofine other than strength is that it also lowers the water/binder ratio. The fine aggregate is replaced by iron powder from iron wastes. The design mix executed for this project is M30grade concrete. The cement is replaced by 10% by Alccofine and fine aggregate is replaced by 5%,10%,15%,20% Iron powder. The compressive strength and split tensile strength were carried out with different proportioned Iron powder at different curing days for 7,14,28 days. The strength obtained from the Alccofine and iron powder concrete is compared with the conventional concrete.The durability test were conduct using Na2SO4 and HCl at 28 day curing.

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the predominant processes in additive manufacturing technique in which polymer materials are printed. Polyether ether Ketone (PEEK) is one such polymer which in its pure form has elastic modulus of 4 GPa and its composites have still more higher elastic modulus values of up to 15 GPa. An increased tensile strength of the material and its composites results in increased mechanical strength. The material has higher thermal, chemical stability along with bio compatibility making it suitable for high temperature, corrosive environments and for biomedical applications. The cost of FDM printers using PEEK material is relatively high when compared with other 3D printers. Digital printing of the PEEK polymer material requires special design of the nozzle arrangements along with preheating mechanisms. This is because of the controlled thermal environments required during the printing process. The present work aims at understanding the thermal and fluid flow characteristics of the PEEK material when passing through a commercial nozzle. Experiments are done along with a validated numerical model using COMSOL Multiphysics to avoid thermal degradation of the P.E.E.K material during the melt extrusion process.

A Jerusalem cross shaped patch antenna has weaved the textile woven materials has described in this research. The breast tumor detection application is implemented through the existing test beds. The proposed patch strips have printed on textile cotton and polyester woven. 5.2 GHz resonant frequency has examined by Agilent (N99917A) Microwave Analyzer. These woven modules didn’t reflected any harmful radiation on human body. These fabric modules with breast phantom model has examined the depth of tumors that presented in the cancerous organ. Therefore, these results have validated with their measurement results.

The impact of tin (IV-Sn4+) doping into rhombohedral barium titanate (BaTiO3) towards the enhancement of second harmonic generation (SHG) was studied. XRD analysis confirms retention of rhombohedral symmetry in Sn4+ doped BaTiO3. UV-Vis absorption study reveals that Sn4+ doping has no significant effect on the optical band gap of BaTiO3. Raman spectrum portrays that undoped and Sn4+ doped BaTiO3 nanopowder exhibits Raman active modes of rhombohedral symmetry. The studies displays that Sn4+ doped BaTiO3 has created non-centrosymmetry, which could be utilized for enhancement in SHG and possibility to improve the efficiency in rhombohedral BaTiO3 based solar cells.