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A one-pot synthesis approach was employed to create a composite nanorod structure (Mn2O3–MnO2–poly(m-methylaniline) or Mn2O3–MnO2–PmMA) on a polypyrrole (Ppy) film. Optoelectronic and solar cell thin film devices were constructed using n- and p-type layers of Mn2O3–MnO2–PmMA and Ppy, respectively. The optical characteristics of the n-layer, coupled with the morphological behavior of its nanorods, enhance optical absorbance efficiency, reducing the bandgap value to 2.48 eV. The behavior of the optoelectronic device is chiefly determined by the significantly higher current density (J ph) value of 0.017 mA/cm2 compared to the dark current density (J o) value of 0.002 mA/cm2. Additionally, the linear dynamic range is 85 dB, and the noise ratio is 12%. The optimized values for the photosensitivity (R) and detectivity (D) at 340 nm are 0.22 mA W−1 and 0.47 × 10⁸ Jones, respectively. Even at 540 nm, these values decrease to 0.08 and 0.2 × 10⁸ Jones, respectively. For solar cell behavior, the short-circuit current (J SC) and open-circuit voltage (V OC) at 540 nm are determined, yielding values of 0.001 mA/cm2 and 0.98 V, respectively. The outstanding performance of this optoelectronic device, coupled with its solar cell behavior, positions the thin film material for a dual role in various industrial applications.

The development of a photocathode based on a Pb(ii)-iodide/poly(1H-pyrrole) porous spherical (PbI2/P1HP PS) nanocomposite has been successfully achieved in the efficient production of H2 gas from Red Sea water. The distinguishable spherical and porous shapes of these nanocomposites are characterized by a minimum surface measuring approximately 25 nm. This structural configuration, coupled with the nanocomposite’s substantial light absorbance, results in a modest bandgap of 2.4 eV. This turns the nanocomposite into a highly promising candidate for renewable energy applications, particularly for H2 gas generation from natural sources like Red Sea water. The economic viability of the PbI2/P1HP PS nanocomposite, relying on a glass substrate, mass production, and straightforward fabrication techniques, adds to its promising profile for H2 gas evolution. The photocathode exhibits significant potential for H2 gas production, with a notable current density (J ph) value of 1.0 mA·cm−2 in a three-electrode cell configuration. The IPCE reaches 3.1%, reflecting the successful evolution of 24 µmol·h−1 10 cm2 of the photocathode. Importantly, the use of natural Red Sea water as an electrolyte underscores a key feature for H2 gas production: utilizing freely available natural resources. This aspect holds considerable promise for industrial applications, emphasizing the environmentally sustainable nature of the photocathode.

A nanocomposite thin film with a moon-like structural configuration, comprised of dichalcogenides (CoS2)-CoO/Poly-2-aminothiophenol (CoS2-CoO/P2ATP), is synthesized utilizing a Co(NO3)2 and K2S2O8-driven oxidation polymerization reaction. This nanocomposite boasts impressive morphological characteristics, coupled with a noteworthy optical feature characterized by a bandgap of 1.95 eV. Hydrogen generation tests are conducted using eco-friendly, cost-effective, and readily available Red Sea water, without the need for any additional electrolytes. These experiments are conducted under various optical conditions, and the resulting Jph values are employed as an indicator of hydrogen generation efficiency. The Jph value experiences a substantial increase, transitioning from − 0.092 to − 0.13 mA/cm2 when moving from darkness to light conditions. Furthermore, under monochromatic light, the Jph values exhibit a discernible pattern, declining from − 0.175 to − 0.122 mA cm−2 as the wavelength increases from 340 to 540 nm. The consistent stability of the photocurrent for a duration of 1200 s underscores the exceptional stability and reproducibility of this photocathode in facilitating the hydrogen generation reaction. Moreover, elevating the temperature from 30 to 50 °C leads to a notable augmentation in the generated Jph, with values rising from − 0.13 to − 0.2 mA/cm2, respectively. This variation allows for the estimation of the reaction's heat, revealing a ΔH value of − 15.2 kJ/mol, indicating a spontaneous reaction and high hydrogen generation efficiency. This groundbreaking study paves the way for industrial applications of the polymer nanocomposite, enabling efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly green hydrogen generation from Red Sea water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a green, novel, one-pot, and single-step method for synthesizing reduced graphene oxide/silver nanocomposites (RGO/Ags) with different Ag ratios using Roselle extract and 80kGy of γ-ray for symmetric supercapacitor applications. As a natural antioxidant, Roselle extract served as a scavenger of oxidative free radicals to inhibit the oxidation of graphene oxide/silver nitrate suspensions (GO/AgO3), which were undergoing radiolysis under γ irradiation. An additional sample of GO/AgO3 was irradiated with the same dose in the absence of Roselle for comparability. The efficient reduction of GO/AgO3 has been assessed by several analytical techniques, including XRD, FTIR, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The presence of Roselle hindered the formation of the AgO phase while concurrently promoting the construction of the Ag phase. Furthermore, using Roselle extract results in a more homogeneous dispersion of spherical silver nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. Symmetric supercapacitor has been assembled from arbitrary samples amongst RGO/Ags, which showed good performance like low internal resistance and suitable specific capacitance (96 F/g at current density 0.2 A/g). The findings point to the merit of RGO/Ag nanocomposites prepared by the synergetic effect of γ-ray and Roselle extract as an efficient supercapacitor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer composite materials combines of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CS), and titanium oxide (TiO2) were successfully synthesizing for using in optoelectronics. Successful incorporation of TiO2 into the PVA/Chitosan (PVA/CS) blend matrix has been demonstrated by XRD, AFM, FTIR and SEM. The TiO2 is uniformly loaded and distributed in polymer chain, as seen by SEM and AFM images. Using UV–Vis optical spectroscopy, we determine the absorption coefficient, band edge, carbon clusters numbers, and Urbach energy. The effects of TiO2 on linear/nonlinear optical characteristics were investigated. The band gap of PVA/CS/TiO2 is reduced when compared to PVA/CS. However, the absorbance and optical conductivity were both increased by TiO2. After mixed PVA/CS with 2.5%, 7.5%, and 10% TiO2, the band gap energy drops from 4.99 for PVA/CS to 4.9, 4.7, and 4.23 eV, while the Urbach tail of the blend is 1.01 eV, it enhanced to 1.45 eV, 1.72 eV, and 2.07 eV respectively. The values of relaxation time τ decrease gradually from 2.35 × 10–5 s to 1.11 × 10–5, 1.87 × 10–6 to 1.69 × 10–6 s as the concentration of TiO2 is raised from 2.5 to 7.5% and 10%. It has been found that incorporating TiO2 into PVA/CS enhances the synthetic composite's optical characteristics, making the composite PVA/CS/TiO2 it suitable for use in both energy applications and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The porous-spherical MnO2-Mn(OH)2/Ppy (polypyrrole) nanocomposite is synthesized through a one-pot, cost-effective oxidative polymerization method using KMnO4. This synthesis technique demonstrates great promise in terms of its ability to achieve mass production of the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite has a great optical property related to its wide optical absorbance from UV to near IR region (250 till 730 nm). The electrical properties of the MnO2-Mn(OH)2/Ppy nanocomposite photodetector were systematically tested under various optical conditions. Through these measurements, the performance of the photodetector was evaluated and characterized. The current density (Jph) is used to estimate the sensitivity of the generated electrons under the photon's irradiation. Under off/on light, the produced Jph are 4.2 and 9.5 mA cm−2, correspondingly. While, as the wavelengths increase from 340 to 730 nm, the Jph values exhibit a decrease, declining from 0.34 to 0.28 mA/cm². This trend illustrates the nanocomposite excellent responsiveness to photons across a wide range of optical regions. The promising sensitivity related to the photoresponsivity (R) of of 3.42 mA W−1. These values are estimated through detectivity (D) calculation, in which the D value is 6.42*108 Jones. With its exceptional reproducibility, the developed photodetector demonstrates strong suitability for industrial applications. Additionally, its synthesis process incurs low costs, further enhancing its attractiveness for practical implementation in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, O-amino benzenethiol (OABT) was oxidized in one pot using Fe(NO3)3 to produce a novel Fe2S3-Fe2O3/poly O-amino benzenethiol (POABT), which showed a highly uniform morphology. At the same time, from SEM analysis, highly wrinkled porous polypyrrole (Ppy) and porous ball-like POABT structures prepared from the K2S2O8 route were evidenced by SEM and TEM analyses. A nanocomposite pseudo-supercapacitor (SC) was fabricated using Fe2S3-Fe2O3/POABT, and its performance was tested with and without incorporating Ppy in the paste. The results indicate that Ppy significantly increased the specific capacitance (CS) values, indicating an enhancement in charge storage. At a current density of 0.2 A/g, the CS values were 44 F/g and 161 F/g for the paste without and with Ppy, respectively. Additionally, the E was calculated, and the incorporation of Ppy resulted in a significant increase in E, reaching 30 W.h.kg−1; this was significantly higher than the value of 8.18 W.h.kg−1 observed without Ppy materials. This effect is likely due to the improved charge transfer facilitated by the presence of Ppy, as evidenced by the Nyquist plot, where the Rct values were 1.1 Ω and 2.1 Ω with and without Ppy, respectively. Overall, the low cost and significant technical advantages of this capacitor make it a promising candidate for commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ZnS–ZnO/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposite was synthesized using the hydrothermal method, incorporating 0.05 g of g-C3N4 during the composite formation. The crystalline nature of the materials was confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope analyses revealed the morphological properties of the materials. The nanocomposite exhibited 2D g-C3N4 nanosheets with a thickness of 7.8 nm. Additionally, the nanocomposite consisted of spherical particles with an average particle size of 15 nm, which were distributed over the 2D g-C3N4 sheets. ZnS–ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite consists of spherical particles with an average particle size of 15 nm that covers the 2D g-C3N4 sheets. ZnS–ZnO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites without/with polypyrrole are used as a paste for the two-symmetric electrodes hybrid supercapacitor. The charge (0.5 to 1.3 A/g), cyclic voltammetry (0.0 to 1.0 potential window), impedance, and stability for the prepared supercapacitor are studied using electrochemical measurements. ZnS–ZnO/g-C3N4 supercapacitors have a specific capacitance of 15.1 and 152.2 F/g without/with the physical addition of polypyrrole, respectively. Also, they have energy density values of 1.17 and 11.87 W h/kg, respectively. Through the Randles cell, The Rs in the supercapacitor without/with polypyrrole are 6.9 and 6.65 Ω, respectively. While the values of the semicircle diameter (Rct) are 0.37 and 0.25 Ω, respectively. Also, the capacitance retention values are 88.6 and 90.2% without/with polypyrrole addition until 500 runs of charge/discharge. These values confirm the behavior of the polypyrrole material in the enhancement of the supercapacitor efficiency, storage capacity, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly uniform spherical MoO2-MoO3/polypyrrole core-shell nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized as an optoelectronic photon sensing material, capable of detecting light in the UV, Vis, and IR domains. The nanocomposite is prepared through the oxidation of pyrrole using Na2MoO4, resulting in a uniform spherical morphology that has been confirmed by TEM, theoretical modeling, and SEM analyses. This morphology contributes to its promising optical behavior, characterized by a small bandgap of 1.36 eV. The optoelectronic photosensing capability of the nanocomposite has been evaluated across the UV, Vis, and IR spectra, demonstrating high efficiency. The photoresponsivity R values indicate the ability of the nanocomposite to generate hot electrons in response to incident photons. With an R value of 4.15 mA·W−1 at 440 nm, this optoelectronic device exhibits considerable promise for integration into an advanced technological apparatus. The detection (D) value of 9.30 × 108 Jones at 440 nm further confirms the high sensitivity in the Vis region. The excellent stability of the device can be attributed to the inherent MoO2-MoO3 oxide and Ppy polymer materials. This stability has been demonstrated through reproducibility studies and current-voltage measurements under various optical conditions. The combination of stability, efficiency, and sensitivity makes this optoelectronic device well suited for light sensing applications in both industrial and commercial settings. Its promising performance opens up opportunities for advancements in various fields requiring accurate and reliable light detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-o-chloroaniline (POCA) and Mn2O3/β-MnO2/POCA porous nanocomposite are both synthesized using oxidative polymerization, with K2S2O8 and KMnO4 as oxidants, respectively. The materials are characterized to confirm their optical, morphological, crystalline, chemical, and elemental properties. The nanocomposite exhibits superior optical properties compared to POCA. The promising optical characteristics make the nanocomposite an attractive candidate for light-sensing applications. Through electrical estimation, the nanocomposite photodetector displays the highest sensitivity between 340 and 440 nm, with Jph (current density) of 0.14 and 0.13 mA cm−2, correspondingly, and an estimated photon number of 7.461021 and 6.93 × 1021 photons/s, respectively. At 340 and 440 nm, the calculated photoresponsivity (R) values are 0.73 and 0.64 mA W−1, respectively, while the estimated detectivity (D) values are 1.64 × 108 and 1.45 × 108 Jones, respectively. These promising results indicate that the fabricated photodetector can soon potentially estimate light wavelengths and photon numbers in various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized the exceptional optical and electrical properties of polypyrrole (Ppy) to fabricate high-performance optoelectronic devices. The synthesis of the porous-spherical Cr2O3-Cr(OH)3-Ppy/Ppy nanocomposite thin film was achieved by preparing a second thin film of Cr2O3-Cr(OH)3-Ppy on the initial Ppy film using K2Cr2O7 as an oxidant. The nanocomposite's properties were thoroughly characterized, including XRD and optical absorbance analyses. The XRD analysis showed that the crystalline size of the nanocomposite was 20 nm, while optical absorbance analysis demonstrated that the nanocomposite had a higher absorbance in a wide optical range compared to Ppy nanomaterials, as evidenced by the enhancement in bandgap (Eg) value from 3.33 eV for Ppy to 1.89 eV for Cr2O3-Cr(OH)3-Ppy. The fabricated nanocomposite thin film exhibited excellent light-sensing behavior, as evidenced by the evaluation of Jph values under different light conditions and various monochromatic lights with a detectivity (D) of 3.6 × 106 Jones (at 340 nm). The device demonstrated its potential as a solar cell, with a short circuit current (JSC) of 13 µA and an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.91 V. Given the nanocomposite's low cost, high technical production, and superior optoelectronic properties, it has significant potential for use in commercially available high-tech devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ag2S-Ag2O-Ag/poly-2-aminobenzene-1-thiol (P2ABT) nanocomposite was prepared using the photopolymerization reaction using AgNO3 as an oxidant. The size of the nanocomposite was about 40 nm, in which the morphology was confirmed using TEM and SEM analyses. The functional groups of Ag2S-Ag2O-Ag/P2ABT were confirmed using FTIR; also, XRD confirmed the inorganic Ag2S, Ag, and Ag2O formation. This nanocomposite has great performance in supercapacitor applications, with it tested in acidic (1.0 M HCl) and basic mediums (1.0 M NaOH). This pseudo-capacitor has great performance that appeared through the charge time in an acid medium in comparison to the basic medium with values of 118 s and 103 s, correspondingly. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis further confirmed the excellent performance of the supercapacitor material, as indicated by the large area under the cyclic curve. The specific capacitance (CS) and energy density (E) values (at 0.3 A/g) were 92.5 and 44.4 F/g and 5.0 and 2.52 W·h·Kg−1 in the acidic and basic mediums, correspondingly. The charge transfer was studied through a Nyquist plot, and the produced Rs values were 4.9 and 6.2 Ω, respectively. Building on these findings, our objective is to make a significant contribution to the progress of supercapacitor technology through a prototype design soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study provides hydrogen gas fuel as a renewable energy source. The production of H2 was carried out through the photocatalytic decomposition of sewage water using highly efficient poly(m‐toluidine) (PMT)/rolled graphene oxide (roll‐GO) as photoelectrode. The preparation of PMT thin film was carried out on glass using the in situ electropolymerization reaction from an acid medium. Then, the roll‐GO was deposited on this thin film using the casting method from the GO solution. The full characteristic analyses Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmitted electron microscope, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared nanomaterials. The morphology characteristic confirmed the formation of nanopores PMT, rolled GO, and rolled porous nanocomposite. The bandgap values for PMT, roll‐GO, and PMT/roll‐GO nanomaterials were 2.38, 2.67, and 1.65 eV, respectively. The hydrogen generation was carried out through the photoelectrode glass/PMT/roll‐GO with a current density (Jph) value of 0.08 mA.cm−2 at +1 V, with hydrogen moles of 10 μmole/h.cm−2. The Jph values changed from 0.078 to 0.053 mA.cm−2 with changing the monochromatic light wavelengths from 390 to 636 nm, respectively. Moreover, the Jph values increased from 0.078 to 0.295 mA.cm−2 which is followed by an increase in the temperature from 20°C to 60°C, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated, in which the Ea, ΔS*, and ΔH* values were 27.3 kJ/mol, 188.3 J/mol.K, and 24.7 kJ/mol, respectively. The wettability was studied for the PMT and PMT/roll‐GO films, in which the contact angles were changed from 92° to 41°, respectively. Finally, the mechanism was used for the explanation of the water‐splitting reaction using the PMT/roll‐GO photoelectrode under the light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is very promising for providing a renewable enrgy (H2 gas fuel) under the elctrochemical splitting of the wastwater (sewage water). This study has double benefits: hydrogen generation and contaminations removel. This study is carried out on sewage water, third stage treated, from Beni-Suef city, Egypt. Antimony tin oxide (ATO)/polyaniline (PANI)/PbI2 photoelectrode is prepared through the in situ oxidative polymerization of PANI on ATO, then PANI is used as an assistant for PbI2 deposition using the ionic adsorption deposition method. The chemical structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of the composite are confirmed using different analytical tools such as X-ray diffreaction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmision electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The prepared PbI2 inside the composite has a crystal size of 33 nm (according to the peak at 12.8°) through the XRD analyses device. SEM and TEM confirm the hexagonal PbI2 sheets embedded on the PANI nanopores surface. Moreover, the bandgap values are enhanced very much after the composite formation, in which the bandgap values for PANI and PANI/PbI2 are 3 and 2.51 eV, respectively. The application of ATO/PANI/PbI2 nanocomposite electrode for sewage splitting and H2 generation is carried out through a three-electrode cell. The measurements carreid out using the electrocehical worksattion under th Xenon lamp (100 mW.cm−2). The produced current density (Jph) is 0.095 mA.cm−2 at 100 mW.cm−2 light illumination. The photoelectrode has high reproducibility and stability, in which and the number of H2 moles is 6 µmole.h−1.cm−1. The photoelectrode response to different monochromatic light, in which the produced Jph decreases from 0.077 to 0.072 mA.cm−2 with decreasing of the wavelengths from 390 to 636 nm, respectively. These values confirms the high response of the ATO/PANI/PbI2 nanocomposite electrode for the light illuminaton and hydrogen genration under broad light region. The thermodynamic parameters: activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH*), and entropy (ΔS*) values are 7.33 kJ/mol, −4.7 kJ/mol, and 203.3 J/mol.K, respectively. The small values of ΔS* relted to the high sesnivity of the prepared elctrode for the water splitting and then the hydrogen gneration. Finally, a theoretical study was mentioned for calculation geometry, electrochemical, and thermochemistry properties of the polyaniline/PbI2 nanocomposite as compared with that for the polyaniline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and innovative rolled graphene oxide (roll‐GO)/poly‐m‐methylaniline (PmMA) core–shell nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized using an in situ polymerization technique. This eco‐friendly and cost‐effective material shows great promise due to its antimicrobial properties. The characterization of the nanocomposite involved X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze its structure and functional groups, whereas scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to examine its morphology. TEM analysis revealed the formation of roll‐GO, forming multi‐walled tubes with inner and outer diameters of 50 and 70 nm, respectively. Optical analysis demonstrated an enhanced bandgap in the nanocomposite, with bandgap values of 2.38 eV for PmMA, 2.67 eV for roll‐GO, and 1.65 eV for roll‐GO/PmMA. The antibacterial efficacy of the nanocomposite was tested against Gram‐positive bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Gram‐negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. The well diffusion method was used to determine the inhibition zones, revealing that the nanocomposite demonstrated broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against all the pathogens tested. The largest inhibition zones were observed for B. subtilis, followed by S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella sp. Notably, the inhibition zones increased when the samples were exposed to light compared to dark conditions, with increases of 33 and 18 mm noted for B. subtilis. This enhanced activity under light exposure is attributed to the photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposite. The antibacterial mechanism is based on both adsorption and degradation processes. Moreover, antibacterial activity was found to increase with increasing concentrations of nanoparticles, ranging from 100 to 500 ppm. This suggests that the nanocomposite has potential as an alternative to antibiotics, especially considering the growing issue of bacterial resistance. The promising results obtained from the inhibition zones make these nanocomposites suitable for various applications. Currently, the research team is working on the development of a prototype utilizing these antimicrobial particles within commercial bottles for sterilization purposes in factories and companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]