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This study intends to improve the dielectric properties of PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures for use in flexible pressure sensors and electrical nanodevices. PMMA/PEG films and PMMA/PEG films doped with SiO2 and SiC NPs were created using a casting technique. The structural properties of PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures were examined using FTIR and an optical microscope. The dielectric properties were assessed using an LCR meter across a frequency range from 100 Hz to 5 MHz. The analysis of the structural features of PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures showed a significant presence of SiO2 and SiC nanoparticles in the PMMA/PEG material and strong integration between SiO2 and SiC nanoparticles and the PMMA/PEG matrix. The dielectric properties showed an increase in the dielectric parameters of PMMA/PEG as the concentration of SiO2-SiC NPs increased. The dielectric constant and AC electrical conductivity of PMMA/PEG rose by approximately 39% and 49%, respectively, with low dielectric loss values ranging from 0.14 to 0.275 at 100 Hz. These findings suggest that PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures may be suitable for a variety of nanoelectronics applications. The dielectric properties of PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures changed as the frequency increased. The structure and dielectric properties of the PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures suggest they can be used in a variety of flexible nanoelectronics applications due to their low-cost, high-energy storage capability, and minimal energy loss. An investigation was conducted on the pressure sensor application of PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures. The results indicated that the PMMA/PEG/SiO2/SiC nanostructures exhibit high sensitivity to pressure, exceptional flexibility, and strong environmental resilience in comparison to other sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of MFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 (M = Cu, Ni, Co) nanostructures by microwave-assisted sol-gel synthesis utilizing rice husk as a cost-effective silica precursor and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a soft template. Structural and electrochemical properties were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDS, HRTEM, BET, and electrochemical techniques. The result revealed the formation of well-defined MFe 2 O 4 spherical nanoparticles decorated mesoporous silica spheres. Electrochemical studies indicate that the CoFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 electrode performs better than the CuFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 and NiFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 electrodes in faradaic redox processes and supercapacitor performance, having a specific capacitance of 1263 F/g at 1 A. Asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with CoFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 as positive electrode exhibits high specific capacitance of 135.66 F/g at 1 A/g with good cycle stability retention (70.83 % at 10 A/g), high energy density (50.4 Wh/kg) and power density (891.522 W/kg). CoFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 performs better than CuFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 and NiFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 because cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4) has higher electrical conductivity, superior redox activity, and better electrochemical stability. This study offers cost-effective potential electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage, combining environmental sustainability with superior electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development of Ni-Co/SiO 2 nanocomposite coatings on mild steel surface using pulsed-current electrodeposition method. The effects of incorporating SiO 2 nanoparticle and varying its concentration on the coatings' microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and frictional properties were assessed using field-emission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Vickers microhardness testing, and dry sliding wear tests. The results indicated that the coatings exhibited two-phases of Ni-Co solid solution (α) with a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure and hexagonal Co, a refined crystallite size of approximately 31 nm for Ni-Co and about 25 nm for Ni-Co/SiO 2 , along with a colony-like morphology that did not show any preferred growth direction. The amount of Ni-Co solid solution increased with the addition of SiO 2 nanoparticles. The composite coatings demonstrated enhanced microhardness of 581 HV, which is 52 % greater than that of the Ni-Co coating, as well as improved wear resistance and a reduced friction coefficient compared to the unreinforced alloy coating. However, higher SiO 2 content adversely impacted the tribological properties due to nanoparticle agglomeration. Analysis of the worn surfaces revealed a transition from abrasive wear to oxidative wear with increasing applied force for the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, delay line surface acoustic wave devices were prepared using a 128° Y-cut LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate. Pure MoS2 and composite materials of MoS2 and SiO2 with various morphologies were sprayed to form sensitive layers. By adjusting the amount of NH4OH catalyst in the precursors, the particle sizes of SiO2 nanospheres were successfully controlled at 70, 200, and 300 nm by the sol-gel method. SiO2 nanospheres were then added to the precursor for preparing rosette-shaped MoS2, and nanocomposites were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. As a result, two types of composite material were obtained, namely, the S-M structure and the M-S structure. As ammonia gas sensors, the results showed that all the sensors exhibited negative frequency shifts as the NH3 gas concentration increased. Surface area and pore size distribution analyzer (BET) analysis showed that the highest specific surface area of 115.57 m²/g occurred on the S-M structural composite material. The sensor using the S-M structural composite material has a sensitivity of 1932 Hz/ppm to NH3 gas. The sensing linearity R-squared value is approximately 0.99, with continuous dynamic sensing at NH3 gas concentrations of 5-50 ppm. Finally, we revealed that decorating MoS2 with SiO2 nanospheres can improve the adsorption of ammonia molecules and significantly enhance sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene-based flexible electrodes possess advantageous properties, including good electrical conductivity and high specific capacitance. Nevertheless, the lack of cycling stability of these flexible electrodes represents a significant limitation for their further application in wearable technology. In response to this challenge, this study innovatively composites SiO 2 nanoparticles with Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets and introduces a trace amount of epoxy resin to prepare CC/MXene@SiO 2 -EP nanostructures, which form a unique three-dimensional structural composite. This method significantly enhanced the interfacial properties, electrochemical performance, and cycling stability of MXene-based flexible electrodes in a straightforward and environmentally benign manner. The introduced epoxy resin acts as an efficient binder to firmly anchor the MXene@SiO 2 nanostructures to the carbon cloth surface, which greatly improves the mechanical properties of the flexible devices. The specific capacitance of the CC/MXene@SiO 2 -EP composite in the three-electrode system was approximately 481.4 F g−1, with a capacity retention of 94.07 % after 8000 cycles. Furthermore, the AC//CC/MXene@SiO 2 -EP ASC device assembled with activated carbon exhibits an ultra-high energy density of 39.74 W h kg−1 at a power density of 400 W kg−1 and a capacitance retention of up to 96.7 % after 5000 cycles at maximum 90° reciprocal bending. It can be observed that CC/MXene@SiO 2 -EP composites represent a novel class of flexible electrodes, offering a promising avenue for the advancement of the energy storage field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for materials to treat wastewater is especially crucial. Herein, we have prepared 1D molybdenum oxide (MoO 3) nanobelts through a hydrothermal approach. The binary (MoO 3 /SiO 2) and ternary composites of MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene were synthesized via ultrasonication route. The as-prepared MoO 3 , MoO 3 /SiO 2, and MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composites were employed to investigate the photocatalytic behavior of two organic dyes, methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV). The % degradation of MO in the presence of MoO 3 nanobelts and MoO 3 /SiO 2 was calculated to be 48.9 % and 74.4 %, respectively. In the case of CV dye, the degradation (%) was observed at 53.7 % and 75.9 %. The MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite revealed the best photocatalytic behavior against both MO and CV dyes by removing 94.7 % and 97.7 % under visible light irradiation. The rate constant values of MoO 3 nanobelts, MoO 3 /SiO 2 and MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite for MO dye were calculated to be 0.00568 min−1, 0.01156 min−1, and 0.02399 min−1 and for CV dye 0.00679 min−1, 0.01208 min−1, and 0.02798 min−1 respectively. A scavenging test was carried out to monitor the main photo-active species that take part during the photocatalysis and hydroxyl radicals were found to be the highly active species during whole photodegradation progression. The SiO 2 particles function as a good adsorbent medium and transfer the adsorbed organics toward more active sites to advance the reaction. 2D MXene nanosheets, as good conductors, reduce the recombination rate of charges, offer large surface area, and facilitate fast transfer of charges. The results suggest that MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite is a potential contender for wastewater remediation applications. [Display omitted] • Ternary composite (MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene) was synthesized using an ultrasonication approach, with a crystallite size of 19.48 nm. • SEM analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of MoO 3 nanobelts and their ternary composite with SiO 2 and MXene sheets. • The synthesized samples were utilized for the photodegradation of two organic dyes, Crystal Violet and Methyl Orange. • The MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene nanocomposite demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity against both dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore how graphene can improve the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of TiO2-SiO2 sol-gel coating. This sol-gel coating has been prepared on aluminum alloy substrate using graphene as both nano-filler and corrosion inhibitor. Design/methodology/approach: To examine the effect of graphene on mechanical properties of sol-gel coating, the abrasion resistance, adhesion strength and scratch resistance of coating have been evaluated. To reveal the effect of graphene on the anti-corrosion property of coating for aluminum alloy, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been conducted in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl medium. Findings: Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been homogeneously dispersed into the sol-gel coating matrices (at the contents from 0.1 to 0.5 Wt.%). Mechanical tests of coatings indicate that the graphene content of 0.5 Wt.% provides highest values of adhesion strength (1.48 MPa), scratch resistance (850 N) and abrasion strength (812 L./mil.) for the sol-gel coating. The EIS data show that the higher content of GNPs improve both R1 (coating) and R2 (coating/Al interface) resistances. In addition to enhancing the coating barrier performance (graphene acts as nanofiller/nano-reinforcer for coating matrix), other mechanism can be at work to account for the role of the graphene inhibitor in improving the anticorrosive performance at the coating/Al interface. Originality/value: Application of graphene-based sol-gel coating for protection of aluminum and its alloy is very promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermophysical properties (viscosity, density, and surface tension) of the secondary metallurgical slags with various CaO/Al2O3 ratios (0.56–1.99) and SiO2 (1–20 wt%) contents are investigated. The results show that the addition of SiO2 increases the viscosity of the cleanness and desulfurization slags (CaO/Al2O3 ratios ≥1). In slag with a higher Al2O3 content (CaO/Al2O3 < 1) and constant CaO content, the viscosity shows a first decreased and then increased phenomenon with the addition of SiO2. Moreover, the breakpoints of the viscosity are strongly lowered with the addition of SiO2. Both the density and surface tension of slags show a decreasing tendency with the SiO2 addition. Moreover, the single hot thermocouple technique method is applied to investigate the crystallization process of the slags, and the result shows that with high SiO2 contents, glassy layers are formed on the molten slags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paint & Coatings Industry (0253-4312) is the property of Paint & Coatings Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for turbine engine applications require environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) to protect against water‐vapor induced corrosion. A significant limiting factor of EBC operating lifetime is the formation of a SiO2 thermally grown oxide (TGO) at the EBC–CMC interface at high temperature. Its rapid growth as well as displacive β→α cristobalite phase transformation upon cooling induces strains at this interface, which can result in coating spallation. Recent work has explored upon the use of modifier oxides in EBCs to reduce oxidizing specie transport and possibly stabilize the SiO2 TGO. This work utilizes EBC–glass mixtures to characterize the properties of modifier‐stabilized SiO2 and assess its impact in future EBC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the influence of inherent minerals within coal gangue (CG) on the preparation and performance of coal gangue /polyethylene (CG/PE) composites, focusing on the role of SiO2 in interfacial compatibility. A systematic examination unveils the consequences of varying SiO2 content on physical, mechanical, thermal, and microstructural attributes of the composites. SiO2 incorporation significantly improves physical properties, boosting density and hardness but impacting tensile strength negatively. It enhances bending strength and modulus while diminishing tensile strength. Judicious SiO2 addition enhances thermal stability, but excess SiO2 may compromise thermal decomposition. Microstructural analysis, including SEM and FTIR, elucidates SiO2‐PE interactions, primarily through physical entanglement. SiO2 introduction promotes more ordered PE molecular chain arrangements, elevating composite crystallinity. In summary, this study provides in‐depth insights into SiO2's mechanistic impact on CG/PE composite properties, laying a robust foundation for designing environmentally friendly composites. These findings hold promise for advancing sustainable materials science and engineering. Future research may explore SiO2 optimization for specific applications and synergistic effects with other fillers in composites. Highlights: SiO2 greatly improves the properties of CG/PE composites with detailed exploration.Reveals the specific SiO2‐PE interaction mechanism for a better comprehension.Performs structural analysis via XRD with valuable findings presented.Promotes pioneering advancements in eco‐friendly materials with broad significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, anti-reflection property of SiO2 based composite films were investigated. For this purpose, SiO2/TiO2, SiO2/ZnO and SiO2/TiO2/ZnO composite films were prepared using a sol-gel technique and coated on glass slides. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weight of 1500 g/mol was inserted into the SiO2 composite film as a porogen to decrease the refractive index and improve the anti-reflection property of the as-prepared film. The SiO2 films with pore structures were successfully obtained. The PEG modified SiO2/ZnO (SiO2/PEG/ZnO) film provided a water contact angle close to the water contact angle of a superhydrophilic surface. In addition, the SiO2/PEG/ZnO film exhibited the highest average transmittance of 92.7% higher than that of the uncoated glass slide. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the solar cell coated with the SiO2/PEG/ZnO film was very close to that of the solar cell without the film coating. Hence, the results exhibited that the SiO2/PEG/ZnO film with anti-reflection and photovoltaic conversion efficiency has a potential application on solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of modern society, the consumption of fossil fuels during the industrial production process produces a significant amount of carcinogens. Converting the highly toxic biphenyl (BP) to the valuable product cyclohexylbenzene (CHB) can decrease the emission of carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, we prepared a series of 20%Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different specific surface areas (SSAs) using the over-volume impregnation method, as well as 20%M/SiO2 (M = Fe, Cu, Co, and Ni) catalysts to highlight the effects of support SSAs and active metal on the performance of BP selective hydrogenation to CHB. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, and H2-TPR, which demonstrated that a high SSA would be helpful for the dispersion of the active metal. The evaluation results revealed that 20%Ni/SiO2-300 exhibited excellent activity and stability in the selective hydrogenation of BP to CHB (BP conversion: 99.6%, CHB yield: 99.3% at the conditions of 200 °C, 3 MPa, 4 h and isopropanol as the solvent) among the catalysts with different SSAs, which was also superior to the performance over the catalysts with other transition metals as the active sites. The structure–activity relationship of the employed catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of BP to CHB was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho3+ ions doped with ZnS NPs in silicate glasses prepared by room temperature sol–gel method, and its physical parameters and spectroscopic properties were characterized. Structural characterization were performed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX and TEM. ZnS nanoparticles are present in the Ho3+-doped silicate matrix, according to structural investigations. The phenomenological Judd Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ, which depict the intensities for transitions in lanthanides and actinides in both solids and liquids, follow the pattern Ω2 > Ω4 > Ω6, according to Judd Ofelt analysis of UV–Visible absorption spectra. The study reveals that the four unique PL emission bands of Ho3+ are significantly influences by the concentration of ZnS NPs for enhancing PL emissions is found to be 20 M. This enhancement is ascribed to the modification of the network and sensitization of Ho3+ ions by the presence of the NPs. The photoluminescence spectra of the prepared samples were used to calculate the radiative parameters, such as the stimulated emission cross-section (σp), radiative lifetimes (τR), branching ratio (βR), and transition probability (Aed). CIE color coordinates were computed and they showed the yellow to greenish-yellow region for Ho3+ doped with various ZnS concentration. The present, SHZ20 glass may be useful for the greenish-yellow emitting phosphor application. The result of the Figure of Merit indicate that the prepared glasses show promise for use as optical amplifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VO2 and VO2 -SiO2 composite films were prepared by sol-gel method. The phase structure and transmittance of films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. The results reveal that the prepared VO2 film is monoclinic phase (B), and the XRD patterns of VO2 -SiO2 composite film is similar to that of VO2 film. The optical transmittance of films have reached over 90% within the range of 450 nm to 800 nm. The laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of VO2 -SiO2 composite film is 3. 9 J/cm2, which is 77. 3% higher than that of VO2 film. The difference in damage morphology between VO2 film and VO2 -SiO2 film were studied by FESEM and step analyzer. The VO2 film exhibits melt type damage, while the VO2 -SiO2 film exhibits melt type damage and stress damage. In addition, laser-induced damage models for different films were constructed and damage characteristics and underlying mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, to address the defects of sodium alginate (SA), such as its susceptibility to disintegration, silica was coated on the outer layer of sodium alginate hydrogel beads in order to improve its swelling and slow-release properties. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the hydrolyzed precursor, and the solution of silica precursor was prepared by sol-gel reaction under acidic conditions. Then SA–silica hydrogel beads prepared by ionic crosslinking method were immersed into the SiO2 precursor solution to prepare SA–silica hydrogel beads. The chemical structure and morphology of the hydrogel beads were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and SEM, and the results showed that the surface of SA–silica beads was successfully encapsulated with the outer layer of SiO2, and the surface was smooth and dense. The swelling experiments showed that the swelling performance effectively decreased with the increase of TEOS molar concentration, and the maximum swelling ratio of the hydrogel beads decreased from 41.07 to 14.3, and the time to reach the maximum swelling ratio was prolonged from 4 h to 8 h. The sustained-release experiments showed that the SA–silica hydrogel beads possessed a good pH sensitivity, and the time of sustained-release was significantly prolonged in vitro. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity experiments showed that the SA-silica hydrogel beads were biocompatible when the TEOS molar concentration was lower than 0.375 M. The SA–silica-2 hydrogel beads had good biocompatibility, swelling properties, and slow-release properties at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Rubber Industry is the property of Editorial Office of China Rubber Industry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coal gangue, a byproduct of coal mining with massive generation, presents a major challenge for resource utilization. In this study, SiO2 aerogel was successfully fabricated from coal gangue, via a facile and cost-effective approach. The aerogel boasts an intricate network framework structure internally and functions as a mesoporous material with measurements of 154.5662 m2·g−1 for specific surface area and 7.9557 nm for average pore size. Additionally, exploring the adsorption capabilities of SiO2 aerogel concerning Pb(II) in wastewater, the research revealed insights. The results demonstrated that the maximum Pb(II) removal efficiency reached 94.09% under pH 6, aerogel dosage of 1.5 g·L⁻1, and initial Pb(II) concentration of 80 mg·L⁻1. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting a favorable and predominantly monomolecular layer chemisorption, and the intraparticle diffusion model suggests internal diffusion behavior during adsorption. The SiO2 aerogel exhibited specific adsorption behavior towards Pb(II). This study offers a promising avenue for repurposing coal gangue while addressing the issue of Pb(II)-contaminated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop of silica (SiO2)/silicon nitride(Si3N4) nanomaterials doped polystyrene(PS) for use in a variety of electronics and optical nanodevices. By casting method, the films of (PS-SiO2-Si3N4) were coursed. The structure characteristics of (PS-SiO2- Si3N4)nanostructures were studied including optical microscopy(OM) and FTIR, and optical characteristics of (PS-SiO2-Si3N4) nanostructures also were studied. The OM confirmed that good distribution of (SiO2/Si3N4)NPs inside the matrix of PS and the FTIR indicates that there is a physical interaction between the polymer (PS) and (SiO2-Si3N4) NPs. The optical characteristics were measured at wavelengths ranging from 260 to 760 nm. The results showed when the ratio reached 6.9 wt% from the SiO2and Si3N4 NPs that the transmission(T) reduced while the absorption(A) increased, this capability qualifies it for use in a variety of optical fields. The energy gap(Eg) of PS when the SiO2 and Si3N4NPs content reached 6.9 wt% decreased, because of this behaviour, (PS-SiO2- Si3N4) nanostructures are regarded as crucial for optical and optoelectronic nanodevices. With increasing concentrations of SiO2 and Si3N4NPs, the optical constants, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary dielectric constants, and optical conductivity rise. Lastly, the results confirmed the optical properties study that the (PS-SiO2-Si3N4) nanostructures might be used in a variety of nanoelectronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries are vital power sources for modern society, especially mainly powered electronic devices, electric vehicles (EVs), and future stationary energy storage. Battery cost is still challenging for EVs and large‐scale applications that continuously require the development of low‐cost and abundant elements‐based materials for sustainable battery manufacturing. SiO2 derived from rice husks emerges as a promising anode material owing to its advantageous raw source and cost‐effectiveness. However, the material's low electronic conductivity and poor lithium‐ion diffusion rate make it unsuitable for fast‐charging or high‐power applications. To overcome these challenges, graphene nanoplatelets have been introduced as a conducting additive to enhance electronic conductivity and optimize lithium diffusion in the battery. In this research, an ultrasonic method was utilized to create a composite of C/SiO2/graphene using C/SiO2 derived from rice husk and graphene nanoplatelets. The mixture containing 85 wt% of graphene exhibited superior electrochemical performance among the investigated ratios with excellent cycling performance (305 mAh g−1 with capacity retention of 86.18% after 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and an impressive rate capability (69.9 mAh g−1 at a high current of 2.0 A g−1, nearly three times higher than the bare C/SiO2). XPS and GITT analysis confirmed that the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the C/SiO2/graphene electrode was more stable and conductive due to higher LiF‐Li2CO3 content, which enhanced the lithium diffusion from the graphene's high surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic slurry is the raw material used in stereolithography, and its performance determines the printing quality. Rheological behavior, one of the most important physical factors in stereolithography, is critical in ceramic printing, significantly affecting the flow, spreading, and printing processes. The rheological behavior of SiO2 slurry used in stereolithography technology is investigated in the current research using different powder diameters and temperatures. The results present the apparent non-Newtonian behavior. The yielding characteristics occur in all cases. For single-powder cases, the viscosity decreases when the powder diameter is increased. When the nano-sized and micro-sized powders are mixed in different proportions, a more significant proportion of micron-sized powders will decrease the viscosity. With an increase in the nano-sized powders, the slurry exhibits the shear thinning behavior; otherwise, the shear thickening behavior is observed. Thus, the prediction model is built based on the use of the pelican optimization algorithm-deep extreme learning machine (POA-DELM), and the model in then compared with the fitted and traditional models to validate the effectiveness of the method. A more accurate viscosity prediction model will contribute to better fluid dynamic simulation in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary and quaternary compounds offer vast potential for tailoring material properties through compositional adjustments and complex interactions among their constituent elements. However, many of their compositional possibilities still need to be investigated. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is crucial for determining elemental composition but is inadequate for identifying chemical bonds and physical properties. This work introduces a novel methodology using a stoichiometric deviation vector (SDV) to estimate the physical and compositional feature characteristics of Si, N, and O compounds by comparing actual molar ratios with ideal stoichiometric references. We validated this method by estimating Si-O bonds in silicon oxynitride samples, demonstrating strong agreement with FTIR and refractive index results. We also extended our proof of principle for SiAlON compounds and established an adaptable procedure to analyze compounds with more than three elements. This flexible methodology will significantly value the materials research community, providing valuable compositional features and physical insights by performing elemental EDX characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, PMMA/SiO2 composites were fabricated with monodispersed SiO2 and PMMA using four distinct methods—physical blending, in situ polymerization, random copolymerization, and block copolymerization—to investigate the composites' thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. In the physical blending approach, SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in a PMMA solution, while during in situ polymerization, silica nanoparticles were incorporated during the synthesis of PMMA/SiO2 composites. 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) was modified on the SiO2 surface to introduce the reactive double bonds. The MPS@SiO2 was either random- or block-copolymerized with PMMA through RAFT polymerization. The PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via these different methods were characterized using FTIR, TGA, and DSC to determine their chemical structures, thermal degradation temperatures, and glass transition temperatures, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the microstructures and dispersion of the composites. This comprehensive analysis revealed that the PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via block copolymerization exhibited thermal stability at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent transparency (86%) and scratch resistance (≥6H) while maintaining mechanical strength, suggesting their potential application in thermal insulation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The counter electrode in DSSCs must be made of a material with various advantageous chemical and physical characteristics to guarantee the cell's efficient functioning and cost efficiency. Coal fly ash is recognized for its substantial silicon dioxide (SiO2) content and other minerals and metals. This paper provides a detailed analysis and description of extracting and characterizing SiO2 from coal fly ash. This extraction aims to utilize SiO2 as a material for the counter electrode in DSSCs. The extraction procedure of SiO2 from coal fly ash involves a multi-step process that entailed the utilization of acid leaching using hydrochloric acid 1 M at 90°C for 4 h, which was subsequently followed by precipitation using NaOH 3 M at 90°C for 4 h to separate SiO2. The SiO2 gel was cleaned of contaminants with hot distilled water and dried at 110°C for 12 h. The SiO2 that was obtained was analyzed utilizing a range of analytical techniques to evaluate its structural, morphological, chemical, and optical properties. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) examination revealed that the crystal structure of coal fly ash consisted of quartz, corundum, hematite, lime, and periclase. The SiO2 that was obtained exhibited a crystal structure that was both cubic and triclinic. The morphology is visualized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study using atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed that the coal fly ash contained 52.91% SiO2, whereas the extracted SiO2 had a purity of 91.20%. The UV-Vis spectrophotometry investigation revealed that the SiO2 exhibited absorbance spectra with a wide band gap of 4.17 eV, whereas the coal fly ash had absorbance spectra of 3.37 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Zn–air batteries (ZABs) are a promising technology; however, their commercialization is limited by challenges, including those occurring in the electrolyte, and thus, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) and hydrogels have emerged as substitutes for traditional aqueous electrolytes. In this work, PVA/PAA membranes were synthesized by the solvent casting method and soaked in 6 M KOH to act as GPEs. The thickness of the membrane was modified (50, 100, and 150 μm), and after determining the best thickness, the membrane was modified with synthesized SiO2 nanospheres and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). SEM micrographs revealed that the CNTs displayed lengths of tens of micrometers, having a narrow diameter (95 ± 7 nm). In addition, SEM revealed that the SiO2 nanospheres had homogeneous shapes with sizes of 110 ± 10 nm. Physicochemical experiments revealed that SiO2 incorporation at 5 wt.% increased the water uptake of the PVA/PAA membrane from 465% to 525% and the ionic conductivity to 170 mS cm−1. The further addition of 0.5 wt.% CNTs did not impact the water uptake but it promoted a porous structure, increasing the power density and the stability, showing three-times-higher rechargeability than the ZAB operated with the PVA/PAA GPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of the Polarized Continuum Model to molten oxides in the MgO–SiO2 system combined with all-electron ab initio calculations of the thermodynamic and thermophysical properties of all the solid phases nucleating in the system permits the computation of the phase diagram topology at high pressure and temperature up to deep Earth's conditions. The first principle parameterization reproduces satisfactorily the extrinsic stability fields of the various metasilicate and orthosilicate polymorphs at subsolidus conditions. The extrinsic stability field of Anhydrous-B (Mg14Si5O24; Anh-B) with respect to a Mg2SiO4 + MgO assemblage opens up at pressures higher than 10 GPa and widens with temperature to form a triangular pressure–temperature stability field. Superimposing the mantle adiabat Anh-B appears to predate the Mg2SiO4 + MgO assemblage with increasing pressure in a range comprised from roughly 10 to 20 GPa. Interactions among components in the liquid are addressed through the Hybrid Polymeric Approach (HPA). The P = 1 bar mixing properties of the liquid are consistent with a simple acid–base interaction according to Lux-Flood notation and with some experimental evidence concerning the enthalpy of fusion of stoichiometric compounds along the binary system. Limited strain energy contributions, which arise from loss of vibrational entropy in the mixture, are responsible for the liquid–liquid miscibility gap experimentally observed at room conditions. Disappearance of the miscibility gap at high P (i.e. P > 5 GPa) is due to the progressively vanishing effect of strain energy, counterbalanced by quite limited (and P-dependent) excess volumes of mixing (Vexc). The metasilicate melts congruently at P > 0 GPa. Forsterite forms peritectically at P ≤ 5 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transparent self-cleaning coatings based on photocatalytic activity have attracted great attention in recent years owing to their promising applications in many fields, such as solar cell cover glass. This study reports a simple method to prepare transparent self-cleaning silicon dioxide (SiO2) coatings filled by boron carbide (B4C) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. A sol-gel technique was used to synthesize a SiO2 solution containing B4C and TiO2 nanoparticles, and a dip-coating technique was followed to coat the composite solution on glass slides. The SiO2 coating was successfully obtained in the presence of both semiconductor nanoparticles as confirmed by FTIR and XRD measurements. Both the photocatalytic activity and self-cleaning property of the composite coatings were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of a model dye, methylene blue, under visible light irradiation. The SiO2 coating containing both B4C and TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity compared to the SiO2 coating including only B4C. In particular, a 46% degradation rate of the model dye methylene blue was achieved for the SiO2 coating containing 15 wt% B4C and 5 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles. Highly transparent composite coatings on glass slides were prepared. The SiO2 coating containing both B4C and TiO2 nanoparticles was found to exhibit ~8% reduction in the optical transmission of the glass slide and ~1% reduction in the efficiency of a solar cell containing the coated glass slide. These findings demonstrated that the SiO2 composite coatings have potential for self-cleaning applications in removing contaminants from the glass cover of the solar cell under visible light irradiation. Highlights: SiO2 was synthesized in the presence of both B4C and TiO2 nanoparticles B4C and TiO2 nanoparticle did not significantly affect the light transmission and the efficiency of the solar cell TiO2 enhanced the photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency of the SiO2 coating including B4C nanoparticles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University is the property of Journal of Dalian Polytechnic University Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. The production of plasticizing additives using nanoparticles for the construction industry represents a promising sector in the development of advanced building materials. By incorporating nanoparticles, such as silicon dioxide, into complex additives, it is possible to significantly enhance the structural and mechanical characteristics of cement-based systems, resulting in increased strength, durability, and resistance to external forces. This study aims to investigate the process of synthesizing silicon dioxide nanoparticles in aqueous media and creating a complex organic-mineral additive comprising phloroglucinol- furfural oligomers with silicon dioxide nanoparticles. Materials and methods of research. A modifier based on phloroglucinol-furfural oligomers was used as an organic component of the complex additive. To synthesize silicon dioxide nanoparticles, which are the mineral component of the additive, liquid glass (sodium silicate solution) was used. Additionally, Aerosil, with a specific surface area of 2,000 m3 /kg, was used as the dispersed phase in the organic mineral additive to study the compatibility of the components and the mechanism of their interaction. The particle and size distribution were determined using laser light diffraction on the Malvern Mastersizer 3000 device and dynamic light scattering on the Microtrac S3500 device. Microscopic analysis of the complex additive was performed on a TESCAN MIRA 3 LMU scanning electron microscope. The chemical structure and composition of the obtained additive were monitored by UV and IR spectrophotometry on Specord 200 Plus and Alpha Bruker Optics devices, respectively. Results and discussion. The article presents the results of the development of a method for the synthesis of silicon dioxide nanoparticles and creating an organic-mineral additive based on phloroglucinol-furfural oligomers containing these nanoparticles. The additive is designed for use in mineral suspensions in construction additive technologies. It has been shown that it is possible to obtain nanoscale particles of silicon dioxide through the hydrolysis of sodium silicate. It has been demonstrated that as the concentration of sodium silicate increases, the number of silica particles increases significantly, the number of silicon dioxide particles increases significantly. This leads to faster coagulation of the particles, resulting in the formation of larger aggregates. It has been shown that silicon dioxide particles smaller than 10 nm can be obtained through acid titration. During the maturation period, particles increase in size by about 7 times over a period of 1 to 7 days. The optimal ratio for particle synthesis should be considered to be a 2:1 ratio of reagent solutions (sodium silicate to hydrochloric acid) by volume. It is shown that the introduction of the specific additive at the stage of particle formation can help to stabilize their growth. Conclusion. The complex organic-mineral additive based on a phloroglucinol-furfural oligomer and silicon dioxide nanoparticles has been developed. It has been established that the introduction of the specific additive in the process of synthesis of silicon dioxide particles contributes to an increase in the aggregate stability of the dispersed system of the complex additive, reduces the tendency of particles to enlargement and sedimentation

Hydroxyapatite/curcumin composites have been studied as a calcium phosphate cement candidate. In this research, the effects of adding SiO2 to the hydroxyapatite/curcumin composite on the characteristics of the cement, such as the crystal and surface properties, as well as the release behavior of curcumin in Ringer's solution media, were studied. The composite preparation with and without SiO2 was carried out using a Na2HPO4 2.5% solution. The results showed that the addition of 25% SiO2 to the hydroxyapatite/curcumin composite did not change the crystal properties of hydroxyapatite but produced a more homogenous distribution of the ingredients. The behavior of the composite in Ringer's solution also changes, which is proven by the change in the crystal growth direction and Ca/P ratio. Adding SiO2 produced a composite with a platter and larger particles, as well as a higher Ca/P ratio on the surface. The presence of SiO2 inhibited the release of curcumin in which the ratio of HA: curcumin changed from 77.7%:22.3% to 69.6%:30.4% after 5 d of immersion in Ringer's solution. Thus, besides increasing calcium phosphate deposition on the cement surface, SiO2 also prevents curcumin from being released from the composite.

Ternary and quaternary compounds offer vast potential for tailoring material properties through compositional adjustments and complex interactions among their constituent elements. However, many of their compositional possibilities still need to be investigated. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is crucial for determining elemental composition but is inadequate for identifying chemical bonds and physical properties. This work introduces a novel methodology using a stoichiometric deviation vector (SDV) to estimate the physical and compositional feature characteristics of Si, N, and O compounds by comparing actual molar ratios with ideal stoichiometric references. We validated this method by estimating Si-O bonds in silicon oxynitride samples, demonstrating strong agreement with FTIR and refractive index results. We also extended our proof of principle for SiAlON compounds and established an adaptable procedure to analyze compounds with more than three elements. This flexible methodology will significantly value the materials research community, providing valuable compositional features and physical insights by performing elemental EDX characterizations.

[Display omitted] • MXene and polydopamine modified SiO 2 particles to create structural colors. • MSiO 2 /PDA@MXene spheres were formed by electrostatic assembly and hydrogen bonding. • The stable structural color-coated fabrics exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards the use of structural colors in textile dyeing, replacing traditional chemical dyes. This change is primarily attributed to the increasing popularity of structural colors due to their eco-friendly characteristics. In thus study, SiO 2 particles underwent modification with PDA and Ti 3 C 2 T x (MXene) to establish a core–shell structure, resulting in MSiO 2 /PDA@MXene photonic crystals characterized by electrostatic assembly and hydrogen bonding. These crystals comprise a SiO 2 core encased in black PDA@MXene shells. The PDA@MXene shell works by absorbing scattered light indiscriminately, thereby intensifying the vividness of the structural colors. Adjusting the size of the MSiO 2 /PDA@MXene microspheres enables the generation of diverse structural colors. Then, chitosan-coated cotton fabrics were decorated using photonic crystals of MSiO 2 /PDA@MXene. Coating cotton fabric with chitosan introduced positively charged groups onto its surface, which enabled electrostatic interaction with photonic crystals. The prepared fabrics also showed excellent antioxidant property, further enhancing their appeal for outdoor applications. These structural colors offer a sustainable substitute for conventional textile dyes, meeting the increasing need for environmentally conscious practices within the textile sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to develop a large model (19,998 atoms) of liquid SiO2 at 3500 K. We construct models at different pressures in the 0–100 GPa range using the Beest–Kramer–Santen (BKS) potential and periodic boundary conditions. The goal is to detail the structural transition from the polyamorphic liquid state of SiO2 to the crystalline stishovite form, which occurs between 45 and 60 GPa. We analyse the polyamorphic state of liquid SiO2 by examining the formation of SiOx clusters from 2 to 60 GPa. Beyond 60 GPa, the pair radial distribution functions (PRDFs) for Si–O, O–O and Si–Si display multiple peaks, indicating the crystalline phase. This observation is further supported by examining the bond angle distribution, the fraction of SiOx units and OSix linkages, Si–O bond lengths within SiOx units, structural visualisations and the analysis of ring statistics in the liquid SiO2 system, all of which underscore the comprehensive changes in the structure of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract PMMA/PEG and PMMA/PEG doped with SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 were fabricated using the solution-casting technique. The composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), which revealed that the amorphous nature of PMMA/PEG blend doped with Al2O3 was hindered by the crystalline nature of those doped with SiO2 and TiO2. The absorption of PMMA/PEG blend doped with Al2O3 is higher, band gap energies were decreased from 4.90 eV for PMMA/PEG blend to 4.03 eV, 3.09 eV, and 2.09 eV for SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3 doped PMMA/PEG blend, respectively. The dielectric constant, ε′ has a high value (2 × 104) for samples PMMA/PEG and SiO2/PMMA/PEG. While dielectric loss $$\left( {\varepsilon ^{{\prime \prime }} } \right)$$ ε ″ -values decreased to

The intend of current study was focused on the prediction of material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) for the AA7050-SiO2 composite during wire electric erosion or discharge machining (WEDM) process using a brass (Br) wire electrode. Here, stir casting process was employed to develop the AA7050 matrix composite with inclusion of 10wt.% SiO2 particle reinforcement. The multi-objective optimization method of Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach has been applied to find out the optimal setting of input machining parameters such as peak current (Ip), pulse-on time (Ton) and pulse-off time (Toff). Furthermore, the significant effects of parameters were identified by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Taguchi L9 (33) orthogonal design has been formulated to perform the experimental work. TOP SIS results stated that the optimal setting of Ip at 30 amps, Ton of 130 μs and Toff of 55 μs provide the better MRR with lesser SR. The ANOVA results noticed that Ip has the prime noteworthy parameter over the adopted responses having a contribution of 45.67%, followed by Ton (32.34%) and Toff (12.26%), respectively. The confirmation test was carried out by the optimal parameters setting to verify the predicted results. Finally, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test was carried out for the machined surface of the composite specimen and it was reveals that the formation of craters and recast layer thickness in the machined surfaces.

Abstract The study investigates the heat transfer and friction factor properties of ethylene glycol and glycerol-based silicon dioxide nanofluids flowing in a circular tube under continuous heat flux circumstances. This study tackles the important requirement for effective thermal management in areas such as electronics cooling, the automobile industry, and renewable energy systems. Previous research has encountered difficulties in enhancing thermal performance while handling the increased friction factor associated with nanofluids. This study conducted experiments in the Reynolds number range of 1300 to 21,000 with particle volume concentrations of up to 1.0%. Nanofluids exhibited superior heat transfer coefficients and friction factor values than the base liquid values. The highest enhancement in heat transfer was 5.4% and 8.3% for glycerol and ethylene glycol -based silicon dioxide Nanofluid with a relative friction factor penalty of ∼30% and 75%, respectively. To model and predict the complicated, nonlinear experimental data, five machine learning approaches were used: linear regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, adaptive boosting, and decision tree. Among them, the decision tree-based model performed well with few errors, while the random forest and extreme gradient boosting models were also highly accurate. The findings indicate that these advanced machine learning models can accurately anticipate the thermal performance of nanofluids, providing a dependable tool for improving their use in a variety of thermal systems. This study's findings help to design more effective cooling solutions and improve the sustainability of energy systems.

SiO2 thin film of thickness 300 nm grown on p-type silicon substrate was implanted with 100 keV silicon negative ions for the fluences of 1 × 1016, 5 × 1016, and 1 × 1017 ions cm−2. The implanted samples were investigated using an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic technique, and the samples were annealed at a temperature of 900 oC under N2 ambient. Ultraviolet–visible near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the implanted SiO2 thin film samples before and after thermal annealing. EDX results revealed an increase in the atomic percentage and weight percentage of silicon ions as compared to oxygen ions in SiO2 thin film. This may be due to the increase in the concentration of silicon ions with the increase of implanted ion fluences within the SiO2 thin film. UV-Vis-NIR studies showed higher transmittance for thermally annealed samples as compared to non-annealed samples. This may be attributed to the creation of a new SiOx phase in the SiO2 matrix at higher temperatures. UV-Vis-NIR studies also exhibited an increase in the energy band gap value after thermal annealing. This effect may be related to the formation of silicon nanoclusters in SiO2 thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixing involves blending raw rubber or masticated rubber with additives using a rubber mixer, which is the most critical process in rubber production. The internal mixer, as the most important mixing equipment, experiences rotor wear during prolonged operation, affecting the gap between the mixer rotor and the chamber wall. This wear reduces mixing effectiveness, weakens filler dispersion, and ultimately impacts rubber performance. In recent years, as research on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanomaterials has deepened, their broad application prospects have become increasingly apparent. The objective of the present study is to understand and quantify rotor wear in rubber blends during the mixing process as influenced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This study found that with the increase in MWCNT content, the proportion of abrasive wear rises, while the proportion of corrosive wear decreases, leading to reduced overall wear. Compared to rubber without MWCNTs, the Payne effect decreased by 6.78%, 9.57%, 13.03%, 20.48%, and 26.06% with the addition of 1 phr, 3 phr, 5 phr, 7 phr, and 9 phr of MWCNTs, respectively. The friction coefficients between the rubber and metal increased by 6.31%, 8.57%, 25.43%, 39.31%, and 47.61%, while the metal wear rate decreased by 9.08%, 10.73%, 13.41%, 17.46%, and 25%. Conversely, the friction coefficients were reduced by 19.39%, 22.42%, 33.94%, 66.06%, and 76.36%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetorheological polishing technology is widely used in the processing of high-precision optical elements. One of the determining factors in the magnetorheological polishing technology is the nature and quality of a nanoabrasive present in a magnetorheological suspension. In this study, a method has been developed for the sol–gel synthesis of amorphous silica nanospheres used as a nanoabrasive for magnetorheological polishing of water-soluble crystals used to manufacture nonlinear optical elements for laser technology. The practical success has been achieved by incorporating the synthesized silica nanoabrasive into a magnetorheological suspension. The physicochemical characteristics of the resulting nanoabrasive have been presented. Electron microscopy data have confirmed the spherical morphology of SiO2 particles, and it has been found that the particle size distribution varies in a range of 40–60 nm, thus ensuring the uniformity and high quality of treating the surfaces of optical elements with the magnetorheological suspension. The structure-related properties of the SiO2 nanoabrasive have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction. The incorporation of the SiO2 nanoabrasive into the magnetorheological suspension has made it possible to achieve the high-quality processing and cleanliness of the surface, as well as to ensure the finishing polishing of the surface of KDP single crystals to roughness values of no more than 6 Å. The results of the work are of interest for optimizing the process and improving the technology of magnetorheological polishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LiNi 0.83 Co 0.12 Mn 0.05 O 2 (Ni-rich NCM) cathode materials have been widely studied owing to their high energy density and excellent rate capability. However, Ni-rich NCM is prone to form large amounts of lithium impurities and causes structural decline, resulting in inconvenient material storage. To this end, Li 4 SiO 4 /SiO 2 was used as a structural regulator to eliminate the residual lithium and convert the irreversible phase. The Li 4 SiO 4 /SiO 2 protective coating effectively suppresses the corrosion of the electrolyte by blocking the direct contact between the electrode and the electrolyte, while having a high air stability under the hydrophobic action. In addition, SiO 2 has excellent corrosion resistance, which further enhances the cyclic stability of the material. The obtained regenerated NCM material displayed a great capacity of 198.6 mAh g−1 at 0.3 ​C and long cycling stability (capacity retention of 82.2 ​% after 250 cycles). This simple repair strategy significantly reduces the loss rate in industrial production and enhances the electrochemical performance while achieving material reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to enhance the optical and structure characteristics of silicon nitride (Si3N4)/silica (SiO2)/poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The films of (PMMA–SiO2–Si3N4) were fabricated using casting method. The structure and optical characteristics of Si3N4/SiO2/PMMA nanostructures were studied, the structure characteristics of PMMA/SiO2/Si3N4 nanostructures included: FTIR and optical microscope. The optical properties were investigated at wavelength (λ = 240–740 nm). The results confirmed the absorption increased of 61.5% and transmission reduced of 42.2% when the Si3N4 and SiO2 NPs content reached 6.9 wt%, these results make them as a superior materials for many optical fields. The energy gap of PMMA reduced from 4.25 to 3.09 eV when the Si3N4 and SiO2 NPs content reached 6.9 wt%, this behavior made the Si3N4/SiO2/PMMA nanostructures suitable for optoelectronics nanodevices. The optical constants, the absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary dielectric constants, as well as optical conductivity increases with increasing in the concentrations of Si3N4 and SiO2 NPs. The results confirmed that the PMMA/SiO2/Si3N4 nanomaterials can be considered as future nanosystems to exploit in a variety of promising nanoelectronics and optics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetite-silica (Fe3O4-SiO2) composites with high magnetite contents for microwave heating elements were fabricated by the non-firing solidification method. Although the obtained solidified composite had a relative density of 47-57% and was not a dense body, it had sufficient mechanical strength due to the solidification of the silica phase. The magnetite in the composite functions as the microwave heating phase, and the SiO2 phase and pore phase function as the microwave permeable phase, resulting in a structure that allows uniform heating to reach the inside of the composite structure. It was clarified that the solidified composite could generate heat up to about 500°C without oxidizing during the microwave heating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the structural and luminescence behaviour of Dy3+‐Sm3+ co‐doped glass ceramics obtained through heat treatment of precursor glasses. The growth of SiO2 polycrystalline particles and evolution of these crystallites in the glass domain are witnessed via XRD and FESEM study. The presence of network vibrational bands, hydroxyl groups and the increased quantity of bridging oxygens (BOs) in glass ceramics are analysed through FTIR spectroscopy study. The absorption study (UV–Visible–NIR) showed the possible electronic transitions of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions. The red shift in the absorption band edges and the lower bandgap values are obtained as a result of improved heat treatment in glass ceramics. Emission studies show the enhanced luminescence intensity of glass ceramics under 350 and 402 nm excitations. Decay measurement of glass ceramics showed the improved lifetimes of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions to have appeared in microseconds (×10−6 s). The colour characteristics of glass ceramics analysed using CIE colour chromaticity diagram and correlated colour temperature (CCT) values suggest the neutral to cool white light emissions. Therefore, prepared glass ceramics with SiO2 polycrystalline phase are considered to be suitable materials in cool white LEDs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes, a burgeoning family of 2D materials with high conductivity and large specific surface area, are ideal electromagnetic absorbing materials. However, the ample polar functional groups lead to poor dispersion in the non‐polar matrix, limiting its application in non‐polar‐polymer‐based composites. With the help of the shear rheological properties of SiO2, the conflict is resolved here by directly dispersing MXene aqueous dispersion into the non‐polar resin. Water is locked dynamically through SiO2 nanoparticles among the MXene@SiO2 nanosheets, suppressing MXene's self‐restacking and aggregation in the resin matrix. Therefore, the fabrication of uniform MXene/non‐polar polymer composites is achieved. Meanwhile, this method allows different nanoparticles (Fe3O4, etc.) to be evenly dispersed among the MXene nanosheets to further improve the composites' electromagnetic parameters. The as‐prepared composites achieve remarkable absorbing performance with a low MXene concentration (≤5 wt.‰). The SMEP‐h achieves the maximum reflection loss value of over 60 dB at 12 GHz (at the thickness of 2.15 mm), and the SMEP‐F possesses a broad effective absorbing bandwidth of over 6.18 GHz (at the thickness of 1.75 mm). The shear‐rheological‐assisted MXene dispersion method in the non‐polar matrix paves an avenue for the design of outstanding MXene‐based electromagnetic absorbing composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the behavior of SiO2 under different external conditions, particularly pressure, is essential for advancing its applications. While existing literature primarily focuses on the impact of isotropic stress on SiO2, there remains a gap in exploring the effects of uniaxial and biaxial stresses on its properties. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the novel effects of uniaxial, biaxial, and isotropic pressures on the opto-electrical properties of SiO2 using first principles calculations. Our results reveal distinct structural adaptations of SiO2 under different pressure conditions, demonstrating its anisotropic behavior. For example, under isotropic pressure in the interval [0.0, 12.5] GPa, the lattice parameters 5.039 < a < 4.615 Å, and 5.529 < c < 5.239 Å, and the unit cell volume ranged from 121.57 to 96.65 Å3 show reductions in values, indicating structural compression in accordance with the experimentally found values. Additionally, we investigated the electrical properties, including the complex dielectric function and conductivity. At an isotropic pressure of 0 GPa, the real refractive index of SiO2 is approximately n = 2.04083, which increases to n = 2.20836 at 12.5 GPa, while applying uniaxial or biaxial pressure resulted in direction-dependent-refractive index highlighting the crystal's anisotropic to external pressure. Also, our study revealed that the maximum values of conductivity increased while wavelength shift decreased as a function of the applied stress on the crystal. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of SiO2 single crystal under directional stresses, facilitating the design of pressure-sensitive optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antireflection surfaces are widely used in optical devices (such as vehicle display, solar cells, and architectural glass) to reduce the reflection and increase transmittance. Plasma etching shows great potential in making subwavelength antireflection structures for its advantage of scalable, low‐cost, and applicable in flexible substrates. Here, we demonstrate an antireflection nanostructure by O2 plasma etching on poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate without additional corrosive gas species or antireflective coatings. Nanopores on the surface were formed due to the different etching rates of the organic region and silica region of the surface. The solar weighted average transmittance was improved from 91.6% to 94.8% for single‐side treated PET with silica antiblocking layer. The transmission increment was attributed to the gradient refractive index of the nanostructured surface due to the elimination of step discontinuity in refractive index. The result shows a highly efficient, eco‐friendly, solvent‐free, economical, and sputtering target‐free method for reducing the reflection and increasing the transmittance of the substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]