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In this study, Pb(Zr0.54Ti0.46)O3 films were prepared by the sol-gel method with Sm doping concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 mol. %. Their surface morphology, density, crystal structure, piezoelectric, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties were characterized. The results indicated that, unlike Sm-doped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, all Sm-PZT films exhibit a significant increase in the grain size compared to undoped PZT films. Moreover, Sm doping affected their crystal orientation and significantly enhanced their piezoelectric coefficient d33 and remnant polarization (Pr). Notably, the Sm-PZT film with a doping concentration of 1.5 mol. % exhibited optimal (100) orientation, achieving a high piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 279.87 pm/V, 4.55 times that of the non-doped PZT films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restricted biodegradability, toxicity, and carcinogenicity of basic fuchsin dye are the principal reasons that motivate scientists to find methods to remove it. Photocatalytic degradation technology is simple, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, efficient, and does not yield secondary pollution. Most of the catalysts used to degrade basic fuchsin dye require expensive chemicals to prepare. Therefore, the novelty in our work comes from the utilisation of low-cost chemicals for the facile synthesis of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/Fe2O3 nanocomposite using the pechini sol-gel method. The synthesised samples at 300, 600, and 900°C were encoded as F300, F600, and F900, respectively. The XRD confirmed that the average crystallite size of the F300, F600, and F900 samples is 95.08, 122.32, and 160.21 nm, respectively. Hence, as the calcination temperature increases, the crystallite size increases as a result of coagulation that occurs at higher temperatures. The FE-SEM images showed that the F300, F600, and F900 samples consist of spherical, (polyhedral and spherical), and (hexagonal and spherical) shapes with an average diameter of 258.64, 470.12, and 625.32 nm, respectively. This change in morphology at different temperatures is due to the discrepancy in the rate of liberation of organic matter at different temperatures. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, 0.05 g of the Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/Fe2O3 nanocomposite degrade 100% of 25 mL of 25 mg/L of basic fuchsin dye at pH = 8 within 25 min. Consequently, the other side of the novelty of our work is the ability of the synthesised nanocomposite to effectively degrade a high concentration of the basic fuchsin dye in a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: A new gelator (BAzo‐Chol) comprising a diazocine core and two cholesterol units linked via carbamate groups has been designed and synthesized. Its gelation ability in several kinds of organic solvents is identified. Investigations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), rheological measurements, and UV‐vis absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveal that BAzo‐Chol can self‐assemble into elastically interpenetrating one‐dimensional nanostructures in organogels through a cooperative effect of the π‐π interactions, hydrogen‐bonding, and van der Waals forces. Moreover, the unconventional Z/E conformational transitions of these organogels, due to the inclusion of diazocine, endow the BAzo‐Chol gels with excellent photo‐responsive gel‐sol transition and remarkable visible light‐induced chromic properties. Lastly, due to its sensitive response to visible light accompanied by distinct changes in both colour and transparency of the gel‐sol transitions, the potential application of the current gelator in smart windows is signified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 -SrTiO 3 (BNT-ST) thin films with various thicknesses were deposited on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si(100) substrates employing a sol-gel technique with a two-step annealing process. Despite the variations in thickness, the films exhibited a consistent polycrystalline structure, evidenced by identical diffraction peaks, albeit with differences in intensity. An imprint became evident in micro-thick films, increasing with film thickness. Also, the emergence of self-polarization was observed in thicker films detected by piezoresponse force microscopy. Noteworthy is the pronounced influence of film thickness on strain response, with the 1.38 μm-thick films demonstrating a large strain of 1.18%. The outstanding strain response can be attributed to the notable contribution of electric field-induced phase transition and polarization dynamics. This work provides a promising potential application of micrometer-thick BNT-ST thin films in advanced actuator devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth-based semiconductor materials have garnered significant attention because of their appropriate optical bandgap and substantial photoelectric conversion efficiency. Enhancing the photocurrent and fill factor of photovoltaic films is essential for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices. In this study, high-performance BiVO 4 -ZnTiO 3 multilayer films were fabricated using a straightforward sol-gel method, where the incorporation of ZnTiO 3 films significantly improved the photovoltaic performance of BiVO 4. Through structural design aimed at enhancing light utilization, the BiVO 4 -ZnTiO 3 multilayer film achieved a photocurrent density of 1.9 mA/cm2 at 450 nm, along with a fill factor of 46.8 % in the composite multilayer structure. The improvement in film performance is attributed to the overall multilayer stacking effect. This study offers a novel approach for utilizing bismuth-based semiconductors in optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composites were prepared by sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, elemental valence and ethanol gas sensing performance were characterized and studied. At 330 °C, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composite sensor exhibits a response of 112 when exposed to 100 ppm ethanol, roughly 7 times higher than Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3. The response/recovery time of the sensor is 5 s/75 s, alongside good selectivity, anti-interference and stability. The improved performance in gas sensing may be ascribed to heterojunctions between Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 nanoparticles and In 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Meanwhile, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composites have larger specific surface area, which increases adsorption sites and supports reactions more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present work is to get insight into the polarization switching and dielectric response of PVDF-TrFE with incorporation of BaTiO3 (BTO) nanoparticles. For this purpose, cost-effective solvent casting technique was used, to prepare PVDF-TrFE/BaTiO3 composite free-standing films. It is necessary to prepare films in which BTO nanoparticles are distributed homogenously without agglomeration. Surface functionalization technique is reported to be useful in homogenous distribution of the nanofiller in polymer matrix. However, addition of surface modifier causes reduction in the permittivity of the polymer nanocomposite and deteriorates the desired properties. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to obtain homogenous free-standing PVDF-TrFE/BaTiO3 composite films in which filler is dispersed without any use of surface modifier. Hence ferroelectric particles are dispersed in the ferroelectric polymer matrix. It has been observed that nanocomposite is much more complex compared to the simple models based on spheres dispersed in a medium. Complexities arise due to the strain and interfacial effects of the BTO nanoparticles on the ferroelectric matrix which exhibits marked effect on structural and electrical response of the system. Consequently, specific concentration of filler has been identified at which optimum ferroelectric and dielectric properties of PVDF-TrFE/BaTiO3 composite have been achieved. Incorporation of more than a desired concentration of filler affects the chain alignment and causes reduction in the β-phase content. Correlation between structural and electrical response has been discussed in detail to explain the non-monotonic trend of polarization as a function of BTO content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of photocatalysts that can efficiently remove organic pollutants is crucial for environmental clean-up. In this study, we present the synthesis of stable TiO2-SnO2 nanocomposites using the sol-gel method. Various characterization techniques were employed to analyze the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the samples. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites was assessed by examining the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye under sunlight. All samples exhibited over 90% degradation within 2 h, with the optimized sample achieving 99.0% efficiency and a rate constant of 3.3 × 10− 2 min− 1. The stability of the photocatalyst was validated through reusability tests, which showed more than 90% efficiency even after five cycles. The photocatalytic mechanism is thoroughly explained using band edge positions and effective charge transfer processes due to the formation of a heterojunction. Additionally, BET analysis and zeta potential measurements were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the catalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The cubic phase of Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles is synthesized by the sol-gel method. The nanoparticles were subjected to annealing at 500∘C to enable stress and strain analysis. Characterization of the annealed nanoparticles was performed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Through analysis of the XRD peak profile, key properties, such as crystallite size, lattice strain, deformation stress, and deformation energy density, were determined. These parameters were estimated using three models such as the Williamson–Hall-Isotropic Strain Model (W-H-ISM), the Williamson–Hall-Anisotropic Strain Model (W-H-ASM), and the Williamson–Hall-Energy Density Model (W-H-EDM). The estimations were based on the W-H plot derived from the powder XRD data. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the structural and mechanical characteristics of annealed MgO nanoparticles, thus informing their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ZrB 2 -SiC-ZrC (ZSZ) composite powders with molar ratios C/(B + Zr + Si) = 1.5, 1.9 and 2.4 were obtained by sol-gel method and boro/carbothermal reduction reaction. Meanwhile, the impact of heat treatment temperature (1100 °C–1600 °C) and holding time (1 h–2.5 h) on the resulting powders were studied. The results showed that the ZSZ powder precursors were first completely converted to ZrO 2 , SiO 2 , B 2 O 3 and pyrolytic carbon after heat treatment at 1200 °C under the optimized molar ratio (2.4) and holding time (2.5 h). Then, the transformed oxidation products and pyrolytic carbon were completely transformed into ZSZ composite powders after optimized heat treatment at 1500 °C. The synthesized ZSZ composite powders are characterized by the core-shell structure, in which ZSZ particles act as the inner core are encapsulated by the low-crystalline ZrB 2 phase as the outer shell to form a core shell structure. The ZSZ composite ceramic materials prepared using the core-shell structural powders have excellent ablative properties in the range of 2000 °C, with the mass and line ablation rate of −3.5 × 10−4 g/cm3 and 2.39 × 10−3 mm/s, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borate bioactive glasses (BGs) have become indispensable in biomedicine for their exceptional bioactivity and tunable degradation characteristics. This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of BGs within the x B 2 O 3 -CaO-Na 2 O-K 2 O-MgO-P 2 O 5 system, featuring varying compositions of B 2 O 3 (x = 40, 55, and 70 mol.%), using both sol-gel and melting techniques. A systematic investigation of their structural evolution, degradation kinetics, apatite-forming capabilities, and cytotoxicity has been conducted. The results demonstrate that the borate BGs with elevated B 2 O 3 content significantly accelerates the degradation rate and enhances bioactivity across both synthesis methods, as B 2 O 3 content increases from 40 to 70 mol%. Notably, the sol-gel derived BG samples demonstrate pronounced degradation, with mass loss reaching up to 90 %, and superior hydroxyapatite formation in simulated body fluid, surpassing the performance of their melting-derived counterparts. Cytotoxicity assays with MC3T3-E1 cells reveal no significant inhibitory effects from any of the borate bioglasses. Moreover, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been utilized to elucidate the relationship between structural alterations and in vitro bioactivity, with a particular emphasis on the boron coordination number. These findings provide a promising strategy for the development of borate BGs with tailored degradation profiles and excellent bioactivity, making them as strong candidates for various biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC), composed of silica-modified hydroxyapatite (HA-SiO 2), cerium oxide (CeO 2), and silica (SiO 2), was developed as an osteoporosis bone filler. The effect of CeO 2 and SiO 2 content on the CPC's properties, such as crystal parameters, surface properties, antibacterial activity, and toxicity properties, were studied. HA-SiO 2 was prepared using the sol-gel method, while CeO 2 was prepared using the precipitation method. HA in HA-SiO 2 has crystal properties similar to pure HA. Synthesized CeO 2 contains Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions with Ce3+/Ce4+ = 0.34. Computational calculation predicted that the CeO 2 (111) surface and glycine molecule interaction was categorized as chemisorption. Moreover, CeO 2 has antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Combining HA-SiO 2 and CeO 2 did not change the adsorption-desorption isotherm curve type, but slightly decreased the surface area, total pore volume, and average pore. Increasing the percentage of CeO 2 and adding 10 % SiO 2 (w/w) affected the particle's size and CeO 2 distribution. However, CPC lost antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus but adding 10 % SiO 2 (w/w) increases the bacterial activity toward Escherichia coli close to that of pure CeO 2. The MTT assay using pre-osteoblast MC3T3E1 cells showed that the CPC has IC 50 = 4227 μg/ml or is nontoxic. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prime goal of this novel work is to investigate the efficacy of spinel zinc ferrite as a thermoelectric material and its performance enhancement for high temperature applications. Zn 1-x Ni x Fe 2 O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) were prepared by sol-gel method and their structural, morphological, and thermoelectric behaviours were examined as functions of composition and temperature. Among the studied compositions, Zn 0.8 Ni 0.2 Fe 2 O 4 exhibits the highest electrical conductivity (σ) of 49.83 S/m, the largest power factor of 6.66 μW/mK2, and the lowest thermal conductivity (κ) of 0.36 W/mK at 947 K, thus extending to an overall enhancement in the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT). Conduction through electron hopping is proven to be the main driving force for the enhancement in electrical and thus thermoelectric properties. Results reveal that thermoelectric properties of ZnFe 2 O 4 can potentially be enhanced by the doping Ni at Zn site and opens up an exciting opportunity for the utilization of this spinel ferrite as a novel thermoelectric material for applications involving elevated temperatures. [Display omitted] • Thermoelectric figure of merit of ZnFe 2 O 4 was considerably enhanced by doping Ni. • Electron hopping is found to be one of the major contributors for the enhancement of electrical conductivity. • The dopant is also effective in reducing the thermal conductivity of ZnFe 2 O 4 at higher temperatures. • The results indicate that the studied material is suitable for high temperature (>700K) thermoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the microstructure and magnetic properties of LaCoO 3 (LCO) thin films, and also the micropatterning of LCO thin films using a novel photo-sensitive sol-gel lithography method. It is found that higher heat-treatment temperature can promote the healing of cracks and filling of pores, resulting in refining the grains, and improving the density of LCO film. The film treated at 850 °C has a larger nucleation energy, which makes the distribution of nucleation sites more uniform, promoting the healing of cracks and filling of pores, refining the grains, and improving the density of LCO film. LCO precursor sol, metal chelates with UV photosensitivity were synthesized by adding BzAcH photosensitizer. LCO micro-arrays with diameters of 50 μm, as well as other fine patterns with a minimum line width of about 2 μm were successfully prepared by a UV mask lithography technique. In contrast, our novel lithography method eliminates the need for photoresist, as the fine pattern is formed during the preparation of the LCO gel film, which is the advantages of our lithography method over traditional techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance SiC aerogels are sought after for their superior thermal insulation and absorption properties, especially in applications such as electromagnetic stealth for aero engines and high-temperature radar stealth. However, achieving SiC aerogel with both temperature resistance and strong wave absorption while controlling their properties remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the influence of reactant concentrations on the structure, thermal insulation, and absorption performance of SiC aerogels synthesized via the sol-gel method. The aerogel synthesized with a n(C):n(Si) ratio of 1:2 showed superior thermal insulation. Additionally, it showed excellent electromagnetic wave absorption, with a minimum reflection loss of −53.80 dB at 6.16 GHz and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 3.10 GHz at a thickness of 2.40 mm. Furthermore, the maximum compressive strength of C/SiC@SiC reached 0.98 MPa, a notable improvement of 81.48 % compared to the pristine C/SiC matrix. The maximum effective absorption bandwidth of C/SiC@SiC was increased to 6.06 GHz at 2.35 mm, and the surface center temperature decreased from 183.1 °C for C/SiC to 130.1 °C for C/SiC@SiC. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the development of advanced absorption and thermal insulation materials, providing a foundation for further research and innovation in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among magnetic materials, spinel ferrite is regarded as a potentially excellent low-frequency electromagnetic wave (2–8 GHz) absorber with low magnetic resonance frequency. However, spinel ferrite manufactured by conventional methods tends to be shape-isotropic, making the magnetic loss of the absorber quite weak under the Snoek Limit. Accordingly, our work prepares a highly shape-anisotropic Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 Nd 0.04 Fe 1.96 O 4 ferrite (H-NMNF) with multiple crystal structures (mainly decahedral) via a novel sol-gel method. Compared with the uniformly laminated Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 Nd 0.04 Fe 1.96 O 4 ferrite prepared by the conventional sol-gel method (C-NMNF), the natural resonance loss of H-NMNF is dramatically improved owing to the enhanced shape-anisotropic effect resulting in the Snoek Limit being breached. The results show that H-NMNF achieves the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB max) of 6.64 GHz (2.96–9.6 GHz) at a thinner matching thickness of 5.1 mm, covering approximately the entire low-frequency band. This study provides methodological guidance for manufacturing magnetic loss materials with high shape-anisotropy and a new strategy for fabricating ultra-broadband, low-frequency magnetic electromagnetic wave absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have studied the effect of annealing temperature (T S) on the structural properties and the critical behavior of Nd 0.5 Sr 0.5 MnO 3 compound prepared by sol-gel method (T S = 600, 700, 800 and 1000 °C). Scanning electronic microscope images indicate that all the samples are nanosized. The refinement of X-ray diffraction data shows that the samples sintered at 600 °C and 700 °C have three structural phases and that the monoclinic phase is linked to a superstructure (superlattice). The samples sintered at 800 °C and 1000 °C crystallize in the orthorhombic structure with Pnma space group, indicating the occurrence of a structural transition with increasing particle size. The magnetic measurements reveal that all our samples exhibit a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition with the absence of the long-range charge-ordered antiferromagnetic state. Through the magnetic field dependent magnetization, the observed overlapping between the isotherms suggests the persistence of some antiferromagnetic ordering in the nanosized samples. The reduction of saturation magnetization at 5 K for the sample sintered at 1000 °C indicates the beginning of the establishment of long-range charge ordering. The study of critical exponents has shown that the mean-field model is the most suitable model to describe the magnetic interactions for all our samples, suggesting the presence of long-range ferromagnetic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modified sol-gel method (Pechini method) is shown to synthesize multielement oxides on the basis of bismuth niobate that crystallize in the pyrochlore structure (space group Fd-3m). The temperature for the synthesis of a single-phase sample amounts to 950°C, which is 100°C lower than the calcination temperature used in the conventional ceramic method of synthesis. The average crystallite size determined radiographically varies from 39 nm (850°C) to 48 nm (1050°C) depending on the sintering temperature. According to x-ray diffraction analysis, the unit cell parameter is equal to 10.4872(6) Å. The conducted elemental mapping indicates a uniform distribution of metal atoms on the sample surface, while energy dispersive x-ray analysis shows that the chemical composition of the synthesized sample corresponds to the specified theoretical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline MgSiO 3 samples, undoped or doped with rare earth- (Eu, Tb, Ce, Li, Sm), transition- (Mn and Cu), and alkali metal- (Li) elements, were prepared by the sol-gel combustion method and characterized by thermoluminescence, electron spin resonance, and optical properties. Enstatite and protoenstatite phases are observed in undoped and doped MgSiO 3. Better TL results have been observed for phosphors doped with Tb, Ce, and Li (0.5 % mol). Fading experiments and the GCD method have been performed. EPR signals of gamma-irradiated phosphors indicate the formation of radiation-induced defect centers. Cu-doped MgSiO 3 shows an unusual feature of the Cu2+ ion. The Cu2+ ion occupies a tetragonally compressed octahedral site, presenting an unconventional attribute. Optical bandgap value Eg is higher for the Ce, Tb, Mn, Li, Sm, and Cu-doped MgSiO 3 phosphors. Ce, Li, and Tb dopant ions were found suitable for the MgSiO 3 sample regarding its thermoluminescent response and its possible application in radiation dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, B-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by a sol-gel method using ammonium metatungstate and boric acid as W and B sources, respectively. The effects of W/Ti and B/Ti ratios on the photocatalytic activities were investigated. When W/Ti = 3.5/100 and B/Ti = 5/100, the degradation rate of a 40 mg/L methylene blue solution reached 82.45% within 120 min and the quasi-first-order kinetic constants were 12.39 times and 1.89 times of the quasi-first-order kinetic constants of pure TiO2 and 3.5%W-TiO2, respectively. The characterization results showed that the modified TiO2 crystal type obtained by W and B co-doping was anatase, and the gel was calcined to produce substituted W doping and interstitial B doping (Ti-O-B-Ti). W and B doping can form impurity energy levels below the conduction band and above the valence band, respectively; under their synergistic effect, the bandgap of 5%B-3.5%W-TiO2 was reduced to 2.65 eV, which lowered the the compounding efficiency of the hole-electron pairs and improved the photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, B-W co-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by a sol-gel method using ammonium metatungstate and boric acid as W and B sources, respectively. The effects of W/Ti and B/Ti ratios on the photocatalytic activities were investigated. When W/Ti = 3.5/100 and B/Ti = 5/100, the degradation rate of a 40 mg/L methylene blue solution reached 82.45% within 120 min and the quasi-first-order kinetic constants were 12.39 times and 1.89 times of the quasi-first-order kinetic constants of pure TiO2 and 3.5%W-TiO2, respectively. The characterization results showed that the modified TiO2 crystal type obtained by W and B co-doping was anatase, and the gel was calcined to produce substituted W doping and interstitial B doping (Ti-O-B-Ti). W and B doping can form impurity energy levels below the conduction band and above the valence band, respectively; under their synergistic effect, the bandgap of 5%B-3.5%W-TiO2 was reduced to 2.65 eV, which lowered the the compounding efficiency of the hole-electron pairs and improved the photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting microplastics from natural sources is challenging, especially microplastics with sizes smaller than 100 μm. The flotation method is the most common microplastic extraction, but it struggles with fine particles due to the difficulty in collecting floating plastic particles from the liquid during the separation process. This study proposes a new floating media, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), that could separate microplastics using its hydrophobic-oleophilic properties. Most interestingly, TEOS transformed from a liquid state to a solid state (gel) by hydrolysis and condensation reactions, thus safely capturing the separated microplastic particles after flotation and mitigating particle loss from scooping since its gel acted as a particle holder. The average recovery rates obtained were in the range of 95–100% for polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and aged tyre rubber. The recovery rates were slightly reduced for finer particles (sizes down to 40 μm) at 82–98%. TEOS-based extraction provided a higher recovery rate for non-polar plastics than for polar or hydrophilic plastics. The separated microplastics maintained their characteristics for polymer identification, as proven by spectroscopic and thermal analysis techniques. Therefore, TEOS-based extraction could be a new approach to microplastic extraction, especially for preventing fine particle loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to studying and manufacturing a highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose biosensing system of metal oxides via the sol–gel technique. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of all the prepared samples confirm that the samples present hexagonal crystal lattice structures of ZnO and Ag–ZnO nanoparticles. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis of all the samples is carried out to evaluate the absorption of silver in the UV region for electrical and chronoamperometric analysis. The transmittance of all the samples is observed, and the maximum transmittance is 11% for 4% AgZnO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal the functional group stretching and vibration of the particles at different wavelength ranges. Scanning electron microsocpy analysis reveals the grain size and morphology of the samples, which decrease with increasing doping agent. Chronoamperometric analysis of all the samples reveals that the value increases with time for the 4% doped sample. The sensing response is also observed and is enhanced with increasing temperature for the 4% doped sample. The sensing response of the samples coated with carbon fiber electrodes is assessed from −0.2 to +0.5 V at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of transforming solar power into hydrogen fuel through photoelectrochemical water splitting is a highly viable strategy for producing hydrogen in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, offering a long-term solution to the worldwide energy crisis. Therefore, the need for high-performance photoelectrodes is critical for optimizing the transformation of solar energy into hydrogen fuel. Herein, a simple citrate sol-gel technique was employed to fabricate magnesium iron oxide (MgFeO 3) for its potential use in photoelectrochemical water splitting. A detailed analysis was undertaken using techniques such as XRD, FESEM, XPS, PL, EDX, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry to uncover the fundamental physicochemical and optoelectronic aspects of the MgFeO 3 perovskite material. The MgFeO 3 photoelectrode manifests superior PEC characteristics as evidenced by the optimal photocurrent density of 4.5 mA cm−2 achieved at a potential of 1.2 V vs. RHE, and a commendable solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.97%. EIS studies provided evidence of improved charge transfer kinetics and decreased recombination rates in the MgFeO 3 photoelectrode. In addition, extended reliability evaluations utilizing chronoamperometry verified consistent operation for 10 h at a photocurrent density of 3.5 mA cm−2, demonstrating the long-term durability of MgFeO 3 in PEC water splitting. These results emphasize the considerable promise of MgFeO 3 perovskite as a proficient and robust photoelectrode substance for PEC water-splitting applications. [Display omitted] • Developed MgFeO 3 perovskite nanostructures using a facile citrate sol-gel method. • High photocurrent density of 9.1 mA cm⁻2 at 1.2 V vs. RHE under visible light irradiation. • Demonstrated a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.97% that showcase the material's efficiency. • MgFeO 3 material exhibited outstanding long-term stability under prolonged visible light exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen play a crucial role in developing sustainable technologies. Hydrogen is one of the best candidates for future energy transition. Today, hydrogen storage techniques have become an important and debated issue in many countries. This study represents the first attempt to prepare CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles using two different methods (sol-gel and green) and compare their performance as an electrocatalyst in electrochemical hydrogen storage. The tetragonal crystal structure, spherical shape, purity, and mesoporous features of the sample were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques. Additionally, the hydrogen storage performance of CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and charge-discharge chronopotentiometry (CP) in a 3 M KOH alkaline medium. The result revealed that the specific capacitance values of CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles in sol-gel and green methods were obtained to be 2427 and 1503 Fg-1, respectively. The discharge capacities of CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles in sol-gel and green methods after 11 cycles were calculated to be 4304 and 3011 mAh/g, respectively. The superior hydrogen storage capability of CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles in the sol-gel method can be attributed to its high porosity. [Display omitted] • CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel and green methods. • Study of crystal structure, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the samples. • CuCr 2 O 4 showed excellent hydrogen storage capacity of 4304 and 3011mAh/g in the sol-gel and green methods, respectively. • A promising material for hydrogen storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is vital to develop non-precious metal materials as dual-functional hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR) catalysts for water splitting. Herein, cobalt vanadate (CVO) nano/microrods electrocatalysts have been successfully synthesized by combining the sol-gel and pyrolysis method for HER and UOR. CVO-500 with the pyrolysis temperature at 500 °C shows optimal catalytic activity toward HER and UOR, which just needs overpotentials of 91.4 and 53.6 mV at 10 mA/cm2, respectively. In addition, it displays surpassing stability for uninterrupted HER and UOR. The CVO-500 catalyst as the anode and cathode for overall urea electrolysis only requires the voltage of 1.51 V to deliver 10 mA/cm2 with excellent stability in 1.0 M KOH with 0.33 M urea solution. The results suggest that cobalt vanadate nano/microrods with considerable catalytic performance as high-efficiency dual-functional electrocatalyst is believed as promising candidate to replace precious materials. [Display omitted] • Cobalt vanadate electrocatalysts have been successfully synthesized by combining the sol-gel and pyrolysis method. • Cobalt vanadate with the pyrolysis temperature at 500 °C (CVO-500) presents even and regular nano/microrods morphology. • The optimal CVO-500 shows overpotentials of 91.4 and 119.6 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for HER and UOR, respectively. • CVO-500 possesses conspicuous durability during sustaining HER and UOR. • CVO-500 catalyst for overall urea electrolysis requires the voltage of 1.51 V to deliver 10 mA/cm2 with excellent stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction presents a promising strategy to alleviate environmental issues caused by massive CO 2 emissions. SrTiO 3 , a potential photocatalyst for photocatalytic CO 2 reactions, is limited by poor photoresponsivity and fast photogenerated carrier recombination. In this work, a series of Cu2+ species modified SrTiO 3 nanofibers (xCuO/STO) was prepared combining sol-gel method and electrospinning with different copper content. The CH 3 OH yield of the 0.08CuO/STO photocatalyst reached up to 5.75 ± 0.27 μmol g−1 h−1, which was 2.2 times higher than that of pure SrTiO 3. It was attributed that the blend electrospinning promoted Cu2+ species to be well dispersed on the surface of the SrTiO 3 nanofibers. The strategy effectively enhanced the light absorption of the photocatalyst and inhibited the recombination of the photogenerated carriers. Part of appropriate characterizations were employed to elucidate the above point. In addition, to explore the inherent mechanism between the two species, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were further applied in the inherent mechanism between the species. This work provided a blend electrospinning approach for designing cocatalyst-modified SrTiO 3 nanofibers for photocatalytic reduction of CO 2. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the visible light photocatalytic activities of the ZnO and ZnO/Fe 2 O 3 structures were investigated. Anodization of Zn plates to obtain ZnO nanowires was carried out by applying 35 V between 1 and 30 min durations. Fe 2 O 3 layers were coated on initially obtained ZnO nanowires through a sol-gel spin-coating process. All samples were examined for morphological, structural, optical, and photocatalytic activities in detail. The results showed that the conducted anodization process was successful where up to micrometer-length nanowires were obtained. SEM images confirmed the presence of Fe 2 O 3 deposits surrounding the nanowires, while UV and visible absorption spectra indicated increased absorption due to Fe 2 O 3 , leading to enhanced photocatalytic performance. The best-performing ZnO nanowire anodized for 5 min almost doubled its photocatalytic activity after Fe 2 O 3 coating, in which an apparent reaction rate of 12.24 × 10−3 min−1 and degrading 90.32 % of the initial MB concentration was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, ion-doped hydroxyapatite materials were synthesized using the sol-gel technique. XRD analysis confirmed the purity of the products, with no secondary peaks observed. Doping with manganese, lithium, potassium, and zinc ions resulted in a crystalline size of 47–48 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy validated the structural bands, while scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed nano-rod-like particles with sizes ranging from 30 to 80 nm in length and 13 to 40 nm in width. Impedance spectroscopy and dielectric relaxation studies showed electrical behaviour following the Maxwell-Wagner mechanism and non-Debye type relaxation. The materials exhibited strong antibacterial properties, making them promising for medical implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present day, water treatment has emerged as a significant global concern, particularly due to the proliferation of pollution sources. The utilization of dyes, such as Evans blue, in several industries is among the most significant contributors to these pollutants. Forsterite nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol-gel technique and calcined at different temperatures to determine the optimum temperature at which pure nanoforsterite was obtained. Then, it was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) , contact angle, and zero-point charge. The adsorption capability of forsterite nanoparticles (Nps) was evaluated by a batch adsorption experimental method to remove Evans blue dye (EBD). Parameters such as agitation speed, dosage of forsterite Nps, pH, and contact time were considered at ambient temperature. At pH = 3, dose of Nps = 1 g/L, and 600 rpm within 10 min, the results indicated a removal rate of around 100%. Furthermore, it was shown that the material may be employed for 3 cycles with a removal rate of 90%. Multiple kinetic and isotherm models, including Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich models, were used to analyze the results and clarify the mechanism of the adsorption phenomena. The findings from the isotherm and kinetic studies indicated that the system conforms to Langmuir and pseudo-second-order, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The utilization of rare earth (RE) elements is pivotal in wave absorption. In particular cases, RE group elements manifesting unique 4f electron layer structures are doped as impurities into certain materials, which is a practical and reliable method for regulating these materials' magnetic and electrical properties. Moreover, ferrites and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), standing out among conventional and emerging wave‐absorbing materials, can achieve significantly enhanced wave absorption through RE doping or substitution. Numerous scholars have dedicated massive research over a substantially long time to explore the utilization of RE elements to reinforce the absorption of these two materials. Therefore, consolidating and summarizing such efforts are crucial and necessary. This review aims to clarify the underlined mechanism of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption and elaborate on the impact of RE doping by providing a comprehensive overview of recent progress in ferrites and MOFs dopped with RE elements. Finally, the limitations associated with RE doping in such materials are delineated, and the upcoming prospects for its application are highlighted. Key Scientists: In 1947, J. A. Marinky et al. obtained promethium from uranium fission products. From the isolates of yttrium soil in 1794 to the discovery of promethium in 1947, it took more than 150 years. In 1975, Guangxian Xu found that the rare earth solvent extraction system has the basic "constant mixed extraction ratio" rule. In 1984, the theory of "one‐cavity multi‐mode" was proposed by Weigan Lin to improve the electromagnetic wave theory further and develop the theory of absorbing materials. In 1995, Omar M. Yaghi synthesized the first MOFs in history, and since then, they have been widely used in gas adsorption and separation and other fields because of their large specific surface area and adjustable pore structure. In recent years, various functional materials based on MOFS‐derived carbon have been studied endlessly. Masato Sagawa, known for inventing NdFeB magnets, won the "28th Japan Prize" in 2012. In recent years, Renchao Che has promoted the development of interface theory and magnetic theory in the field of wave absorption. In addition, Jiurong Liu is committed to developing various wave‐absorbing materials and the respective theoretical research and continues to promote the development of wave‐absorbing materials to "thin, light, wide and strong". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humidity sensors using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) technology can provide continuous operation without the need for additional batteries. These sensors provide sustainable and self-powered humidity monitoring solutions, that can be utilized in various agriculture platforms and food processing industries. In this work, a sol-gel method is utilized to process the bismuth ferrite (abbreviated as BFO) materials and a simple mould pressing method to obtain freestanding Ethylene-vinyl acetate (abbreviated EVA)-BFO composites. These composites were characterized to shed light upon structural and microstructural properties. The single electrode mode operating TENG was fabricated having 2 cm × 2 cm active area at various wt.% of BFO onto EVA-based composites to compare the electrical response. The 5 wt.% BFO-EVA-based composites/FEP-based TENG generates a voltage and current of 45 V and 800 nA. Further, the TENG device was tested for long-term stability for 400 s, and charging of various capacitors having capacitance values such as 0.1 μF, 1 μF, 4.7 μF, and 10 μF along with 3 times charging/discharging cycles of 0.1 μF capacitor have been demonstrated. The humidity sensing mechanism elucidated which follows the conduction process based on the Grotthuss proton hopping mechanism. The TENG demonstrates a sensitivity of 0.53 V/RH% over the relative humidity range from 25 % to 85 %. The powering of the wristwatch confirms that fabricated TENG can be a reliable power source for future low-power electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical design was applied to core-shell B 2 O 3 @SiO 2 microcapsule, followed by fabrication of the SiC–B 2 O 3 @SiO 2 coating by a combination of entrapping and hot dip processes. Among the C/C-SiC-BS2, C/C-SiC-BS4 and C/C-SiC-BS6 samples, the C/C-SiC-BS4 composite exhibits long-term antioxidant capabilities, with only a 2.30 % mass loss as oxidized at 973 K for 1500 h, and 2.35 % at 1073 K for 2600 h. Furthermore, after enduring 150 thermal shocks between 293 K and 1173 K, its mass loss is only 2.07 %. The XRD patterns detected the existence of B 2 O 3 and SiO 2 phases, and the SEM and EDS analysis proved the borosilicate glass, indicating the excellent performances came from the synergistic self-healing effects of the B 2 O 3 , SiO 2 phases, and borosilicate glass. Thus, within the temperature ranges from 873 K to 1273 K, the oxygen penetration shifts from osmotic state to defect diffusion in coating. This research emphasizes the significance of hierarchical designs for core-shell sacrificial phase in silicate coatings, thereby enhancing their long-term applicability. • Hierarchical design was applied to the B 2 O 3 @SiO 2 microcapsule by a simple sol-gel technique. • Core-shell microcapsule successively activated the SiO 2 , B 2 O 3 phases and borosilicate glass in self-healing. • The composite yielded excellent combinations of long-term antioxidant and thermal shock resistances. • This study highlights the hierarchical designs for core-shell sacrificial phase in silicate coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 are primarily determined by its crystallinity and crystalline phase ratios. To improve the photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 , greater control over the formation of crystalline and amorphous phases during synthesis is therefore required. In this study, we demonstrate how the addition of minute amounts of three organic compounds (isopropanol, acetone and acetic acid) during hydrothermal treatment affects the amorphous and crystalline phase ratios: the addition of isopropanol or acetone accelerates the phase transition from anatase and brookite to rutile, whereas the addition of acetic acid inhibits the transformation of anatase to rutile, increasing the content of amorphous phase compared to samples where no organic compound was added. We show that the combination of the organic compound added, along with the duration of the hydrothermal treatment, can be used to tailor the phase composition of TiO 2 , so as to obtain either: i) TiO 2 with a high content of both rutile and amorphous phase, ii) TiO 2 with a high rutile content and iii) TiO 2 with different ratios of all four phases, when the duration of synthesis is short (2–4 h). The materials synthesized exhibited high photocatalytic activity (in most cases higher than P25), which is attributed to the beneficial phase composition and high specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of metal oxide thin films can greatly affect their gas sensing properties. However, the structure-property relationship has not been fully established for the NO 2 sensing properties of WO 3 thin films. In this study, WO 3 thin films with two distinct structures have been prepared by the sol-gel technique via employing two different precursor sols. Dense and porous WO 3 thin films were successfully prepared as tungsten and WCl 6 was used as the precursor source, respectively. Both WO 3 thin films are exclusively sensitive to NO 2 as low as 80 ppb. Porous WO 3 thin films exhibit higher response toward NO 2 but slower response/recovery kinetics as compared to the dense ones. Hall measurement and electrochromic coloration confirm the higher carrier mobility in the porous WO 3 thin films. The response/recovery kinetics is found to be determined by the gas-solid reaction (receptor function), which is combinedly influenced by the porosity and grain size of the WO 3 thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of stored energy materials, lead-free amorphous thin films have the advantages of high breakdown strength, excellent stability, environmental protection and pollution-free, and are a very competitive energy storage material. However, the difficulty of simultaneous optimization of polarization and breakdown strength has always been a difficulty in improving the energy storage properties of amorphous thin films. Entropy can be used to design multi-ion doping to improve the energy storage performance of amorphous film. Amorphous films with different entropy are prepared by sol-gel method doped with 50 % Zr4+ and 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % Bi(Mn 0 · 5 Ti 0.5)O 3. The Bi 0 · 1 Ba 0 · 85 Sr 0 · 05 Mn 0 · 05 Ti 0 · 45 Zr 0 · 5 O 3 amorphous thin film prepared at medium entropy (S = 1.37) has a recoverable energy storage density of 107.4 J cm−3 at 8.42 MV cm−1, and the energy storage efficiency is 93.9 %. Under the interaction of multiple elements, entropy design can give full play to the advantages of composite effects, improve breakdown field strength and energy storage efficiency, and is a new method to enhance energy storage performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic membranes are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness in processing fermentation broths. However, developing ceramic membranes with superior anti-fouling properties remains a challenge for large-scale applications. Iron oxide nanomaterials have gained significant research interest as a cost-effective and readily available solution for mitigating membrane fouling, thanks to their excellent hydrophilicity. This study introduces ceramic membranes enhanced with iron oxide via a facile sol-gel technique. The membrane's resistance to fouling, hydrophilicity, adhesion force, and surface potential were assessed. Post-modification, a consistent distribution of iron elements on the membrane surface was achieved, with negligible alteration in pore size. Although the pure water permeance (450 ± 45 L m−2 h−1·bar−1) did not change significantly, the permeance of the modified membrane (225 L m−2 h−1·bar−1) was nearly 20 % higher than that of the original membrane when separating a 1000 ppm oil-in-water emulsion, with both membranes achieving 99 % oil droplet rejection. Moreover, the flux recovery rate of the modified membrane surpassed that of the original membrane by approximately 30 %, indicating a significant improvement in anti-fouling performance. Upscaling experiments further validated the modified membrane's anti-fouling performance and capability to rapidly process broths with high oil content. Overall, this study presents a novel anti-fouling ceramic membrane for the treatment of oil-containing fermentation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, in order to successfully create high-density La 0.67 Ca 0.33- x Sr x MnO 3 : Ag 0.15 (LCSMO: Ag) ceramics (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05), this research combines sol-gel and solid-phase processes. LCSMO: Ag ceramics electrical transport and magnetic properties were thoroughly investigated. XRD verified that the high-purity orthorhombic perovskite structure (space group Pnma) was produced. As Sr doping rises, the grain size grows, the single electron bandwidth increases, the metal-insulator transition temperature (T MI) continues to climb, and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and magnetoresistance (MR) steadily drop. When x = 0.04, the T MI reaches 302.2 K. At this time, the TCR peak (TCR peak) reaches 24.0 %·K−1 and the MR peak reaches 49.2 %. These results demonstrate that Sr may effectively raise the T MI of LCMO: Ag ceramics to room temperature while maintaining high TCR and MR Values, which benefits the material's potential applications in devices such as uncooled infrared detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The utilization of rare earth (RE) elements is pivotal in wave absorption. In particular cases, RE group elements manifesting unique 4f electron layer structures are doped as impurities into certain materials, which is a practical and reliable method for regulating these materials' magnetic and electrical properties. Moreover, ferrites and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), standing out among conventional and emerging wave‐absorbing materials, can achieve significantly enhanced wave absorption through RE doping or substitution. Numerous scholars have dedicated massive research over a substantially long time to explore the utilization of RE elements to reinforce the absorption of these two materials. Therefore, consolidating and summarizing such efforts are crucial and necessary. This review aims to clarify the underlined mechanism of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption and elaborate on the impact of RE doping by providing a comprehensive overview of recent progress in ferrites and MOFs dopped with RE elements. Finally, the limitations associated with RE doping in such materials are delineated, and the upcoming prospects for its application are highlighted. Key Scientists: In 1947, J. A. Marinky et al. obtained promethium from uranium fission products. From the isolates of yttrium soil in 1794 to the discovery of promethium in 1947, it took more than 150 years. In 1975, Guangxian Xu found that the rare earth solvent extraction system has the basic "constant mixed extraction ratio" rule. In 1984, the theory of "one‐cavity multi‐mode" was proposed by Weigan Lin to improve the electromagnetic wave theory further and develop the theory of absorbing materials. In 1995, Omar M. Yaghi synthesized the first MOFs in history, and since then, they have been widely used in gas adsorption and separation and other fields because of their large specific surface area and adjustable pore structure. In recent years, various functional materials based on MOFS‐derived carbon have been studied endlessly. Masato Sagawa, known for inventing NdFeB magnets, won the "28th Japan Prize" in 2012. In recent years, Renchao Che has promoted the development of interface theory and magnetic theory in the field of wave absorption. In addition, Jiurong Liu is committed to developing various wave‐absorbing materials and the respective theoretical research and continues to promote the development of wave‐absorbing materials to "thin, light, wide and strong". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of high-efficient catalyst, Co–Fe/Al 2 O 3 , were synthesized via the sol-gel method for low-temperature phenol steam reforming (PSR). The optimized catalyst, 15Co–2Fe/Al 2 O 3 , exhibited a remarkable phenol conversion of 95.3%, a H 2 yield of 92.1% at 450 °C, GHSV = 7500 h−1 and a steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratio of 10. Furthermore, the catalyst activity was maintained for 660 min before a gradual decline was observed. The NH 3 -TPD analysis revealed that the addition of Fe enhanced the surface acidity of the catalyst, providing more active sites for phenol adsorption and activation. This study aims to address the challenges associated with high reaction temperatures and poor catalyst stability in PSR. Various characterization techniques have been employed to investigate the reaction mechanisms of bimetallic catalysts in low-temperature PSR. [Display omitted] • Doping with Fe enhances the catalytic activity of the catalyst at high GHSV. • Doping with Fe enhances the catalytic activity of the catalyst at low temperature. • Fe doping enhances adsorbate-catalyst interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a corrosion-resistance surface on a desired industrial coating is a challenge in several industries. In the aerospace industry, it is necessary to modify the corrosion-resistant coating to address the susceptibility of damage during flight for aviation applications. The present study tested three types of commercially available corrosion-resistant coatings for aviation, and the coating with the best overall performance was modified to enhance its mechanical properties to prevent coating damage due to impacts from raindrops and sand during flight. Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles with an approximate particle size of 50 nm were prepared by the sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The KH560 silane coupling agent, as the neck layer and the M2070 polyether amine as the crown layer, were covalently bonded and then grafted onto the surface of the nano-SiO2 core to obtain a core-shell structure of the SiO2 solvent-free nanofluid (SiO2@KH560-M2070). The tensile property of the polyurethane coating was improved when a small amount of the SiO2 solvent-free nanofluid was incorporated into the coating. The present study has theoretical and practical guiding significance for the selection and spraying of existing aircraft radome coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that super-hydrophobic materials have a wide application prospect. However, many methods for preparing super-amphiphobic coatings are too complicated or have poor stability, which limits the practical application of super-amphiphobic materials. In this paper, a stable and durable super-amphiphobic coating is prepared on the fabric surface via a simple sol-gel method. The water and vegetable oil contact angles of this coating are 160.5 ± 0.8° and 154.8 ± 2.6°, respectively. Specifically, the super-amphiphobic coating is prepared by grafting nano-silica on the surface of the fabric by a simple sol-gel method, and then grafted 1H, 1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS-17) as a hydrophobic modifier. After various chemical and mechanical stability tests, including concentrated ammonia solution soaking, saturated sodium hydroxide solution soaking, concentrated salt solution soaking, and THF soaking with stirring, the coating still maintains hydrophobicity. And the coating has excellent air permeability, which is expected to have great potential in the field of special protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of iron oxide nanoparticles with different textural and structural characteristics were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The iron oxide nanoparticles were made with synthetic (Pluronic P123 Amphiphilic Block Copolymer) and natural (gelatin) double templates and single P123 templates. The influences of the addition of the gelatin template on the microstructure, methylene blue degradation, and thermal photocatalyst regeneration were investigated. The Xray Diffraction (XRD) examination revealed the formation of iron-P123-gelatin (iron oxide made with P123 and gelatin templates) and iron-P123 (iron oxide made with only P123 template) with hematite and maghemite phases, where the crystallinity and crystallite size increased due to the presence of gelatin. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) studies indicated a peak at 500 cm-1, revealing the iron groups in both samples and increased intensity in the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups due to gelatin. Furthermore, the surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter of iron-P123-gelatin exhibited an increment due to gelatin addition. According to the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA) data, the sample with gelatin had higher thermal stability and weight loss than that without gelatin. The photodegradation of methylene blue utilizing iron-P123-gelatin reached 91.5%, showing a better performance than that of iron-P123. Finally, iron-P123-gelatin demonstrated a promising photocatalyst thermal regeneration for methylene blue photodegradation for 5 cycles at various temperatures, and it is suggested that 450 °C was the ideal temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano Si3N4 powder was successfully synthesized using a combination of sol foaming and carbothermal reduction and nitridation techniques. The process utilized fumed silica (amorphous nano SiO2 powder) as the silicon source, sucrose (C12H22O11) as the carbon source, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as the foaming agent, and nitric acid (HNO3) as the oxidant, to prepare precursor of the Si3N4 powder. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of various factors on the size of the Si3N4 particles. Specifically, the molar ratio of NH4Cl to SiO2 (ε), the foaming temperature, the sintering temperature, and the holding time were analyzed in detail. The results revealed that under the optimized conditions of ε = 1, a SiO2 : C12H22O11 = 1 : 1.5, and a foaming temperature of 350 °C, a fluffy precursor was obtained. This precursor featured amorphous SiO2 evenly coated with organic carbon, which was crucial for the subsequent synthesis process. Subsequently, the precursor was subjected to a nitridation process at 1500 °C for 2 h. This resulted in the formation of nano α-Si3N4 powder. The powder displayed a specific surface area of about 52 m2/g, an average particle size of approximately 20 nm, and a high degree of sphericity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using citric acid as a chelating agent, BiFeO3 nanopowders doped with La at the A-site, Mn at the B-site, and codoped with La/Mn were synthesized through an ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area and pore size analysis (BET), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were employed to analyze the morphology, structure and elemental composition of Bi1 - x Lax Fe1 - y Mny O3 crystals. The results indicate that doping with La and Mn elements can significantly alter the crystal structure and morphology of BiFeO3, suppressing the recombination of its charge carriers. Using Bi1 - x Lax Fe1 - y Mny O3 as a photocatalyst, the effects of pH value and light source on the photocatalytic degradation of simulated pollutants were investigated, and further experiments to explore the photocatalytic mechanism were conducted. The results reveal that La/Mn co-doped samples show significant differences in degradation rates for congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB), which is related to the electronegativity of the dye molecules. Meanwhile, doping enhances the magnetic properties of the samples, which is beneficial for recycling and improving its utilization efficiency. [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]

As a high energy density cathode material, further development of high working voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 has hindered by its rapid capacity degradation. To address this, a hetero-valent substitution of magnesium for manganese was used to synthesize spinel LiNi0.5MgxMn1.5−xO4 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05) via a microwave sol-gel method. XRD and refined results indicate that such strategy leads to the modification of the 16c interstitial sites. The electrical performance demonstrates that a modest substitution (x = 0.03) significantly improves both rate performance (113.1 mAh/g, charge and discharge at 5 C) and cycling stability (85% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 C). A higher substitution level (x = 0.05) markedly improves high-rate cycling performance, achieving 96% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5 C. It offers tailored solutions for various application needs, including capacity-focused and high-current-rate applications. Furthermore, the stable LiNi0.5Mg0.05Mn1.45O4 sample could also serve as an effective coating layer for other electrode materials to enhance their cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity deionization (CDI), which combines capacitive carbon electrodes and redox-active electrodes, has emerged as a promising method for water desalination. It enables higher ion removal capacity than CDI-containing carbonaceous electrodes. Our work aimed to synthesize layered structure δ-MnO2/CNTs composites via the sol-gel method, examining their suitability for hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI). The XRD results showed a layered structure birnessite for all composites with a distance interlayer over 7.0 Å, while the SEM images confirmed the intercopration of MnO2 particles and CNT fibers. The electrochemical evaluations evidenced the role of CNTs in enhancing the charge transfer and ionic diffusion in composites. Composite δ-MnO2/CNTs presented a specific capacitance of 160 F g−1 at a charge-discharge rate of 1 A g-1 upon 1600 cycles. In salt removal performance, the asymmetric cell AC||δ-MnO2/CNTs-1 showed the highest salt adsorption capacity (SAC) of 30.2 mg g−1 and fast average salt adsorption rate (ASAR) of 3 mg g−1 s−1 under a constant applied potential 1.4 V in 200 ppm NaCl, rendering it a promising candidate for efficient and sustainable desalination technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite (ZnO/SnO2 NC), focusing on their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties. The sol-gel technique was utilized for the synthesis of the ZnO/SnO2 NC. Subsequent characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The XRD analysis indicated crystallite dimensions of 15 nm for ZnO/SnO2 and 21 nm for pure ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB) and m-Toluidine Blue (m-TB) dyes. The ZnO/SnO2 NC demonstrated degradation rates of 99% for both TB and m-TB within 120 and 140 min of sunlight exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the scavenging activity of superoxide radicals was evaluated, with the ZnO/SnO2 NC exhibiting an Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 48.12 µg∙mL− 1, compared to 60.03 µg∙mL− 1 for pure ZnO. This research highlights the potential of ZnO/SnO2 NC in environmental remediation and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]