Fe3O4@SiO2 (FS) nanocomposite was synthesized through the co-precipitation method and utilized as a filler material in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to obtain PVA/iron oxide@silica Fe3O4@SiO2 ...(PFS) films. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of flexible polymer nanocomposites comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices embedded with iron oxide @ silica. Through the analysis of the composite, we observed a significant enhancement in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites with increasing Fe3O4@SiO2 content. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra have been used to provide more information about the chemical state and electronic structure of the polymer film. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed notable improvements in electrical properties, including increased real electric modulus and permittivity. Mechanical investigation showed an improvement in the tensile strength, meanwhile, Young's modulus has improved from 341.2 to 1789.8 MPa, indicating that (PVA) and FS successfully complexed and interacted strongly. These findings underscore the potential of these nanocomposites for high-performance applications in energy storage devices and other fields requiring robust dielectric materials.
•PVA films with various Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles concentrations were prepared via solution cast techniques.•Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method.•The interaction between the polymer blend and iron oxide@SiO2 nanocomposites was revealed by the XPS and Raman analyses.•Employing TGA and DSC analysis, the PVA/Fe3O4@SiO2 (PFS) films thermal stability was evaluated.•Electrical, and Mechanical properties of PVA/Fe3O4@SiO2 (PFS) films were investigated.
•Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC are synthesized by egg-white assisted co-precipitation method with microwave irradiation.•pH 4 is the optimum pH level for the breakdown of MO.•Under UV ...light, the nano-level catalysts Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC showed superior catalytic properties than pure CeO2 for the degradation of MO.•High removal efficiency and mineralization potential for MO degradation are observed.•Recycling and reuse experiments demonstrated that Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC are stable catalysts for activating MO.
The production of mesoporous, nanocrystalline, Zn-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) at various concentrations of Zn, Magnetic biochar (MBC)-Zn-doped CeO2 nanocomposites (NC), their characterizations, and photocatalytic degradation analysis are presented in this study. The synthesis of MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC is based on the carbonization of an iron oxide precursor with powdered Bergera koenigii stem (curry leaf stem). XRD and TEM results confirm polycrystalline, spherical fluorite Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC formations. The crystallite size varies from 4–12 nm with an increase in the doping concentration of Zn and 8.55 nm for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC. XPS analysis displays the valence states and surface chemical composition of the as-prepared MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ sample. BET analysis provides the surface area (17–32 m2/g for Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and 142 m2/g for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) and pore size (25–45 Å for Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs and 17.35 Å for MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) of all the samples. All the samples possess good UV absorption in the range of 200–400 nm, and the bandgap energy of the as-prepared samples decreased from 3.088 to 2.79 eV with increased dopant concentration and on-load magnetic biochar. The oxygen deficiencies and lattice deformations of the as-prepared samples are studied using Raman, FTIR, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The degradation efficiency of 5 ppm Methyl Orange (MO) is analyzed using 50 mg catalytic (Ce1-xZnxO2-δ NPs, MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC) dosage by maintaining the pH of the solution as 4. After 16 min of UV irradiation, the as-synthesized Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC exhibit 91 % and 97 % decolorization and 90 % and 94 % total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency. Regression analysis is performed to evaluate each model's applicability to photocatalytic degradation. The regeneration experiments on Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NPs and MBC-Ce0.91Zn0.09O2-δ NC prove the stability of these catalysts for activating MO.
•Recent advances in extracellular vesicle research.•Analysis of extracellular vesicles using fluorescence and Raman methods.•Analysis using microfluidic-assisted platforms.•Extracellular vesicle ...heterogeneity and single vesicle analysis.•Evaluation of the therapeutic roles of extracellular vesicles.•Challenges and perspectives for extracellular vesicle research.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale lipid membrane–bound vesicles that are secreted by cells of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and carry bioactive cargos including proteins, nucleic acid and lipids from source cells. Given their prominent ability in transporting bioactive components, EVs are regarded as promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and emerging therapeutic nanoparticles. However, to exert their effect in clinical applications, effective isolation and sensitive analysis of EVs from complex biofluids is required. Recent advances in EV-related research has provided feasible approaches for developing emerging therapeutic nanoplatforms using EVs. With this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive and in-depth summary of recent advances in diverse assay methods for EVs including fluorescence, Raman/Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) analysis and other methods, as well as their clinical potential in constructing EV-based theranostic nanoplatforms towards various diseases. In particular, microfluidic-assisted analysis sytems, single EV detection and the main approaches of utilizing EVs for therapeutic purposes are highlighted. We anticipate this review will be inspirational for researchers in related fields and will provide a general introduction to scientists with various research backgrounds.
•Abundance of microplastics was studied at three sediment depths in the Persian Gulf.•Microplastics (MPs) were found in all sediment depths and all locations.•MPs were colorless in the surface ...sediments and colored in the lower layers.•The maximum abundance of MPs was 2-5 mm in the surface sediment layer.•Among all sites, fibers and fragments were more abundant.
The presence of microplastics in tidal sediments is a growing ecotoxicological concern for sea and benthic health. This investigation was designed to record and characterize the vertical prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in intertidal sediments of the Persian Gulf (around Bushehr city, Iran). Sediments of three depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm) were sampled during low tide in six sites along the coastal zone of Bushehr, Iran. MP particles were found in all evaluated areas and sediment depths. The average abundance of MPs in all of the sediment samples was 117.96 ± 97.75 particles kg−1 dry sediment. No differences were found in the MPs number among the sites. The most dominant microplastics in surface sediments were 2-5 mm in size. In all areas, fibers and fragments were more abundant. Particles in higher depths (0-10 cm) were often colorless (white, and transparent). Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene in the samples. Further research is required to evaluate the possible interaction between MPs and layers of sediments. Waste management and proper wastewater disposal are critical to control MPs pollution in intertidal ecosystems around coastal cities.
In this paper, cadmium oxide (CdO) was effectively developed on copper selenide (CuSe) nanoparticles via the wet-chemical method for the first time to explore their electrochemical properties for ...hybrid supercapacitors (HSC). The XRD Raman analysis proves the successful formation of the CdO, CuSe, and CdO-CuSe nanocomposite. The morphological results exposed that CdO and CuSe are composed of irregular particles-like morphology. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) analysis demonstrated the battery-type behavior of the electrode materials, with prominent redox peaks and voltage plateau in the GCD profile with good reversibility. Interestingly, it was observed that the freshly prepared CdO-CuSe electrode displays a relatively higher capacity (386 C/g) compared to CdO and CuSe electrodes (175 and 216 C/g). Furthermore, we built a CdO-CuSe//AC HSC, which expanded the voltage limit to 1.8 V. It delivered a high energy and power densities of 51 Wh kg−1 and retained 16 Wh kg−1 when power density reached its maximum value of 6488 W kg−1. More importantly, a stable cycling performance (94.8%) was attained after 9000 cycles at the highest current rate of 15 A g−1, which can be attributed to the high conductivity, which offers more active sites for electrolyte ions on the electrode surface.
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•CdO-CuSe nanocomposite was successfully prepared via the wet chemical method for the first time.•CdO-CuSe electrode exhibits a remarkable capacitive performance (385 C/g) compared to their pure counterparts in a three-electrode setup.•A CdO-CuSe//AC HSC was assembled, which delivered a high energy density of 51 Wh kg−1 and power density of 6488 W kg−1.
Structural, optical, dielectric, and magnetic characteristics of Sr–Ni–W hexaferrites were probed to justify their potential use in various applications. Sr1-xCoxZnyNi2-yFe16O27 (WHFs) ferrites were ...synthesized by the self-combustible sol-gel method. XRD analysis confirmed a single-phase material with different Co–Zn contents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (400-4000 cm−1) analysis was performed. Variations in Raman intensities indicated the induction of local strain due to a mismatch of ionic radii. The energy band gap (1.879 eV) was calculated from photoluminescence spectra, indicating the semiconducting nature of materials. SEM images showed the presence of grains with hexagonal platelet morphology oriented irregularly, which is highly beneficial for microwave absorption. The high coercivity values indicated that the materials are magnetically hard. Magnetic analysis revealed the potential use of materials in high-storage applications. Dielectric properties were determined using a vector network analyzer within a frequency span (0–6 GHz), indicating materials' usefulness in constructing resonant circuits and MLCIs.
•Unveiling the dual functionality of synthesized Zn15Sn0.85(Se0.95S0.05)2 (ZSSS) crystals makes them shine as optoelectronic devices and photocatalysts.•The hexagonal ZSSS crystals are showing better ...structural stability under the effect of temperature and exhibit layer growth mechanisms.•P-type ZSSS crystals exhibit a semiconducting nature and have a direct bandgap of 1.69 eV.•The lower degradation over high temperatures indicates that the grown ZSSS crystals have better thermal stability.•These ZSSS crystals act as better photodetectors with rapid response times and demonstrate strong photocatalytic activity against methylene blue.
The research pioneers the exploration of synthesized quaternary Zn0.15Sn0.85(Se0.95S0.05)2 (ZSSS) crystals, demonstrating remarkable efficacy as optoelectronic switching devices and potent photocatalysts. The ZSSS photodetector recorded a stable photoresponse with remarkable rapid rise and decay times. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model was used to look at the photocatalytic activity at different methylene blue concentrations. The researchers grew highly pure ZSSS crystals using the direct vapour transport (DVT) method. Field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images reveal the layer growth mechanism in the grown crystals. The structural analyses of the grown crystals were carried out using an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. The Lorentzian function was fitted to experimental data to carry out the temperature-dependent Raman analysis. The grown crystals exhibit a direct optical bandgap of 1.69 eV. The electrical analyses explain the semiconducting nature of the crystals.
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•High quality PdSe2 crystal grown by the self-flux method.•The orthorhombic crystal structure quality and composition stoichiometry confirmed.•Intrinsic p-type carrier densities of ≈3.6 × 1017 cm−3 ...at room temperature measured.•2D layered structure with anisotropic properties confirmed.
Palladium diselenide (PdSe2) is an important transition metal dichalcogenide with a layers-dependent bandgap and many potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the availability of high-quality large-area crystals with phase control is still challenging. Herein, we report the successful growth of large-area PdSe2 single crystals using the self-flux method. The crystal structure, quality, and elemental composition were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR TEM). The Raman-active vibrational modes of PdSe2 were identified using polarized Raman spectroscopy. The controlled synthesis of PdSe2 enables the potential for a broad range of heterostructures and further integrated optical and electro-optical applications.
Copper (Cu) is highly sought for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. However, its limited mechanical strength hinders its wider application in demanding fields. This work explores the ...potential of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as a strengthening agent for Cu. Cu-GNP composites with varying GNP content (0.1–1.5 wt%) were fabricated using a combined ball milling and powder metallurgy approach. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were comprehensively analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. Compared to pure Cu, the Cu-GNP composites showcased significantly improved mechanical performance. Notably, the Cu-1.0 wt% GNP composite exhibited a remarkable ∼27% and ∼53% enhancement in compressive strength and micro-hardness, respectively. This improvement is attributed to the effective load transfer between Cu and well-dispersed GNPs, which act as reinforcement elements and inhibit dislocation movement. These findings demonstrate the promising potential of Cu-GNP composites for applications requiring high strength.
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•Hybrid of 3D all-carbon frameworks coupled with NiO coated carbon was designed.•The GPG/NiO/C achieved high areal capacity of 24.55 mAh cm-2 @ 2.0 mA cm-2.•In situ Raman analysis ...explained both the storage mechanism and enhanced properties.
Herein, nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets coated with carbon were successfully synthesized on three dimensional all-carbon-frameworks through hydrothermal and annealing process. The as-prepared GPG/NiO/C achieved a high areal capacity of 24.55 mAh cm-2 @ 2.0 mA cm-2 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In situ Raman analysis was employed to study the lithium storage mechanism of the GPG/NiO/C electrode. This work opens more opportunity for achieving high areal capacity electrode for energy storage devices.
