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The present work deals with the effect of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and functionalized (carboxyl and amine) MWCNT on the mechanical properties of the PAEK (Poly Aryl Ether Ketone) polymer composite. The MWCNT and functionalized (carboxyl and amine) MWCNT concentration varied as 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 weight percentages. Compositeswere prepared by using a melt compounding method using a twin-screw extruder and all testing samples were prepared using an injection molding machine as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Samples were tested for tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, heat deflection temperature, hardness, and density. There is an increase in the tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and heat deflection temperature, with percentage increase in filler loading up to 0.5 %, followed by decrease in it with higher filler loading. The increase is maximum for amine functionalized MWCNT.

 

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In this study, we thoroughly examine β-Bi₂O₃ thin films as potential photocatalysts. We produced these films using an environmentally friendly Sol Gel method that is also cost-effective. Our research focuses on how different precursor concentrations, ranging from 0.1 M to 0.4 M, affect the photocatalytic performance of these films. We conducted a comprehensive set of tests to analyze various aspects of the films, including their structure, morphology, topography, optical properties, wettability, and photocatalytic capabilities. These tests provided us with a well-rounded understanding of the films' characteristics. To assess their photocatalytic efficiency, we used Methylene Blue (MB) as a contaminant and found that the films, particularly those with a 0.1 M concentration, achieved an impressive 99.9% degradation of MB within four hours. The 0.1 M film had a crystalline size of 39.7 nm, an indirect band gap of 2.99 eV, and a contact angle of 51.37°. Our findings suggest that β-Bi₂O₃ films, especially the 0.1 M variant, have promising potential for treating effluents from complex industrial dye processes. This research marks a significant step in utilizing sustainable materials to address pollution and environmental remediation challenges.

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Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) with a continuous and mesoporous silica (m-SiO₂) shell were synthesized using a one-step method, sourcing silica from rice husk ash (RHA). The rice husk was thermally treated to obtain ash, from which silica was extracted as sodium silicate and precipitated by pH reduction. This silica powder, combined with iron chloride salts, facilitated the synthesis of the core-shell NPs. Mint extract acted as a capping agent to prevent agglomeration, and CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) was used to create the porous SiO₂ shell. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization investigated the structure, size, and shell formation. Coating integrity and suspension stability were assessed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS analysis showed a relatively narrow particle size distribution with an average hydrodynamic size of 72.6 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) provided insights into the meso- and nanoscale structure, while BET and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms confirmed the mesoporous nature of the silica shell. Magnetization measurements showed superparamagnetic behavior, with specific magnetization values of 57.9 emu/g for Fe₃O₄ and 27.5 emu/g for Fe₃O₄@m-SiO₂. These results confirm the successful synthesis of superparamagnetic magnetite NPs with a mesoporous silica coating from RHA.
 

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The trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn₃O₄) nanostructured thin films doped with 2 mol % of nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo) ions were deposited by a simple electrophoretic deposition technique. The structural, optical, and morphological studies of these doped thin films were compared with pure Mn₃O₄ thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the tetragonal Hausmannite spinel structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided information about the molecular composition of the thin films and the presence of specific chemical bonds. The optical study and band gap energy values of all thin films were evaluated by the UV visible spectroscopy technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated the morphological modifications of the Mn₃O₄ thin films due to doping of the nickel and molybdenum ions. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method has confirmed the mesoporous nanostructure and nanopores of the thin films. The supercapacitive performance of the thin films was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) techniques using the three-electrode arrangement. An aqueous 1M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte was used for the electrochemical study. The 2 mol % Ni doped Mn₃O₄ thin film has shown maximum specific capacitance than pure and Mo doped Mn₃O₄ thin films. Hence, this study proved the validity of the strategy - metal ion doping of Mn₃O₄ thin films to develop it as a potential candidate for electrode material in the futuristic energy storage and transportation devices.

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In this research work, Cadmium Sulphide thin film deposited on to glass substrate in a non-aqueous medium at 80 °C. The various physical preparative parameters and the deposition conditions, such as the deposition time and temperature, concentrations of the chemical species, pH, speed of mechanical stirring, etc., were optimized to yield good quality films. The as-prepared sample is tightly adherent to the substrate's support, less smooth, diffusely reflecting and was analyzed for composition. The synthesized film is characterized using X- ray diffraction (XRD), electrical and optical properties. It appears that the composites are rich in Cd. The grown CdS thin film had an orange-red color. A band gap of CdS thin film is 2.41 eV.  The average crystallite size of the CdS film was 21.50 nm. The resistivity of the CdS thin film is about 5.212 x 10⁵ W cm.
 

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Iron oxide nanoparticles has attracted extensively due to their supermagnetic properties, preferred in biomedicine because of their biocompatibility and potential nontoxicity to human beings. Synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) was prepared with the help of ferric chloride and ferrous sulphate by using the coprecipitation method. The variation and combination of ferric and ferrous concentrations affect the physical and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles.  The effect of 0.1 M ferric and ferrous concentration on iron oxide nanoparticles studied separately and in combination. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by Particle size, zeta potential, Ultraviolet (UV-visible), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Particle size was below 200nm and zeta potential was within the limit for all the batches. UV visible spectra at 224 nm, and FTIR exhibit two peaks at 510 and 594 cm-1, indicating iron oxide NPs and XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of Fe. SEM showed a spherical shape for all batches. The use of a combination of ferric and ferrous is more effective than its individual use. TGA and VSM studies confirmed its magnetic properties.
 

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Drug-resistance among bacteria is a concerning issue in medical field. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the promising novel nano-antibiotics. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using cell-free extract of Acinetobacter sp. challenged with silver nitrate. Preliminary observations done using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 420 nm. Complete reduction of silver ions to AgNPs was confirmed through cyclic voltammetry. Electron microscopy revealed formation of spherical shaped nanoparticles of size upto 20 nm. These AgNPs were furthr used to determine their effect on activity of various antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria such as Neisseria and Xanthomonas. Higher antibacterial activity of AgNPs was observed against Gram-negative bacteria. Enhanced antibacterial action of AgNPs was observed with selected beta-lactam antibiotics producing upto 3-fold increase in area of zone of inhibition. On exposure to AgNPs, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of antibiotics were lowered by upto 2000 times indicating potential synergistic action of AgNPs. This study clearly signifies that the drug, proved to be inefficient due to bacterial resistance, could be made functional again in presence of AgNPs. This will help in development of novel antibacterial formulations containing antibiotics and nanoparticles to combat multiple drug-resistance in microorganisms.

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The Nickel tungsten (Ni-W) alloy was electrodeposited on stainless steel (SS) substrate using potentiostatic mode at room temperature. Potentiostatic electrodeposition was carried out by varying the deposition time. The physicochemical properties of Ni-W alloys were studied using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Electron Microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Recorded XRD spectra was compared with standard JCPDS card and the presence of Ni was confirmed, no such peaks for W were observed. Further study was extended for micro-Raman analysis. From Raman spectroscopy study the appearance of Ni-O and W⁶⁺=O bonds confirms that the Ni-W present in amorphous phase. Several cracks were observed in SEM images along with nanoparticles distributed over the electrode surface. The appearance of cracks may be correlated with the in-plane tensile stresses, lattice strains and stacking faults and may be related to the substrate confinements.
 

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Nickel doped CoMn ferrites with high magnetization were synthesized by double sintering solid state route with compositions of Co_0.7-xNi_xMn_0.3Fe₂O₄ with x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15. Theoretical Cation distribution for cubic spinel ferrites was suggested on basis of electrical configuration expectations and cation site preferences. Cation distribution suggested was in good agreement with experimental results obtained from VSM and XRD. Values of theoretically calculated magnetic moment, coercivity and magnetization are in good agreement with experimental data obtained from VSM. Maximum saturation magnetization of 37.7emu/gm is obtained for sample Co_0.7Mn_0.3Fe₂O₄ at magnetic field of 5K Oe. Magnetostriction was found to increase with increasing magnetic field (from 1KOe to 5KOe.) Maximum magnetostriction of 84ppm was observed for sample Co_0.7Mn_0.3Fe₂O₄ at 5KOe. Maximum magnetization of magnetoelectric composites with 30% Co_0.7-xNi_xMn_0.3Fe₂O₄ – 70% PbZr_0.48Ti_0.52 was found to be 7.4 emu/g for composition with x = 0.
 

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The Mn-Zn ferrite with a composition of Mn_0.25Mg_0.08Cu_0.25Zn_0.42Fe₂O₄ has been synthesized in this study using the chemical sol-gel technique at a pH of 7. The sample was prepared and subsequently annealed at a temperature of 700°C. The nanocrystalline ferrite samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TG), and Differential thermal analysis (DTA). The findings of these observations are delineated and deliberated. The sample's phase composition was verified using X-ray diffraction examination. The crystalline size was determined using Scherrer's formula and was observed to be within the range of 20-75 nm. Two notable stretching bands were seen in the FTIR spectra within the range of 400-650 cm^-1. The spinel structure of the produced nanoparticles was confirmed by these two bands. The magnetic characteristics of the powder were examined using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The presence of M-H hysteresis loops suggests that the produced nanoparticles have superparamagnetic properties, as evidenced by their low coercive force, remanent magnetization, and saturation magnetization values.
 

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Heterostructure photocatalyst of CuWO₄ modified SnO₂ (CuWO₄/SnO₂) was fabricated by in simple wet-impregnation process and evaluated via degradation of rose Bengal (RB) under visible light irradiation. The samples had been completely characterized by Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis-DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett and Teller surface analysis (BET). The result divulged that amongst the catalysts, CuWO₄/SnO₂ displayed higher photocatalytic activity than CuWO₄ or SnO₂. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiencies are attributed to the charge transfer from SnO₂ to CuWO₄ nanoparticles, which efficiently decrease electron-hole recombination energy level. The time required for maximum degradation of rosebengal (RB) under visible light over CuWO₄/SnO₂ was 180 min. The other parameters such as pH (pH=8), photocatalyst dosage (0.2 g/L) and dye concentration (20 µM) were optimized to achieve high degradation efficiency (98.5%). The excellent photocatalytic activity of CuWO₄/SnO₂ is due to efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (O₂^•-) are the reactive species involved in photocatalytic mechanism for gdegradation of RB.

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In this research, a nickel-tungsten coating as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with different current densities was synthesized and the resulting electrocatalytic properties and morphology were assessed. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry in 1 M NaOH were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity for HER. By increasing the current density of electrodeposition up to 500 mA/cm², a columnar morphology was observed. The cyclic voltammetry test (CV) revealed that when the plating current density increases, C_dl has increased from 248 to 1310 µF/cm² and the active surface area increases 5 times. The results showed that by modifying the coating morphology, the current density of the hydrogen evolution increased up to two times.
 

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With increasing energy demand and depletion of fossil fuel resources, it is pertinent to explore the renewable and eco-friendly energy resource to meet global energy demand. Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as plausible candidates in the field of photovoltaics and considered as potential contender of silicon solar cells in the photovoltaic market owing to their superior optoelectronic properties, low-cost and high absorption coefficients. Despite intensive research, PSCs still suffer from efficiency, stability, and reproducibility issues. To address the concern, the charge transport material (CTM) particularly the electron transport materials (ETM) can play significant role in the development of efficient and stable perovskite devices. In the proposed research, we synthesized GO-Ag-TiO₂ ternary nanocomposite by facile hydrothermal approach as a potential electron transport layer (ETL) in a regular planar configuration-based PSC. The as synthesized sample was examined for morphological, structural, and optical properties using XRD, and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. XRD analysis confirmed the high crystallinity of prepared sample with no peak of impurity. The optimized GO-Ag-TiO₂ ETL exhibited superior PCE of 8.72% with J_sc of 14.98 mA.cm^-2 ,V_oc of 0.99 V, and a fill factor of 58.83%. Furthermore, the efficiency enhancement in comparison with reference device is observed which confirms the potential role of doped materials in enhancing photovoltaic performance by facilitating efficient charge transport and reduced recombination. Our research suggests a facile route to synthesize a low-cost ETM beneficial for the commercialization of future perovskite devices.
 

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We have modeled theoretical incident photon-to-current electricity (IPCE) action spectra of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester active layer bulk-heterojunction. By the two-dimensional optical model of a multilayer system based on the structure of Glass substrate / SiO₂ /ITO/ PEDOT: PSS /P3HT: PCBM(1:1)/Ca/Al, the optical responses of the device have been computed for different photoactive layer and Ca layer thicknesses to found an optimal structure which allows obtaining the maximum absorption localized in the active layer and high device performance. The electric field intensity, energy dissipation, generation rate, and IPCE have been computed to enhance the device's performance. The finite element method executes the simulation under an incident intensity of 100 mW/cm² of the 1.5 AM illumination. It was found that the optimum structure is achieved by a 180 nm photoactive layer and 5 nm Ca layer thicknesses.

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The present investigation delves into the friction stir welding of AA5052 and AZ31B alloys, examining the effects of three distinct parameter configurations. A face-centered central composite design, structured to incorporate full replications for comprehensive and reliable analysis, was employed. A pivotal element of this study is implementing an advanced deep neural network (DNN) model. Characterized by its varied activation functions, structural parameters, and training algorithms, this DNN model was adeptly configured to precisely predict the tensile strength and microhardness of the welded joints. This comprehensive examination also included a quantitative assessment of the parameter effects on joint microstructure and mechanical properties. Flawless welds with exemplary surface characteristics were attained through a meticulously optimized set of parameters: a tool rotation speed set at 825 rpm, a tool traverse speed of 15 mm/min, and a shoulder diameter of 18 mm. During the welding process, the formation of intermetallic compounds, specifically Al₁₂Mg₁₇ and Al₃Mg₂, was observed. An exceptionally refined grain size of 2.23 µm was observed in the stir zone, contributing to the joint's enhanced tensile strength, measured at 180 MPa. The hardness of the specimen fabricated at the high rotational speed is more elevated due to the brittle intermetallic compounds. The better mechanical properties are related to the reduction and distribution of intermetallic compounds formed in the interface zone.  

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Pressureless sintering was employed at 1400 °C to synthesize Ti matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with in-situ TiB and TiC reinforcements using TiB₂ and B₄C initial reinforcements. The microstructure and wear behavior of the synthesized composites were evaluated and compared and the results showed that B₄C caused the formation of TiB-TiC in-situ hybrid reinforcements in the Ti matrix. Also, TiB was in the form of blades/needles and whiskers, and TiC was almost equiaxed. Moreover, the volume fraction of the in-situ formed reinforcement using B₄C was much higher than that formed using TiB₂. In addition, although the hardness of the B₄C-synthesized composites was higher, the composite synthesized using 3 wt.% TiB₂ exhibited the highest hardness (425 HV). The wear test results showed that the sample synthesized using 3 wt.% TiB₂ showed the lowest wear rate at 50 N, mainly because of its higher hardness. The dominant wear mechanism in the samples synthesized using 3 wt.% B₄C was abrasive and delamination at 50 N and 100 N, respectively while in the samples synthesized 3 wt.% TiB₂, a combination of delamination and adhesive wear and adhesive wear was ruling, respectively.

 

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Researchers are increasingly focusing on green synthesis methods for silver nanoparticles due to their cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. In this study, we utilized an edible bird's nest (EBN), a valuable economic resource, as the primary material for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using only water as the solvent. Metabolite profiling of the EBN extract was conducted using LC-QTOF-MS in positive mode (ESI+), revealing the presence of lipids, glycosides, peptides, polysaccharides, and disaccharides. Upon the addition of silver nitrate to the aqueous EBN extract, noticeable color changes from transparent to brown indicated the successful formation of AgNPs. Subsequent characterization of these silver nanoparticles involved UV-Visible spectroscopy, which revealed an absorption peak at 421 nm. Further characterization was carried out using FESEM, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and EDX analysis. The involvement of phenolic agents, proteins, and amino acids in reducing the silver particles was confirmed. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, and a particle size ranging from 10 to 20 nm. The presence of elemental silver was confirmed by a strong, intense peak around 3 keV in the EDX spectrum. To assess their potential, the antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated using the agar diffusion method.
 

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Hybrid photocatalysts, comprising both inorganic and organic polymeric components, are the most promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic contaminants. The nanocomposite, Titania-Polyaniline (TiO₂-PANI) was synthesized using the chemical oxidative polymerization method. Various characterization techniques were employed to assess the properties of the catalysts. The ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) analysis revealed that the TiO₂ absorbs only UV light while the TiO₂-PANI nanocomposite absorbs light from both UV and visible regions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the presence of TiO₂ (anatase) in both TiO₂ nanoparticles and TiO₂-PANI (Titania-Polyaniline)  nanocomposite. The phases of the catalysts were verified through Raman, TEM, and SAED techniques where all results are in good agreement with each other. The average crystallite size of TiO₂ nanoparticle and TiO₂-PANI nanocomposite were 13.87 and 10.76 nm. The thermal stability of the catalysts was assessed by the Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. The order of the thermal stability is TiO₂ > TiO₂-PANI > PANI.  The crystal lattice characteristics were confirmed using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface area measurements were confirmed from the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) study and were employed for the evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiency of both, TiO₂ nanoparticles and TiO₂-PANI nanocomposite catalysts. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study was employed for elemental detection of the fabricated materials. While Raman spectroscopy was employed for the chemical structure and the phase characteristics of the materials. The standard conditions for the degradation of the CF dye were 8 g/L of catalyst dosage, 20 mg/L of dye concentration, and a pH of 7. The TiO₂-PANI nanocomposite exhibited superior efficiency as compared to pure TiO₂ nanoparticles, achieving almost 100 % degradation in just 40 minutes.