Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaofeng Zhou, Fei Yan, Bo Shen, Jiwei Zhai, Niklas Hedin
Summary: Research has shown that utilizing the force-induced electric polarization field of piezoelectric semiconductors can enhance the transfer rate of photoexcited charge carriers, but effectively improving the photocatalytic reactivity and solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of piezoelectric materials remains a challenge. By preparing catalysts based on nanopiezoelectric heterostructures, higher amounts of radicals and H2O2 concentrations were achieved, leading to increased piezophotocatalytic activities with improved separation and transportation of photoexcited charge carriers.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yasser Shaban, Nojoud A. Alharbi
Summary: Carbon-doped zinc oxide (C-ZnO) nanoparticles with intriguing properties were successfully synthesized using the sonicated sol-gel technique with the aid of activated charcoal. The incorporation of carbon greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of C-ZnO towards the degradation of phenanthrene.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
S. Preethi, S. Vivek, R. Priya, S. Balakumar, K. Suresh Babu
Summary: CuFeO2-ZnO heterostructures were successfully fabricated using a two-step precipitation-hydrothermal process, exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure ZnO and CuFeO2. The 5% CuFeO2-ZnO heterostructure showed the best photocatalytic efficiency, with a faster degradation rate and higher charge carrier lifespan than CuFeO2 and ZnO. The presence of Type I heterostructures and outstanding recyclability further highlight the significance of forming p-type CuFeO2 and n-type ZnO heterostructures for improved photocatalysis.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
A. M. Caldas, D. F. Dos Santos, M. A. M. Castro, M. D. Teodoro, F. V. Motta, M. R. D. Bomio
Summary: Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and g-C3N4 (CN) heterostructures were synthesized using the microwave assisted hydrothermal method (MAHM), with the calcium precursor for HAp synthesis obtained from white eggshells. The influence of increasing the CN mass percentage in the heterostructure on its structural, morphological, and optical properties was investigated. The heterostructures showed high crystallinity, and the interface region between the phases led to a decrease in photoluminescence intensity and a widening of the wavelength absorption band. Heterostructures containing 80% and 95% CN exhibited better photocatalytic performance for the degradation of crystal violet and methyl orange dyes under UV light irradiation.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vishal Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Ashish Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: The study presents a novel 2D ternary photocatalyst ZnO-Bi2WO6-Ti3C2 prepared through a two-step electrostatic assembly route, which demonstrated high efficiency in degrading the colorless pharmaceutical pollutant ciprofloxacin under natural sunlight irradiation, with a maximum degradation rate of around 77% in 160 minutes. Mechanistic investigation revealed the significant role of MXene in separating photogenerated charges within the photocatalyst.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. Mrabet, R. Jaballah, N. Mahdhi, A. Boukhachem, M. Amlouk
Summary: The formation of heterojunctions is commonly used to enhance photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, the photocatalytic activity of CuO-ZnO nanocomposite thin films was investigated and found to be greater than that of individual semiconductors. The produced nanocomposite thin films might be beneficial for environmentally friendly and energy-saving wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuan Chen, Jin Li
Summary: With the increasing water pollution, the development of photocatalysts has become crucial as traditional treatments are not effective enough. This study successfully synthesized ZnO-carbon cloth (CC) and spherical ZnO/CdSe-CC heterostructures with different CdSe loadings. Z20CdSe-CC exhibited the best visible-light-responsive photocatalytic performance, with approximately 83.5% methylene blue reduced in 180 min. The synergistic effect of CdSe and CC widened the light absorption range of ZnO/CdSe-CC and promoted effective transfer of carriers, leading to an efficient photocatalytic degradation process.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuan Chen, Jin Li, Fengjuan Chen
Summary: ZnO/Bi2WO6-CC layered heterostructures photocatalysts with different loadings of Bi2WO6 were synthesized on flexible carbon clothes substrate. The Z3B-CC (3 wt% Bi2WO6) showed the best photocatalytic effect, with a photodegradation rate of methylene blue as high as 96.9% in about 100 minutes. The type II band structure formed by ZnO and Bi2WO6 contributes to the excellent photocatalytic performance of this new layered heterostructure.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinglin Li, Hao Yuan, Jiaxin Li, Wenjie Zhang, Yanqi Liu, Na Liu, Haijie Cao, Zhengbo Jiao
Summary: Chemically bonded BiVO4/ZnO quantum dot heterostructures were fabricated using a simple solution dry-out method, forming chemically bonded interfaces (CBIs) that promote photoexcited electron transfer and serve as hole-blocking layers. The CBIs showed excellent performance in both UV and visible light regions, leading to significantly increased photocurrent density in BiVO4/ZnO QDs without a cocatalyst. Additionally, ethylene glycol was found to partially reduce Bi ions to elemental bismuth during the calcination process, contributing to improved water oxidation kinetics.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jianpei Wang, Haiying Yang, Ping Yang
Summary: We investigated the photoelectric properties of Graphene (Gra)/ZnO, Gra/Silicene (Si) and ZnO/Gra/Si heterostructures by using density functional calculations. The results show that the van der Waals interlayer interaction between the heterogeneous interfaces allows ZnO, Gra, and Si to retain their respective electronic properties. ZnO/Gra/Si with a sandwich structure exhibits the best photoelectric performance.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaqing Zhi, Yuan Yi, Chenxi Deng, Qiao Zhang, Siyuan Yang, Feng Peng
Summary: Introducing defect engineering into ZnO/ZnS heterojunction photocatalysts is an effective method to improve their visible light performance and photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, a defect-enriched ZnO/ZnS photocatalyst was synthesized through a hydrozincite intermediate-deriving reaction. The defect states endowed visible light response ability to both ZnO and ZnS components, leading to high photocatalytic activity and stability.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Aradhana Basu, Ananyo Jyoti Misra, Meerambika Behera, Susanta Kumar Behera, Ashish Kumar Nayak, Nabin Kumar Dhal, Amrita Mishra, Bijoy Kumar Satpathy, Cecilia Stalsby Lundborg, Suraj K. Tripathy
Summary: The study demonstrates successful photocatalytic disinfection of MDR Escherichia coli using Alumina/ZnO heterostructures. The proposed technique shows efficacy in disinfecting various bacteria and exhibits biocompatibility towards animal models.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongming Fu, Zeqian Ren, Jizhou Wu, Yuqing Li, Wenliang Liu, Peng Li, Lili Xing, Jie Ma, Hong Wang, Xinyu Xue
Summary: The direct Z-scheme heterojunction of ZnO/MoS2 nanoarray on Ni foam, enhanced by a flowing induced piezoelectric field, exhibits improved photocatalytic performance under sunlight irradiation, especially with stirring.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huanhuan Xu, Peizhi Fan, Lan Xu
Summary: In this study, CuO/ZnO/carbon quantum dots (CQDs)@PAN nanocomposites with ternary heterostructures (CZC@PAN) were prepared and their application in degrading methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The synergistic effects of components in ternary heterostructures on the morphology, structure, and photocatalytic performance of CZC@PAN were analyzed, and their photocatalytic mechanism was discussed. The results showed that CZC@PAN exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation performance, with a degradation rate of 99.56% for MB under natural sunlight for 4 hours.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Syed Nabeel Ahmed, Waseem Haider
Summary: The advances in nanotechnology have introduced photocatalytic nanomaterials as effective solutions for degrading toxic contaminants in water. In this study, a nanocomposite of zinc oxide and graphene oxide showed promising photocatalytic behavior for degrading pollutants like dyes. The addition of hydrogen peroxide significantly enhanced the photodegradation rate by increasing the number of trapped electrons and generating more oxidizing species.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Siva Chidambaram, Krithikadevi Ramachandran, Mounir Gaidi, Kais Daoudi, Mathan NatarajamoorthynAff
Summary: Iron tungstate nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a simple solution combustion technique, marking the first report on their synthesis. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent conductivity and optical properties, with a predicted optical band gap of 2.2 eV. These nanoparticles showed promise for applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting reactions, with potential for efficient water splitting processes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Krithikadevi Ramachandran, Rania Ziad, Soumya Columbus, Kais Daoudi, Jannat Hammouche, My Ali El Khakani, Siva Chidambaram, Mounir Gaidi
Summary: In this study, vertically aligned silicon nanowires coated with titanium dioxide (SiNWs/TiO2) were successfully fabricated for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The TiO2 film exhibited pure anatase phase crystallization, with an average crystalline size of 50 nm, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. SEM, EDX, and Raman spectra analysis further supported the homogeneous distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles on the nanowires. The developed SiNWs/TiO2 showed a high photocatalytic efficiency of 96% at an optimum nanowire length of 3.5 µm, and demonstrated stability for up to 190 days, making it a promising candidate for water remediation applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Shweta Khanna, Pavan. P. Gotipamul, Karthik Dilly Rajan, G. Mohan Kumar, Siva Chidambaram, Maheswaran Rathinam
Summary: SiO2/NiO based composites were successfully synthesized using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. The composites exhibited high adsorption efficiency and large surface area, and followed pseudo-second order kinetics and monolayer adsorption. This study demonstrates the potential of these composites for dye removal.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Amuthameena Subramanian, Dhayalini Karuppiah, Balraj Baskaran
Summary: The balance between energy demand and energy generation is crucial, and can be achieved through the use of innovative methods for energy generation and storage. SnO2 nanomaterials, both in their pure and composite forms, were investigated and proven to be suitable alternatives for dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
A. Sankaran, S. Amuthameena, S. Vimalraj, C. Vivek, R. Karthic Kumar, B. Balraj, K. Kumaraguru
Summary: In this study, ZnO and Gd2O3 nanomaterials were successfully synthesized using a phytochemical-assisted green synthesis method and characterized for their properties and spectral studies. The results showed that the degradation efficiency was remarkably higher for the ZnO/Gd2O3 nanocomposites, demonstrating their potential applications in catalysis.
JOURNAL OF SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND NOVEL MAGNETISM
(2022)
Article
Telecommunications
S. Suganthi, P. T. Selvan
Summary: This paper presents the design of a low cost trapezoidal patch antenna array for low frequency wireless medical applications. The array is designed to improve bandwidth and has been validated through simulations. The results show that the proposed array is suitable for low frequency biological imaging applications and can be used for medical diagnosis and interventions.
WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
P. Sakthi, J. Uma, C. Siva, B. Balraj
Summary: Tin Sulfide (SnS) nanostructures have attracted research interest for solar energy conversion and energy storage. This study reports the synthesis of interconnected SnS nanocrystals and their performance in supercapacitor, photovoltaic, and photocatalytic applications. The results show that SnS nanoparticles exhibit excellent properties in these fields.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mohd Arif Dar, Nazir Ahmad Mala, D. Govindarajan, G. N. Dar, C. Siva, Aafaq A. Rather, S. Rafi Ahamed
Summary: Nanospherical composites of SnSe/Fe and SnSe/Ni were synthesized and studied for their application in supercapacitors and photovoltaic material for energy storage devices. The crystal structure of SnSe/Fe and SnSe/Ni NSC was confirmed using XRD, and morphology analysis revealed their spherical to ball-like transformation. The direct energy bandgap values of SnSe, SnSe/ Fe and SnSe/Ni NSC were 2.8 eV, 2.6 eV and 2.1 eV, respectively. SnSe/Ni electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance and energy density, outperforming SnSe/Ni and pure SnSe electrodes. Moreover, DSSCs based on NiSnSe hybrid counter electrode achieved a higher power conversion efficiency compared to FeSnSe, SnSe, and conventional platinum CEs.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
P. Sakthi, J. Uma, C. Siva, B. Balraj
Summary: We have achieved Z scheme electronic charge separation in the heterojunction of SnS QDs/g-C3N4 nanosheets by using ultrasonics technique. The nanocomposite showed the formation of orthorhombic SnS and tetragonal g-C3N4 crystal systems, as confirmed by crystal structural analysis. TEM images revealed the uniform distribution of SnS nanoparticles with a size of about 5 nm on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets. The loading of SnS nanoparticles enhanced the visible absorption in g-C3N4, indicating its technological significance. The nanocomposite exhibited improved photocatalytic efficiency due to its heterostructures.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. R. Shailaja, M. Arulmozhi, B. Balraj
Summary: Nanocomposites decorated with Gd2O3 and Nd2O3 on ZrO2 nanoparticles were prepared using a green-hydrothermal technique for biomedical applications. The structural analysis revealed the crystal systems of ZrO2, Gd2O3, and Nd2O3. The nanocomposite exhibited higher antibacterial and antifungal effects, as well as efficient antidiabetic activity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
P. Arul, C. Vivek, B. Balraj, A. Sankaran
Summary: In this study, a gold and zinc oxide based nanocomposite (MWCNT/ZnO/Au) was synthesized using ultrasonic assistance and demonstrated excellent photocatalytic degradation and gas sensing performance.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
N. R. Shailaja, M. Arulmozhi, B. Balraj, C. Siva
Summary: Zirconia based nanocomposites have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their outstanding biomedicinal activities. In this study, a green synthesis method was used to fabricate ZrO2/CuO-ZnO nanocomposites using rhizome extracts of Corallocarpus epigaeus. Structural information was obtained using XRD technique, while surface functional group analysis was conducted using FT-IR technique. Electron microscopic images revealed the decoration of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles on ZrO2 nanostructures. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy showed the characteristic UV absorption of ZrO2 and enhanced visible region absorption for the incorporated nanoparticles. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to the pristine zirconia nanoparticles. Moreover, the ZrO2/CuO-ZnO nanocomposite demonstrated significant alpha-amylase inhibition activity, indicating its potential application in anti-diabetic activity.
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
V. S. Sanjana Devi, B. Balraj, C. Siva, S. Amuthameena
Summary: A green hydrothermal synthesis method was used to synthesize Ga3+ doped ZnO 3D nanosatellite structures. XRD analysis revealed the crystal structure of the nanostructures to be hexagonal wurtzite type. FESEM images showed the evolution of 3D morphology in accordance with Ga doping concentration. TEM images provided physical specifications of the 3D nanosatellite structures. Optical absorbance and photoluminescence spectra confirmed the electron rich state of Ga3+ doped ZnO. Gas sensing performance of the nanosatellites showed selectivity towards CO gas at a working temperature of 250 degrees C, with 5% Ga3+ doped ZnO exhibiting high CO sensing and attractive sensing characteristics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
V. S. Sanjana Devi, B. Balraj, C. Siva, S. Amuthameena
Summary: N-doped ZnO nanomaterials have been developed for hydrogen sensing, showing improved gas sensing performance in the visible region.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
