Article
Spectroscopy
Reshma P. Radhakrishnan, Arun K. Prasad
Summary: In this study, a multi-modal approach was used to investigate the sensing mechanism of NH3 gas by V2O5 nanoparticles in ambient air. The results showed that V2O5 nanoparticles with an average size of 49 nm exhibited a superior sensor response towards 1 ppm of NH3 gas. The presence of NH3 induced electron doping, resulting in conduction band filling and an increase in the optical band gap. The vanadyl oxygen site was found to be the most active in the sensing process.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Talia Tene, Marco Guevara, Andrea Valarezo, Orlando Salguero, Fabian Arias Arias, Melvin Arias, Andrea Scarcello, Lorenzo S. Caputi, Cristian Vacacela Gomez
Summary: The research focuses on the impact of drying time on graphene oxide, revealing that drying time affects the types of defects and absorption peak shifts in graphene oxide, while also leading to the stacking of exfoliated GO sheets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gayane Ananyan, Nelli H. Karapetyan, Yeva B. Dalyan
Summary: The binding characteristics of water-soluble porphyrins and their Cu and Co derivatives with synthetic polynucleotides were studied, showing different binding modes at different concentrations. The calculated binding constants and exclusion parameters for each complex aligned well with proposed models.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N'ghaya Toulbe, Ion Smaranda, Catalin Negrila, Cristina Bartha, Corina M. Manta, Mihaela Baibarac
Summary: The effect of sodium thiosulfate (ST) on the photodegradation of azathioprine (AZA) was studied using various spectroscopic techniques. The results showed the emergence of new compounds during the photodegradation process, which were confirmed through different experimental methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ewelina Nowak, Edyta Chlopocka, Miroslaw Szybowicz, Alicja Stachowiak, Wojciech Koczorowski, Daria Piechowiak, Andrzej Miklaszewski
Summary: This paper examines the properties of ZnO layers grown using different aminoalcohols at different concentration rates, and discusses the influence of the stabilizer on the morphology and optical properties of the samples. By comparing the role of different aminoalcohols in structure formation, it provides reference for the preparation of ZnO samples for specific applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rongfu Zhou, Litian Lin, Hongting Zhao, Tingting Deng, Jingwei Li
Summary: This study designed and synthesized Ca8Mg3Al2Si7O28 phosphors doped with Ce3+ and Eu2+ for highly sensitive optical thermometry. Analysis of the structure and luminescent properties showed that the emission color can be tuned at different doping levels and temperatures for temperature measurement. The ratiometric fluorescence intensity of Eu2+ to Ce3+ provided sensitivity to temperature readout.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Fran Nekvapil, Alexander Bunge, Lucian Barbu Tudoran, Simona Cinta Pinzaru
Summary: This study investigated the impact of manganese and zinc-doped ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) on cyanobacteria using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results showed an increase in carotenoid signal relative to chlorophyll contribution in cyanobacteria exposed to manganese-ferrite NPs, suggesting a change in carotenoid profile towards an increased amount of b-carotene in response to NPs stress.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sheila Hernandez, Juan Perales-Rondon, Aranzazu Heras, Alvaro Colina
Summary: In this study, a new combination of Raman and ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) absorption spectroelectrochemistry is proposed, which allows obtaining electronic, vibrational, and electrochemical information simultaneously. This technique has shown to be useful and versatile in various fields of chemistry. Two different systems were used to demonstrate its advantages and capabilities, showing that it is a compact and easy-to-use tool for future applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Neeraj Sharma, Shagun Monga, Mohd. Shkir, Yogendra K. Mishra, Ram S. Katiyar, Arun Singh
Summary: This study reports the first-ever observed transitional ordering phenomenon in thermally reduced graphene oxide (trGO). The research investigates the reduction of trGO film at high voltage, the variation of trGO sheet resistance with thickness, and the relationship between resistivity/bandgap and carbon to oxygen ratio. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the transitional ordering in graphene materials.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Elena Balashova, Aleksandr A. Levin, Valery Davydov, Alexander Smirnov, Anatoly Starukhin, Sergey Pavlov, Boris Krichevtsov, Andrey Zolotarev, Hongjun Zhang, Fangzhe Li, Hua Ke
Summary: The study on glycine single crystals doped with croconic acid reveals that doping with croconic acid causes changes in the optical properties of glycine crystals, including bandgap and absorption spectra, and leads to strong green photoluminescence.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. S. Yahya, E. Lau
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of coating microbubbles with graphene oxide (GO) and finds that the attachment of microbubbles to GO is mainly dominated by hydrophobic attraction with insignificant electrostatic interactions. Successful synthesis of GO-coated microbubbles was achieved, showcasing the importance of hydrophobic attraction for microbubble-particle attachments.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Saif Siddique, Chinmayee C. Gowda, Raphael Tromer, Solomon Demiss, Abhay R. Singh Gautam, Olu E. Femi, Partha Kumbhakar, Douglas S. Galvao, Amreesh Chandra, Chandra S. Tiwary
Summary: An easily scalable fabrication method was explored to obtain atomically thin gallium telluride (GaTe), resulting in improved optical and electrochemical properties. 2D GaTe showed high specific capacitance and charge retention in supercapacitors, indicating its potential applications in storage devices and electrode materials. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were used to understand the material's behavior and properties for further tuning.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Shagun Monga, Neeraj Sharma, Navina Mehan, Yogendra Kumar Mishra, Arun Singh
Summary: This study compares the structural and optical properties of PZT materials prepared by different methods, showing significant differences in bandgap values between the two samples.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
H. K. Mallick, Yajun Zhang, Jagabandhu Pradhan, M. P. K. Sahoo, A. K. Pattanaik
Summary: Traditionally, dopant concentration variation was believed to be the primary factor in activating and modulating the optical properties of semiconducting oxides, particularly the band gap. However, this work shows that secondary factors such as particle size and oxygen vacancy concentration also play a decisive role in determining the nature of the band gap. The study aims to resolve the longstanding controversy about the band gap in Al doped SnO2, demonstrating that the band gap increases with Al doping, among other findings.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thompho Jason Rashamuse, Reagan Lehlogonolo Mohlala, Elena Mabel Coyanis, Nomampondo Penelope Magwa
Summary: This article discusses the use of blue fluorescent Zn (II) complexes for making organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Utilizing Zn (II) complexes is appealing due to their favorable luminous characteristics, acceptance and mobility, and affordability. The article aims to provide an overview of blue fluorescent Zn (II) complexes that have been reported since 2018 and are suitable for use as OLED materials.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Henriette Niragire, Temesgen Girma Kebede, Simiso Dube, Malek Maaza, Mathew Muzi Nindi
Summary: In this study, nanofibers were successfully synthesized from a blend of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol using electrospinning. The chemical and physical properties of the nanofibers were characterized, revealing uniform morphology, active functional groups, and thermal stability. A thermal treatment was applied to reduce water solubility before adsorption of acidic drugs. The nanofibers showed high adsorption capacities for different acidic drugs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sandrine Kamdoum Noukelag, Maxwell Mewa-Ngongang, Siphelo Ngqoloda, Lebogang Kotsedi, Lovasoa Christine Razanamahandry, Seteno K. O. Ntwampe, Christopher J. Arendse, Malik Maaza
Summary: This study reports on the development of two efficient synthesis methods for Fe-Ag nanoparticles and their characterization. The results show that the green Ag/Fe2O3 NPs successfully inhibited the growth of various spoilage microorganisms.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC AND ORGANOMETALLIC POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mufutau A. Adebisi, Chii-Dong Chen, Malik Maaza, Carsten Ronning, Elayaperumal Manikandan, David E. Motaung, Phillip S. Christopher, Krish Bharuth-Ram, Nafiu S. Aliyu, Michael N. Pillay, Mathew K. Moodley
Summary: This study synthesized crystalline boron nanorods, boron nanowires, and bamboo-like boron nanotubes using a double-pulsed laser ablation method. The morphology and properties of the nanostructures were analyzed and it was found that they preferentially grow in the c-axis direction of alpha-boron.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
G. G. Welegergs, H. G. Gebretinsae, M. G. Tsegay, A. Bhardwaj, S. Mathur, T. G. Kebede, Z. Y. Nuru, S. Dube, M. Maaza
Summary: In this study, green synthesized single-layered Ag@CuO nanocermet coatings were prepared using spin coating technique on stainless steel substrates. The coatings consisted of plasmonic silver nanoparticles embedded in a semiconductor matrix of CuO. Various characterization techniques were used to analyze the morphological, structural, compositional, and thickness properties of the coatings. The optical properties of the coatings were also evaluated. It was found that the embedded Ag nanoparticles enhanced the absorption properties of CuO, leading to a high solar absorptance and low emissivity.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
S. O. Aisida, T. C. Chibueze, M. H. Alnasir, O. E. Oyewande, A. T. Raji, C. E. Ekumaj, I. Ahmad, T-K. Zhao, M. Maaza, F. I. Ezema
Summary: This study investigates the magnetic hyperthermia properties of pristine and Ni-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles under an external alternating magnetic field. Pristine and Ni-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. First-principles density functional theory calculations were used to simulate the different compositions of cobalt ferrite, and the results were consistent with experimental observations of structure, optical, and magnetic properties. These findings demonstrate the synthesis protocols and band-engineering routes to enhance the microstructural and magneto-optical properties of cobalt ferrite for magnetic hyperthermia applications.
SOLID STATE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hamza Elsayed Ahmad Mohamed, Ali Talha Khalil, Khaoula Hkiri, Muhammad Ayaz, Asad Usman, Abdul Sadiq, Farhat Ullah, Muhammad Arif Khan, Arshad Islam, Muhammad Ovais, Malik Maaza
Summary: Phytoextracts of Hyphaene thebaica were used to synthesize nano-scaled spherical lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NPs) as a bioreducing and chelating agent. XRD, HR-TEM, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the purity and crystalline nature of the HT-La2O3 NPs. The NPs showed potential antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic properties, with highest DPPH scavenging activity and median lethal concentration values on MCF-7 and 3T3 cell lines.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Mohammed Khenfouch, Roya M. Ndimba, Enas Ismail, Mohammed Hamzah, Pontsho Mbule, Sweety Sarma, Rudolph Erasmus, Bakang M. Mothudi, Mokhotjwa S. Dhlamini, Malik Maaza
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficiency of Rooibos tea extract from the Aspalathus linearis plant in the synthesis of graphene. The extract acts as a reducing and capping agent, leading to the formation of wide and flat graphene sheets without folds, with an average size of 265 nm. This eco-friendly process also allows control over the optical and electrical properties of the graphene and shows potential as a fluorescence quencher for silver nanoparticles.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Nkosingiphile E. Zikalala, Sithembela A. Zikalala, Shohreh Azizi, Ilunga A. Kamika, Edward N. Nxumalo, Ali A. Zinatizadeh, Evans M. N. Chirwa, Malik Maaza
Summary: This review focuses on the problem of membrane biofouling in membrane technology, especially in the water treatment industry. It discusses the development of biofouling and factors that promote biofilm growth, as well as the use of inorganic and carbon-based nanomaterials to fabricate antibiofouling polymeric membranes. The review also explores the chemistry behind the inhibition of biofilm formation and growth by membrane nanofillers, and evaluates the performance of different nanomaterial fillers. It concludes with perspectives on the future of biofouling mitigation in membranes.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emma Panzi Mukhokosi, Maliki Maaza, Muhammed Tibenkana, Nandipha L. Botha, Loyce Namanya, I. G. Madiba, Michael Okullo
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption and optical properties of natural plant dye extracts as sensitizers for third-generation photovoltaic devices, providing valuable information for their application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ayoub Kanaani, Mahmood Akbari, Mohammad Vakili, Razieh Morad, Davood Ajloo, Malik Maaza
Summary: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the electronic sensitivity of TM-doped Zn12S12 nanocluster to carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption. The results showed that Ni and V dopants exhibited the highest sensitivity, while Cr, Mn, Cu, Co, and Fe slightly reduced the sensitivity. Sc and Ti doping significantly decreased the sensitivity. The study also revealed the key structural and electronic properties influencing the CO sensing capability.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Khaoula Hkiri, Hamza Elsayed Ahmed Mohamed, Christopher Bongani Mtshali, Nametso Mongwaketsi, Alain Gibaud, Malik Maaza
Summary: In this research, zinc tungstate ZnWO4 nanocrystals were synthesized using Hyphaene thebaica L. Mart fruit extracts for visible light photocatalysis. The structure, nanostructure, optical properties, and photocatalytic activities of the biosynthesized zinc tungstate on Methylene blue were investigated. The synthesized ZnWO4 showed a pure crystalline phase without impurities, with the presence of spherical and rod-like nanoparticles. The ZnWO4 exhibited a high photocatalytic efficiency for Methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation, achieving a degradation activity of 98.4% after 90 minutes.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Vakili, Ramesh Kheirabadi, Mahmood Akbari, Razieh Morad, Malik Maaza
Summary: The extensive use of fossil fuels has led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Electrochemical CO2 reduction has the potential to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. In this study, we investigated the catalytic properties of Se and Te-doped graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) for electrochemical CO2 reduction. The results showed that Se-doped graphene is the most reactive material for gas adsorption and has the most significant impact on the catalytic activity. Our findings can guide future experiments and contribute to the understanding of CO2 conversion mechanisms.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
G. G. Welegergs, Z. M. Mehabaw, H. G. Gebretinsae, M. G. Tsegay, L. Kotsedi, Z. Khumalo, N. Matinisie, Z. T. Aytuna, S. Mathur, Z. Y. Nuru, S. Dube, M. Maaza
Summary: A nanostructured CuO coating was fabricated as a selective solar absorber (SSA) using electrochemical deposition and thermal oxidation techniques. The coating exhibited nanowall-like structures and increased surface roughness with deposition time. The CuO coating had a well-crystalline monoclinic structure and high-purity composition. It showed high solar absorptance and infrared emissivity, as well as a lower optical band gap energy due to higher solar absorption.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nandipha L. Botha, Karen J. Cloete, Nolubabalo Matinise, Oladipupo M. David, Admire Dube, Malik Maaza
Summary: This paper reports on the synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial effect of hydronium jarosite nanoparticles synthesized using avocado seed husk. The nanoparticles did not show any antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria but exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Further research is needed to optimize the antibacterial properties and reduce the cytotoxicity of this nanomaterial.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Imosobomeh L. Ikhioya, Edwin U. Onoh, Agnes C. Nkele, Bonaventure C. Abor, B. C. N. Obitte, M. Maaza, Fabian I. Ezema
Summary: In this study, CuO nanoparticles were environmentally synthesized using extracts from dried Moringa Oleifera and characterized for supercapacitor applications. Various analysis techniques were employed to examine the properties and electrochemical behavior of CuO-based electrodes. The results showed that the synthesized CuO nanoparticles displayed supercapacitive behavior, indicating their potential as electrodes in supercapacitors.
EAST EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2023)
