Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thanh Phuong Nguyen, Phuc Bui Tan, Tran Le
Summary: ZnO nanoparticles with a hexagonal wurtzite structure were successfully synthesized using the coprecipitation method, with poly(vinyl alcohol) serving as a capping agent. The study showed that the presence of PVA as a capping agent impacts the optical and photometric characteristics of the ZnO nanoparticles. The PVA-capped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited blue, green, yellow, and red emission, with the highest luminous efficacy of optical radiation observed at 1.0 g of PVA.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Reshalaiti Hailili, Hongwei Ji, Kaiwen Wang, Xing'an Dong, Chuncheng Chen, Hua Sheng, Detlef W. Bahnemann, Jincai Zhao
Summary: Semiconductor-based photocatalysis is a promising method for air purification by removing nitrogen oxide (NO) pollutants. However, the efficiency of photocatalytic treatment is hampered by sluggish carrier separation, catalyst deactivation, and incomplete oxidation. In this study, various ZnO structures with deliberate surface defect constructions were fabricated to address these issues. The results showed that ZnO rich in oxygen vacancies exhibited significantly enhanced NO removal efficiency and fewer toxic byproducts compared to pristine and vacancy-poor ZnO. Furthermore, the surface defects promoted not only carrier separation but also molecular oxygen activation, resulting in the generation of strong oxidant superoxide radicals and improved efficiency. Density functional theory calculations confirmed the successful adsorption and activation of NO and molecular oxygen on the defective surface, further contributing to the enhanced NO conversions.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
N. A. Althubiti, A. Atta, E. Abdeltwab, Nuha Al-Harbi, M. M. Abdel-Hamid
Summary: Flexible composite PVA/ZnO films were created using solution casting technique for storage device application. The films were irradiated with different hydrogen ion fluences, and their structural and dielectric properties were examined using XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. The irradiated films showed improved dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, and decreased potential barrier energy, indicating their potential use in energy storage and microelectronics.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guangtao Yang, Bas van de Loo, Maciej Stodolny, Gianluca Limodio, Jimmy Melskens, Bart Macco, Paula Bronsveld, Olindo Isabella, Arthur Weeber, Miro Zeman, W. M. M. Kessels
Summary: This study investigates the application of Al_2O_3 prepared by atomic layer deposition as a hydrogenating capping layer for polycrystalline silicon passivating contacts. Results show that Al_2O_3/SiN_x stack greatly enhances passivation quality for various types of poly-Si layers, providing guidelines for significantly improving their passivation performance.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shady M. EL-Dafrawy, Mahmoud Tarek, Salem Samra, Shawky M. Hassan
Summary: A series of ZnO and ZnO/PVA catalysts were prepared using sol-gel method, with ZnO/5PVA showing the highest activity in decomposing methylene blue and ZnO/7PVA being the most active catalyst in decomposing methyl orange. Furthermore, ZnO/5PVA exhibited the best performance in lowering the glucose level in diabetic rats among the tested catalysts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liu Yang, Lixuan Ren, Yanzhen Zhao, Siqun Liu, Huifang Wang, Xianghua Gao, Baolong Niu, Wenfeng Li
Summary: In this study, arginineated chitosan (ACS) was used to synthesize ACS-ZnO NPs, which were then incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to form antimicrobial films. The ACS and ACS-ZnO NPs exhibited better water solubility and good cytocompatibility. The addition of ACS and ACS-ZnO NPs improved the mechanical properties, water barrier, and antibacterial activities of the composite film, and it also showed biodegradability. Therefore, PVA films based on ACS and ACS-ZnO NPs have great potential for food packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juan Li, Guantao Zhang, Dongjie Zhang
Summary: In this study, SSP/ZnO/PVA nanocomposite films were fabricated from sorghum straw powder (SSP), corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and nanostructured ZnO using the casting method. The effects of SSP, glycerol (Gly), and nanostructured ZnO concentrations, as well as the starch-PVA mass ratio, on the properties of the films were investigated. The results showed that the addition of SSP improved the tensile strength and reduced the water vapor permeability of the films. Microscopic observations and analyses revealed good compatibility between SSP and the ZnO/PVA matrix. This study is important for promoting the industrial production of biomass materials.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
K. Geetha, D. Sivasangari, Hyun-Seok Kim, G. Murugadoss, A. Kathalingam
Summary: This study utilized electrospinning technique to prepare nanofibrous ZnO/PVA/PVP composite fibers and investigated their properties and antimicrobial activities. The results indicated the potential usefulness of this nanofibrous material for antimicrobial face masks.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Naganagouda Goudar, Vinayak N. Vanjeri, Deepak Kasai, Gangadhar Gouripur, Ravindra B. Malabadi, Saraswati P. Masti, Ravindra B. Chougale
Summary: The study investigated the influence of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles on the physicochemical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/Spathodea campanulata bud fluid matrix, showing improved tensile strength, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, and water vapor transmission rate. The nanocomposite films exhibited good antibacterial activity and preservation capacity, making them a potential alternative to nonbiodegradable packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feipeng Wang, Zheng Zhang, Yuyang Yan, Zijia Shen, Qiang Wang, Reimund Gerhard
Summary: This study presents a simple strategy to modify the surface morphology of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers by water evaporation. The roughness and diameter of the nanofibers can be controlled by adjusting the temperature during vacuum drying. The formation of the secondary surface morphology is attributed to intermolecular forces in the water vapor.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthias Ruppert, Hanh Bui, Laxmi Kishore Sagar, Pieter Geiregat, Zeger Hens, Gabriel Bester, Nils Huse
Summary: Femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy was used to investigate ultrafast carrier dynamics in mid-infrared HgTe nanoparticles, revealing intraband relaxation processes ranging from resonant excitation to multi-exciton generation after photoexcitation. The study elucidates the earliest dynamics below 10 ps in this material and finds long carrier relaxation times as high as 2.1 ps in the multi-exciton generation regime close to the particles' ionization threshold, with a constant mean carrier energy dissipation rate of 0.36 eV ps(-s) extracted for all photon energies.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mirgender Kumar, Aya Hekmet Makki, B. Purusottam Reddy, Kwang-Su Seong, Si-Hyun Park
Summary: A study was conducted on zinc oxide quantum dots synthesized using three solvents to understand the carrier dynamics responsible for luminescence. Deconvolution of steady-state luminescence data and tri-exponential decay fit of TRPL curves were used to determine the contributions of different luminescence bands and charge carrier dynamics, as well as to optimize the luminescence quantum yield through solvent-induced decay processes.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Punita Yadav, Vikas Lahariya, Pratima Parashar Pandey, Shilpa Behl, Rajesh Raghav
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers on the thermal, molecular dynamics, and dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites. PVA-ZnO nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method with varying ZnO loading. The films were characterized using various techniques and the results showed that 1wt% ZnO in PVA exhibited improved thermal stability, crystallinity, and dielectric properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kumar Mageswari, Peethambaram Prabukanthan, Jagannathan Madhavan
Summary: This study synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using microwave-assisted method from different zinc salts, and examined their stability and characteristics by capping them with various agents. The XRD analysis showed decreased crystallinity of ZnO nanoparticles with different capping agents, and SEM revealed the influence of capping agents on the morphology. UV-Vis DRS studies confirmed a decrease in band gap of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles with different capping agents. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the prepared samples was assessed, with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from zinc nitrate and SHMP capping agent showing the highest efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph D. Keene, Nathaniel J. Freymeyer, James R. McBride, Sandra J. Rosenthal
Summary: This review focuses on the characteristics of semiconductor nanocrystals and the methods of ultrafast spectroscopy, with CdSe nanocrystals as the main topic. Various types of nanocrystal systems are also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
A. Ghosh, S. Mishra, S. Giri, S. M. Mobin, A. Bera, S. Chatterjee
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Parul Garg, Saheb Bera, Sanchari Bhattacharya, Sanjoy Dutta, Hemant Kumar, Ashok Bera
Summary: Photothermal water evaporation offers a promising solution to global freshwater scarcity. This study explores the use of metallic LaNiO3 and semiconducting LaCoO3 for designing interfacial solar steam generators. These materials exhibit high light absorption capability and photothermal efficiency, resulting in efficient evaporation and solar vapor generation.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Priya Kaith, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera
Summary: The synergistic generation of freshwater and electricity using solar light is an ideal solution for global freshwater challenges and energy demands. In this study, a paper-based microfluidic system was used to transport wastewater to an evaporator connected to seawater and tap water channels, resulting in the continuous generation of electricity throughout the day. The system demonstrated high evaporation efficiency, salt harvesting, and electricity production.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Parul Garg, Sanchari Bhattacharya, Sakal Singla, Priya Kaith, Sanjoy Datta, Biswanath Chakraborty, Ashok Bera
Summary: This paper explores the potential of CaMnO3-delta(CMO) as an absorber layer in all oxide solar cells. The results show that CMO has strong light absorption capacity in the wavelength range of 400-750 nm and can achieve high open-circuit voltage when aligned with other commonly used solar cell materials. This is significant for the search for low-cost, stable solar absorber materials.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Priya Kaith, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera
Summary: This work explores the potential of spin-coated CuFe2O4 (CFO) thin films as an active material in resistive switching memory (RSM). By adding a TiO2 layer in the conventional device, the limitations of scattered SET and RESET voltages and endurance deterioration were overcome, and additional advantages of multilevel switching and improved temperature stability were achieved. The solution-processed FTO/TiO2/CFO/Ag bilayer device shows stable endurance with a maximum ON/OFF ratio of 100 and exhibits excellent temperature stability up to 250 degrees C. These results enhance the multifunctionality of CFO with the potential of being a low-cost multilevel RSM.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Vanshika Gupta, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera
Summary: In this study, a solar water purifier with a conical evaporator and a cylindrical condenser of the same diameter was designed, and nearly 100% steam condensation efficiency was achieved by conducting the wastewater through the condenser surface via capillary action. Compared to conventional solar stills, regardless of the absorber materials and illumination intensities, a 2.5-fold increase in the water collection rate was achieved in this single-stage solar water purifier. The high water collection rate/evaporation rate ratio in this solar water purifier was attributed to the efficient in situ latent heat transfer from steam to the reservoir, enhancing the steam condensation. This work provides a promising pathway toward portable and personalized freshwater generation in remote areas through a simple and cost-effective design technique with high water collection yield.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Parul Garg, Ashok Bera
Summary: The optical and optoelectrical properties of solution-processed CoFe2O4 thin films were studied, and a direct bandgap of 2.64 eV was found. A p-n heterojunction of spin-coated CoFe2O4/TiO2 demonstrated an open circuit voltage of over 0.95 V. However, under white light illumination, photo-induced oxygen vacancy formation and the desorption of surface oxygen resulted in additional electron generation and hole capture in the p-type CoFe2O4, leading to an anomalous photocurrent decay and a low short-circuit current density.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tapas Das, Naba Kumar Rana, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera, Asim Guchhait
Summary: This study successfully replaced the high-temperature deposition layer in perovskite solar cells with a low-temperature deposited material, leading to the fabrication of efficient and stable all-inorganic solar cells. The new material exhibited better stability and a cheap encapsulation process was used to further improve stability.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Naba K. Rana, Tapas Das, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera, Asim Guchhait
Summary: The development of ambient stable and large-area inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PvSCs) is necessary to translate the technology into our daily life. The concerning issue is that the materials are easily degradable and need proper attention toward the degradation mechanism. This work focuses on the impact of the polymer PTAA on the stability of mesoporous n-i-p structured RbCs(MAFA)PbI3-PvSCs while using silver (Ag) as a top electrode and, in other cases, gold (Au) as the top electrode. Comparing the device performance with two different electrodes (Ag and Au) over small (0.25 cm(2)) and large areas (1.0 cm(2)), the critical role of the HTL material in the stability and performance of a fabricated device has been demonstrated here.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pragya Rani, P. T. Nidhin, Syed Mudassir Ali, Ashok Bera, Meenu Katoch
Summary: Synergistic combination of Monarda citriodora essential oil (MEO) and hexanal vapour (M + H) effectively inhibited spore germination of Aspergillus foetidus by compromising plasma membrane integrity, inducing extracellular leakage, reducing extracellular pH, increasing conductivity, compromising cell wall integrity, and generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the treated mycelia.
BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Parul Garg, Priya Kaith, Ashok Bera
Summary: This report presents a cuboid-shaped interfacial solar steam generator that can generate electricity and freshwater simultaneously from saltwater. With a high evaporation efficiency of 88%, the device can continuously generate sufficient power to light an LED without any energy storage devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nitish Kumar, Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Prakash Kumar Pathak, Ashok Bera, Rahul R. Salunkhe
Summary: Solar steam generation and supercapacitors are considered as the best solutions for societal issues, and nanoporous carbons with high surface area, tunable pore structures, and good conductivity are of great interest for these applications.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tawseef Ahmad Wani, Parul Garg, Ashok Bera
Summary: The study developed a method of producing clean water through solar-driven water evaporation, using simple and environmentally friendly carbonized coconut husk material, with low cost and high efficiency. The carbonized coconut husk SVG showed a good evaporation rate and energy input under 1 sun illumination.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arif D. Sheikh, Rahim Munk, Md Azimul Hague, Ashok Bera, Weijin Hu, Parvez Shaikh, Aram Arriassian, Tom Wu
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2017)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Jin Hu, Tula R. Paudel, Sergei Lopatin, Zhihong Wang, He Ma, Kewei Wu, Ashok Bera, Guoliang Yuan, Alexei Gruverman, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal, Tom Wu
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2018)
