Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119185
Shaojun Shi, Suqin Yang, Zhixiong Huang, Hongmei Ji, Wenyu Yin, Xiaoyan Tang, Han Mao
The capability of the layered oxide depends on the structure stability and the fast conduction of sodium ions and electrons. In order to improve the poor structure stability due to Jahn–Teller distortion and the unsatisfactory rate capability, we aim to effectively improve the charge transfer and structural stability of layered oxides via Tb doping for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). A P2-type layered oxide Na0.67Mn0.59Ni0.1Cu0.1Fe0.2Tb0.01O2 (Tb-MNCF) comprising a hollow spherical secondary hierarchical structure is synthesized. The small peak shifts in the diffraction pattern devoid of impure peaks and the uniform elemental distribution of Tb-MNCF, as evidenced by the mapping results, indicate the successful doping of Tb. Tb-MNCF delivers high reversible capacity of 70.3 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. Furthermore, Tb-MNCF demonstrates 73 % capacity retention after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the mechanism of the enhanced charge transfer of Tb-MNCF is studied via in situ EIS. The results reveal that Tb plays a pillar role to stabilize the structure of the doped material. Moreover, it also facilitates rapid charge transfer. Therefore, the proposed Tb doping strategy offers an effective pathway to overcome limitations of layered oxides in application for SIBs.
层状氧化物的性能取决于结构的稳定性和钠离子和电子的快速传导。为了改善钠离子电池（sib）层状氧化物由于Jahn-Teller畸变导致的结构稳定性差和速率性能不理想的问题，我们旨在通过掺杂Tb有效地提高钠离子电池（sib）层状氧化物的电荷转移和结构稳定性。合成了一种含有中空球形二级层次结构的p2型层状氧化物na0.67 mn0.59 ni0.1 cu0.1 fe0.2 tb0.010 o2 （Tb-MNCF）。映射结果表明，在没有杂质峰的衍射图中峰移较小，且Tb- mncf元素分布均匀，表明Tb掺杂成功。Tb-MNCF在2 A g−1时提供70.3 mAh g−1的高可逆容量。此外，在0.5 A g−1下，Tb-MNCF在150次循环后的容量保持率为73%。此外，利用原位EIS研究了Tb-MNCF增强电荷转移的机理。结果表明，Tb对稳定掺杂材料的结构起着支柱作用。此外，它还有助于快速转移电荷。因此，提出的Tb掺杂策略为克服层状氧化物在sib应用中的局限性提供了有效途径。
{"title":"P2-type layered oxides exhibiting enhanced charge transfer and stability via Tb doping for sodium-ion batteries","authors":"Shaojun Shi, Suqin Yang, Zhixiong Huang, Hongmei Ji, Wenyu Yin, Xiaoyan Tang, Han Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The capability of the layered oxide depends on the structure stability and the fast conduction of sodium ions and electrons. In order to improve the poor structure stability due to Jahn–Teller distortion and the unsatisfactory rate capability, we aim to effectively improve the charge transfer and structural stability of layered oxides via Tb doping for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). A P2-type layered oxide Na<sub>0.67</sub>Mn<sub>0.59</sub>Ni<sub>0.1</sub>Cu<sub>0.1</sub>Fe<sub>0.2</sub>Tb<sub>0.01</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (Tb-MNCF) comprising a hollow spherical secondary hierarchical structure is synthesized. The small peak shifts in the diffraction pattern devoid of impure peaks and the uniform elemental distribution of Tb-MNCF, as evidenced by the mapping results, indicate the successful doping of Tb. Tb-MNCF delivers high reversible capacity of 70.3 mAh g<sup>−1</sup> at 2 A g<sup>−1</sup>. Furthermore, Tb-MNCF demonstrates 73 % capacity retention after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g<sup>−1</sup>. Furthermore, the mechanism of the enhanced charge transfer of Tb-MNCF is studied via in situ EIS. The results reveal that Tb plays a pillar role to stabilize the structure of the doped material. Moreover, it also facilitates rapid charge transfer. Therefore, the proposed Tb doping strategy offers an effective pathway to overcome limitations of layered oxides in application for SIBs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119185"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119201
Shun Mori, Yuya Yasaki, Kanta Kibishi, Shinya Aikawa
We investigated the effects of boron concentration and post-deposition annealing temperature on the electrical properties of indium boron oxide (IBO), demonstrating a high-performance transparent conducting oxide film that rivals indium tin oxide (ITO), even when deposited at room temperature without any post-deposition annealing. Optimal performance was obtained at a boron content of 2.5 at.%, yielding a resistivity of 3.6 × 10−4 Ω cm, Hall mobility of 47.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, and carrier density of 3.6 × 1020 cm−3. Although the carrier concentration was comparable to that of non-doped In2O3, the mobility was notably enhanced. This improvement is attributed to the fact that boron, having the same valence as indium, does not introduce excess carriers, while its smaller ionic radius enhances the overlap of In 5 s orbitals, facilitating more efficient carrier transport. Because IBO is compatible with room-temperature processing, films were also deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates to evaluate their potential as flexible transparent conductors in comparison with ITO. The increase in resistance under mechanical bending was less than one-third that of ITO, suggesting superior mechanical durability for IBO. This difference may originate from the highly amorphous nature of the IBO film. Furthermore, nanoindentation measurements revealed Young's moduli of 70.0 and 130.8 GPa for IBO and ITO, respectively, indicating that amorphous IBO possesses high mechanical flexibility, consistent with the bending resistance test results.
{"title":"Boron-induced amorphization in In2O3 enabling flexible transparent conductive films","authors":"Shun Mori, Yuya Yasaki, Kanta Kibishi, Shinya Aikawa","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We investigated the effects of boron concentration and post-deposition annealing temperature on the electrical properties of indium boron oxide (IBO), demonstrating a high-performance transparent conducting oxide film that rivals indium tin oxide (ITO), even when deposited at room temperature without any post-deposition annealing. Optimal performance was obtained at a boron content of 2.5 at.%, yielding a resistivity of 3.6 × 10<sup>−4</sup> Ω cm, Hall mobility of 47.2 cm<sup>2</sup> V<sup>−1</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>, and carrier density of 3.6 × 10<sup>20</sup> cm<sup>−3</sup>. Although the carrier concentration was comparable to that of non-doped In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, the mobility was notably enhanced. This improvement is attributed to the fact that boron, having the same valence as indium, does not introduce excess carriers, while its smaller ionic radius enhances the overlap of In 5 <em>s</em> orbitals, facilitating more efficient carrier transport. Because IBO is compatible with room-temperature processing, films were also deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates to evaluate their potential as flexible transparent conductors in comparison with ITO. The increase in resistance under mechanical bending was less than one-third that of ITO, suggesting superior mechanical durability for IBO. This difference may originate from the highly amorphous nature of the IBO film. Furthermore, nanoindentation measurements revealed Young's moduli of 70.0 and 130.8 GPa for IBO and ITO, respectively, indicating that amorphous IBO possesses high mechanical flexibility, consistent with the bending resistance test results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119201"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119187
Didwmsha Goyari, Perumal Alagarsamy
The systematic investigations of enhancement in the magnetic properties of thick amorphous HITPERM (Fe70Co15Zr7B5Cu3) films by incorporating SiO2 spacer layers in the multilayer [HITPERM (x)/ [SiO2 (z = 0–6) /HITPERM (x)]n=0–3] films, deposited using the magnetron sputtering, along with the numerical simulation on the interlayer exchange couplings, are reported. All single-layer and multilayer as-deposited films exhibit amorphous structure, but show distinct variations in the magnetic properties with respect to x, z, and n. As n increases, the magnetic domains transform from a stripe domain pattern to an in-plane pattern, resulting in a change in the hysteresis loops from transcritical to in-plane orientation with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (Ku). In addition, a substantial reduction in coercivity (HC), the field required for saturation (HS), and an increase in the remanence ratio (MR/MS) from 64 % to ∼100 % with increasing n from 0 to 3 are observed, summarizing an enhancement in the magnetic properties. The interlayer magnetic coupling between the HITERM layers and the switching behavior strongly depend on the measurement angle between the easy axis and the applied field direction, z, n, and temperature (T). The hysteresis loops at lower temperatures reveal switching of HITPERM layers either individually or collectively, depending on z and n. The numerical simulation corroborates the experiment findings and helps in understanding the nature of interlayer exchange coupling between HITPERM layers, depending on the spacer layer thickness, and for optimizing the soft magnetic properties, particularly for applications in magnetic sensors.
{"title":"Tuning magnetic properties of thick amorphous HITPERM films: Investigating multilayer effects and spacer layer influence on interlayer exchange coupling through numerical simulation","authors":"Didwmsha Goyari, Perumal Alagarsamy","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The systematic investigations of enhancement in the magnetic properties of thick amorphous HITPERM (Fe<sub>70</sub>Co<sub>15</sub>Zr<sub>7</sub>B<sub>5</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>) films by incorporating SiO<sub>2</sub> spacer layers in the multilayer [HITPERM (<em>x</em>)/ [SiO<sub>2</sub> (<em>z</em> = 0–6) /HITPERM (<em>x</em>)]<sub><em>n</em>=0–3</sub>] films, deposited using the magnetron sputtering, along with the numerical simulation on the interlayer exchange couplings, are reported. All single-layer and multilayer as-deposited films exhibit amorphous structure, but show distinct variations in the magnetic properties with respect to <em>x</em>, <em>z</em>, and <em>n</em>. As <em>n</em> increases, the magnetic domains transform from a stripe domain pattern to an in-plane pattern, resulting in a change in the hysteresis loops from transcritical to in-plane orientation with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (<em>K</em><sub><em>u</em></sub>). In addition, a substantial reduction in coercivity (<em>H</em><sub>C</sub>), the field required for saturation (<em>H</em><sub><em>S</em></sub>), and an increase in the remanence ratio (<em>M</em><sub><em>R</em></sub>/<em>M</em><sub><em>S</em></sub>) from 64 % to ∼100 % with increasing <em>n</em> from 0 to 3 are observed, summarizing an enhancement in the magnetic properties. The interlayer magnetic coupling between the HITERM layers and the switching behavior strongly depend on the measurement angle between the easy axis and the applied field direction, <em>z</em>, <em>n</em>, and temperature (<em>T</em>). The hysteresis loops at lower temperatures reveal switching of HITPERM layers either individually or collectively, depending on <em>z</em> and <em>n</em>. The numerical simulation corroborates the experiment findings and helps in understanding the nature of interlayer exchange coupling between HITPERM layers, depending on the spacer layer thickness, and for optimizing the soft magnetic properties, particularly for applications in magnetic sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119187"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study reports the synthesis and multifunctional evaluation of cobalt–copper ferrite (CoCuFe2O4)-based nanocomposites integrated with graphene oxide (GO) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) for environmental remediation and sensing applications. Four materials were prepared: pure CoCuFe2O4 (S1) via conventional co-precipitation and calcination at 800 °C, CoCuFe2O4/ZnS (S2), CoCuFe2O4/GO (S3), and CoCuFe2O4/ZnS@GO (S4) through ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation. Structural, morphological, magnetic, optical, and electrical characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and impedance analysis. Crystallite size and microstrain, determined using multiple XRD models (C-S, M-S, W-H, H-W, SSP, and SSM), confirmed significant refinement in S4 (∼74.6 nm) due to strain effects. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed direct band gaps ranging from 1.39 to 2.03 eV, enhancing visible light absorption. Photocatalytic studies demonstrated outstanding dye degradation efficiency, with S3 achieving 99.9 % methylene blue removal in 80 min and S4 achieving 99.6 % rhodamine B degradation in 180 min under halogen light illumination, maintaining stability across pH 4–10. Solar-driven photocatalysis further confirmed superior degradation of MB, RHB, and the antibiotic moxifloxacin, reaching efficiencies up to 99.9 %. Additionally, S3 and S4 exhibited remarkable humidity sensing responses, indicating high sensitivity and stability. These findings highlight the synergistic role of ZnS and GO in improving structural, optical, and functional properties of CoCuFe2O4, establishing the CoCuFe2O4/ZnS@GO ternary nanocomposite as a promising candidate for halogen/sunlight-driven photocatalysis and advanced humidity sensing in environmental applications.
{"title":"Multifunctional CoCuFe2O4 decorated GO & ZnS nanocomposites for halogen light & sunlight assisted photocatalytic degradation (Dye & Antibiotic) and humidity sensing: Microstructural, optical and electromagnetic properties","authors":"Md. Iftekhar Rahman Sarker , Md. Lutfor Rahman , Md. Jakir Hossain , Bristy Biswas , Md. Farid Ahmed , Shirin Akter Jahan , Nahid Sharmin","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the synthesis and multifunctional evaluation of cobalt–copper ferrite (CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>)-based nanocomposites integrated with graphene oxide (GO) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) for environmental remediation and sensing applications. Four materials were prepared: pure CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> (S1) via conventional co-precipitation and calcination at 800 °C, CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnS (S2), CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/GO (S3), and CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnS@GO (S4) through ultrasonic-assisted co-precipitation. Structural, morphological, magnetic, optical, and electrical characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and impedance analysis. Crystallite size and microstrain, determined using multiple XRD models (C-S, M-S, W-H, H-W, SSP, and SSM), confirmed significant refinement in S4 (∼74.6 nm) due to strain effects. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed direct band gaps ranging from 1.39 to 2.03 eV, enhancing visible light absorption. Photocatalytic studies demonstrated outstanding dye degradation efficiency, with S3 achieving 99.9 % methylene blue removal in 80 min and S4 achieving 99.6 % rhodamine B degradation in 180 min under halogen light illumination, maintaining stability across pH 4–10. Solar-driven photocatalysis further confirmed superior degradation of MB, RHB, and the antibiotic moxifloxacin, reaching efficiencies up to 99.9 %. Additionally, S3 and S4 exhibited remarkable humidity sensing responses, indicating high sensitivity and stability. These findings highlight the synergistic role of ZnS and GO in improving structural, optical, and functional properties of CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, establishing the CoCuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/ZnS@GO ternary nanocomposite as a promising candidate for halogen/sunlight-driven photocatalysis and advanced humidity sensing in environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119168"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study focuses on the development of advanced biochar-based composite materials for the efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous systems. Bread waste was repurposed as a sustainable biomass source to produce biochar, which was further modified with ZIF-67, a cobalt-based metal-organic framework (MOF), to enhance its adsorption performance. Two synthesis routes were employed: direct calcination to produce non-activated biochar (NAC) and chemical activation with potassium carbonate to produce activated biochar (AC). Batch adsorption studies revealed that NAC-30MOF exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, achieving nearly 100 % TC removal with a maximum capacity of 2033 mg⋅g−1 and a BET surface area is 514.78 m2⋅g−1 with a pore size of 3.83 nm. Adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.995), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process, with positive enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) values. Column studies demonstrated the superior performance of NAC-30MOF, with longer breakthrough and exhaustion times compared to AC and NAC, highlighting its potential for continuous water treatment applications. Additionally, NAC-30MOF retained excellent reusability, maintaining nearly 100 % removal efficiency over three adsorption-desorption cycles. This work highlights the effectiveness of MOF-modified biochar composites, particularly NAC-30MOF, as cost-effective and sustainable adsorbents for water treatment. The integration of biochar with MOFs significantly enhances adsorption capacity and efficiency, offering a promising approach to the development of advanced materials for environmental remediation.
{"title":"Sustainable biochar-MOF composites for the removal of tetracycline: Insights into batch and continuous studies","authors":"Pooja Saini , Nandana Chakinala , Meena Chowdhary , Praveen K. Surolia , Anand Gupta Chakinala","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study focuses on the development of advanced biochar-based composite materials for the efficient removal of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous systems. Bread waste was repurposed as a sustainable biomass source to produce biochar, which was further modified with ZIF-67, a cobalt-based metal-organic framework (MOF), to enhance its adsorption performance. Two synthesis routes were employed: direct calcination to produce non-activated biochar (NAC) and chemical activation with potassium carbonate to produce activated biochar (AC). Batch adsorption studies revealed that NAC-30MOF exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, achieving nearly 100 % TC removal with a maximum capacity of 2033 mg⋅g<sup>−1</sup> and a BET surface area is 514.78 m<sup>2</sup>⋅g<sup>−1</sup> with a pore size of 3.83 nm. Adsorption kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.995), indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process, with positive enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) values. Column studies demonstrated the superior performance of NAC-30MOF, with longer breakthrough and exhaustion times compared to AC and NAC, highlighting its potential for continuous water treatment applications. Additionally, NAC-30MOF retained excellent reusability, maintaining nearly 100 % removal efficiency over three adsorption-desorption cycles. This work highlights the effectiveness of MOF-modified biochar composites, particularly NAC-30MOF, as cost-effective and sustainable adsorbents for water treatment. The integration of biochar with MOFs significantly enhances adsorption capacity and efficiency, offering a promising approach to the development of advanced materials for environmental remediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119150"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119188
R. Balaji , P. Seenuvasakumaran , A. Ubaithulla Baig , R. Anandhi , K. Saravanakumar , A. Vinodhini , K. Saravanan , N. Jabena Begum
The present study used a simplified spray pyrolysis technique to successfully deposit pure ZnO and yttrium-doped ZnO (YZO) thin films with 2, 4 and 6 at. % of Y concentrations on glass substrates under ambient conditions. The impact of yttrium incorporation on the films' morphological, optical, structural, photocatalytic, and antibacterial characteristics was thoroughly investigated. The substitution of Y3+ into the ZnO lattice was demonstrated by XRD analysis, which verified that all films crystallized in the hexagonal wurtzite phase without secondary Y-containing impurities. Defect-induced band tailing was confirmed by optical measurements, which revealed higher Urbach energies, decreased band gap, and increased visible absorption with increasing dopant concentration. Significant morphological evolution was shown by SEM and TEM results, displaying a distinctive tetrapod chain-like structure with a larger surface area. Due to improved charge separation and defect-assisted ROS generation, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue showed that the 4 at. % YZO film had the highest degradation efficiency. Antibacterial tests against E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis further validated the YZO samples' superior performance. The results obtained from structural, optical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial studies highlighted that the 4 at. % of YZO thin film can be suitable for environmental applications.
{"title":"Photocatalytic and anti-bacterial activity of Y3+ doped ZnO thin films deposited by simplified spray pyrolysis technique","authors":"R. Balaji , P. Seenuvasakumaran , A. Ubaithulla Baig , R. Anandhi , K. Saravanakumar , A. Vinodhini , K. Saravanan , N. Jabena Begum","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study used a simplified spray pyrolysis technique to successfully deposit pure ZnO and yttrium-doped ZnO (YZO) thin films with 2, 4 and 6 at. % of Y concentrations on glass substrates under ambient conditions. The impact of yttrium incorporation on the films' morphological, optical, structural, photocatalytic, and antibacterial characteristics was thoroughly investigated. The substitution of Y<sup>3+</sup> into the ZnO lattice was demonstrated by XRD analysis, which verified that all films crystallized in the hexagonal wurtzite phase without secondary Y-containing impurities. Defect-induced band tailing was confirmed by optical measurements, which revealed higher Urbach energies, decreased band gap, and increased visible absorption with increasing dopant concentration. Significant morphological evolution was shown by SEM and TEM results, displaying a distinctive tetrapod chain-like structure with a larger surface area. Due to improved charge separation and defect-assisted ROS generation, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue showed that the 4 at. % YZO film had the highest degradation efficiency. Antibacterial tests against <em>E. coli</em>, <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, and <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> further validated the YZO samples' superior performance. The results obtained from structural, optical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial studies highlighted that the 4 at. % of YZO thin film can be suitable for environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119188"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119176
Aamir A. Khatri, Riddhi B. Palan, Trusha D. Ahir, G.K. Solanki
The growing demand of multifunctional materials capable of addressing challenges in various fields has positioned layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) as highly promising candidates due to their exceptional electronic and optical behaviour. Owing to that, in this work MoSe2 single crystals synthesized via a simple Direct Vapor Transport (DVT) technique have been studied for their bifunctional role in photodetection and photocatalytic applications due its characteristic layered properties, tunable band gap, and strong light–matter interactions. The as grown crystals were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques like PXRD, FESEM–EDAX, UV–Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy followed by their utilization in the fabrication of crystal-based photodetector and as a photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of dye. The photodetector device fabricated demonstrated stable visible-light photoresponse with a responsivity of 1.34 mA/W and fast rise/decay times of 122/107 ms, highlighting its efficient carrier dynamics and effective photodetection capabilities. Further, photocatalysis carried out using a unique catalyst-coated glass substrate enabled an efficient photodegradation, achieving 82.36 % degradation of 10 ppm methylene blue dye under visible-light illumination (20 W LED), followed by evaluation under varying pH conditions. Recyclability tests over multiple cycles showed negligible loss in photocatalytic activity along with no significant change in the MoSe2 crystal structure after reusability, demonstrating excellent stability and practical reusability of the MoSe2 as photocatalyst. Thus, this work establishes MoSe2 as an efficient bifunctional TMDC material, highlighting its dual capability in high-performance photodetection and sustainable environmental remediation, thereby underscoring its strong potential for practical optoelectronic and wastewater treatment applications.
由于层状过渡金属二硫族化物（TMDCs）具有优异的电子和光学性能，因此对能够解决各个领域挑战的多功能材料的需求不断增长，这使得TMDCs成为极有前途的候选材料。因此，在本研究中，通过简单的直接蒸汽传输（DVT）技术合成的MoSe2单晶由于其层状特性、可调带隙和强光-物质相互作用，在光探测和光催化应用中具有双重功能。利用PXRD、FESEM-EDAX、紫外-可见光谱、拉曼光谱等分析技术对生长的晶体进行了全面表征，并将其用于制备晶体基光电探测器和作为光催化降解染料的光催化剂。所制备的光电探测器具有稳定的可见光响应，响应率为1.34 mA/W，上升/衰减时间为122/107 ms，突出了其高效的载流子动力学和有效的光电探测能力。此外，使用独特的催化剂涂层玻璃基板进行光催化，实现了有效的光降解，在可见光照明（20 W LED）下，对10 ppm的亚甲基蓝染料实现了82.36%的降解，随后在不同的pH条件下进行了评估。多次循环的可回收性测试表明，重复使用后，MoSe2光催化活性的损失可以忽略不计，晶体结构也没有明显变化，证明了MoSe2作为光催化剂具有良好的稳定性和可重复使用性。因此，这项工作确立了MoSe2作为一种高效的双功能TMDC材料，突出了其在高性能光探测和可持续环境修复方面的双重能力，从而强调了其在实际光电和废水处理应用中的强大潜力。
{"title":"Bifunctional MoSe2 crystals for high-performance photodetection and photocatalytic wastewater treatment","authors":"Aamir A. Khatri, Riddhi B. Palan, Trusha D. Ahir, G.K. Solanki","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing demand of multifunctional materials capable of addressing challenges in various fields has positioned layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs) as highly promising candidates due to their exceptional electronic and optical behaviour. Owing to that, in this work MoSe<sub>2</sub> single crystals synthesized via a simple Direct Vapor Transport (DVT) technique have been studied for their bifunctional role in photodetection and photocatalytic applications due its characteristic layered properties, tunable band gap, and strong light–matter interactions. The as grown crystals were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques like PXRD, FESEM–EDAX, UV–Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy followed by their utilization in the fabrication of crystal-based photodetector and as a photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of dye. The photodetector device fabricated demonstrated stable visible-light photoresponse with a responsivity of 1.34 mA/W and fast rise/decay times of 122/107 ms, highlighting its efficient carrier dynamics and effective photodetection capabilities. Further, photocatalysis carried out using a unique catalyst-coated glass substrate enabled an efficient photodegradation, achieving 82.36 % degradation of 10 ppm methylene blue dye under visible-light illumination (20 W LED), followed by evaluation under varying pH conditions. Recyclability tests over multiple cycles showed negligible loss in photocatalytic activity along with no significant change in the MoSe<sub>2</sub> crystal structure after reusability, demonstrating excellent stability and practical reusability of the MoSe<sub>2</sub> as photocatalyst. Thus, this work establishes MoSe<sub>2</sub> as an efficient bifunctional TMDC material, highlighting its dual capability in high-performance photodetection and sustainable environmental remediation, thereby underscoring its strong potential for practical optoelectronic and wastewater treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119176"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119169
Jianfang Qian , Jiapeng Mao , Ziyang Zheng , Chengle Wang , Dandan Xiang , Dani S. Assi , Yanting Tang , Quanhui Guo
Degrading organic pollutants in water has grown increasingly urgent nowadays. Photocatalytic degradation technology shows great promise in organic pollutant degradation, though practical implementation is still challenging. In this work, self-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and high-surface-area Ti3+-TiO2-coated zeolite nanostructures were prepared by a combined sol-gel/calcination method. The incorporation of zeolite dramatically expanded surface area while generating additional reactive sites, thereby improving photocatalytic performance. The synthesized zeolite@Ti3+-TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrated the highest photocatalytic tetracycline degradation performance under visible light. The relevant rate constant was 0.0423 min−1, approximately 6.61 times that of the Ti3+-TiO2 sample, primarily due to the formation of micro-mesoporous structures and high dispersion of the Ti3+-TiO2 over the zeolite for promoted surface reactions and charge separation. Current work highlights the significant advantages of rationally designed zeolite-based nanostructures for high-performance semiconductor photocatalysis.
{"title":"Fabrication of self-doped TiO2-coated zeolite nanostructure with high surface area for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminant","authors":"Jianfang Qian , Jiapeng Mao , Ziyang Zheng , Chengle Wang , Dandan Xiang , Dani S. Assi , Yanting Tang , Quanhui Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Degrading organic pollutants in water has grown increasingly urgent nowadays. Photocatalytic degradation technology shows great promise in organic pollutant degradation, though practical implementation is still challenging. In this work, self-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles and high-surface-area Ti<sup>3+</sup>-TiO<sub>2</sub>-coated zeolite nanostructures were prepared by a combined sol-gel/calcination method. The incorporation of zeolite dramatically expanded surface area while generating additional reactive sites, thereby improving photocatalytic performance. The synthesized zeolite@Ti<sup>3+</sup>-TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalyst demonstrated the highest photocatalytic tetracycline degradation performance under visible light. The relevant rate constant was 0.0423 min<sup>−1</sup>, approximately 6.61 times that of the Ti<sup>3+</sup>-TiO<sub>2</sub> sample, primarily due to the formation of micro-mesoporous structures and high dispersion of the Ti<sup>3+</sup>-TiO<sub>2</sub> over the zeolite for promoted surface reactions and charge separation. Current work highlights the significant advantages of rationally designed zeolite-based nanostructures for high-performance semiconductor photocatalysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119169"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119178
R. Indhumathi , A. Sathiya Priya , Radhamanohar Aepuru , Muhammad Idzdihar Bin Idris
ZnSnO3 ceramics have attracted considerable attention for dielectric applications; however, their performance is often constrained by intrinsic defects and uncontrolled grain growth, which lead to high dielectric loss and limited stability. Motivated by the need to improve dielectric reliability through defect and microstructure control, this study reports the synthesis and characterization of Al-doped ZnSnO₃ (Zn1-xAlxSnO3; 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics prepared via a chemical precipitation route. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data confirmed the formation of a stable orthorhombic perovskite phase, with crystallite sizes decreasing from ∼31 to ∼29 nm upon Al incorporation. Optical analysis revealed band gap widening from 3.45 to 3.61 eV, while reduced Urbach energy indicated suppressed structural disorder. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) observations showed significant grain size refinement from 286.82 to 95.74 nm, confirming effective inhibition of grain growth. Dielectric measurements exhibited high permittivity with low dielectric loss, consistent with Koop's model. AC conductivity followed the correlated barrier hopping mechanism, indicating thermally activated charge transport, whereas impedance and electric modulus analyses revealed non-Debye relaxation behavior. These results demonstrate that Al substitution effectively tailors defect chemistry and microstructure in ZnSnO₃, leading to improved dielectric performance and supporting its potential for high-frequency capacitor and energy-storage applications.
{"title":"Influence of Al substitution on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of ZnSnO3 ceramics","authors":"R. Indhumathi , A. Sathiya Priya , Radhamanohar Aepuru , Muhammad Idzdihar Bin Idris","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>ZnSnO<sub>3</sub> ceramics have attracted considerable attention for dielectric applications; however, their performance is often constrained by intrinsic defects and uncontrolled grain growth, which lead to high dielectric loss and limited stability. Motivated by the need to improve dielectric reliability through defect and microstructure control, this study reports the synthesis and characterization of Al-doped ZnSnO₃ (Zn<sub>1-x</sub>Al<sub>x</sub>SnO<sub>3</sub>; 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics prepared via a chemical precipitation route. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data confirmed the formation of a stable orthorhombic perovskite phase, with crystallite sizes decreasing from ∼31 to ∼29 nm upon Al incorporation. Optical analysis revealed band gap widening from 3.45 to 3.61 eV, while reduced Urbach energy indicated suppressed structural disorder. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) observations showed significant grain size refinement from 286.82 to 95.74 nm, confirming effective inhibition of grain growth. Dielectric measurements exhibited high permittivity with low dielectric loss, consistent with Koop's model. AC conductivity followed the correlated barrier hopping mechanism, indicating thermally activated charge transport, whereas impedance and electric modulus analyses revealed non-Debye relaxation behavior. These results demonstrate that Al substitution effectively tailors defect chemistry and microstructure in ZnSnO₃, leading to improved dielectric performance and supporting its potential for high-frequency capacitor and energy-storage applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119178"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119171
Vijay Kumar Srivastava , A. Sowndarya , T. Daniel Thangadurai , Zdenek Sofer , S. Jayavani , Hanna J. Maria , Sabu Thomas
A feasible substitute for traditional batteries, solid-state rechargeable energy storage technologies provide benefits like higher energy density, improved safety, and longer cycle life. Nanomaterials (NMs) have confirmed great potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly carbon-based materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To meet the increasing need for high-performance energy storage technologies, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs), more advancements are necessary. The incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials into all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with photo-rechargeable characteristics is investigated in this study. ASSB performance in terms of energy density, cycle life, and power density can be greatly improved by the special qualities of CNTs and graphene, including their large surface area, superior mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity. To optimize the anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials, this study explores the most current revisions on the use of carbon-based NMs in ASSBs. Additionally, the possibilities of photo-rechargeable ASSBs made possible by the combination of charge-separation and light-harvesting mechanisms are examined. This assessment seeks to aid in the creation of next-generation energy storage systems by offering a thorough summary of current developments and prospective viewpoints.
{"title":"Carbon-based nanocomposites for all-solid-state rechargeable energy storage devices","authors":"Vijay Kumar Srivastava , A. Sowndarya , T. Daniel Thangadurai , Zdenek Sofer , S. Jayavani , Hanna J. Maria , Sabu Thomas","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A feasible substitute for traditional batteries, solid-state rechargeable energy storage technologies provide benefits like higher energy density, improved safety, and longer cycle life. Nanomaterials (NMs) have confirmed great potential in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly carbon-based materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To meet the increasing need for high-performance energy storage technologies, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs), more advancements are necessary. The incorporation of carbon-based nanomaterials into all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with photo-rechargeable characteristics is investigated in this study. ASSB performance in terms of energy density, cycle life, and power density can be greatly improved by the special qualities of CNTs and graphene, including their large surface area, superior mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity. To optimize the anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials, this study explores the most current revisions on the use of carbon-based NMs in ASSBs. Additionally, the possibilities of photo-rechargeable ASSBs made possible by the combination of charge-separation and light-harvesting mechanisms are examined. This assessment seeks to aid in the creation of next-generation energy storage systems by offering a thorough summary of current developments and prospective viewpoints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119171"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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