Applied Nanoscience最新文献

This​‍​‌‍​‍‌ research describes the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of nickel-sulfur (Ni-S) codoped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to degrade metanil yellow dye under visible light. The large bandgap of pristine TiO2 (3.2 eV) limits its photocatalytic activity to the visible range and, therefore, requires changes to enhance its performance. Non-metal and metal doping, in particular, codoping with elements such as nitrogen, fluoride, and sulfur, potentially narrows the bandgap. Here, Ni-S codoping effectively lowers the bandgap to 2.75 eV, thereby increasing the absorption of visible light. X-ray diffraction is used to confirm the anatase phase, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated a red shift, which is a direct indication of increased light-harvesting capability. The incorporation of Ni and S dopants is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy is used to confirm elemental distribution, and transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles are well-dispersed and the sizes are between 15 and 25 nm. Ni-S codoped TiO2 achieves a significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency; thus, the metanil yellow concentration of 10 ppm is degraded up to 92% in 120 min under visible ​‍​‌‍​‍‌light. Improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to improved UV-visible absorption, surface acidity, and oxygen vacancy formation. These results suggest that Ni-S codoped TiO₂ is a highly effective photocatalyst for visible light-driven environmental applications.

ZnMo_xAl_2−2xO₄ (x = 0.00–0.10) nanospinel oxides (NSOs) were synthesized via the sol–gel route. XRD confirmed the formation of a pure cubic spinel structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 8.4 to 11 nm, while TEM, HR-TEM, SEM, and EDX analyses validated the cubic morphology and homogeneous chemical composition. The dielectric and electrical properties of Mo→ZnAl₂O₄ NSOs were systematically investigated across a wide frequency range (100 Hz–1 MHz) and temperature window (20–120 °C). AC conductivity followed Jonscher’s universal power law, confirming a correlated barrier hopping (CBH) mechanism, where electron transport occurs via hopping between localized states. Mo doping significantly enhanced conductivity, with nearly an order of magnitude improvement up to the optimal doping level of x = 0.06, attributed to oxygen vacancies and defect dipoles that facilitate polaron hopping between Mo⁶⁺/Mo⁵⁺ and Zn²⁺/Zn³⁺ sites. The activation energy (Ea) increased with doping, peaking at ~ 0.0686 eV for x = 0.06, and subsequently decreased at higher doping levels, suggesting a transition from optimized defect-assisted conduction to defect saturation. The dielectric constant rose from x = 0.00 to x = 0.06 at 120 °C, accompanied by moderate dielectric loss, reflecting enhanced dipolar relaxation and thermally activated charge carrier hopping. Impedance spectroscopy revealed depressed semicircular arcs and Warburg tails, confirming non-ideal Debye relaxation, grain boundary effects, and diffusion-limited transport. These findings demonstrate that controlled Mo substitution in ZnAl₂O₄ nanospinel oxides can effectively tailor conduction and dielectric properties, making them promising candidates for dielectric and energy storage applications.

The global surge in Electric Vehicle (EV) popularity has ignited a transformative wave in energy innovation, propelling the exploration of renewable energy sources for sustainable EV charging solutions. This study ventures into the forefront of eco-conscious transportation technologies by investigating the seamless integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Against the backdrop of mounting environmental concerns and the imperative to reduce carbon footprints, this research pioneers cutting-edge strategies in PV-based EV charging, redefining the landscape of green mobility. An innovative Triple-Stage Interleaved Zeta (TSIZ) converter takes the centre stage in this research, engineered meticulously to enhance PV voltage. To ensure precise converter control a sophisticated Proportional-Integral (PI) controller optimized by the intricate mating behaviour of Satin Bowerbirds is introduced, enhancing the precision of converter control. This meticulous approach results in perfect grid synchronization and minimizes the impact of EV charging system on grid. To validate the effectiveness of proposed system, extensive simulations were conducted using MATLAB Simulink platform. The comparative analysis reveals the superior performance of system validating converter efficiency of 98.14% with reduced Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 1.54%, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize EV charging infrastructure with eco-friendly PV integration.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) colloids were synthesized by one-pot method using the extracts from the leaves of Vitex agnus-castus, Magnolia kobus, and Camellia japonica as “green” reagents. The synthesis was performed at 25 and 70 °C for up to 7 days to find the conditions that ensure maximum transformation of silver precursor, AgNO₃, into plasmonic AgNPs. The maximum yield of plasmonic AgNPs was found to be ~ 80%; this value seems to be considerably higher than those typically reported in the literature on green synthesis of AgNPs. In all cases, a minor fraction of silver precursor was found to be present in the colloids as Ag⁺ ions and/or very small particles or clusters that do not exhibit clear plasmonic properties. While the reduction of most of the silver precursor was almost completed within a few minutes, at 70 °C the significant increase in plasmon peak intensity occurred during about 5, 15, and 25 h for camellia, magnolia, and vitex extracts, respectively. The percentage and the sizes of resulting plasmonic AgNPs were found to be affected by both the synthesis conditions and the extracts composition. The main components of vitex and magnolia extracts, flavones / flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids, appeared to be better stabilizing agents than catechins and hydroxybenzoic acids, which dominated in camellia extract.

Graphical Abstract

In the present study, the performance of a hybrid PV/T solar collector system integrated with nanofluids as coolants is examined. The device utilizes single-crystal silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells for electrical energy generation, and thermal collection is achieved with a thermal collector that operates at relatively low temperatures, enabling resourceful applications. The study is an experimental investigation of the collector performance of single photovoltaic (PV) and hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors operating with Al₂O₃/water nanofluid as a cooling agent. It is observed that the PV/T performance has increased significantly, and its efficiency has been greatly enhanced, especially given the monotonic effective-medium increase in the nanofluids thermal conductivity with particle loading (Maxwell-type). Specifically, the PV/T system showed a 21.2% higher total efficiency with nanofluid as a coolant compared to air. This improvement is due to the enhanced heat dissipation resulting from the excellent heat transfer characteristics of the nanofluids, leading to better thermal and electrical performance of the system.

The high-performance optical receivers were fabricated by depositing an ultra-thin film (antimony trioxide, Sb₂O₃) on a porous Si (p-Si) substrate using the laser ablation method. The p-PSi layer was obtained by electrochemical etching, and the XRD results showed that it had a crystalline orientation with main diffraction peaks at 28.84°, 33.09°, and 69.39° corresponding to the (111), (200) and (400) planes of silicon wafers. AFM displayed a nanostructured surface with pyramid-shape hillocks and isolated Si-pillars (features favourable to quantum confinement), whereas PL measurements have confirmed an enhanced bandgap: 1.77 eV (in comparison with the bulk Si value 1.11 eV). In the Sb₂O₃ film, only the cubic senarmontite phase was identified, which also shows sharp XRD peaks suggesting high crystallinity. AFM and SEM observations exhibited a relatively rough surface with RMS = 17.96 nm, average grain size = 91.59 nm, and the agglomeration of the NPs (minimum-particle-size ≈ 27.83 nm). Characteristic Sb₂O₃ vibration modes were confirmed with FTIR, and the optical bandgap was measured to be 3.49 eV. The Ag/Sb₂O₃/PSi/p-Si/Ag heterojunction photodetector exhibited a remarkable optoelectronic performance. High peak responsivities of 0.34, 0.47, and 0.88 mA/W are achieved at the wavelength of 352 nm, 650 nm, and 800 nm, respectively; specific detectivity up to 1.26 × 10¹³Jones is obtained; carrier lifetime was measured to be the longest time (1.92 µs) among reported Schottky based RSD device platforms using the C–V technique signaled an abrupt junction that suggest their broad debut for broadband detection purposes.

This research combines Density Functional Theory calculations and equation of state modelling to explore how pressure affects the properties of TiO₂, ZnO, and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles up to 25 GPa. Under pressure, the crystal structures compress, causing the atoms to pack together more tightly, and the overall volume decreases. Elastic constants, which indicate stiffness, increase with pressure, and the materials remain mechanically stable. Thermodynamic properties, such as the Debye temperature and thermal expansion, were derived using a quasi-harmonic approach, with Density Functional theory and equation of state results aligning quite well. Also, the energy band gaps narrowed as pressure increased, showcasing how pressure can be used to fine-tune electronic characteristics. Overall, good agreement between Density Function Theory, Equation of State, and experimental data supports the use of these nanomaterials in high-pressure optoelectronics and thermomechanics.

Incorporating Renewable Energy Sources (RES), mainly solar energy into Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor fed Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming progressively popular as the world moves more quickly towards clean and sustainable transportation. However, EVs’ dynamic load demands and the erratic nature of solar radiation make it difficult to maintain control dependability, energy efficiency and peak performance. In order to address these issues, a refined photovoltaic (PV)-driven Trans Quasi Z-Source Modified SEPIC-Luo (TQZSMSL) converter and energy management system is presented in this study. A Lyrebird Optimisation Algorithm (LOA)-optimized Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) is the main goal of proposed framework, guaranteeing real-time adaptation to varying solar input. A TQZSMSL converter is used in conjunction with this, offering reliable and adaptable voltage conversion capabilities to sustain a constant DC output. The BLDC motor speed is regulated with the aid of Proportional Integral (PI) controller. Also an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled FPGA controller (NodeMCU Wi-Fi module) is included to continuously monitor important metrics like motor speed, battery State-of-Charge (SoC), and panel voltage and current. A cloud-based IoT monitoring system receives this data for remote diagnostics and analytics on energy management. The validation of proposed model is done via MATLAB/Simulink, an outcomes are made compared with other classical models in terms of voltage conversion efficiency (97.1%) as well as tracking efficiency of (99.97%).

Wheat damping-off disease, primarily caused by Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani), threatens seedlings and results in significant crop losses worldwide. While chemical fungicides can harm the environment, eco-friendly options are needed. Salicylic acid and curcumin are antimicrobial, but their nanoform effectiveness against R. solani is underexplored. R. solani was isolated from diseased wheat seedlings and tested with salicylic acid, curcumin, and their nano-formulations. Fungal growth inhibition was measured at concentrations from 5 to 75 ppm, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values calculated to assess effectiveness. The study compares the natural and nano forms of salicylic acid and curcumin in their ability to control the pathogen. Both compounds showed dose-dependent antifungal activity. At a concentration of 25 ppm, the inhibition rates of the fungus were 19.77% and 57.63% for natural curcumin and salicylic acid, respectively. At a concentration of 5 ppm, the inhibition rates of the fungus were 17.23% and 33.20% for nano-curcumin and nano-salicylic acid, respectively. The inhibitory effect increases at higher concentrations, with complete inhibition observed at 75 ppm for both compounds in their natural forms. The IC₅₀ values for salicylic acid and curcumin were 23.19 and 40.17 ppm, respectively. In comparison, the IC₅₀ values were 11.71 ppm for nano-salicylic acid and 15.71 ppm for nano-curcumin. Nanotechnology can enhance the effectiveness of natural antifungal compounds. The data reveal, for the first time, that nano-salicylic acid and nano-curcumin exhibit superior activity against R. solani compared to their conventional forms, highlighting their potential as sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides in crop protection.

Nanomedicine offers a paradigm shift in cancer therapy due to its superior targeting capabilities, bioavailability, and versatility compared to traditional methods. Owing to their distinct physico-chemical characteristics, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are widely explored. This research’s primary objective is to provoke apoptotic events in lung cancer cells (A549) exposed to bio-fabricated ZnO-NPs. ZnO-NPs were successfully formulated from the aqueous extract of the Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton leaves. The phyto-fabricated JS-ZnO-NPs revealed the maximum absorbance at 327 nm in UV-spectroscopy. FT-IR analysis confirmed the functional moieties involved in aiding biosynthesis, and the components of the synthesized JS-ZnO-NPs were verified via Elemental Composition Analysis. The XRD graph revealed the crystalline features of the JS-ZnO-NPs. The semi-spherical agglomerated morphological feature with a mean grain size of 61.56 ± 3.01 nm was visualized in TEM and SEM micrographs. The surface charge was recorded at − 14 mV. The anti-cancer efficacy of JS-ZnO-NPs was proportional to their concentration, as revealed by the MTT assay, with an IC₅₀ of 44.37 µg mL⁻¹. Apoptotic profiling of JS-ZnO-NPs treated cells was carried out using AO/EtBr staining, Annexin V/PI- FACS analysis, intracellular ROS generation, DNA fragmentation, Caspase 3 activity, followed by apoptotic gene expression studies. JS-ZnO-NPs induced apoptosis in cells by triggering DNA damage, increasing oxidative stress, and activating caspase 3, amplifying the mRNA levels of the Bax and p53 genes, and downregulating the mRNA levels of the Bcl-2 gene. The outcome of this research demonstrated that JS-ZnO-NPs trigger caspase-mediated apoptosis via increased ROS generation.