Mercaptopyridine-substituted indium,zinc, and metal-free phthalocyanines: nonlinear optical studies in solution and on polymer matrices

In this article, the nonlinear optical characterizations and optical limiting properties of metal-free (2), zinc (3), and indium (4) tetra 4-(2-mercaptopyridine) phthalocyanines are discussed. Nonlinear optical properties of the samples were evaluated using Z-scan at 532 nm and 10 ns pulse in CHCl₃, and doped on poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PBC) thin films. Thin films for 2, 3, and 4 are represented as 2-PBC, 3-PBC, and 4-PBC, respectively. We observed two-photon absorption (2PA) and strong reverse saturable absorption as the dominant mechanisms at nanosecond laser excitation in solution and thin films. By virtue of the magnitude of absorption coefficients and other nonlinear optical parameters estimated in this work, sample 4 was found to exhibit strongest nonlinear optical properties followed by 3, while 2 is the weakest nonlinear absorber of the studied samples. Large third-order susceptibility (1.46 × 10^?9 esu and 7.74 × 10^?10 esu) and hyperpolarizability (2.13 × 10^?28 and 8.37 × 10^?29 esu) were estimated for 4-PBC and 3-PBC, respectively. Our studies show that these molecules are suitable candidates for practical passive optical limiters.     

Ultrafast nonlinear optical response of Ag nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous thin films

Highly dispersed silver nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous thin films (MTFs) have been synthesized by modification of the interior surface of mesoporous silica with ethylenediamine moieties, which provided the coordination sites for the Ag ions, and subsequent reduction under hydrogen atmosphere. TEM observations show the mesoporous parent films have effectively controlled the growth of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The composite films had an ultrafast nonlinear response time, as fast as 200 fs, and a third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility of 0.94 × 10^?10 esu, which was enhanced by the local field enhancement effect that was present when the silver nanoparticles were embedded in the surrounding dielectric matrix. The origin of the ultrafast nonlinear response and the enhanced nonlinearity of the composite films are attributed to the intraband transition of the free electrons near the Fermi surface of the incorporated silver nanoparticles.     

Electrochemical Fabrication and Properties of Highly Ordered Fe‐Doped TiO2 Nanotubes

Highly‐ordered Fe‐doped TiO₂ nanotubes (TiO₂nts) were fabricated by anodization of co‐sputtered Ti–Fe thin films in a glycerol electrolyte containing NH₄F. The as‐sputtered Ti–Fe thin films correspond to a solid solution of Ti and Fe according to X‐ray diffraction. The Fe‐doped TiO₂nts were studied in terms of composition, morphology and structure. The characterization included scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. As a result of the Fe doping, an indirect bandgap of 3.0 eV was estimated using Tauc’s plot, and this substantial red‐shift extends its photoresponse to visible light. From the Mott–Schottky analysis, the flat‐band potential (E_fb) and the charge carrier concentration (N_D) were determined to be ?0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl and 5.0 ×10¹⁹ cm^?3 respectively for the Fe‐doped TiO₂nts, whilst for the undoped TiO₂nts, E_fb of ?0.85 V vs Ag/AgCl and N_D of 6.5×10¹⁹ cm^?3 were obtained.     

The effect of heat treatment in the reducing atmosphere on the physical properties of TiO2 thin films prepared by sol–gel method

Multilayered nanostructured TiO₂ thin films were prepared by sol–gel and dipping deposition on quartz substrate followed by thermal treatment under reducing atmosphere (20 %H₂–80 %Ar). Heat treatment at progressively higher temperatures caused structural, morphological, and optical changes, which were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The conductivities of the thin films were also measured by 4-point probe method. The XRD results showed that the calcined TiO₂ thin films consist of single anatase phase which was completely transformed into rutile phase after heat treatment at 1,000 °C. The grains of films grew by intra-agglomerate densification after heat treatment at higher temperatures. The root mean square roughness of the samples was found to be in the range of 0.58–3.36 nm. The partially reduced TiO₂ samples have red-shifted transmittance bands due to new energy band formed by oxygen vacancies. The electrical conductivity of the films was also enhanced after heat treatment in reducing atmosphere.     

Self-assembly of ultra-small gold nanoparticles on an indium tin oxide electrode for the enzyme-free detection of hydrogen peroxide

A novel enzyme-free electrochemical sensor for H₂O₂ was fabricated by modifying an indium tin oxide (ITO) support with (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane to yield an interface for the assembly of colloidal gold. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were then immobilized on the substrate via self-assembly. Atomic force microscopy showed the presence of a monolayer of well-dispersed AuNPs with an average size of ~4 nm. The electrochemical behavior of the resultant AuNP/ITO-modified electrode and its response to hydrogen peroxide were studied by cyclic voltammetry. This non-enzymatic and mediator-free electrode exhibits a linear response in the range from 3.0?×?10^?5 M to 1.0?×?10^?3 M (M?=?mol?·?L^?1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection is as low as 10 nM (for S/N?=?3). The sensor is stable, gives well reproducible results, and is deemed to represent a promising tool for electrochemical sensing.

Transparent conductive tungsten-doped tin oxide thin films synthesized by sol–gel technique on quartz glass substrates

Transparent conductive tungsten-doped tin oxide (SnO₂:W) thin films were synthesized on quartz glass substrates by sol–gel dip-coating method. It was found that the films were highly transparent and the average optical transmission was about 90% in the visible and near infrared region from 400 to 2,500 nm. The optical band gap is about 4.1 eV. The lowest resistivity of 5.8 × 10^?3 ohm cm was obtained, with the carrier mobility of 14.2 cm² V^?1 s^?1 and carrier concentration of 7.6 × 10¹⁹ cm^?3 in 3 at.% W-doping films annealed at 850 °C in air. The structural properties, surface morphology and chemical states for the films were investigated.     

Preparation and femtosecond non-linear optical properties of Ag/SiO2 composite thin films

Ag nanoparticles embedded in SiO₂ thin films (Ag/SiO₂ films) were prepared by a multitarget sputtering method. In the optical absorption spectra of the Ag/SiO₂ films, the absorption peak due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag particle was clearly observed at the wavelength of 394–413 nm. The imaginary part of the third-order non-linear susceptibility, Im [χ⁽³⁾], of the Ag/SiO₂ film was estimated to be ?1.1×10^?8 esu measured by the femtosecond Z-scan technique near the SPR peak. The response time of the film measured from the decay of the differential transmission of the pump-probe experiment was 1.3 ps at the SPR peak.     

Designing and fabrication of a novel gold nanocomposite structure: application in electrochemical sensing of bisphenol A

In this article, a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor is introduced for direct electro-oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA). The novel nanocomposite was prepared based on multi-walled carbon nanotube/thiol functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-SH) as an immobilisation platform and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as an amplifying electrochemical signal. The chemisorbed AuNPs exhibited excellent electrochemical activity for the detection of BPA. Some analysing techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction exposed the formation of nanocomposite. Under optimum conditions (pH 9), the sensor showed a linear range between 0.002–240 μM, with high sensitivity (0.25 μA μM^?1) along with low detection limit (6.73 × 10^?10 M). Moreover, nanocomposites could efficiently decrease the effect of interfering agents and remarkably enhance the utility of sensor at detection of BPA in some real samples.     

Optical,electrical, and electrochemical behavior of p-type nanostructured SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Ni (NTO) thin films

The physical and electrochemical properties of sol-gel synthesized nickel-doped tin oxide (NTO) thin films were investigated. The X-ray diffraction results showed that NTO samples exhibited a tetragonal structure. The average crystallite size and the unit cell volume of the films were reduced by Ni increment, while the stacking fault probability was increased. Furthermore, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy images clearly displayed that the worm-like surface morphology of the SnO₂ thin films was altered to the spherical feature in 3 and 10 mol% NTO samples. Moreover, by virtue of Ni incorporation, the average transparency of the SnO₂ thin films rose up from 67 to 85% in the visible region; also, the optical band gap of the SnO₂ sample (3.97 eV) increased and the thin film with 3 mol% dopant concentration showed a maximum value of 4.22 eV. The blue/green emission intensities of photoluminescence spectra of SnO₂ thin film changed via Ni doping. The Hall effect measurements revealed that by Ni addition, the electrical conductivity of tin oxide thin films altered from n- to p-type and the carrier concentration of the films decreased due to the role of Ni²⁺ ions which act as electron acceptors in NTO films. In contrast, 20 mol% Ni-doped sample had the highest mobility about 9.65 cm² (V s)^?1. In addition, the cyclic voltammogram of NTO thin films in KOH electrolyte indicated the charge storage capacity and the surface total charge density of SnO₂ thin films enhanced via Ni doping. Moreover, the diffusion constant of the samples increased from 2?×?10^?15 to 6.5?×?10^?15 cm² s^?1 for undoped and 5 mol% dopant concentration. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the NTO thin films in two different potentials showed the different electrochemical behaviors of n- and p-type thin films. It revealed that the 20 mol% NTO thin film had maximum charge transfer at lower applied potential.     

Facile Synthesis of Amino Shell-Magnetic Core Nanoparticles and Application for Direct Electrochemistry

This paper reports a core-shell nanoparticle system coated on the carbon paste electrode (CPE) for determination of hydrogen peroxide. The amino-functionalized shell-magnetic core nanoparticles have been proven to be an effective material for Hb immobilization. The core-shell nanoparticle system was constructed by immobilizing hemoglobin (Hb) on amino-functionalized shell@magnetic core composite nanoparticles (NH₂-SiO₂-CoFe₂O₄) with the bridge of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry were used to characterize the obtained biosensor. The Hb/AuNPs/NH₂-SiO₂-CoFe₂O₄/CPE showed a linear range from 1.9 × 10^?6 to 4.6 × 10^?3 M, with a detection limit of 6.3 × 10^?7 M (S/N = 3) under the optimized experimental conditions. A good affinity was shown due to the small apparent Michaelis–Menten constant of 2.68 mM.     

Thin film nonstoichiometric chromium oxide-based cathode material for rechargeable and primary lithium batteries

The application of nonstoichiometric chromium oxide-based thin film cathodes in lithium rechargeable and primary batteries operating at high rates has been demonstrated. Films of varying composition have been obtained by anionic Cr (VI) species electrodeposition on a 1X18N10Т grade stainless steel cathode from fluoride-containing electrolytes. The effect of film doping by Li⁺ ions during its electrosynthesis has been сonsidered. As-prepared films were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, 3D optical profiler, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The main phase components of the electrodeposited films regardless of Li⁺ in an electrolyte are Cr₂O₃, α-CrOOH, β-CrOOH, and metallic chromium as shown by XRD pattern refinement. The electrochemical reduction rate in a non-aqueous electrolyte (1 M LiClO₄ in PC/DME) correlates with the chromium oxide-hydroxide component content of film. Primary CrO _x -Li CR2325 mock-up cathode coating can be discharged in a pulsed mode at 10 Ω external resistance with 80–84 mA cm^?2 current densities for 10–100 ms. Thin film cathodes electrodeposited in the presence of lithium ions become rechargeable when the lithium content of the film reaches 0.02 wt.%. Mock-ups of CR2325 coin battery with a thin film cathode doped with lithium ions can be discharged more than 40 times with 136 mAh g^?1 specific capacity, 461 Wh kg^?1 specific energy and 154 W kg^?1 power density at 30 kΩ external resistance. The simplicity of thin film preparation makes this technology promising for thin film lithium batteries.     

Comparison of optical and structural properties of nanostructure TiO2 thin film doped by Sn and Nb

The thin films of TiO₂ doped by Sn or Nb were prepared by sol–gel method under process control. The effects of Sn and Nb doping on the structural, optical and photo-catalytic properties of applied thin films have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) high resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. Surface chemical state of thin films was examined by atomic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. XRD results suggest that adding impurities has a great effect on the crystallinity and particle size of TiO₂. Titania rutile phase formation in thin film was promoted by Sn⁴⁺ addition but was inhibited by Nb⁵⁺ doping. The activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation kinetics of aqueous methylene blue under UV and Visible radiation. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of the Sn-doped TiO₂ thin film have a larger degradation efficiency than Nb-doped TiO₂ under visible light, but under UV light photocatalytic activity of the Nb-doped TiO₂ thin film is better.     

Efficient electrochromic performance of anatase TiO2 thin films prepared by nebulized spray deposition method

Anatase TiO₂ thin films with high optical modulation, better reversibility, fast switching time, and enhanced coloration efficiency were prepared by nebulized spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the formation of anatase phase TiO₂ in the present work. This inference was substantiated from the Raman active modes of A_1g, 2 B_1g, and 3 E_g corresponding to O–Ti–O bond in TiO₂. The PL emission peak observed at 400 nm is corresponds to the indirect transition (X_1b?→?Γ₃) from the conduction band to the valence band. The average reflectance of TiO₂ thin films was varied from 31 to 20%. The electrochemical study revealed the excellent performance of TiO₂ films with high optical modulation (ΔT?=?61%), fast switching kinetics (t _b ?=?1.6 s, t _c ?=?2.4 s), good coloration efficiency (100 cm² C^?1), and better reversibility (86%). The efficient electrochromic behavior of films may be due to the smooth microstructure nature, which provides an easy pathway for the diffusion and charge transfer process of Li⁺ ions in TiO₂ film matrix. The fast transfer of Li⁺ ion was realized from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurement.     

Synergetic effect of Prussian blue film with gold nanoparticle graphite–wax composite electrode for the enzyme-free ultrasensitive hydrogen peroxide sensor

Enzyme-free amperometric ultrasensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was investigated using a Prussian blue (PB) film-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) graphite–wax composite electrode. A stable PB film was obtained on graphite surface through 2-aminoethanethiol (AET)-capped AuNPs by a simple approach. Field emission scanning electron microscope studies results in formation of PB nanoparticle in the size range of 60–80 nm. Surface modification of PB film on AET–AuNPs–GW composite electrode was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy studies. Highly sensitive determination of H₂O₂ at a peak potential of ?0.10 V (vs. SCE) in 0.1 M KCl PBS, pH?=?7.0) at a scan rate of 20 mVs^?1 with a sensitivity of 23.58 μA/mM was observed with the modified electrode using cyclic voltammetry. The synergetic effect of PB film with AuNPs has resulted in a linear range of 0.05 to 7,800 μM with a detection limit of 0.015 μM for H₂O₂ detection with the present electrode. Chronoamperometric studies recorded for the successive additions of H₂O₂ with the modified electrode showed an excellent linearity (R ²?=?0.9932) in the range of 4.8?×?10^?8 to 7.4?×?10^?8 M with a limit of detection of 1.4?×?10^?8 M. Selective determination of H₂O₂ in presence of various interferents was successfully demonstrated. Human urine samples and stain remover solutions were also investigated for H₂O₂ content.     

Multi-functional coating of cellulose nanocrystals for flexible packaging applications

In this paper, we systematically address the performance of cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) coated flexible food packaging films. Firstly, the morphology of CNs from cotton linters and homogeneity of its coating on different substrates were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Then, the 1.5 μm thick CNs coating on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polypropylene, oriented polyamide (OPA), and cellophane films were characterized for their mechanical, optical, anti-fog, and barrier properties. CNs coating reduces the coefficient of friction while maintaining high transparency (~90 %) and low haze (3–4 %) values, and shows excellent anti-fog properties and remarkable oxygen barrier (oxygen permeability coefficient of CNs coating, P’O₂, 0.003 cm³ μm m^?2 24 h^?1 kPa^?1). In addition, the Gelbo flex test combined with oxygen permeance (PO₂) measurements and optical microscopy are firstly reported for evaluating the durability of coatings, revealing that the CNs coated PET and OPA provide the best performance among the investigated coated films. CNs are therefore considered to be a promising multi-functional coating for flexible food packaging.     

TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized in an aprotic solvent and applied to prepare high-refractive-index TiO2-polyimide hybrid thin films

In this study, very small (2–5 nm) TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized in an aprotic solvent, N,N-dimethylacetamide, via hydrolysis and condensation of titanium alkoxide at room temperature. The synthesized TiO₂ sol showed 30 days of storage stability and could be used to prepare high-refractive-index TiO₂-polyimide hybrid thin films by an ex-situ method that involved a spin coating and multistep baking process. The field emission scanning electron microscope image showed a flat and uniform morphology of the hybrid thin film. TiO₂ domains were in the nanometer range, thus avoiding light scattering. The refractive index at 633 nm of the hybrid thin film reached 2.05, which suggested potential applications of the film to anti-reflective coatings and optical waveguides.     

A Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Hemoglobin Immobilized on Gold Nanoparticles and 1,6-hexanedithiol Modified Gold Electrode

Hemoglobin (Hb) was successfully immobilized on a gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via a molecule bridge 1,6-hexanedithiol (HDT). The AFM images suggested that the HDT/gold electrode could adsorb more AuNPs. UV-vis spectra indicated that Hb on AuNPs/HDT film retained its near-native secondary structures. The electrochemical behaviors of the sensor were characterized with cyclic voltammetric techniques. The resultant electrode displayed an excellent electrocatalytical response to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The linear relationship existed between the catalytic current and the H₂O₂ concentration ranging from 5.0 × 10^?8 to 1.0 × 10^?6 mol · L^?1. The detection limit (S/N = 3) was 1.0 × 10^?8 mol · L^?1.     

Azo dye doped polymer films for nonlinear optical applications

Azo dye doped polymer films were prepared on glass substrates using spin-coating technique. FTIR, UV-Vis spectra and PL measurements were recorded to characterize the structure of the metanil yellow doped PVA films. Surface morphology and thickness of the films were studied using AFM and FESEM. The magnitude of both real and imaginary parts of third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ3 of metanil yellow were determined by the Z-scan technique. The nonlinear refractive index n2 and the nonlinear absorption coefficient β of the azo dye doped polymer films were calculated respectively. The real part of the third-order susceptibility χ3 is much larger than its imaginary part indicating that the third-order optical response of the metanil yellow doped PVA films is dominated by the optical nonlinear refractive behavior.     

Structural,electrical and optical properties of tin doped cadmium oxide thin films obtained by sol–gel

Transparent and conducting tin doped cadmium oxide thin films were obtained by mixing cadmium oxide and tin oxide precursor solutions by the sol–gel method. Different tin contents in solution were studied: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 at.%. The films were sintered at 550 °C and, after that, annealed in N₂/H₂ gas mixture, in order to decrease their resistivity. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that doping of tin diminishes the [111] light preferred orientation of films and provokes a decrease of the average crystallite size from 30 to 12 nm. Atomic force microscopy images revealed morphological changes with the addition of tin content. All the films showed a high transmission around 75 % in the 600 < λ < 1,700 nm range and a shift of the absorption edge towards the blue region as the tin concentration was increased. The cadmium oxide films doped with 1 at.% of tin showed the lowest resistivity of 5.7 × 10^?4 Ω cm and a band gap energy value of 2.7 eV. For their characteristics, these CdO:Sn films are good candidates as transparent conductive electrodes in CdS/CdTe and CdS/CIGS type solar cells.     

Amorphous titanium dioxide as an adsorbent for dye polluted water and its recyclability

Amorphous TiO₂, synthesized from TiCl₄ and diluted NH₃ solution, was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectrometry, UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The powder exhibited high specific surface area at 508 m²/g as measured by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The pH at point of zero charge of the as-prepared amorphous TiO₂ was determined by the pH drift method to be 6.8. The product was studied for its sorption efficiency using two dyes—crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG). Studies on the effects of various sorption parameters (contact time, TiO₂ dosage, pH of solution, and initial concentration of dye) were carried out in order to find the optimum adsorption conditions for which the results were: contact time ~30 min, TiO₂ dosage ~0.05–0.1 g, pH 7–9, and initial concentration <1 × 10^?4 M. The adsorption data were analyzed and fitted better with the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from the Langmuir model were 0.4979 and 0.4075 mmol dye/g TiO₂ for CV and MG dye, respectively. In addition, the regeneration and the recyclability of the prepared amorphous TiO₂ were also studied. The used adsorbent should be regenerated 10–12 h before reuse in the next cycle for the best result.