Ultrasound-assisted surface treatment of ZrO2 with BSA and incorporating in PVC to improve the properties of the obtained nanocomposites: Fabrication and characterization

This paper describes the preparation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites (NCs) reinforced with modified zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles (NPs). The ZrO₂ NPs were defined as efficient filler for PVC NCs. For achieving the best dispersion and improvement of properties, the surface of ZrO₂ NPs was modified by Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). Carboxylic acids and amines are important functional groups of BSA which handle the grafting BSA on the surface of ZrO₂ NPs. The PVC/ZrO₂-BSA NCs were fabricated by incorporation of various amounts of the ZrO₂-BSA NPs (3, 6 and 9 wt%) into PVC matrix. All the above processes were accomplished by ultrasonication as a green and environmentally-friendly method. Also, the magnetic and mechanical stirrer was used for the preparation of samples but the results are not suitable and the aggregation was observed which indicated the use of ultrasonic irradiation is the best method for the preparation of NC. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, wettability, and mechanical tests. The achieved PVC/ZrO₂-BSA NCs showed high thermal stability, good mechanical, optical and wettability properties compared to the pure PVC. In addition, among the obtained NCs, the PVC/ZrO₂-BSA NC 6 wt% showed the best improvement.     

Ultrasonic-assisted fabrication and characterization of PVC-SiO2 nanocomposites having bovine serum albumin as a bio coupling agent

In this work, SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) under ultrasound irradiations as a green and fast route to achieve their good dispersion. Subsequently, different weight percentages of the modified NPs (3, 6, and 9 wt%) were incorporated in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as the matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis of the SiO₂-BSA NPs indicated that 12 wt% of the modifier was loaded on the surface of SiO₂ NPs. Encapsulation of the SiO₂-BSA resulted in a meaningful improvement in the optical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of the prepared PVC nanocomposites (NCs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for the PVC/SiO₂-BSA NCs showed a crystalline behavior for the NC with 6 wt% of the SiO₂-BSA originated from the phosphate buffer on the NPs. Water contact angle of the PVC/SiO₂-BSA NCs showed that the hydrophilicity enhanced with increasing of the NPs contents.     

Zinc impregnated cellulose nanocomposites: Synthesis,characterization and applications

Nanocomposite materials have broad applicability due to synergistic effect of combined components. In present investigation, cellulose isolated from citrus peel waste is used as a supporting material; impregnation of zinc oxide nanoparticles via co-precipitation method. The characterization of nano composite is carried out through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) resulting less than 10 µm cellulose fiber and approx. 50 nm ZnO NPs. Zinc oxide impregnated cellulose (ZnO–Cel) exhibited significant bacterial devastation property when compared to ZnO NPs or Cellulose via disc diffusion and colony forming unit methods. In addition, the ZnO–Cel exhibited significant total antioxidant, and minor DPPH free radical scavenging and total reducing power activities. The nano composite also showed time dependent increase in photocatalytic by effectively degrading methylene blue dye up to 69.5% under sunlight irradiation within 90 min. The results suggest effective utilization of cellulose obtained from citrus waste and synthesis of pharmacologically important nano-composites that can be exploited in wound dressing; defence against microbial attack and healing due to antioxidative property, furthermore can also be used for waste water treatment.     

Structural and optical properties of Mn-doped ZnO nanocrystalline thin films with the different dopant concentrations

The transparent nanocrystalline thin films of undoped zinc oxide and Mn-doped (Zn_1−xMn_xO) have been deposited on glass substrates via the sol–gel technique using zinc acetate dehydrate and manganese chloride as precursor. The as-deposited films with the different manganese compositions in the range of 2.5–20 at% were pre-heated at 100 °C for 1 h and 200 °C for 2 h, respectively, and then crystallized in air at 560 °C for 2 h. The structural properties and morphologies of the undoped and doped ZnO thin films have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the morphology and microstructure of the thin films. Optical properties of the thin films were determined by photoluminescence (PL) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The analyzed results indicates that the obtained films are of good crystal quality and have smooth surfaces, which have a pure hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure without any Mn related phases. Room temperature photoluminescence is observed for the ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO thin films.     

Epitaxial ZnO thin films grown by pulsed electron beam deposition

In this work, the pulsed electron beam deposition method (PED) is evaluated by studying the properties of ZnO thin films grown on c-cut sapphire substrates. The film composition, structure and surface morphology were investigated by means of Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Optical absorption, resistivity and Hall effect measurements were performed in order to obtain the optical and electronic properties of the ZnO films. By a fine tuning of the deposition conditions, smooth, dense, stoichiometric and textured hexagonal ZnO films were epitaxially grown on (0001) sapphire at 700 °C with a 30° rotation of the ZnO basal plane with respect to the sapphire substrate. The average transmittance of the films reaches 90% in the visible range with an optical band gap of 3.28 eV. Electrical characterization reveals a high density of charge carrier of 3.4 × 10¹⁹ cm^?3 along with a mobility of 11.53 cm²/Vs. The electrical and optical properties are discussed and compared to ZnO thin films prepared by the similar and most well-known pulsed laser deposition method.     

Spin coating-pyrolysis derived highly c-axis-oriented ZnO layers pre-fired at various temperatures

Transparent ZnO layers were prepared on silica glass substrates by the spin coating-pyrolysis process. As-deposited films were pre-fired at 250 °C for 60 min, at 350 °C for 30 min, and at 500 °C for 10 min, followed by heat treatment at 900 °C for 30 min in air. The ZnO films were analyzed by high resolution X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectrophotometry. (0 0 2)-oriented ZnO films were obtained by pre-firing at 350 °C and at 500 °C. All the ZnO films exhibited a high transmittance, above 80%, in the visible region, and showed a sharp fundamental absorption edge at 0.38–0.40 μm. The most highly c-axis-oriented ZnO with a homogeneous surface was observed at a pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C.     

The study of structure and optoelectronic properties of ZnS and ZnO films on porous silicon substrates

ZnS and ZnO films were prepared on porous silicon (PS) substrates with the same porosity by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnS and ZnO films on PS were investigated at room temperature by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical absorption measurement, photoluminescence (PL) and I–V characteristic studies. The prepared ZnS was obtained in the cubic phase along β-ZnS (1 1 1) orientation which showed a perfect match with the earlier report while ZnO films were obtained in c-axis orientation. There appeared some cracks in the surface of ZnS and ZnO films due to the roughness of PS substrates. Luminescence studies of ZnS/PS and ZnO/PS composites indicated room temperature emission in a broad, intense, visible photoluminescence band, which cover the blue emission to red emission, exhibiting intensively white light emission. Based on the I–V characteristic, ZnS/PS heterojunction exhibited the rectifying junction behavior, while the I–V characteristic of ZnO/PS heterostructure was different from that of the common diode, whose reverse current was not saturated.     

Carbon nanotube–ZnO nanocomposite electrodes for supercapacitors

Carbon nanotube (CNT)–zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite and gel poly(vinyl alcohol)–phosphomolybdic acid were employed as the electrode and electrolyte of the experimental supercapacitor cell, respectively. The ZnO nanodots were deposited onto CNT films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis in different times. The results of electrochemical measurements showed that the electrode with ZnO deposited in 5 min had the optimal capacitive properties among the experimental series, with a lowest interfacial electron transfer resistance, a very high capacitance of 323.9 F/g and good reversibility in the repetitive charge/discharge cycling test.     

Effect of electron beam on structural,linear and nonlinear properties of nanostructured Fluorine doped ZnO thin films

Electron beam induced effects on Fluorine doped ZnO thin films (FZO) grown by chemical spray pyrolysis deposition technique were studied. The samples were exposed to 8 MeV electron beam at different dose rate ranging from 1 kGy to 4 kGy. All films exhibit a polycrystalline nature which shows an increase in crystallanity with irradiation dosages. The electron beam irradiation effectively controls the films surface morphology and its linear optical characteristics. Z-Scan technique was employed to evaluate the sign and magnitude of nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient using a continuous wave laser at 632.8 nm as light source. Enhancement in the third order nonlinear optical properties was were noted due to electron beam irradiation. Tailoring the physical and NLO properties by electron beam, the FZO thin films becomes a promising candidate for various optoelectronic applications such as phase change memory devices, optical pulse compression, optical switching and laser pulse narrowing.     

The influence of Au thickness on the structural,optical and electrical properties of ZnO/Au/ZnO multilayer films

Transparent and conductive ZnO/Au/ZnO (ZAZ) multilayer films were deposited on glass substrates by magnetron sputtering without intentional substrate heating. The thickness of Au interlayer was set at 1, 2 and 3 nm.The observed structural, optical and electrical properties were dependent on the thickness of the Au interlayer. For all of the ZAZ films, the diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern were identified as the (002) and (103) planes of a ZnO films and the (111) plane of an Au interlayer. The ZAZ films with a 2 nm thick Au interlayer showed a higher figure of merit than the other ZAZ films prepared in this study, and they also demonstrated the relatively high work function of 5.13 eV.From these results, we concluded that a ZAZ film with a 2 nm thick Au interlayer is an alternative candidate for use as a transparent electrode in OLEDs and various flat panel displays.     

Effect of Fe doping on the structural and gas sensing properties of ZnO porous microspheres

Fe-doped ZnO porous microspheres composed of nanosheets were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method combined with post-annealing, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. In this paper we report Fe doping induced modifications in the structural, photoluminescence and gas sensing behavior of ZnO porous microspheres. Our results show that the crystallite size decreases and specific surface area increases with the increase of Fe doping concentration. The PL spectra indicate that the 4 mol% Fe-doped ZnO has higher ratio of donor (V_O and Zn_i) to acceptor (V_Zn) than undoped ZnO. The 4 mol% Fe-doped ZnO sample shows the highest response value to ppb-level n-butanol at 300 °C, and the detected limit of n-butanol is below 10 ppb. In addition, the 4 mol% Fe -doped ZnO sample exhibits good selectivity to n-butanol. The superior sensing properties of the Fe-doped porous ZnO microspheres are contributed to higher donor defects contents combined with larger specific surface area.     

Ti-incorporated ZnO films synthesized via magnetron sputtering and its optical properties

Undoped and Ti-doped ZnO films were deposited using radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering at various sputtering powers. The crystal structures, surface morphology, chemical state and optical properties in Ti-doped ZnO films were systematically investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer. Results indicated that titanium atoms may replace zinc atomic sites substitutionally or incorporate interstitially in the hexagonal lattices, and a moderate quantity of Ti atoms exist in the form of sharing the oxygen with Zn atoms and hence improve the (0 0 2) orientation. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the Ti-doped ZnO films contain one main blue peak, whose intensity increased with the increase of sputtering power. Our results indicated that a higher compressive stress in Ti-doped ZnO films results in a lower optical band gap and a lower transmittance, and various Ti impurities can affect the concentration of the interstitial Zn and O vacancies.     

Synthesis,characterization and photoluminescence of ZnO:Cd rosette-like nanostructures using solution process

Well crystalline undoped and Cd-doped ZnO rosette-like structures were successfully synthesized at low temperature (80 °C) via solution process technique during 30 min. Zinc nitrate, cadmium nitrate, sodium hydroxide and hexamine were used as starting materials. The morphology and microstructure were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction indicated that the structure has a single phase with wurtzite structure. FESEM indicated that rosette like structures have been formed. This rosette consists of nanorods with length 210 and 460 nm and diameter 50 and 74 nm for undoped and Cd doped ZnO, respectively. HRTEM showed a decrease in the lattice parameter after the Cd doping. EDX showed that the amount of Cd incorporated into ZnO is 6.4 wt.%. Photoluminescence measurements taken on both doped and undoped samples showed that, in the Cd-doped ZnO nanostructures, the band-edge UV emission is blue shifted and the broad green emission intensity decreased.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites films with graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (CRGO), as a graphene derivatives, possess unique properties and a high aspect ratio, indicating great potential in nanocomposite fields. The present work reports the fabrication of the nanocomposite films by a simple and environmentally friendly process using aqueous solution and optimized time sonication for better exfoliation of the graphene sheets within Poly(Vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as matrix. The films were characterized using high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Microtensile testing, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM images revealed a successfully exfoliation of the GO/CRGO nanosheets. XRD combined with TGA and DSC measurements showed an improvement in the thermal stability and tunable thermal properties. In addition, the Young's modulus and tensile yield strength of the composite films containing 1 wt% GO were obtained to be 4.92 GPa and 66 MPa respectively. These excellent reinforcement effects were achieved by the strong interaction between the components.     

Green synthesis of silver-graphene nanocomposite-based transparent conducting film

In the present work, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)/graphene nanocomposite has been synthesized successfully by simple solvothermal method via green route. Citric acid is used as green reducing agent for the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and Ag ions. Silver nitrate is used as a precursor material for Ag NPs. As synthesized Ag NPs/graphene nanocomposite has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Experimental results confirm the reduction of GO and the successful formation of Ag NPs decorated graphene nanosheets. In addition, spray coating technique is employed for the fabrication of transparent conducting films. Enhancement in the optoelectrical signatures has been achieved using thermal graphitization of fabricated films. Thermal graphitization at 800 °C for 1 h marks the best performance of fabricated film with sheet resistance of ~3.4 kΩ/□ and transmittance (550 nm) of ~66.40%, respectively.     

Experimental investigation on the structural,dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of La doped ZnO nanoparticles and their application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Pure and lanthanum (La) doped ZnO nanorods were synthesized via co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of as grown ZnO and La-ZnO nanoparticles were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The values of remnant polarization and coercive field were found to be 0.027 μC/cm² and 1.33 kV/cm, respectively, for as grown La-ZnO nanostructures. High Curie temperature (276 °C) for doped ZnO was observed in dielectric study. Piezoelectric coefficient at room temperature was found to be 101.30 pm/V. I-V characteristics were studied for both pure and doped ZnO nanoparticles. Photo-anodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were made using ZnO and La-ZnO nanorods. The conversion efficiency and short circuit current density of La-ZnO nanorods based DSSC were 0.36% and 1.31 mA/cm², respectively, which were found to be largely enhanced when compared with that of pure ZnO based DSSC (0.20% and 0.94 mA/cm²).     

Properties of nano-ZnO/poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide) composite thin films

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol)/nano-ZnO composites were prepared by dispersing nano-ZnO in aqueous solutions containing mixtures of the biodegradable polymers poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and composite thin films were prepared by casting. The introduction of nano-ZnO into PVA/PEO mixed solutions significantly decreased the resistivity of the solutions. Ultraviolet absorption, thermal behaviour and visco-elastic properties of the thin films were determined as a function of nano-ZnO content up to 15 wt%. Optimum film properties were obtained with 1 wt% nano-ZnO, higher proportions of nano-ZnO resulting in agglomeration of ZnO particles and deterioration in film properties. The Forouhi and Bloomer model was used for the modelling of ZnO thin films.     

Nanostructure materials for destruction of warfare agents and eco-toxins prepared by homogeneous hydrolysis with thioacetamide: Part 1—zinc oxide

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanoparticles were prepared by homogeneous hydrolysis of zinc sulphate and thioacetamide (TAA) at 80 °C. After annealing at temperature above 400 °C in oxygen atmosphere, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were obtained. The ZnS and ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), by BET and BJH methods used for surface area and porosity determination. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared ZnO samples was determined by the decomposition of Orange II in the aqueous solution under UV irradiation of 365 nm of wavelength.     

Poly(hydroethyl acrylate) grafted from ZnO nanoparticles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

Poly(hydroethyl acrylate) (PHEA) was grafted from ZnO nanoparticles via the copper-mediated surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) technique with the bromo-acetamide modified ZnO nanoparticles (BrA-ZnO) as macroinitiators with the catalysts of 1,10-phenanthroline and Cu(I)Br in water. Graft reaction was first order kinetic with respect to the polymerizing time in the low monomer conversion stage, this being typical for ATRP. A percentage of grafting (PG%) of 62.4% was achieved in 12 h, calculated from the elemental analysis results. The product, poly(hydroethyl acrylate) grafted ZnO nanoparticles (PHEA-ZnO) were also characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

Synthesis and surface modification of ZnO:Cu nanoparticles by silica and PMMA

ZnO nanoparticles doped with Cu were synthesized by solid state reaction using different precursor routes and varying growth environment. Average crystallite size varied from 40 to 100 nm depending upon synthesis temperature, lower temperature favouring smaller particle size. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that particles synthesized at 250 °C were in the shape of nanorods but those synthesized at 900 °C had spherical shape. Luminescence emission showed marked dependence on the growth conditions varying from ultraviolet (UV) emission to green emission. For making the luminescent nanoparticles bio-compatible, a bioinorganic interface on ZnO:Cu nanoparticles was created by coating them with inert silica. Surface modification of ZnO:Cu was also done with lipophilic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). ZnO:Cu nanoparticles showed hexagonal wurtzite structure and the coating of silica was confirmed with the presence of two extra peaks due to silica in the XRD spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and FTIR spectroscopy indicated that PMMA molecules were adsorbed on the surface of ZnO:Cu nanoparticles. SEM images revealed that PMMA adsorption improved the dispersibilty of ZnO:Cu nanoparticles.