Role of Plasma Parameters on the Conjugated Structure Retention in Polyaniline Thin Film

The role of plasma parameters on the film characteristics is investigated on polyaniline thin film deposited by radio frequency (RF) plasma polymerization. A series of un-doped and iodine doped polyaniline thin films are prepared by RF discharge operating at 13.56?MHz with different discharge powers and pressure variation from 0.1 to 0.05?mbar and variation in deposition time from 20 to 40?min. A good thin film is found with a power ranging from 9?W (?28?V self bias) to 20?W (?65?V self bias) at 0.1?mbar pressure which is confirmed by fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy showing the retention of aromatic rings. In addition, iodine doping is carried out with 9?W power and 0.1?mbar pressure. The characterization of process plasma is done using Langmuir probe diagnostics and optical emission spectroscopy. A correlation has been established between film characteristics and plasma properties investigated using optical emission spectroscopy and Langmuir probe analysis. Emphasis has been given on the study of the influence of plasma parameters, particularly of the electron energy distribution function on the quality of conjugated plasma polymerized aniline film.     

Influence of annealing temperature on microstructural and electrochemical properties of rf-sputtered LiMn2O4 film cathodes

The microstructural and electrochemical properties of rf-sputtered LiMn₂O₄ films were investigated as a function of post-deposition process. The degree of crystallization in the films gradually increased with the increase of annealing temperature (T _a). The films annealed at T _a?=?973 K exhibited characteristic peaks with predominant (111) orientation representing the cubic spinel structure of Fd3m symmetry. The estimated Mn–Mn and Mn–O distances obtained from the X-ray diffraction data were observed to be increased slightly with T _a. Characteristic changes in surface morphological features were observed as a function of T _a as evidenced from scanning electron microscopy. The estimated root mean square (RMS) roughness of the films increased from 97 to 161 nm with augmentation of T _a. The electrochemical studies, viz. cyclic voltammetry (CV), specific discharge capacity and Li ion diffusion coefficient were carried out for annealed LiMn₂O₄ films in saturated aqueous electrolyte (Li₂SO₄) in the potential window of 0–1.2 V and correlated with surface morphology and grain size. The LiMn₂O₄ films annealed at T _a?=?973 K exhibited better electrochemical performance and demonstrated a discharge capacity of about 53.5 μA h cm^?2 μm^?1 with diffusion coefficient of 1.2?×?10^?13 cm² s^?1.     

Synthesis and Optoelectronic Properties of Symmetrical Thiophene Based 2,5-disubstiuted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles: Highly Fluorescent Materials for OLED Applications

Symmetrical 2,5-disubstituted thiophene derivatives containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety bearing different aromatic substitutions were synthesized by employing convenient and simple synthetic protocols using thiophene-2,5,dicarboxylic acid as a starting material. The structures of these target molecules were established by their analytical and spectral data. The photophysical and electrochemical studies were carried out on these compounds and found that they exhibit good fluorescent properties with high quantum yield.     

Exploring the role of supplier relationship management for sustainable operations: an OR perspective

This paper provides a systems-based approach to the exploration of the relationship and integration between Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) factors as part of a Sustainable Operations Management (SOM) agenda. The authors have chosen electronic procurement (e-Procurement) as a suitable context in this light. Through a review of extant literature, a Systems Archetype (SA) model was developed (based on the ‘Accidental Adversaries’ archetype) and findings from a quantitative pilot study exploring key factors pertinent to e-Procurement SRM were gathered, and hence evaluated against SOM factors. The objective of this research was to describe and visualise the causal interrelationships involved in SRM-SOM through the application of a SA (as an Operations Research tool). The authors believe that this research also provides a unique approach to developing and harnessing the useful and unique properties of Systems Thinking (ST), by attempting to reduce and organise the (generally ad hoc and wide-ranging) sequence of subjective perspectives commonly experienced in causal mapping experiments. The paper builds upon the extant literature, and provides further basis for continuing research in the areas of ST, SAs and the application of operational research to plan sustainable operations.     

Optimization of malaria detection based on third harmonic generation imaging of hemozoin

The pigment hemozoin is a natural by-product of the metabolism of hemoglobin by the parasites which cause malaria. Previously, hemozoin was demonstrated to have a very high nonlinear optical response enabling third harmonic generation (THG) imaging. In this study, we present a complete characterization of the nonlinear THG response of natural hemozoin in malaria-infected red blood cells, as well as in pure isostructural synthesized hematin anhydride, in order to determine optimal imaging parameters for detection. Our study demonstrates the wavelength range for optimal pulsed femtosecond laser excitation of THG from hemozoin crystals. In addition, we show the hemozoin crystal detection as a function of crystal size, incident laser power, and the emission response of the hemozoin crystals to different incident laser polarization states. Our systematic measurements of the nonlinear optical response from hemozoin establish detection limits, which are essential for the optimal design of malaria detection technologies that exploit the THG response of hemozoin.

Novel 1,2,4-triazole analogues as mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors: synthesis,kinetic mechanism,cytotoxicity and computational studies

Molecular Diversity - We have created a novel series of mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors with 1,2,4-triazole as fundamental skeleton. The target compound 1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-N-phenyl acetamide...     

Anisotropic stellar structures in the f(T) theory of gravity with quintessence via embedding approach

This work suggests a new model for anisotropic compact stars with quintessence in f(T)gravity by us-ing the off-diagonal tetrad and the power-law as f(T)=βTⁿ,where T is the scalar torsion andβand n are real con-stants.The acquired field equations incorporating the anisotropic matter source along with the quintessence field,in f(T)gravity,are investigated by making use of the specific character of the scalar torsion T for the observed stars PSRJ1614-2230,4U1608-52.CenX-3,EXO1785-248,and SMCX-1.It is suggested that all the stellar struc-tures under examination are advantageously independent of any central singularity and are stable.Comprehensive graphical analysis shows that various physical features which are crucially important for the emergence of the stellar structures are conferred.     

Microstructure and supercapacitive properties of rf-sputtered copper oxide thin films: influence of O2/Ar ratio

Ionics - We prepared copper oxide thin films as electrode of supercapacitors. Films of Cu–O were grown by rf-magnetron sputtering on stainless steel substrates maintained at...