Bio-capped and green synthesis of ZnO/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanocomposites and its improved antibiotic and photocatalytic activities: An exceptional approach towards environmental remediation

In this research study, we have synthesized the bio-capped ZnO/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanocomposites by employing lemon juice(Citrus limon) as a stabilizer and mediator. Fruitfully, lemon juice which contains various acidic functional groups and citric acid has the capability to block the surface of g-C_(3)N_(4) from chemical reactivity and activated the surface of g-C_(3)N_(4) for various reactions. Consequently, the agglomeration behavior and controlled shape of g-C_(3)N_(4) has also been achieved. Our experimental results i.e. XRD,TEM, HRTEM, PL, FS, XPS, and PEC have confirmed that the lemon juice mediated and green g-C_(3)N_(4)(L-CN) have good performances and remarkable visible light photocatalytic activities as compared to the chemically synthesized g-C_(3)N_(4)(CN). Furthermore, the small surface area and low charge separation of g-C_(3)N_(4) is upgraded by coupling with Zn O nanoparticles. It is proved that the coupling of Zn O worked as a facilitator and photoelectron modulator to enhance the charge separation of g-C_(3)N_(4). Compared to pristine lemon-mediated green g-C_(3)N_(4)(L-CN), the most active sample 5Zn O/L-CN showed ~ 5-fold improvement in activities for ciprofloxacin(CIP) and methylene blue(MB) degradation. More specifically,the mineralization process and degradation pathways, and the mineralization process of ciprofloxacin(CIP) and methylene blue(MB) are suggested. Finally, our present novel research work will provide new access to synthesize the eco-friendly and bio-caped green g-C_(3)N_(4)nanomaterials and their employment for pollutants degradation and environmental purification.

Deflagration to detonation transition in weakly confined conditions for a type of potentially novel green primary explosive:Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX hybrid nanocomposites

The properties of the combustion and deflagration to detonation transition(DDT)of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX hybrid nanocomposites,a type of potentially novel lead-free primary explosives,were tested in weakly confined conditions,and the interaction of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite and RDX in the DDT process was studied in detail.Results show that the amount of the Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite has a great effect on the DDT properties of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites.The addition of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite to RDX apparently improves the firing properties of RDX.A small amount of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite greatly increases the initial combustion velocity of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites,accelerating their DDT process.When the contents of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite are less than 20 wt%,the DDT mechanisms of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites follow the distinct abrupt mode,and are consistent with that of RDX,though their DDT processes are different.The RDX added into the Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite increases the latter's peak combustion velocity and makes it generate the DDT when the RDX content is at least 10 wt%.RDX plays a key role in the shock compressive combustion,the formation and the properties of the DDT in the flame propagation of nanocomposites.Compared with RDX,the fast DDT of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites could be obtained by adjusting the chemical constituents of nanocomposites.

Flexible Tactile Electronic Skin Sensor with 3D Force Detection Based on Porous CNTs/PDMS Nanocomposites

Flexible tactile sensors have broad applications in human physiological monitoring,robotic operation and human-machine interaction.However,the research of wearable and flexible tactile sensors with high sensitivity,wide sensing range and ability to detect three-dimensional(3D)force is still very challenging.Herein,a flexible tactile electronic skin sensor based on carbon nanotubes(CNTs)/polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)nanocomposites is presented for 3D contact force detection.The 3D forces were acquired from combination of four specially designed cells in a sensing element.Contributed from the double-sided rough porous structure and specific surface morphology of nanocomposites,the piezoresistive sensor possesses high sensitivity of 12.1 kPa?1 within the range of 600 Pa and 0.68 kPa?1 in the regime exceeding 1 kPa for normal pressure,as well as 59.9 N?1 in the scope of<0.05 N and>2.3 N?1 in the region of<0.6 N for tangential force with ultra-low response time of 3.1 ms.In addition,multi-functional detection in human body monitoring was employed with single sensing cell and the sensor array was integrated into a robotic arm for objects grasping control,indicating the capacities in intelligent robot applications.

Magnetic Fe_3O_4-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites-Based Electrochemical Biosensing

An electrochemical biosensing platform was developed based on glucose oxidase(GOx)/Fe3O4-reduced graphene oxide(Fe3O4-RGO) nanosheets loaded on the magnetic glassy carbon electrode(MGCE).With the advantages of the magnetism, conductivity and biocompatibility of the Fe3O4-RGO nanosheets, the nanocomposites could be facilely adhered to the electrode surface by magnetically controllable assembling and beneficial to achieve the direct redox reactions and electrocatalytic behaviors of GOx immobilized into the nanocomposites. The biosensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity and stability. The current response is linear over glucose concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1.5 m M with a low detection limit of0.15 μM. Meanwhile, validation of the applicability of the biosensor was carried out by determining glucose in serum samples. The proposed protocol is simple, inexpensive and convenient, which shows great potential in biosensing application.

Study on Preparation and Properties of La_2O_3/MC Nylon Nanocomposites

A series of La2O3/MC nylon nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization. The effects of content of nano-La2O3 on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were studied. Dispersion of nano-La2O3 in MC nylon matrix was observed with SEM. The crystal structure of nanocomposites was characterized by means of XRD. SEM analysis shows that La2O3 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in MC nylon matrix and little clustering exists when the content of nano- La2O3 is lower than 1%, however, when the content of nano-La2O3 is more than 1%, it begins to cluster. XRD analysis indicats that nano-La2O3 does not change the crystal structure of MC nylon. Mechanical properties tests show that the tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of nanocomposites first increase then decrease as the content of nano-La2O3 is increased. When the content of nano-La2O3 is 0.5%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposites reach maximum, which are 17.9% and 52.1% higher respectively than those of MC nylon. When the content of nano-La2O3 is 1.0%, the impact strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus of nanocomposites reach maximum, which are 36.6 %, 12.7 % and 16.3 % higher respectively than those of MC nylon.

Sol-Gel Derived SiO_2-Y_2O_3∶Eu^(3+) Nanocomposites and Their PL Properties

An improved sol-gel method was used to prepare Eu3+ ions doped SiO-Y2O3 nanocomposites. Systematic study on the effect of post-annealling treatment on photoluminescence (PL) properties of the samples under various europium ions doping concentrations were carried out. XRD patterns indicate that the samples show an amorphous matrix structure, and the SEM patterns show that the samples present a multi-hole loosen structure, and a rod structure after high-temperature annealling treatment (800 ℃) for 3 h. Raman spectra demonstrate that Y3+ and Eu3+ ions were incorporated into the composites successfully through the sol-gel and post-anneal process. Under the excitation of 387 nm (7F0→5G2) violet light (but not 394 nm (7F0→5L6)), the strongest emission spectrum, the red light, was observed at around 616 nm (5D0→7F2) when the samples were re-treated by annealing at high temperature after 3 months laying aside. Without annealing treatment, the optimized doping mole ratio of Eu ions is about 9%, which is much higher than that doped in SiOglass with the concentration of 3.5%, and it then becomes 5% when the samples are treated by high temperature annealing. In addition, the excitation of 532 nm (7F0→5D1) light can also arouse a comparatively strong emission.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PS/Al_2O_3 Nanocomposites Based on Selective Laser Sintering

Selective laser sintering （SLS） is a new process to prepare the polystyrene （PS）/Al2O3 nanocomposites. In this paper, with different laser power and other processing parameters unchanged, the morphology, density and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens were investigated. It was found that nano-sized inorganic particles are uniformly located in the PS matrix and the maximum density of the sintered specimens with pure PS powder reaches 1.07 g/cm^3, higher than 1.04 g/cm^3 that of the sintered specimens with mixture powder. Due to strengthening and toughness of the nano-sized Al2O3 inorganic particles, the maximum notched impact strength and tensile strength of the sintered part mixed with nano-sized inorganic particles are improved greatly from 7.5 to 12.1 kJ/m^2 and from 6.5 to 31.2 MPa, respectively, under the same sintering condition.

Preparation and Characterization of Superparamagnetic Fe_3O_4/CNTs Nanocomposites Dual-drug Carrier

Fe3O4/carbon nanotubes（Fe3O4/CNTs） nanocomposites were prepared by polylol hightemperature decomposition of the precursor ferric chloride and CNTs in liquid triethylene glycol.After surface modification with hexanediamine,folate was covalently linked to the amine group of magnetic Fe3O4/CNTs nanocomposites.The products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,transmission electron microscopy,and vibrating sample magnetometry.Then Fe3O4/CNTs were used as a dual-drug carrier to co-delivery of the hydrophilic drug epirubicin hydrochloride and hydrophobic drug paclitaxel.The results indicated that the Fe3O4/CNTs had a favorable release property for epirubicin and paclitaxel,and thus had potential application in tumor-targeted combination chemotherapy.

Synthesis of Fe_3O_4-coated silica aerogel nanocomposites

Fe3O4:SiO2 nanocomposite powders were synthesized by a two-step process,which included the precipitation of FeCl2 and FeCl3 and the gelation of silicic acid solution derived from water glass.At first,Fe3O4 nanoparticles having a crystallite size of 20 nm were obtained by controlling the ratio of Fe(II) and Fe(III) precursors.In the second step,Fe3O4 particles were embedded in SiO2 matrix by the hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of the silicic acid solution containing Fe3O4 particles.It was found that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles homogenously disperse in the SiO2 matrix.The Fe3O4:SiO2 nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced thermal stability against oxidation compared with pure Fe3O4.FT-IR analysis indicates the presence of the Si-O-Fe bond in the Fe3O4:SiO2 (1:10,mole fraction) nanocomposite.

Application of g-C_(3)N_(4)/sol-gel nanocomposite on AM60B magnesium alloy and investigation of its properties

To protect the AM60B magnesium alloy from corrosion,a sol-gel coating containing hydroxylated g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplates was applied.The chemical composition of the hydroxylated g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplates was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).The hydroxylation process did not affect the crystal size,specific surface area,pore volume,average pore diameter,and thermal stability of the g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplates.After incorporating pristine and hydroxylated g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplates,dense sol-gel coatings were obtained.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)revealed the uniform distribution of the modified g-C_(3)N_(4)in the coating.The average roughness of the coating was also reduced after adding the modified nanoplates due to the decreased aggregation tendency.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)examinations in simulated acid rain revealed a significant improvement in the anticorrosion properties of the sol-gel film after the addition of the modified g-C_(3)N_(4)due to the chemical bonding of the coating to the nanoplates.

Influence of tool rotational speed on mechanical and corrosion behaviour of friction stir processed AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposite

Nano-sized reinforcements improved the mechanical characteristics efficiently by promoting more implicit particle hardening mechanisms compared to micron-sized reinforcements.Nano-sized particles lessen the critical particle solidification velocity for swamp and thus offers better dispersal.In the present investigation,the friction stir processing(FSP)is utilized to produce AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposites at various tool rotation speeds(i.e.,900,1200,and 1500 rpm)with an optimized 1.5%volume alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))reinforcement ratio.The mechanical and corrosion behavior of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)-developed nanocomposites was investigated and compared with that of the AZ31 base alloy.The AZ31 alloy experienced a comprehensive dynamic recrystallization during FSP,causing substantial grain refinement.Grain-size strengthening is the primary factor contributed to the enhancement in the strength of the fabricated nanocomposite.Tensile strength and yield strength values were lower than those for the base metal matrix,although an upward trend in both values has been observed with an increase in tool rotation speed.An 19.72%increase in hardness along with superior corrosion resistance was achieved compared to the base alloy at a tool rotational speed of 1500 rpm.The corrosion currents(Jcorr)of all samples dropped with increase in the rotational speed,in contrast to the corrosion potentials(Ecorr),which increased.The values of Jcorr of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)were 42.3%,56.8%,and 65.5%lower than those of AZ31 alloy at the chosen rotating speeds of 900,1200,and 1500 rpm,respectively.The corrosion behavior of friction stir processed nanocomposites have been addressed in this manuscript which has not been given sufficient attention in the existing literature.Further,this work offers an effective choice for the quality assurance of the FSP process of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposites.The obtained results are relevant to the development of lightweight automobile and aerospace structures and components.

The design and fabrication of Co3O4/Co3V2O8/Ni nanocomposites as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries

The CoO/CoVO/Ni nanocomposites were rationally designed and prepared by a two-step hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing treatment. The one-dimensional（1D） CoOnanowire arrays directly grew on Ni foam, whereas the 1D CoVOnanowires adhered to parts of CoOnanowires.Most of the hybrid nanowires were inlayed with each other, forming a 3D hybrid nanowires network.As a result, the discharge capacity of CoO/CoVO/Ni nanocomposites could reach 1201.8 mAh/g after100 cycles at 100 mA/g. After 600 cycles at 1 A/g, the discharge capacity was maintained at 828.1 mAh/g.Moreover, even though the charge/discharge rates were increased to 10 A/g, it rendered reversible capacity of 491.2 mAh/g. The superior electrochemical properties of nanocomposites were probably ascribed to their unique 3D architecture and the synergistic effects of two active materials. Therefore, such CoO/CoVO/Ni nanocomposites could potentially be used as anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Si_(3)N_(4)-TiC Nanocomposites

Si3N4/TiC nanocomposite ceramics have been fabricated by hot pressing technique with Al2O3 and Y2O3 as additives. The results showed that well dispersed composite powder was carried out by adding dispersant and adjusting pH values of suspensions. Remarkable increase in flexural strength at room temperatures was obtained by adding nanoparticles in Si3N4 matrix with 10% （wt pct） of nano-Si3N4 and 15% of nano-TiC. The flexural strength, fracture toughness and hardness were 1025 MPa, 7.5 MPa.m^1/2 and 15.6 GPa, respectively. The microstructures of materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, which indicated that TiC nanoparticles distribute in the matrix and at the grain boundaries. According to the fracture form, low contents of nano particles could refine matrix grains and lead to the crack deflection as well as crack pinning. The multiplex microstructure was formed by mixing nano-Si3N4 particles. The crack trajectories exhibited crack deflection, rod-like grain bridging and pull-out.

Preparation and Supercapacitive Properties of Fe_2O_3/Active Carbon Nanocomposites

Fe2O3/active carbon（Fe2O3/AC） nanocomposites were readily fabricated by pyrolyzing Fe3＋ impregnated active carbon in a nitrogen atmosphere. The as-prepared composites were studied by X-ray powder diffraction（XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS） and transmission electron microscopy（TEM）. The capacitive property of the composites was investigated by cyclic voltammetry（CV） and galvanostatic charge-discharge test. Physical characterizations show that the γ-Fe2O3 fine grains dispersed in the AC well, with a mean size of 21.24 nm. Electrochemical tests in 6 mol/L KOH solutions indicate that the as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited improved capacitive properties. The specific capacitance（SC） of Fe2O3/AC nanocomposites was up to 188.4 F/g that was derived from both electrochemical double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance, which was 78% larger than that of pristine AC. A symmetric capacitor with Fe2O3/AC nanocomposites as electrode showed an excellent cycling stability. The SC was only reduced by a factor of 9.2% after 2000 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g.

Engineering Nano/Microscale Chiral Self‑Assembly in 3D Printed Constructs

Helical hierarchy found in biomolecules like cellulose,chitin,and collagen underpins the remarkable mechanical strength and vibrant colors observed in living organisms.This study advances the integration of helical/chiral assembly and 3D printing technology,providing precise spatial control over chiral nano/microstructures of rod-shaped colloidal nanoparticles in intricate geometries.We designed reactive chiral inks based on cellulose nanocrystal(CNC)suspensions and acrylamide monomers,enabling the chiral assembly at nano/microscale,beyond the resolution seen in printed materials.We employed a range of complementary techniques including Orthogonal Superposition rheometry and in situ rheo-optic measurements under steady shear rate conditions.These techniques help us to understand the nature of the nonlinear flow behavior of the chiral inks,and directly probe the flow-induced microstructural dynamics and phase transitions at constant shear rates,as well as their post-flow relaxation.Furthermore,we analyzed the photo-curing process to identify key parameters affecting gelation kinetics and structural integrity of the printed object within the supporting bath.These insights into the interplay between the chiral inks self-assembly dynamics,3D printing flow kinematics and photopolymerization kinetics provide a roadmap to direct the out-of-equilibrium arrangement of CNC particles in the 3D printed filaments,ranging from uniform nematic to 3D concentric chiral structures with controlled pitch length,as well as random orientation of chiral domains.Our biomimetic approach can pave the way for the creation of materials with superior mechanical properties or programable photonic responses that arise from 3D nano/microstructure and can be translated into larger scale 3D printed designs.

Dielectric Behavior of BaTiO_3/ PVDF Nanocomposites In-situ Synthesized by the Sol-Gel Method

BaTiO 3/ PVDF nanocomposites were prepared via in-situ growth of nanosized BaTiO 3 particles in PVDF matrix by using the sol-gel method.The present elements of BaTiO 3/PVDF nanocomposites were analyzed by an electron probe X-ray microanalyser.Nanosized BaTiO 3 grown in the composite films was characterized by an X-ray diffractometer and a transmission electron microscope,and the dielectric properties of the composite films were measured.The distribution of BaTiO 3 nanoparticles in-situ grown in the PVDF matrix was examined using a scanning electron microscope.

Dielectric Behavior of Nano-PbTiO_3/ PVDF Nanocomposites In-situ Synthesized by the Sol-gel Method

PbTiO3 / PVDF nanocomposites were prepared via in-situ growth of nanosized PbTiO3 particles in PVDF matrix by sol-gel method. Nanosized PbTiO3 grown in the composites film was characterized by X-ray diffractometry （XRD） and transmission electron mieroscopy, and the dielectric properties of the composite films prepared were measured. The distribution of PbTiO3 nanoparticles in-situ grown in the PVDF matrix was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The relative dielectric eonstant increases with increasing the weight fracture of PbTiO3 in-situ grown. In particular, the dielectric loss monotonically decreases with the increase of PbTiO3 content at 1 MHz.

Synthesis of Polyaniline-Fe_3O_4 Nanocomposites and Their Conductivity and Magnetic Properties

By using inorganic Fe3O4 nanoparticles of different content as nucleation sites, PAn-Fe3O4 nanorods were successfully synthesized through a simple, conventional, and inexpensive one-step in-situ polymerization method. The TEM images revealed the size and morphology of the resultant nanocomposite. The EDS pattern confirmed the existence of Fe3O4 in the composite. The FT-IR spectral analysis confirmed the formation of PAn encapsulated Fe3O4 nanocomposite. With the content of Fe3O4 increasing, the conductivity of the nanocomposites gradually decreases, meanwhile, the saturation magnetization increases and reveals a super paramagnetic behavior. With controllable electrical, magnetic, and electromagnetic properties, the well-prepared nanocomposites may have the potential applications in chemical sensors, catalysis, microwave absorbing, and electro-magneto-rheological fluids, etc.

Structure and Magnetic Properties of FeCo/Al_2O_3 Nanocomposites

The soft magnetic nanocomposites with equiatomic FeCo particles dispersed in Al2O3 matrix were synthesized via a sol-gel technique combined with H2 reduction method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The FeCo nanoparticles in all the samples have the typical bcc structure. With the decreasing of Al2O3 content, the mean grain size of FeCo in the nanocomposites and the saturation magnetization of the samples increase, while the coercivity of samples increases firstly and then decreases due to different magnetic mechanisms.

Microwave Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of CaMoO₄:Eu_0.1<sup style="margin-left:-20px;">3+</sup>Nanocomposites

In this paper, using calcium chloride and sodium molybdate as raw material, polyethylene glycol (PEG2000) as surfactant, the nanocomposites of CaMoO4: Eu3+ were prepared by a direct feeding microwave synthesis method. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). The XRD Pattern showed that the samples are scheelite structure of CaMoO4. The SEM image showed that the majority of as-prepared sample is a relatively flake structure, and some fine particles attached to it. PL spectra showed that as-prepared samples have strong luminescence properties;it had purity red emission at 615 nm. The effects of different Eu3+ ions doping amount and surface active agent on the photoluminescence properties were studied. The results showed that when the molar ratio of Eu3+ was 0.10, PEG2000 as surfactant, the luminescence intensity of as-prepared sample was maximum.