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Keywords = Mg-doped ZnO

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19 pages, 2749 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Fluorescence Characteristics and Application of Zinc-Doped Carbon Dots Synthesized by Using Zinc Citrate Complexes as Precursors
by Yun Zhang, Yiwen Guo, Kaibo Sun, Xiaojing Li, Xiuhua Liu, Jinhua Zhu and Md. Zaved Hossain Khan
C 2025, 11(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11030048 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Zn-doped carbon dots (Zn@C-210 calcination temperature at 210 °C and Zn@C-260 calcination temperature at 260 °C) were synthesized via an in situ calcination method using zinc citrate complexes as precursors, aiming to investigate the mechanisms of their distinctive fluorescence properties. A range of [...] Read more.
Zn-doped carbon dots (Zn@C-210 calcination temperature at 210 °C and Zn@C-260 calcination temperature at 260 °C) were synthesized via an in situ calcination method using zinc citrate complexes as precursors, aiming to investigate the mechanisms of their distinctive fluorescence properties. A range of analytical methods were employed to characterize these nanomaterials. The mechanism study revealed that the coordination structure of Zn-O, formed through zinc doping, can induce a metal–ligand charge-transfer effect, which significantly increases the probability of radiative transitions between the excited and ground states, thereby enhancing the fluorescence intensity. The Zn@C-210 in a solid state and Zn@C-260 in water exhibited approximately 71.50% and 21.1% quantum yields, respectively. Both Zn@C-210 and Zn@C-260 exhibited excitation-independent luminescence, featuring a long fluorescence lifetime of 6.5 μs for Zn@C-210 and 6.2 μs for Zn@C-260. Impressively, zinc-doped CDs displayed exceptional biosafety, showing no acute toxicity even at 1000 mg/kg doses. Zn@C-210 has excellent fluorescence in a solid state, showing promise in anti-photobleaching applications; meanwhile, the dual functionality of Zn@C-260 makes it useful as a folate sensor and cellular imaging probe. These findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of metal-doped carbon dot photophysics but also provide practical guidelines for developing targeted biomedical nanomaterials through rational surface engineering and doping strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanohybrids for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 6898 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Aluminum Doping on the Performance of MgV2O4 Spinel Cathodes for High-Rate Zinc-Ion Energy Storage
by He Lin, Zhiwen Wang and Yu Zhang
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2833; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132833 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
This study explores the development of aluminum-doped MgV2O4 spinel cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), addressing the challenges of poor Zn2+ ion diffusion and structural instability. Al3+ ions were pre-inserted into the spinel structure using a sol-gel method, [...] Read more.
This study explores the development of aluminum-doped MgV2O4 spinel cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), addressing the challenges of poor Zn2+ ion diffusion and structural instability. Al3+ ions were pre-inserted into the spinel structure using a sol-gel method, which enhanced the material’s structural stability and electrical conductivity. The doping of Al3+ mitigates the electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ ions and the cathode, thereby improving ion diffusion and facilitating efficient charge/discharge processes. While pseudocapacitive behavior plays a dominant role in fast charge storage, the diffusion of Zn2+ within the bulk material remains crucial for long-term performance and stability. Our findings demonstrate that Al-MgV2O4 exhibits enhanced Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and robust structural integrity under high-rate cycling conditions, contributing to its high electrochemical performance. The Al-MgVO cathode retains a capacity of 254.3 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1 after 1000 cycles (93.6% retention), and 186.8 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 after 2000 cycles (90.2% retention). These improvements, driven by enhanced bulk diffusion and the stabilization of the crystal framework through Al3+ doping, make it a promising candidate for high-rate energy storage applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Chemistry in Asia)
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14 pages, 2757 KiB  
Article
Highly Efficient Inverted Organic Light-Emitting Devices with Li-Doped MgZnO Nanoparticle Electron Injection Layer
by Hwan-Jin Yoo, Go-Eun Kim, Chan-Jun Park, Su-Been Lee, Seo-Young Kim and Dae-Gyu Moon
Micromachines 2025, 16(6), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16060617 - 24 May 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
Inverted organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have been attracting considerable attention due to their advantages such as high stability, low image sticking, and low operating stress in display applications. To address the charge imbalance that has been known as a critical issue of the [...] Read more.
Inverted organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have been attracting considerable attention due to their advantages such as high stability, low image sticking, and low operating stress in display applications. To address the charge imbalance that has been known as a critical issue of the inverted OLEDs, Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticles were synthesized as an electron-injection layer of the inverted OLEDs. Hexagonal wurtzite-structured Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature via a solution precipitation method using LiCl, magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, zinc acetate dihydrate, and tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate. The Mg concentration was fixed at 10%, while the Li concentration was varied up to 15%. The average particle size decreased with Li doping, exhibiting the particle sizes of 3.6, 3.0, and 2.7 nm for the MgZnO, 10% and 15% Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticles, respectively. The band gap, conduction band minimum and valence band maximum energy levels, and the visible emission spectrum of the Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticles were investigated. The surface roughness and electrical conduction properties of the Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticle films were also analyzed. The inverted phosphorescent OLEDs with Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticles exhibited higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) due to better charge balance resulting from suppressed electron conduction, compared to the undoped MgZnO nanoparticle devices. The maximum EQE of 21.7% was achieved in the 15% Li-doped MgZnO nanoparticle devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices and Systems, Third Edition)
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14 pages, 4743 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Calcium Silico-Phosphate Glasses Doped with Mg2+ and/or Zn2+: Biocompatibility, Bioactivity and Antibacterial Activity
by Laura-Nicoleta Dragomir, Cristina-Daniela Ghiţulică, Andreia Cucuruz, Andreea Lazar, Georgeta Voicu and Sorina Dinescu
Antibiotics 2025, 14(6), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060534 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Bioactive glasses in the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system represent emerging materials for hard-tissue-regeneration applications. This article focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological interaction of glasses doped with Mg2+ and/or Zn2+, with an emphasis on their effects [...] Read more.
Bioactive glasses in the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system represent emerging materials for hard-tissue-regeneration applications. This article focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological interaction of glasses doped with Mg2+ and/or Zn2+, with an emphasis on their effects on biomineralization, antibacterial behavior, and interactions with preosteoblasts from the MC3T3-E1 cell line. The bioglasses were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and the vitreous nature remained predominant even after thermal treatment at 600 °C for 2 h. From an in vitro perspective, the synthesized bioglasses demonstrated strong cell adhesion and proliferation (notably in the case of Mg2+ doping), low cytotoxicity, and antibacterial properties (especially in Zn2+-doped samples). Additionally, the simultaneous doping with Mg2+ and Zn2+ of the bioactive glass matrix is a prospective strategy for developing biomaterials with a “dual” biological characteristics–both osteoinductive and antibacterial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology-Based Antimicrobials and Drug Delivery Systems)
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12 pages, 6390 KiB  
Article
Exploring How Dopants Strengthen Metal-Ni/Ceramic-Al2O3 Interface Structures at the Atomic and Electronic Levels
by Fengqiao Sun, Xiaofeng Zhang, Long Li, Qicheng Chen, Dehao Kong, Haifeng Yang and Renwei Li
Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091990 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
The metal-based/ceramic interface structure is a key research focus in science, and addressing the stability of the interface has significant scientific importance as well as economic value. In this project, the work of adhesion, heat of segregation, electronic structure, charge density, and density [...] Read more.
The metal-based/ceramic interface structure is a key research focus in science, and addressing the stability of the interface has significant scientific importance as well as economic value. In this project, the work of adhesion, heat of segregation, electronic structure, charge density, and density of states for doped-M (M = Ti, Mg, Cu, Zn, Si, Mn, or Al) Ni (111)/Al2O3 (0001) interface structures are studied using first-principle calculation methods. The calculation results demonstrate that doping Ti and Mg can increase the bonding strength of the Ni–Al2O3 interface by factors of 3.4 and 1.5, respectively. However, other dopants, such as Si, Mn, and Al, have a negative effect on the bonding of the Ni–Al2O3 interface. As a result, the alloying elements may be beneficial to the bonding of the Ni–Al2O3 interface, but they may also play an opposite role. Moreover, the Ti and Mg dopants segregate from the matrix and move to the middle position of the Ni–Al2O3 interface during relaxation, while other dopants exhibit a slight segregation and solid solution in the matrix. Most remarkably, the segregation behavior of Ti and Mg induced electron transfer to the middle of the interface, thereby increasing the charge density of the Ni–Al2O3 interface. For the optimal doped-Ti Ni–Al2O3 interface, bonds of Ti–O and Ti–Ni are found, which indicates that the dopant Ti generates stable compounds in the interface region, acting as a stabilizer for the interface. Consequently, selecting Ti as an additive in the fabrication of metal-based ceramic Ni–Al2O3 composites will contribute to prolonging the service lifetime of the composite. Full article
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13 pages, 7137 KiB  
Communication
Co-Doping Effects on the Electronic and Optical Properties of β-Ga2O3: A First-Principles Investigation
by Ya-Rui Wang and Su-Zhen Luan
Materials 2025, 18(9), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18092005 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 615
Abstract
To meet the demands for functional layers in inverted flexible perovskite solar cells, high-performance formamidinium-based perovskite solar cells, and high-performance photodetectors in future applications, it is crucial to appropriately reduce the bandgap of third-generation wide-bandgap semiconductor materials. In this study, we first optimized [...] Read more.
To meet the demands for functional layers in inverted flexible perovskite solar cells, high-performance formamidinium-based perovskite solar cells, and high-performance photodetectors in future applications, it is crucial to appropriately reduce the bandgap of third-generation wide-bandgap semiconductor materials. In this study, we first optimized doping sites through Ag-Cl and Ag-S configurations to establish stable substitution patterns, followed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the Generalized Gradient Approximation with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE) functional, implemented in the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). A plane-wave basis set with a cutoff energy of 450 eV and a 3 × 4 × 3 Γ-centered k-mesh were adopted to investigate the effects of Mg-Cl, Mg-S, Zn-Cl, and Zn-S co-doping on the structural stability, electronic properties, and optical characteristics of β-Ga2O3. Based on structural symmetry, six doping sites were considered, with Ag-S/Cl systems revealing preferential occupation at octahedral Ga(1) sites through site formation energy analysis. The results demonstrate that Mg-Cl, Mg-S, Zn-Cl, and Zn-S co-doped systems exhibit thermodynamic stability. The bandgap of pristine β-Ga2O3 was calculated to be 2.08 eV. Notably, Zn-Cl co-doping achieves the lowest bandgap reduction to 1.81 eV. Importantly, all co-doping configurations, including Mg-Cl, Mg-S, Zn-Cl, and Zn-S, effectively reduce the bandgap of β-Ga2O3. Furthermore, the co-doped systems show enhanced visible light absorption (30% increase at 500 nm) and improved optical storage performance compared to the pristine material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical and Photonic Materials)
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26 pages, 9960 KiB  
Article
Lanthanum Recovery from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto Silica Xerogel with Iron Oxide and Zinc Oxide
by Ionuţ Bălescu, Mihaela Ciopec, Adina Negrea, Nicoleta Sorina Nemeş, Cătălin Ianăşi, Orsina Verdes, Mariana Suba, Paula Svera, Bogdan Pascu, Petru Negrea and Alina Ramona Buzatu
Gels 2025, 11(5), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11050314 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 641
Abstract
From the lanthanide group, part of the rare earth elements (REEs), lanthanum is one of the most important elements given its application potential. Although it does not have severe toxicity to the environment, its increased usage in advanced technologies and medical fields and [...] Read more.
From the lanthanide group, part of the rare earth elements (REEs), lanthanum is one of the most important elements given its application potential. Although it does not have severe toxicity to the environment, its increased usage in advanced technologies and medical fields and scarce natural reserves point to the necessity also of recovering lanthanum from diluted solutions. Among the multiple methods for separation and purification, adsorption has been recognized as one of the most promising because of its simplicity, high efficiency, and large-scale availability. In this study, a xerogel based on silicon and iron oxides doped with zinc oxide and polymer (SiO2@Fe2O3@ZnO) (SFZ), obtained by the sol–gel method, was considered as an adsorbent material. Micrography indicates the existence of particles with irregular geometric shapes and sizes between 16 μm and 45 μm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals the presence of dimples on the top of the material. The specific surface area of the material, calculated by the Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) method, indicates a value of 53 m2/g, with C constant at a value of 48. In addition, the Point of Zero Charge (pHpZc) of the material was determined to be 6.7. To establish the specific parameters of the La(III) adsorption process, static studies were performed. Based on experimental data, kinetic, thermodynamic, and equilibrium studies, the mechanism of the adsorption process was established. The maximum adsorption capacity was 6.7 mg/g, at a solid/liquid ratio = 0.1 g:25 mL, 4 < pH < 6, 298 K, after a contact time of 90 min. From a thermodynamic point of view, the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic, and occurs at the adsorbent–adsorbate interface. The Sips model is the most suitable for describing the observed adsorption process, indicating a complex interaction between La(III) ions and the adsorbent material. The material can be reused as an adsorbent material, having a regeneration capacity of more than 90% after the first cycle of regeneration. The material was reused 3 times with considerable efficiency. Full article
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12 pages, 3261 KiB  
Article
High-Efficiency Biodiesel Production Using ZnO-Modified Starfish-Based Catalysts
by Jeyoung Ha, Sungho Lee and Oi Lun Li
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040372 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 573
Abstract
This study introduces a novel approach to biodiesel production by repurposing starfish, an abundant marine waste, as a sustainable catalyst material. Starfish, primarily composed of Ca-Mg carbonate, were calcined to produce calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), which were subsequently doped with [...] Read more.
This study introduces a novel approach to biodiesel production by repurposing starfish, an abundant marine waste, as a sustainable catalyst material. Starfish, primarily composed of Ca-Mg carbonate, were calcined to produce calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), which were subsequently doped with varying zinc loadings through hydrothermal treatment. This innovative use of marine waste not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides a cost-effective catalyst source. Among the tested compositions, the catalyst doped with 10 wt% Zn achieved the highest biodiesel yield of 96.6%, outperforming both lower and higher Zn loadings. Zinc incorporation significantly improved the catalyst’s surface area, pore volume, and active site density, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis. These enhancements facilitated a biodiesel yield of 96.6% within 10 h, a substantial increase compared to the undoped catalyst (86.5%) under identical conditions. Reusability tests further confirmed the catalyst’s high activity over three consecutive cycles, with yields of 96.6%, 94.2%, and 86.5%, respectively, while SEM-EDS analysis demonstrated effective Zn retention after repeated use. This study demonstrates a pioneering strategy for transforming marine waste into a high-performance catalyst, paving the way for sustainable biodiesel production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Catalytical Technology in Korea, 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 17558 KiB  
Article
Machine-Learning-Assisted Multi-Element Optimization of Mechanical Properties in Spinel Refractory Materials
by Zhiyuan Chen, Daoyuan Yang, Xianghui Li, Jinfeng Li, Huiyu Yuan and Junyan Cui
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081719 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Using machine learning models, this study innovatively introduces multi-element compositions to optimize the performance of spinel refractories. A total of 1120 spinel samples were fabricated at 1600 °C for 2 h, and an experimental database containing 112 data points was constructed. High-throughput performance [...] Read more.
Using machine learning models, this study innovatively introduces multi-element compositions to optimize the performance of spinel refractories. A total of 1120 spinel samples were fabricated at 1600 °C for 2 h, and an experimental database containing 112 data points was constructed. High-throughput performance predictions and experimental verifications were conducted, identifying the sample with the highest hardness, (Al2Fe0.25Zn0.25Mg0.25Mn0.25)O4 (1770.6 ± 79.1 HV1, 3.35 times that of MgAl2O4), and the highest flexural strength, (Al2Cr0.5Zn0.1Mg0.2Mn0.2)O4 (161.2 ± 9.7 MPa, 1.4 times that of MgAl2O4). Further analysis of phase composition and microstructure shows that the mechanism of hardness enhancement is mainly the solid solution strengthening of multi-element doping, the energy dissipation of the large-grain layered structure, and the reinforcement of the zigzag grain boundary. In addition to solid solution strengthening and a compact low-pore structure, the mechanism of improving bending strength also includes second-phase strengthening and phase concentration gradient distribution. This method provides a promising way to optimize the performance of refractory materials. Full article
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15 pages, 6584 KiB  
Article
Defect Engineering and Dopant Properties of MgSiO3
by Kowthaman Pathmanathan, Poobalasuntharam Iyngaran, Poobalasingam Abiman and Navaratnarajah Kuganathan
Eng 2025, 6(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6030051 - 12 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 730
Abstract
Magnesium silicate (MgSiO3) is widely utilized in glass manufacturing, with its performance influenced by structural modifications. In this study, we employ classical and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the defect and dopant characteristics of MgSiO3. Our results [...] Read more.
Magnesium silicate (MgSiO3) is widely utilized in glass manufacturing, with its performance influenced by structural modifications. In this study, we employ classical and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the defect and dopant characteristics of MgSiO3. Our results indicate that a small amount of Mg-Si anti-site defects can exist in the material. Additionally, MgO Schottky defects are viable, requiring only slightly more energy to form than anti-site defects. Regarding the solubility of alkaline earth dopant elements, Ca preferentially incorporates into the Mg site without generating charge-compensating defects, while Zn exhibits a similar behavior among the 3D block elements. Al and Sc are promising dopants for substitution at the Si site, promoting the formation of Mg interstitials or oxygen vacancies, with the latter being the more energetically favorable process. The solution of isovalent dopants at the Si site is preferred by Ge and Ti. Furthermore, we analyze the electronic structures of the most favorable doped configurations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Engineering)
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13 pages, 2577 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin by GO/ZnO/Ag Composite Materials
by Haonan Chi, Pan Cao, Qi Shi, Chaoyu Song, Yuguang Lv and Tai Peng
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050383 - 1 Mar 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1353
Abstract
This study synthesized graphene oxide (GO)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/silver (Ag) composite materials and investigated their photocatalytic degradation performance for ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light irradiation. GO/ZnO/Ag composites with different ratios were prepared via an impregnation and chemical reduction method and characterized using X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.
This study synthesized graphene oxide (GO)/zinc oxide (ZnO)/silver (Ag) composite materials and investigated their photocatalytic degradation performance for ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light irradiation. GO/ZnO/Ag composites with different ratios were prepared via an impregnation and chemical reduction method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrated that under optimal conditions (20 mg/L CIP concentration, 15 mg catalyst dosage, GO/ZnO-3%/Ag-doping ratio, and pH 5), the GO/ZnO/Ag composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving a maximum degradation rate of 82.13%. This catalyst effectively degraded ciprofloxacin under light irradiation, showing promising potential for water purification applications. Full article
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17 pages, 3597 KiB  
Article
Interrelationships Between Topology and Wettability of Nanostructured Composite Wide Bandgap Metal Oxide Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
by Vadim Morari, Elena I. Monaico, Eduard V. Monaico, Emil V. Rusu and Veaceslav V. Ursaki
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052381 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 685
Abstract
The interrelationships between the topological features, such as surface roughness deduced from atomic force microscopy (AFM), and wettability properties expressed by the contact angle of a water droplet on the surface of nanostructured wide bandgap oxide films prepared by spray pyrolysis are investigated [...] Read more.
The interrelationships between the topological features, such as surface roughness deduced from atomic force microscopy (AFM), and wettability properties expressed by the contact angle of a water droplet on the surface of nanostructured wide bandgap oxide films prepared by spray pyrolysis are investigated for a wide range of compositions. A direct relationship between the surface roughness and the value of the contact angle was found for nanocomposite (In2O3)1−x(MgO)x, (In1−xGax)2O3, and Zn1−xMgxO films, for which both the surface roughness and the contact angle increase with the increasing x-value. On the other hand, in ITO films doped with Ga, it was found that the surface roughness increases by increasing the Ga doping, while the contact angle decreases. Both the surface roughness and the contact angle proved to increase in Ga2O3 films when they were alloyed with Al2O3, similar to other nanocomposite films. An inverse relationship was revealed for a nanocomposite formed from Ga2O3 and SnO2. The contact angle for a (Ga2O3)0.75(SnO2)0.25 film was larger as compared to that of the Ga2O3 film, while the surface roughness was lower, similar to ITO films. The highest value of the contact angle equal to 128° was found for a (In2O3)1−x(MgO)x film with an x-value of 0.8, and the largest RMS roughness of 20 nm was showed by a Ga1.75Al0.25O3 film. The optical properties of the prepared films were also analyzed from optical absorption spectroscopy, demonstrating their bandgap variation in the range of (4 to 4.85) eV, corresponding to the middle ultraviolet spectral range. Full article
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14 pages, 4663 KiB  
Article
Core/Shell ZnO/TiO2, SiO2/TiO2, Al2O3/TiO2, and Al1.9Co0.1O3/TiO2 Nanoparticles for the Photodecomposition of Brilliant Blue E-4BA
by Mahboubeh Dolatyari, Mehdi Tahmasebi, Sudabeh Dolatyari, Ali Rostami, Armin Zarghami, Ashish Yadav and Axel Klein
Inorganics 2024, 12(11), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12110281 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of ZnO/TiO2, SiO2/TiO2, Al2O3/TiO2, and Al1.9Co0.1O3/TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) is reported. The NPs were used for photocatalytic degradation of brilliant [...] Read more.
The synthesis and characterization of ZnO/TiO2, SiO2/TiO2, Al2O3/TiO2, and Al1.9Co0.1O3/TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) is reported. The NPs were used for photocatalytic degradation of brilliant blue E-4BA under UV and visible light irradiation, monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The size of the NPs ranged from 10 to 30 nm for the core and an additional 3 nm for the TiO2 shell. Al2O3/TiO2 and Al1.9Co0.1O3/TiO2 showed superior degradation under UV and visible light compared to ZnO/TiO2 and SiO2/TiO2 with complete photodecomposition of 20 ppm dye in 20 min using a 10 mg/100 mL photocatalyst. The “Co-doped” Al1.9Co0.1O3/TiO2 NPs show the best performance under visible light irradiation, which is due to increased absorption in the visible range. DFT-calculated band structure calculations confirm the generation of additional electronic levels in the band gap of γ-Al2O3 through Co3+ ions. This indicates that Co-doping enhances the generation of electron–hole pairs after visible light irradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances into Nanostructured Oxides, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 5179 KiB  
Article
Boosting Zn2+ Storage Kinetics by K-Doping of Sodium Vanadate for Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Mengting Jia, Chen Jin, Jiamin Yu and Shaohui Li
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194703 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 995
Abstract
Na5V12O32 is an attractive cathode candidate for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) by virtue of its low-cost and high specific capacity (>300 mAh g−1). However, its intrinsically inferior electronic conductivity and structural instability result in an unfavorable [...] Read more.
Na5V12O32 is an attractive cathode candidate for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) by virtue of its low-cost and high specific capacity (>300 mAh g−1). However, its intrinsically inferior electronic conductivity and structural instability result in an unfavorable rate performance and cyclability. Herein, K-doped Na5V12O32 (KNVO) was developed to promote its ionic/electronic migration, and thus enhance the Zn2+ storage capability. The as-produced KNVO displays a superior capacity of 353.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and an excellent retentive capacity of 231.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Even under a high mass of 5.3 mg cm−2, the KNVO cathode can still maintain a capacity of 220.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and outstanding cyclability without apparent capacity decay after 2000 cycles. In addition, the Zn2+ storage kinetics of the KNVO cathode is investigated through multiple analyses. Full article
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18 pages, 2482 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of the Precipitation of Double-Doped Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Its Behaviour in Artificial Saliva
by Kostadinka Sezanova, Rumiana Gergulova, Pavletta Shestakova and Diana Rabadjieva
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080455 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1457
Abstract
Simulated body fluid (SBF) and artificial saliva (AS) are used in biomedical and dental research to mimic the physiological conditions of the human body. In this study, the biomimetic precipitation of double-doped amorphous calcium phosphate in SBF and AS are compared by thermodynamic [...] Read more.
Simulated body fluid (SBF) and artificial saliva (AS) are used in biomedical and dental research to mimic the physiological conditions of the human body. In this study, the biomimetic precipitation of double-doped amorphous calcium phosphate in SBF and AS are compared by thermodynamic modelling of chemical equilibrium in the SBF/AS-CaCl2-MgCl2-ZnCl2-K2HPO4-H2O and SBF/AS-CaCl2-MgCl2-ZnCl2-K2HPO4-Glycine/Valine-H2O systems. The saturation indices (SIs) of possible precipitate solid phases at pH 6.5, close to pH of AS, pH 7.5, close to pH of SBF, and pH 8.5, chosen by us based on our previous experimental data, were calculated. The results show possible precipitation of the same salts with almost equal SIs in the two biomimetic environments at the studied pHs. A decrease in the saturation indices of magnesium and zinc phosphates in the presence of glycine is a prerequisite for reducing their concentrations in the precipitates. Experimental studies confirmed the thermodynamic predictions. Only X-ray amorphous calcium phosphate with incorporated Mg (5.86–8.85 mol%) and Zn (0.71–2.84 mol%) was obtained in the experimental studies, irrespective of biomimetic media and synthesis route. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the synthesis route affects the degree of structural disorder of the precipitates. The lowest concentration of dopant ions was obtained in the presence of glycine. Further, the behaviour of the selected amorphous phase in artificial saliva was studied. The dynamic of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ ions between the solid and liquid phases was monitored. Both direct excitation 31P NMR spectra and 1H-31P CP-MAS spectra proved the increase in the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite phase upon increasing the incubation time in AS, which is more pronounced in samples with lower additives. The effect of the initial concentration of doped ions on the solid phase transformation was assessed by solid-state NMR. Full article
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