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Keywords = ZnO nanocrystals

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20 pages, 4470 KiB  
Article
Cellulose Nanocrystal/Zinc Oxide Bio-Nanocomposite Activity on Planktonic and Biofilm Producing Pan Drug-Resistant Clostridium perfringens Isolated from Chickens and Turkeys
by Ismail Amin, Adel Abdelkhalek, Azza S. El-Demerdash, Ioan Pet, Mirela Ahmadi and Norhan K. Abd El-Aziz
Antibiotics 2025, 14(6), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060575 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 809
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clostridium perfringens is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of poultry, and it has the potential to induce cholangiohepatitis and necrotic enteritis (NE). The poultry industry suffers significant financial losses because of NE, and treatment becomes more challenging due to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Clostridium perfringens is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of poultry, and it has the potential to induce cholangiohepatitis and necrotic enteritis (NE). The poultry industry suffers significant financial losses because of NE, and treatment becomes more challenging due to resistant C. perfringens strains. Methods: The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of cellulose nanocrystals/zinc oxide nanocomposite (CNCs/ZnO) were assesses against pan drug-resistant (PDR) C. perfringens isolated from chickens and turkeys using phenotypic and molecular assays. Results: The overall prevalence rate of C. perfringens was 44.8% (43.75% in chickens and 58.33% in turkeys). Interestingly, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of C. perfringens isolates revealed the alarming PDR (29.9%), extensively drug-resistant (XDR, 54.5%), and multidrug-resistant (MDR, 15.6%) isolates, with multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) indices ranging from 0.84 to 1. All PDR C. perfringens isolates could synthesize biofilms; among them, 21.7% were strong biofilm producers. The antimicrobial potentials of CNCs/ZnO against PDR C. perfringens isolates were evaluated by the agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, and the results showed strong antimicrobial activity of the green nanocomposite with inhibition zones’ diameters of 20–40 mm and MIC value of 0.125 µg/mL. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibited a great antibiofilm effect against the pre-existent biofilms of PDR C. perfringens isolates in a dose-dependent manner [MBIC50 up to 83.43 ± 1.98 for the CNCs/ZnO MBC concentration (0.25 μg/mL)]. The transcript levels of agrB quorum sensing gene and pilA2 type IV pili gene responsible for biofilm formation were determined by the quantitative real time-PCR technique, pre- and post-treatment with the CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite. The expression of both genes downregulated (0.099 ± 0.012–0.454 ± 0.031 and 0.104 ± 0.006–0.403 ± 0.035, respectively) when compared to the non-treated isolates. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CNCs/ZnO nanocomposite’s antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against PDR C. perfringens isolated from chickens and turkeys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity by Natural Compounds)
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1 pages, 137 KiB  
Retraction
RETRACTED: Azizi et al. Cellulose Nanocrystals/ZnO as a Bifunctional Reinforcing Nanocomposite for Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Blend Films: Fabrication, Characterization and Properties. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15, 11040–11053
by Susan Azizi, Mansor B. Ahmad, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Mohd Zobir Hussein and Farideh Namvar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062525 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
The journal retracts the article, “Cellulose Nanocrystals/ZnO as a Bifunctional Reinforcing Nanocomposite for Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Blend Films: Fabrication, Characterization and Properties” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)
21 pages, 6950 KiB  
Article
Structural, Magnetic, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of Co-Doped ZnO Nanocrystals
by Manuel Fernando Acosta-Humánez, Claudio J. Magon, Luis Montes-Vides, Juan Jiménez and Ovidio Almanza
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052117 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 660
Abstract
Energy levels associated with several crystalline defects, such as zinc (VZn) and oxygen (VO) vacancies, Zn and O interstitials (Zni and Oi respectively), Zn and O antisite defects, and charged oxygen vacancies Vo-, among others, are generated [...] Read more.
Energy levels associated with several crystalline defects, such as zinc (VZn) and oxygen (VO) vacancies, Zn and O interstitials (Zni and Oi respectively), Zn and O antisite defects, and charged oxygen vacancies Vo-, among others, are generated by the introduction of cobalt (Co) into the structure. The effective introduction of Co into the Zn occupancy site was evaluated by XRD and electron paramagnetic resonance. The EPR spectra remain consistent across all doping concentrations of Co2+ ions and revealed intriguing features linked to four distinct Co2+ paramagnetic centers; among them, a pair of Co2+ ions exhibited ferromagnetic coupling. ZnO nanocrystals doped with cobalt were produced by sol gel and their use as photocatalysts were evaluated in the degradation of the Congo red pollutant. The degradation efficiency improved by more than 50% when compared to the efficiency of pure ZnO nanocrystals at the same activity time. Full article
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12 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted and Citric Acid-Guided Creation of ZnO Nanoparticles with Optimized Morphologies to Boost Malachite Green Photocatalysis
by Xianlu Lei, Shuang Li, Jian Zeng, Meiqi Huang, Miaomiao Ma, Xueyan Ran, Xiang Chen, Yuting Yin, Qi Sun and Tao Le
Molecules 2025, 30(3), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030466 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1072
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors are renowned for their cost-effective synthesis and superior catalytic attributes, making them prominent in environmental remediation applications. This study presents the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with distinct morphologies, achieved by modulating citric acid concentrations in an ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal [...] Read more.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors are renowned for their cost-effective synthesis and superior catalytic attributes, making them prominent in environmental remediation applications. This study presents the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with distinct morphologies, achieved by modulating citric acid concentrations in an ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal process. The photocatalytic efficacy of these ZnO NPs in degrading malachite green (MG), a persistent environmental pollutant, was thoroughly investigated. Our findings reveal a strong correlation between the morphological features of ZnO catalysts and their photodegradation performance. Among the synthesized NPs, the chrysanthemum-shaped ZnO (denoted as USZ-0.1) demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic activity, attributed to its enhanced surface area and optimized nano-crystal aggregation. This structure facilitated the generation of a higher concentration of reactive oxygen species, leading to over 96.5% degradation of MG within 40 min under simulated sunlight in an acidic medium. This study underscores the potential of morphological manipulation in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of ZnO NPs for environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanochemistry)
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31 pages, 8313 KiB  
Article
Size Distribution of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Depending on the Temperature of Electrochemical Synthesis
by Michał Hajos, Maria Starowicz, Beata Brzychczyk, Grzegorz Basista and Sławomir Francik
Materials 2025, 18(2), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020458 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
One of the methods for obtaining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is electrochemical synthesis. In this study, the anodic dissolution process of metallic zinc in alcohol solutions of LiCl was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The products were obtained as colloidal suspensions in [...] Read more.
One of the methods for obtaining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is electrochemical synthesis. In this study, the anodic dissolution process of metallic zinc in alcohol solutions of LiCl was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The products were obtained as colloidal suspensions in an electrolyte solution. Due to the small size and ionic nature of the zinc oxide molecule, colloidal nanoparticles tend to cluster into larger groupings, so the size of nanoparticles in solutions will differ from the size of nanoparticles observed in ZnO powders after solvent evaporation. The main goal of this research is to investigate the influence of the temperature of synthesis and the kind of alcohol on the size of ZnO NP micelles. Nanocrystals of zinc oxide were obtained in all tested alcohols: methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol. The particle size was determined using the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. It was observed that the particles synthesized in methanol were the largest, followed by smaller particles in ethanol, while the smallest particles were obtained in 1-propanol. Additionally, the particles obtained in ethanol were the most uniform in size, showing the highest level of size homogeneity. Full article
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9 pages, 2738 KiB  
Article
Optical Gain in Eu-Doped Hybrid Nanocrystals Embedded SiO2-HfO2-ZnO Ternary Glass-Ceramic Waveguides
by Subhabrata Ghosh, Sylvia Turrell, Maurizio Ferrari and Shivakiran Bhaktha B. N.
Spectrosc. J. 2025, 3(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/spectroscj3010003 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Rare-earth doped transparent glass-ceramic waveguides are playing a very crucial role in integrated optics. We fabricated ZnO-HfO2 hybrid nanocrystals embedded with 70 SiO2–(30-x) HfO2–x ZnO (x = 0, 2, 5 and 7 mol %) ternary transparent glass-ceramic waveguides [...] Read more.
Rare-earth doped transparent glass-ceramic waveguides are playing a very crucial role in integrated optics. We fabricated ZnO-HfO2 hybrid nanocrystals embedded with 70 SiO2–(30-x) HfO2–x ZnO (x = 0, 2, 5 and 7 mol %) ternary transparent glass-ceramic waveguides doped with 1 mol % Eu-ions. The formation and size of the nanocrystals evolved with an increase in ZnO concentration in the glass-ceramic waveguides. In this context, key factors of such nanocrystals embedded active glass-ceramic waveguides were optical losses and transparency. A lab-built m-line experimental set-up was used for the characterization of the waveguides. On the other hand, optical gain measurements of the Eu-doped hybrid nanocrystals embedded glass-ceramic waveguides were performed using the variable stripe length method. The optical amplification of the waveguides was investigated on the red emission line (5D07F2) of Eu-ions pumped by a 532 nm laser in a stripe-like geometry generated by a cylindrical lens. Here, we report, the optical gain in rare-earth activated glass-ceramic waveguides with nanocrystals of varying sizes formed in the waveguides with increasing ZnO concentration. Full article
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22 pages, 4715 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid Photo-Catalytic Approach Utilizing Oleic Acid-Capped ZnO Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Wastewater Containing Reactive Dyes
by Zakia H. Alhashem, Ashraf H. Farha, Shrouq H. Aleithan, Shehab A. Mansour and Maha A. Tony
Catalysts 2024, 14(12), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14120934 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 854
Abstract
In pursuit of overcoming Fenton oxidation limitations in wastewater treatment, an introduction of a heterogeneous photocatalyst was developed. In this regard, the current work introduces ZnO nanocrystals that were successfully prepared via a thermal decomposition technique and then capped with oleic acid (OA). [...] Read more.
In pursuit of overcoming Fenton oxidation limitations in wastewater treatment, an introduction of a heterogeneous photocatalyst was developed. In this regard, the current work introduces ZnO nanocrystals that were successfully prepared via a thermal decomposition technique and then capped with oleic acid (OA). The synthesized ZnO-OA and the pristine ZnO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Then, the study introduces the application of such materials in advanced oxidation processes, i.e., a Fenton reaction to treat dye-containing wastewater. Synthetic wastewater that was prepared using Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) was used as a simulated textile wastewater effluent. Fenton’s oxidation was applied, and the system parameters were assessed using the modified Fenton’s system. The synthesized samples of ZnO were characterized by a recognized wurtzite hexagonal structure. The surface modification of ZnO with oleic acid (OA) resulted in an increase in crystallite size, lattice parameters, and cell volume. These modifications were linked to the efficient capping of ZnO nanoparticles by OA, which further improved the dispersion of the nanoparticles, as demonstrated through SEM imaging. The optimum conditions of ZnO- and ZnO-OA-synthesized modified Fenton composites showed 400 mg/L and 40 mg/L for H2O2 and the catalyst, respectively, at pH 3.0, and within 90 min under UV irradiation the maximal dye oxidation reached 93%. The catalytic performance at its optimal circumstances was in accordance with a pseudo-second-order kinetics model for both ZnO-OA- and the pristine ZnO-based Fenton’s systems. The thermodynamic parameters, including the enthalpy (ΔH′), the entropy (ΔS′), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG′) of activations, were also checked, and their values settled that both ZnO and ZnO-OA Fenton systems are non-spontaneous in nature. Furthermore, the reaction signified for processing at a low energy barrier condition (10.38 and 31.38 kJ/mol for ZnO-OA- and the pristine ZnO-based Fenton reactions, respectively). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Synthesis of Nanostructured Catalysts, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 10160 KiB  
Article
Effect of Alkali Source on Crystal Regulation and Ethanol Gas Sensing Properties of Nano-ZnO
by Yinying Liao, Lu Qiu, Yunfei Ouyang, Dayang Feng, Shiyi Huang, Zhaoyang Zhang, Xinyao Xie, Junwei Ke, Tianhao Liu, Xiangxiang Chen, Hongshan Bi and Weiran Zuo
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7623; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237623 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 997
Abstract
This study investigates the ethanol gas-sensing mechanisms of ZnO nanocrystals with distinct morphologies, synthesized via a hydrothermal method using various alkali sources. Significant differences in the gas-sensing performance and morphology of ZnO samples synthesized with ammonium carbonate (Na2CO3), hexamethylenetetramine [...] Read more.
This study investigates the ethanol gas-sensing mechanisms of ZnO nanocrystals with distinct morphologies, synthesized via a hydrothermal method using various alkali sources. Significant differences in the gas-sensing performance and morphology of ZnO samples synthesized with ammonium carbonate (Na2CO3), hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), ammonia solution (NH3·H2O), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were observed. ZnO were confirmed to be impurity-free through XRD analysis, and their morphological features were characterized by SEM. TEM, XPS, and FTIR were employed to further analyze the crystal structure and binding energy of ZnO. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with electron depletion layer theory were applied to assess charge transfer processes and identify the most sensitive ZnO crystal planes for ethanol detection. Experimental gas-sensing tests, conducted across 5–1000 ppm ethanol concentrations within a 150–350 °C range, showed that ZnO prepared with Na2CO3, HMTA, and NaOH was responsive at high ethanol concentrations as low as 100 °C, while ZnO synthesized with ammonia required 250 °C to exhibit sensitivity. All ZnO samples demonstrated excellent recovery at low concentrations at 250 °C. By integrating experimental findings with theoretical insights, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of ethanol gas-sensing mechanisms in ZnO, highlighting the role of crystal plane engineering and charge transfer dynamics as critical factors influencing gas response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Sensors)
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22 pages, 3522 KiB  
Article
Achieving the Optimal AgO Concentrations to Modulate the Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites: In Vivo Investigations
by José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Yarlla Loyane Lira Braga, Pablo Igor Ribeiro Franco, Jordana Fernandes de Oliveira, Rafael Obata Trevisan, Karen Martins Mendes, Milton Adriano Pelli de Oliveira, Mara Rúbia Nunes Celes, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva, Juliana Reis Machado and Marcos Vinícius da Silva
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111415 - 4 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1381
Abstract
Background/Objectives: For the development of new treatments, the acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) in experimental models acts as a filter to screen out potentially effective interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate ZnO nanocrystals and Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites containing [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: For the development of new treatments, the acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) in experimental models acts as a filter to screen out potentially effective interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate ZnO nanocrystals and Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites containing different proportions of silver (ZnO:5Ag, ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag) in an experimental model of the acute phase of CD. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice were infected with 1000 forms of the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. The treatment was carried out by gavage with 5 mg/kg/d for 7 consecutive days from the first detection of parasitemia. Weight, parasitemia and survival were assessed during treatment and up to the day of euthanasia. After euthanasia, the cardiac and intestinal parasitism, inflammatory infiltrate, collagen deposition and cytokine dosages were analyzed. Results: It was observed that the nanocomposites ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag were the most effective in reducing parasitemia and increasing the survival of the infected animals. However, pure ZnO induced the maintenance of parasitemia and reduced their survival. The ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag nanocomposites were able to reduce the number of cardiac amastigote nests. In addition, they were responsible for reducing TNF-α and IL-6 in situ. ZnO:9Ag and ZnO:11Ag induced a reduction in the intestinal inflammatory infiltrate and neuronal protection in the myenteric plexus, as well as reducing TNF-α in situ. Conclusions: Based on these results, it is suggested that there is an ideal concentration in terms of the proportion of Ag/AgO and ZnO in nanocomposites for use against CD. Thus, ZnO:9Ag or ZnO:11Ag nanomaterials are potential candidates for the development of new biotechnological products for the therapy of CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-parasitic Applications of Nanoparticles)
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15 pages, 4627 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance under Ultraviolet and Visible Light Illumination of ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Modified Sol-Gel Method
by Radka Gegova-Dzhurkova, Diana Nesheva, Irina Stambolova, Katerina Zaharieva, Valeri Dzhurkov and Ilko Miloushev
Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4005; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174005 - 24 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1285
Abstract
Semiconductor oxides are frequently used as active photocatalysts for the degradation of organic agents in water polluted by domestic industry. In this study, sol-gel ZnO thin films with a grain size in the range of 7.5–15.7 nm were prepared by applying a novel [...] Read more.
Semiconductor oxides are frequently used as active photocatalysts for the degradation of organic agents in water polluted by domestic industry. In this study, sol-gel ZnO thin films with a grain size in the range of 7.5–15.7 nm were prepared by applying a novel two-step drying procedure involving hot air treatment at 90–95 °C followed by conventional furnace drying at 140 °C. For comparison, layers were made by standard furnace drying. The effect of hot air treatment on the film surface morphology, transparency, and photocatalytic behavior during the degradation of Malachite Green azo dye in water under ultraviolet or visible light illumination is explored. The films treated with hot air demonstrate significantly better photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet irradiation than the furnace-dried films, which is comparable with the activity of unmodified ZnO nanocrystal powders. The achieved percentage of degradation is 78–82% under ultraviolet illumination and 85–90% under visible light illumination. Multiple usages of the hot air-treated films (up to six photocatalytic cycles) are demonstrated, indicating improved photo-corrosion resistance. The observed high photocatalytic activity and good photo-corrosion stability are related to the hot air treatment, which causes a reduction of oxygen vacancies and other defects and the formation of interstitial oxygen and/or zinc vacancies in the films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Composite Photocatalysts)
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14 pages, 3505 KiB  
Article
Annealing Effect on Structural, Optical and Electrophysical Properties of ZnSe Nanocrystals Synthesized into SiO2/Si Ion Track Template
by Aiman Akylbekova, Alma Dauletbekova, Zein Baimukhanov, Liudmila A. Vlasukova, Abay Usseinov, Nuray Saduova, Abdirash T. Akilbekov, Vladimir A. Pankratov and Anatoli I. Popov
Materials 2024, 17(16), 4149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17164149 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
We report the results of synthesis of zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanocrystals into SiO2/Si track templates formed by irradiation with 200 MeV Xe ions up to a fluence of 107 ions/cm2. Zinc selenide nanocrystals were obtained by chemical deposition [...] Read more.
We report the results of synthesis of zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanocrystals into SiO2/Si track templates formed by irradiation with 200 MeV Xe ions up to a fluence of 107 ions/cm2. Zinc selenide nanocrystals were obtained by chemical deposition from the alkaline aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrical measurements were used for characterization of synthesized ZnSe/SiO2nanoporous/Si nanocomposites. XRD data for as-deposited precipitates revealed the formation of ZnSe nanocrystals with cubic crystal structure, spatial syngony F-43m (216). According to non-empirical calculations using GGA-PBE and HSE06 functionals, ZnSe crystal is a direct-zone crystal with a minimum bandgap width of 2.36 eV and anisotropic electronic distribution. It was found that a thermal treatment of synthesized nanocomposites at 800 °C results in an increase in ZnSe nanocrystallites size as well as an increase in emission intensity of created precipitates in a broad UV-VIS spectra range. However, vacuum conditions of annealing still do not completely prevent the oxidation of zinc selenide, and a formation of hexagonal ZnO phase is registered in the annealed samples. The current–voltage characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites proved to have n-type conductivity, as well as increased conductivity after annealing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology)
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13 pages, 3503 KiB  
Article
The Thermal Stability and Photoluminescence of ZnSeO3 Nanocrystals Chemically Synthesized into SiO2/Si Track Templates
by Gulnara Aralbayeva, Gulnaz Sarsekhan, Aiman Akylbekova, Liudmila A. Vlasukova, Zein Baimukhanov, Vera Yuvchenko, Assyl-Dastan Bazarbek, Alma Dauletbekova, Gaukhar Kabdrakhimova and Abdirash T. Akilbekov
Crystals 2024, 14(8), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14080730 - 17 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1232
Abstract
We report the effect of high-temperature treatment on the structure and photoluminescence of zinc selenite nanocrystals (ZnSeO3) deposited into SiO2/Si track templates. The templates were formed via irradiation with Xe ions (200 MeV, 108 ions/cm2) followed [...] Read more.
We report the effect of high-temperature treatment on the structure and photoluminescence of zinc selenite nanocrystals (ZnSeO3) deposited into SiO2/Si track templates. The templates were formed via irradiation with Xe ions (200 MeV, 108 ions/cm2) followed by etching in HF solution. ZnSeO3 nanocrystals were obtained via chemical deposition from the aqueous solution of ZnCl2 and SeO2 as Zn-, Se- and O-precursors. To estimate the thermal stability of the deposited precipitates, heat treatment was carried out at 800 and 1000 °C for 60 min in a vacuum environment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and electrical measurements were used for the characterization of ZnSeO3/SiO2nanoporous/Si nanocomposites. Thermal treatment of the synthesized nanocomposites resulted in structural transformations with the formation of ZnSe and ZnO phases while the content of the ZnSeO3 phase decreased. For the as-deposited and annealed precipitates, an emission in the range of (400 to 600) nm was observed. PL spectra were approximated by four Gaussian curves with maxima at ~550 nm (2.2 eV), 488 nm (2.54 eV), ~440 nm (2.82 eV), and 410 nm (3.03 eV). Annealing resulted in a decrease in PL intensity that was possibly due to the weight loss of the deposited substance during high-temperature treatment. The redistribution of maxima intensities after annealing was also observed with an increase in blue and violet emissions. The origin of the observed PL is discussed. The I–V curve analysis revealed an electronic type of conductivity for the ZnSeO3(NCs)/SiO2nanoporous/Si structure. The values of the specific conductivity were calculated within the percolation model. The sample annealed at 800 °C showed the highest specific conductivity of 8.5 × 10−6 Ohm−1·cm−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)
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11 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Tunable Construction of Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystals/ZnO Films for Ultra-Sensitive, Recyclable Sensing of Humidity and Ethanol
by Xiao Xiao, Hanqi Dong, Xinxin Ping, Guowei Shan, Jie Chen, Mengxing Yan, Weixing Li and Zhe Ling
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094978 - 2 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1994
Abstract
The investigation of functional materials derived from sustainable and eco-friendly bioresources has generated significant attention. Herein, nanocomposite films based on chiral nematic cellulose crystals (CNCs) were developed by incorporating xylose and biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). The nanocomposite films exhibited [...] Read more.
The investigation of functional materials derived from sustainable and eco-friendly bioresources has generated significant attention. Herein, nanocomposite films based on chiral nematic cellulose crystals (CNCs) were developed by incorporating xylose and biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). The nanocomposite films exhibited iridescent color changes that corresponded to the birefringence phenomenon under polarized light, which was attributed to the formation of cholesteric structures. ZnO nanoparticles were proved to successfully adjust the helical pitches of the chiral arrangements of the CNCs, resulting in tunable optical light with shifted wavelength bands. Furthermore, the nanocomposite films showed fast humidity and ethanol stimuli response properties, exhibiting the potential of stimuli sensors of the CNC-based sustainable materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocellulose: Recent Advances and Green Applications)
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11 pages, 4030 KiB  
Article
Non-Volatile Memory Based on ZnO Thin-Film Transistor with Self-Assembled Au Nanocrystals
by Hui Xie, Hao Wu and Chang Liu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080678 - 14 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2362
Abstract
Non-volatile memory based on thin-film transistor is crucial for system-on-panel and flexible electronic systems. Achieving high-performance and reliable thin-film transistor (TFT) memory still remains challenging. Here, for the first time, we present a ZnO TFT memory utilizing self-assembled Au nanocrystals with a low [...] Read more.
Non-volatile memory based on thin-film transistor is crucial for system-on-panel and flexible electronic systems. Achieving high-performance and reliable thin-film transistor (TFT) memory still remains challenging. Here, for the first time, we present a ZnO TFT memory utilizing self-assembled Au nanocrystals with a low thermal budget, exhibiting excellent memory performance, including a program/erase window of 9.8 V, 29% charge loss extrapolated to 10 years, and remarkable endurance characteristics. Moreover, the memory exhibits favorable on-state characteristics with mobility, subthreshold swing, and current on–off ratio of 17.6 cm2V−1s−1, 0.71 V/dec, and 107, respectively. Our study shows that the fabricated TFT memory has great potential for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoelectronics: Materials, Devices and Applications)
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14 pages, 3598 KiB  
Article
Thermal Energy Storage Using Hybrid Nanofluid Phase Change Material (PCM) Based on Waste Sludge Incorp Rated ZnO/α-Fe2O3
by Ehssan Ahmed Hassan, Maha A. Tony and Mohamed M. Awad
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070604 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2073
Abstract
Renewable solar energy storage facilities are attracting scientists’ attention since they can overcome the key issues affecting the shortage of energy. A nanofluid phase change material (PCM) is introduced as a new sort of PCM is settled by suspending small proportions of nanoparticles [...] Read more.
Renewable solar energy storage facilities are attracting scientists’ attention since they can overcome the key issues affecting the shortage of energy. A nanofluid phase change material (PCM) is introduced as a new sort of PCM is settled by suspending small proportions of nanoparticles in melting paraffin. ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals were prepared by a simple co-precipitation route and ultrasonically dispersed in the paraffin to be a nanofluid-PCM. The behaviors of the ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the average particle size and the morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the object of industrial ecology concept, aluminum-based waste derived from water-works plants alum sludge (AS) is dried and augmented with the ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals as a source of multimetals such as aluminum to the composite, and it is named AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3. The melting and freezing cycles were checked to evaluate the PCM at different weight proportions of AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals, which confirmed that their presence enhanced the heat transfer rate of paraffin. The nanofluids with AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles revealed good stability in melting paraffin. Additionally, the melting and freezing cycles of nanofluid-PCM (PCM- ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles) were significantly superior upon supplementing ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Nanofluid-PCM contained the AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals in the range of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%. The results showed that 1.0 wt% AS-ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals contained in the nanofluid-PCM could enhance the performance with 93% with a heat gained reached 47 kJ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage)
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