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In this study, we synthesized transition metal-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles through the Co-precipitation method and analyzed their structural and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed that doping with transition metals such as Iron (Fe) and Cobalt (Co) retained the ZnO crystal structure while enhancing crystallinity, as indicated by stronger XRD peak intensities. The introduction of larger dopant ions resulted in increased interplanar spacing, and particle size reduction was observed alongside heightened lattice strain, as calculated using the Debye–Scherrer formula. These structural changes correlated with the ionic radii of the dopants. Optical assessments revealed that TM doping reduced UV–visible absorption due to lattice distortions creating defect centers, with Mn-doped ZnO showing the smallest band gap at 3.55 eV and Co-doped ZnO the largest at 3.72 eV. Enhanced dielectric constants and optical conductivity were particularly evident in Fe-doped ZnO, suggesting increased polarization and conductivity. Photocatalytic evaluations demonstrated that TM doping, especially with Fe and Mn, significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency due to better charge carrier separation. Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a peak rate constant of 41.8 × 10–3 min−1 for dye degradation and a short half-life of 16.58 min, degrading nearly 99% of methylene blue dye in 180 min. Reusability tests confirmed the stability of TM-doped ZnO nanoparticles over five cycles, with a slight decrease in efficiency (~ 4%) after the fifth cycle, making them promising candidates for sustainable photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the demand for biodegradable orthopedic implants by enhancing magnesium-based alloys. Biodegradable magnesium alloy-based hybrid composites, produced through squeeze casting, incorporate titanium (Ti) and hydroxyapatite (HA) particles to improve microstructure, hardness, and compressive strength. The Mg–3Zn/1Ti/1.5HA composite exhibits a 13% increase in hardness and a 15.8% enhancement in compression strength compared to the base MZA alloy. In corrosion assessments at 216 h, MZA/1Ti/1.5HA shows a 21% lower corrosion rate than MZA/1Ti/0.5HA and a 10% lower rate than MZA/1Ti/1HA. The refined grain structure and formation of protective oxide layers resulting from Ti and HA incorporation contribute to enhanced corrosion resistance. Cytotoxicity assessments reveal excellent biocompatibility, with the Mg–3Zn/1Ti/1.5HA composite exceeding an 80% relative growth rate due to the formation of bone-like apatite layer, surpassing MZA/1Ti/0.5HA and MZA/1Ti/1HA. These findings underscore the potential of squeeze-casted magnesium alloy-based hybrid composites, particularly Mg–3Zn/1Ti/1.5HA, as promising orthopedic implant biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn3O4 quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized at room temperature, and the resulting samples are annealed at the temperature of 523 K and 773 K. The crystallinity, average particle size, and lattice parameters of the prepared manganese oxide QDs are analyzed using X-ray crystal diffraction (XRD) studies. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to investigate the elements present on the surface of nanomaterials, the oxidation state, and the type of functional groups attached to the surface of QDs. The optical and magnetic properties of the produced QDs have also been studied with UV–Visible absorption spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Single-phase Mn3O4 QDs with the most stable tetragonal structure are detected by XRD. Due to grain growth, the optical band gap of Mn3O4 QDs has shifted from 4.12 to 3.96 eV, reaching the lowest value (3.96 eV) for the sample annealed at 773 K. All of the prepared samples of Mn3O4 QDs exhibit ferromagnetism at room temperature (300 K), with the sample annealed at 773 K having higher saturation magnetization (Ms =366 memu/gm) and remanence (Mr = 73memu/gm) when compared with the same QDs annealed at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-precipitation, a minimal technique, was used successfully to create a novel (Cr, Cu) dual-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) analysis, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and UV–visible absorption spectra had been used to characterize the produced nanoparticle. According to the XRD pattern, the produced NPs have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a high phase purity. The substitution of Cr increased optical absorption and induced new absorption peaks in the visible regions that correspond to the transitions from 4A2(4F) to CB and 4A2(4F) to 4T1(4F). Absorption of photons in the visible region led to an increase in the photo-generated electron–hole pairs and hence RO-species which are responsible for photocatalytic activity. Therefore, the (Cu, Cr) dual doped ZnO NPs had unique photocatalytic activity under sunlight irradiation. MTT assay was employed to analyse the in-vitro cytotoxicity of Cr-doped Zn0.98Cu0.02O NPs on human normal PBMC. In which, the toxicity is enhanced by a proliferation in Cr concentration and has very small amounts at low concentrations and significantly at high concentrations. The antibacterial characteristics of the synthesized NPs were examined against the bacterial strains P. putida and B. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a novel approach to overcome the stress shielding effect and non-degradability commonly observed in metallic implants, which often require revision surgery. The study introduces a hybrid metal/ceramic (Ti/HA) reinforcement within the Mg-3Zn binary alloy matrix fabricated using the squeeze casting technique. The alloy matrix incorporates 1 wt% Ti and varying weight percentages (0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%) of hydroxyapatite (HA). Microstructure analysis revealed significant grain refinement in the alloy upon adding the hybrid reinforcement. Phase analysis using XRD confirmed the presence of Mg-Zn intermetallic phases and corresponding reinforcement phases. Vickers microhardness testing demonstrated a 14.4% (89 HV) increase in hardness for the hybrid composite with 1Ti/1.5HA compared to the unreinforced alloy and other composites. Compressive testing revealed enhanced mechanical properties in the hybrid composites. The 1Ti/1.5 HA hybrid composite displayed a 12% (121 MPa) increase in compressive yield strength (CYS) compared to the alloy, while the 1Ti/1HA hybrid composite exhibited an impressive 22.5% (217 MPa) increment in compressive strength. Corrosion performance evaluation in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) environment indicated that the 1Ti/1.5 HA hybrid composites demonstrated comparable corrosion performance to the unreinforced alloy, with a corrosion density of 4.53 × 10−5 μA/cm2 and a linear polarization resistance of 893 ohms. Based on the findings, the Mg-3Zn alloy with 1Ti/1.5 HA hybrid reinforcement emerges as a promising material for load-bearing biodegradable implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCuFeO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel technique had a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure without any Fe/Cu-related secondary phases. The crystallite size was reduced from Fe = 0% (23 nm) to Fe = 4% (16 nm) due to the suppression of grain surface growth by foreign impurities. Doping of higher Fe concentrations into Zn-Cu-O suppressed the ultra-violet (UV) emission band and balanced the defect-related visible emissions. The decrease of the UV and green emission intensity ratio ( I/ I) and the UV and blue emission intensity ratio ( I/ I) in photoluminescence spectra implied an increase of defect states with the increase of Fe concentrations. All the samples showed clear room temperature ferromagnetism. The saturation magnetization was increased by Fe co-doping which was attributed to the interaction between Fe-Fe ions. X-ray photoelectron spectra confirmed the absence of secondary phases like FeO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fabricate the high-grade coating, HVOF is commonly used because of its potential to form dense deposits with low porosity and low oxide content. Due to higher kinetic power, a shorter dwell time, and lower flame temperatures, HVOF spraying provides a more desirable composition for dense coatings and regulates the phase transitions of the powder particles than plasma spraying. Because of the proper balance of hard-phase WC particles and the strong and durable metallic matrix cobalt chromium, WC–Co–Cr is an effective coating material for minimizing abrasive wear (Co Cr). Process variables such as liquefied petroleum gas flow rate, oxy flow rate, spray distance, carrier gas rate of flow, and feed rate of the deposition powder material all have a role in coating performance. In this work, a five-element central composite design (CCD) was utilised to reduce the number of trials by encompassing all possible combinations of process variables. A mathematical model was used to determine the porosity and micro hardness of the coatings, as well as the high velocity oxy fuel processing variables, and the model's appropriateness was assessed using an analytical variable. The response surface methodology has been used to optimize process parameters (RSM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method using different precursors like zinc chloride, zinc acetate and zinc nitrate. The crystallite structure, morphology and optical properties were discussed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-visible photo-spectrometer for different precursors. The hexagonal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The calculated average crystallite size from XRD spectra was low for zinc chloride precursor (22.3 nm) and high for zinc nitrate precursor (26 nm). The strong and transparent behaviour in the visible region of the sample using zinc nitrate precursor is due to the existence of less defects and enhanced crystal size which leads to the industrial applications especially as transparent electrode. The reduction in strain and the better crystallinity effectively depress interstitial defects. The energy gap is varied between 3.65 and 3.75 eV, where zinc nitrate precursor has E = 3.65 eV (minimum) and zinc acetate precursor has E = 3.75 eV (maximum). The observed higher energy gap using zinc chloride precursor could be attributed to the poor crystallinity and also the formation of the new compound based on Cu and Zn. The low energy gap for zinc nitrate precursor can be attributed to the better crystallinity with increasing grain size. Change in luminescence intensity and magnetization were discussed based on the defects formation and structural parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnNiCuO (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by employing a simple co-precipitation method. Tetragonal rutile structure of the samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The change in crystallite size and optical properties such as absorption, transmittance and band gap were discussed based on Cu concentration and density of defect states. Morphologies and composition of products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. Lower optical absorption and higher transmittance of SnNiCuO nanoparticles described that it is one of the suitable materials for opto-electronic device applications. The shift of band position towards lower wave number side and the decrease in the intensity of Fourier transform infrared spectra peaks confirmed the presence of Cu in Sn-Ni-O lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undoped and Mn doped ZnS quantum dots with Mn = 2, 4 and 6 % have been prepared through a simple chemical method, namely the chemical precipitation method and annealed under Ar atmosphere. The prepared samples have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra, transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectrometer, Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectra and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. XRD pattern confirmed that all the samples had cubic structure and the average crystallite size varied in the range of 1-3 nm. The substitution of Mn into Zn-S matrix was supported by the variation in lattice parameters. The elemental composition of the samples with their nominal stoichiometry was verified by EDX analysis. XPS revealed the presence and incorporation of Mn into ZnS lattice sites and the formation of a Mn-Zn-S combined structure. The higher transmittance observed at Mn = 2 % doped ZnS is useful for the opto-electronic device applications. The continues red shift of energy gap by Mn-doping is due to the direct energy transfer between semiconductor-excited states and the 3 d levels of Mn ions. The detected absorption bands around 672 cm and 480-496 from FTIR spectra proved the presence of Mn-S specific vibrations. PL spectra showed the two strong and broad bands, UV band around 390 nm and blue emission band between 455 and 483 nm and a weak green emission around 543 nm. The suppression of blue emission by Mn-doping and the reduction of green emission were discussed based on surface defect sites and vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCuMnO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that doping of Mn and Cu did not change the ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structure. The Mn doped nanoparticles had smaller average crystalline size than un-doped ZnCuO nanoparticles due to the distortion in the host ZnO lattice. This distortion prevented the subsequent growth and hence the size reduced by Mn doping. The changes in lattice parameters, average crystalline size, peak position and peak intensity confirmed the Mn substitution in Zn-Cu-O lattice. The dielectric constant also varied by depend the size of the nanoparticles. The change in morphology by Mn-doping was studied by scanning electron microscope and the presence of compositional elements such as Mn, Cu and Zn with their nominal stoichiometry was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectra. The optical absorption and band gap were changed with respect to both compositional and size effects. The band gap was initially increased from 3.65 to 3.73 eV at 1 % of Mn doping, while decreasing trend in band gap was noticed for further increase of Mn. The band gap was decreased from 3.73 to 3.48 eV when Mn concentration was increased from 2 to 4 %. Presence of chemical bonding and purity of the nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR spectra. The Mn and Cu co-doping increased the charge carrier density in ZnO which led to increase the dielectric constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdZnS nanoparticles for Zn = 0-30 % were successfully synthesized by a conventional chemical co-precipitation method at room temperature. X-ray diffraction spectra confirmed the pure zinc blend cubic structure of undoped CdS; but Zn-doping on Cd-S matrix induced the mixed phases of cubic and hexagonal structure. The reduced crystal size, d-value, cell parameters and higher micro-strain at lower Zn concentration were due to the distortion produced by Zn in Cd-S lattice. The enhancing diffraction intensity at lower Zn concentrations was due to the substitution of Zn ions instead of Cd ions whereas the reduced intensity after 20 % was due to the presence of Zn ions both as substitutionally and interstitially in Cd-S lattice. The nominal stoichiometry and chemical purity was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The initial blue shift of energy gap from undoped CdS (3.75 eV) to Zn = 10 % (3.82 eV) was due to the size effect and also the incorporation of Zn in the Cd-S lattice. The observed red shift of energy gap at higher Zn concentrations could be attributed to the improved crystallinity. The band gap tailoring was useful to design a suitable window material in fabrication for solar cells and other opto-electronic devices. The characteristic IR peaks around 617-619 cm and the reduced intensity by Zn-doping confirmed the presence of Zn in Cd-S lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nd-doped and Nd, Cu co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (ZnNdCuO, x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) were synthesized by sol-gel method. The structural and optical properties of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible photo-spectrometer. The synthesized nanoparticles have different microstructure without changing a hexagonal wurtzite structure. CuO phase was noticed in XRD spectra at 38.73° after Cu = 5 % which was formed from remaining un-reacted Cu ions. The average crystal size was gradually increased from Cu = 0 % (17 nm) to 15 % (17.6 nm) having lowest value (16.7 nm) at Cu = 5 %. The change in lattice parameters confirmed the substitution of Cu in Zn-Nd-O lattice. The observed constant c/a ratio revealed that there was no change in hexagonal wurtzite structure by Cu-doping. The energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of appropriate amount of Nd and Cu in Zn-O lattice. The optical absorption was increased gradually from Cu = 0-10 % and showed maximum at Cu = 10 % due to the presence of more nucleation centres and defect states. The defects related green band between 487 and 493 nm was due to the oxygen vacancies and intrinsic defects. The higher transmittance (≈ 90 %) noticed at Cu = 15 % leads to the industrial applications. The observed blue shift in energy gap from 3.49 eV (Cu = 0 %) to 3.65 eV (Cu = 10 %) and the red shift from Cu = 10 % (3.65 eV) to Cu = 15 % (3.61 eV) can be explained by the Burstein-Moss effect. Presence of chemical bonding was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCoCuO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) nanopowders were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. Hexagonal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectra. A new phase around 38.4° corresponding to CuO was noticed after Cu = 4 %. The reduced crystal size up to Cu = 4 % is due to the substitution of Cu and the increasing crystal size after Cu = 4 % is due to the interference between Co and Cu metal ions. The higher absorption of Cu doped ZnCoO than undoped was due to the created charge carries. The tuning of energy gap from 3.18 to 3.69 eV by Cu-doping was discussed in terms of crystal size, the created charge carriers and the interstitial zinc atoms and oxygen deficiencies. Presence of chemical bonding and purity of the nanopowders were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconducting CuS thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrate under three different conditions such as as-deposited, post heat-treated and pre heated precursor solution by chemical bath deposition technique. Structural and optical properties of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The XRD spectra showed the amorphous nature of thin films with hexagonal structure. The d value and micro strain increased and the average crystallite size decreased from 1.9 to 1.4 and 1.3 nm respectively when the as-deposited film was subjected to post heat-treatment and the precursor solution temperature was elevated. The presence of more nucleation centers and fast reaction rate decreased the average crystallite size in films grown with pre heated precursor solution. The noticed blue shift in energy gap and the shift of XRD peak position towards the lower 2θ side by heat-treatment could be considered as a sign of the quantum confined effect due to the formation of the nano-sized CuS crystals on the surface. The transmittance of heat-treated CuS films in the visible region matched the phototropic vision of human eye (~600 nm) which makes them suitable for solar control coatings on architectural windows and automobiles in the regions with warm climates. Low transmittance behaviour of pre heated CuS films could be used for anti dazzling coatings for car windscreens and driving mirrors to reduce the dazzling effects of light at night. EDX spectra showed the chemical purity of the films. The observed broad absorption and blue shift in band gap of the heat-treated films were due to quantum confinement effect. Fourier transform infrared studies were also carried out and the results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCuO nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method were annealed at different temperatures, 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C for 2 h in air atmosphere. Crystalline phases and optical studies of the nanoparticles were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet (UV)-visible photo-spectrometer. Elemental composition was studied by the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and the microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscope. The XRD showed that the prepared nanoparticles had different microstructure without changing a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size increased from 28 to 60 nm when the annealing temperatures increased from 400 to 700 °C. The EDX analyses confirmed the presence of Cu in ZnO system and the weight percentage was nearly equal to their nominal stoichiometry within the experimental error. The optical band gap was varied between 3.75 and 3.86 eV and found maximum, 3.86 eV at 500 °C. Existence of functional groups and bonding were analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectra. The observed blue shift in UV emission from 400 to 500 °C in photoluminescence spectra was due to the intrinsic and extrinsic impurities whereas the red shift after 500 °C was due to the increase of crystalline size and relaxation of tensile strain. The reduction in intensity of green band emission with temperature was due to the reduction of intrinsic and extrinsic defects in Zn-O-Cu lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn 0.94Mn 0.02Ni 0.04O nanopowders were synthesized with different pH values from 4 to 10 by sol–gel method. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed that all the samples had hexagonal wurtzite structure. In the acid environment (pH = 4), the reaction rate was very slow and provided the poor crystal quality (D = 16.2 nm). Average crystal size was maximum (24.2 nm) with elliptical shape at pH = 8 which is attributed to the availability of much (OH) − ions in the base solution. The observed constant c/a ratio revealed that there was no change in hexagonal wurtzite structure by pH. The energy dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of Ni and Mn in Zn–O lattice. The optical absorption spectra showed that the absorption was increased up to pH = 8 due to de-generated defect states and vacancies. The observed high intensity defect related green band around 488 nm at pH = 8 was due to the improved crystal size in addition to the presence of defects related phases. A weak absorption band around 391 nm observed only at pH = 10 was originated from the intrinsic defects and the interstitial position of Zn 2+ ion. The higher transmittance (≈90 %) noticed at pH = 10 showed the way to the industrial applications especially as transparent electrode. The continuous blue shift in band gap from 3.61 (pH = 4) to 3.68 eV (pH = 10) is explained by Burstein–Moss effect. Presence of chemical bonding was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnCrCuO nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method with different Cu concentrations from x = 0 to 0.05 and annealed at 600°C for 2 h in air atmosphere. The prepared particle were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectra, UV-visible spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The XRD measurement reveals that the prepared nanoparticles have different microstructure without changing a tetragonal structure. The calculated average crystalline size decreased from 12.2 to 10.5 nm for x = 0-0.02 then gradually increased up to 16.8 nm for x = 0.05 which were confirmed by Scanning electron microscope. The optical studies were done by UV-visible spectrometer and the energy band gap values were calculated from absorption spectra. A small red shift from 3.52 eV (Cu = 0) to 3.49 eV (Cu = 0.02, ΔE = 0.03 eV) at lower Cu concentrations and a remarkable blue shift from 3.49 eV (Cu = 0.02) to 3.71 eV (Cu = 0.05, ΔE = 0.22 eV) at higher Cu concentrations is due to Cu-doping in Cr-SnO matrix. The presence of functional groups and the chemical bonding is confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared spectra. PL spectra of SnCrCuO nanoparticle described the shift in UV emission from 366 to 381 nm (red shift) and a shift in blue band emission from 458 to 482 nm (red shift) which confirms the Cu-doping in Cr-SnO matrix. The doping of Cu in the present system is useful to tune the emission wavelength and hence is appreciable for the fabrication of nano-optoelectronic devices and photo-catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymeric films have been the focus of research for the past few decades because they offer favorable advantages compared to synthetic polymeric films in the field of biomedical engineering. In this study, collagen (C) was extracted from skin waste using acetic acid and blended with starch (ST)/soy protein (SP) to prepare C/ST/SP hybrid films. The prepared hybrid films were examined for biocompatibility, physical and chemical properties. The results demonstrated that the strength properties of hybrid films increase as the composition of starch increases while elongation increases as the composition of soy protein increases. Thermogravimetric analysis of select hybrid films showed that the thermal stability of the hybrid films improved moderately. The infrared spectroscopy of hybrid films show functional groups associated with C, ST and SP. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the hybrid films becomes smoother as the starch concentration increases while increasing soy protein concentration lead to roughness in the hybrid films. The equilibrium swelling, in vitro biodegradation and in vitro cytotoxicity studies show good biostability and biocompatibility for the hybrid films. Therefore, it is envisaged that the promising mechanical, thermal, swelling, biostability and biocompatibility properties of the developed hybrid films suggest a beneficial role for the biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of huge quantities of leather wastes in open environment produces several toxic contaminants. An alternative to disposal of these wastes is to reuse them. In the present work, we have proposed a method to utilize collagen and chrome shaving wastes (CCS) to prepare composite sheets employing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The formed CCS/PVP composite sheets were characterized for their thermal, mechanical and morphological properties. It has been found that the mechanical properties of the composite sheets increase as the concentration of PVP increases from 2.5 to 10 wt%. Scanning electron microscopic studies reveal that the incorporation of PVP in the composite sheets resulted in increased interfacial adhesion thereby leading to reduced debonding between fibers. Fourier-transform infrared analysis of the composite sheets revealed the presence of dominant peaks associated with both collagen as well as PVP. It has also been demonstrated that the thermal stability of the formed composite sheets increases significantly as the concentration of PVP increases. These results demonstrate the homogeneity of the developed composite sheets. The obtained results suggest that the PVP incorporated composite sheets were found to have improved characteristics and hence suitable for numerous applications in footwear, clothing and related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the forefront of advanced materials, ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polymers, renowned for their outstanding mechanical properties, have found extensive applications across various domains. However, their production has encountered a significant challenge: the attainment of UHMW polymers with a low dispersity (Ɖ). Herein, we introduce the pioneering technique of ultrasound (US) initiated polymerization, which has garnered attention for its capability to successfully polymerize a multitude of monomers. This study showcases the synthesis of UHMW polymers with a comparatively low Ɖ ( ≤ 1.1) within a remarkably short duration ( ~ 15 min) through the amalgamation of emulsion polymerization and high-frequency ultrasound-initiated polymerization. Particularly noteworthy is the successful copolymerization of diverse monomers, surpassing the molecular weight and further narrowing the Ɖ compared to their respective homopolymers. Notably, this includes monomers like vinyl acetate, traditionally deemed unsuitable for controlled polymerization. The consistent production and uniform dispersion of radicals during ultrasonication have been identified as key factors facilitating the swift fabrication of UHMW polymers with exceptionally low Ɖ., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The global energy crisis is increasing the demand for innovative materials with high purity and functionality for the development of clean energy production and storage. The development of novel photo- and electrocatalysts significantly depends on synthetic techniques that facilitate the production of tailored advanced nanomaterials. The emerging use of pulsed laser in liquid synthesis has attracted immense interest as an effective synthetic technology with several advantages over conventional chemical and physical synthetic routes, including the fine-tuning of size, composition, surface, and crystalline structures, and defect densities and is associated with the catalytic, electronic, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of the produced nanomaterials. Herein, we present an overview of the fundamental understanding and importance of the pulsed laser process, namely various roles and mechanisms involved in the production of various types of nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles, oxides, non-oxides, and carbon-based materials. We mainly cover the advancement of photo- and electrocatalytic nanomaterials via pulsed laser-assisted technologies with detailed mechanistic insights and structural optimization along with effective catalytic performances in various energy and environmental remediation processes. Finally, the future directions and challenges of pulsed laser techniques are briefly underlined. This review can exert practical guidance for the future design and fabrication of innovative pulsed laser-induced nanomaterials with fascinating properties for advanced catalysis applications., (© 2022. The Author(s).)