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This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of a series of lithium gallate (LiGa5O8) phosphors doped with varying concentrations of Eu3+ ions. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the synthesis of the cubic phase of LiGa5O8, with additional peaks corresponding to Eu2O3 at higher dopant concentrations. Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of a spinel-structured host with a space group of P4322. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used to analyze the absorption properties of the phosphor material and estimate the bandgap for all synthesized samples, which ranged from 4.75 to 4.95 eV, indicating the formation of a wide bandgap semiconductor stable at room temperature. Morphological and compositional analysis, along with surface mapping, were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive electron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provided insights into the crystal structure and revealed the presence of oxygen vacancies and some other crystal defects. Photoluminescent properties were examined through photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra for all doped samples. Notably, samples doped with 6 and 7 mol% Eu3+ displayed a prominent excitation peak at 247 nm corresponding to the presence of Eu2O3, while the remaining samples exhibited characteristic Eu3+ excitation. Lifetime measurements for both excitation wavelengths showed decay times in the millisecond range. The emission color of all samples resided within the red region of the electromagnetic spectrum, boasting remarkable color purity. The results suggest that this material has potential as a red light-emitting component for LED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoarchitecture in naturally occurring materials has always fascinated man tempting him to mimic them and explore the mystery behind their unparallel physical, structural, optical, thermal, and pharmacological properties. The paper scientifically validates the unknown composition of the Eumeninae wasp nest (EWN) exhibiting exceptional thermophysical and pharmacological properties. The Eumeninae wasp nest is subjected to various structure, elemental, and morphological characterizations by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Having understood the nanoarchitecture with the constituent elements, the electrical and thermal behaviour of the sample are also studied. The sample is closely similar to lateritic soil seen at the location where the nest sample is collected. The pharmacological potential of EWN is also unveiled through antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxicity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, thermally evaporated Cu-poor CuSbS2 (Copper antimony disulphide—CAS) thin films are prepared with the precursor of Cu-poor CuSbS2 alloys. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Visible spectroscopy have been used to characterise the prepared films to determine their potentiality as absorber layer materials for photovoltaic applications. By replacing the standard window layer of i-ZnO (intrinsic-zinc oxide) with one-dimensional (1D) n-type TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and an active layer of stoichiometry-adjusted CAS, we investigated the effect of architecture on photovoltaic (PV) performance. Solar cells with Cu-poor and stoichiometric-adjusted CAS absorbers have a Voc of 189 mV and a Jsc of 0.737 mA/cm2. The designed solar cell device with the structure FTO/TiO2/CdS/CAS/Al has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of > 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic MOFs offer many advantageous properties rather than monometallic MOFs useful for variety of applications including energy storage and conversion, catalysis, gas separation, sensing, etc. Desired morphology with precise control of crystal size is of utmost importance for specific applications. Microfluidics-incorporated continuous synthesis is demonstrated for bimetallic ZIF-8/67 exhibiting significant nanocrystallinity, porosity and surface area. The microfluidic approach of synthesizing MOF is found very time-efficient in comparison with the conventional techniques. Bimetallic ZIF-8/67 samples were synthesized at different reaction conditions, without adding capping agents and modulators, followed by sophisticated characterization techniques including powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the colour anodising of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy in 0.05 M H3PO4 was investigated in the voltage range of 40–100 V. The Ti-6Al-4V substrates were anodised under two initial surface conditions: ground and unground. By means of ground samples, the native oxide layer was removed before anodising using conventional mechanical grinding techniques. After anodising, the changes in surface chemistry and topography were evaluated by performing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Depending on the initial surface finish (ground and unground) and the anodising voltage, different interference colours were obtained on the anodised surfaces. At low anodising voltages, the surfaces displayed relatively compact structures whereas higher voltages resulted in the formation of porosity, cracks, and blisters in both conditions. These changes also influenced the corrosion behaviour. The samples which were ground prior to anodising exhibited higher resistance to corrosion compared to the unground samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaspartic acid is considered a green agent for the treatment of circulating cooling water. However, its chemosynthetic process is not green, as it requires significant amounts of energy and causes water pollution. In this work, we identified an analog of polyaspartic acid, namely polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), which could be directly produced by Bacillus spp., and we explored its performance and scale inhibition mechanism as a scale inhibitor. We found that γ-PGA secreted by B. megaterium with a molecular weight of ~ 70 kDa showed poor scale inhibition, while the γ-PGA secreted by B. licheniformis with a molecular weight of ~ 15 kDa had a 26.87% higher efficiency compared to commercially available polyaspartic acid. The scale inhibition mechanism was explored using the γ-PGA material secreted by B. licheniformis. Fourier transform spectrometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the scale inhibition performance of γ-PGA was due to the combination of its functional groups and Ca2+, which affected the growth process of CaCO3 and inhibited the formation of CaCO3. This study provided deeper insight into scale inhibition performance related to the scale inhibition mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique for surface patterning that enables formation of micro-nano sized periodic structures on top of the target material. In this study, DLIP in high pressure, supercritical and liquid CO2 by 4-beam DLIP was used to pattern titanium and zinc targets. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the patterned surfaces. Field emission SEM analysis showed presence of ordered uniform donut ring pattern with hollow centers for both titanium and zinc with a period slightly under 3 µm while topographical images from atomic force microscopy revealed donut rings protruding outwards typically around 200 nm from target surface and consisted of a crevice at the center with a depth typically around 300 nm and 250 nm for titanium and zinc target, respectively. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, this is the first study to report formation of TiO2, TiC, ZnCO3, and zinc hydroxy carbonate on the pattern by DLIP in supercritical and liquid CO2 for titanium and zinc targets. Pressurized CO2 is demonstrated as a promising environment with mirror-based DLIP system for reactive patterning. Due to the superior transport properties and solvent power of supercritical CO2, the current study opens possibilities for reactive patterning in environments that may not have been previously possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique for surface patterning that enables formation of micro-nano sized periodic structures on top of the target material. In this study, DLIP in high pressure, supercritical and liquid CO2 by 4-beam DLIP was used to pattern titanium and zinc targets. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the patterned surfaces. Field emission SEM analysis showed presence of ordered uniform donut ring pattern with hollow centers for both titanium and zinc with a period slightly under 3 µm while topographical images from atomic force microscopy revealed donut rings protruding outwards typically around 200 nm from target surface and consisted of a crevice at the center with a depth typically around 300 nm and 250 nm for titanium and zinc target, respectively. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, this is the first study to report formation of TiO2, TiC, ZnCO3, and zinc hydroxy carbonate on the pattern by DLIP in supercritical and liquid CO2 for titanium and zinc targets. Pressurized CO2 is demonstrated as a promising environment with mirror-based DLIP system for reactive patterning. Due to the superior transport properties and solvent power of supercritical CO2, the current study opens possibilities for reactive patterning in environments that may not have been previously possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique for surface patterning that enables formation of micro-nano sized periodic structures on top of the target material. In this study, DLIP in high pressure, supercritical and liquid CO2 by 4-beam DLIP was used to pattern titanium and zinc targets. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the patterned surfaces. Field emission SEM analysis showed presence of ordered uniform donut ring pattern with hollow centers for both titanium and zinc with a period slightly under 3 µm while topographical images from atomic force microscopy revealed donut rings protruding outwards typically around 200 nm from target surface and consisted of a crevice at the center with a depth typically around 300 nm and 250 nm for titanium and zinc target, respectively. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, this is the first study to report formation of TiO2, TiC, ZnCO3, and zinc hydroxy carbonate on the pattern by DLIP in supercritical and liquid CO2 for titanium and zinc targets. Pressurized CO2 is demonstrated as a promising environment with mirror-based DLIP system for reactive patterning. Due to the superior transport properties and solvent power of supercritical CO2, the current study opens possibilities for reactive patterning in environments that may not have been previously possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique for surface patterning that enables formation of micro-nano sized periodic structures on top of the target material. In this study, DLIP in high pressure, supercritical and liquid CO2 by 4-beam DLIP was used to pattern titanium and zinc targets. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the patterned surfaces. Field emission SEM analysis showed presence of ordered uniform donut ring pattern with hollow centers for both titanium and zinc with a period slightly under 3 µm while topographical images from atomic force microscopy revealed donut rings protruding outwards typically around 200 nm from target surface and consisted of a crevice at the center with a depth typically around 300 nm and 250 nm for titanium and zinc target, respectively. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, this is the first study to report formation of TiO2, TiC, ZnCO3, and zinc hydroxy carbonate on the pattern by DLIP in supercritical and liquid CO2 for titanium and zinc targets. Pressurized CO2 is demonstrated as a promising environment with mirror-based DLIP system for reactive patterning. Due to the superior transport properties and solvent power of supercritical CO2, the current study opens possibilities for reactive patterning in environments that may not have been previously possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire accidents caused by coal spontaneous combustion seriously affect the production safety of coal mines. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important gas indicator used for monitoring and early warning detection of coal spontaneous combustion. Therefore, the development of CO sensors with low cost, low power consumption, and environmental protection is highly desirable. This can be achieved through deep optimization of semiconductor CO sensors as alternatives to infrared detection and electrochemical sensors. In this paper, Ti3AlC2 (MXenes)/polyaniline (PANI) composite were studied as semiconductor CO sensors. The optimal added amount of Ti3AlC2 was determined by testing at gas concentrations of 100 ppm and 150 ppm CO. The morphology, structure, and chemical characteristics of each composite were analyzed by field emission transmission electron microscopy (SEM‐EDS), Fourier infrared spectrometry, UV‐visible near infrared spectrophotometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric techniques. Compared to pure PANI material, the SEM‐EDS experimental results showed Ti3AlC2 with an increased number of PANI flake structures, generating more CO gas adsorption sites. The XPS results showed Ti3AlC2 was able of improving the protonation and oxidation degree of PANI, thereby improving its gas sensing performance. Accordingly, a sensing mechanism model was proposed, revealing the excellent sensing performance originating from the gas sensing enhancement effect of heterojunction. In sum, this study provided a scientific basis for the design and development of CO sensors with low cost, low power consumption, and future environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fluorescent phosphorous doped carbon quantum dots from banana stem were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. • P-CQDs exhibited excellent water solubility, fluorescent stability and superb biocompatibility. • The P-CQD have been employed for fluorescence-based imaging of biological samples. In this work, a simple hydrothermal process was employed to create phosphorous-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (P-CQD) from biomass banana stems. The formation of the P-CQDs and the surface functional group was confirmed through a variety of characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), (transmission electron microscopy) TEM, (field emission scanning electron microscopy) FESEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and (ultraviolet–visible) UV–vis spectroscopy. The quantum yield of the synthesized P-CQDs was found to be 15 %. The P-CQDs showed excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) emission behaviour possessing a blue fluorescence under UV light. The P-CQDs was utilized for in vitro cytotoxicity effect on Muscle (L6) and Kidney cells (HEK293). The minimum cell viability for the P-CQD was 96.24 %, while the maximum cell viability was approximately 100 % at a concentration of 400 μg/mL. This study suggests that P-CQDs were non-toxic and could be employed for fluorescence-based cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable sensor for the detection of testosterone was developed by the deposition CuO/CeO2 nanocomposites (NCs) onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The wet chemically prepared NCs were totally characterized in detail by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. In this electrochemical (I–V) approach, a current versus concentration of testosterone is plotted, which is known as calibration of testosterone sensor. It is obtained the linearly over the concentration range of 0.1 to 0.01 nM, which is denoted as a linear dynamic range (LDR). The sensor sensitivity is achieved from the slope of the calibration curve by considering the active surface area of GCE (0.0316 cm2), which is equal to 27.3576 µA µM−1 cm−2. The lower limit for the detection of testosterone is calculated (as 9.30 ± 0.47 pM) from signal–noise ratio at 3. Besides this, the response time, long-time performing stability, and reproducibility of sensor are found reliable and good. The biological samples such as human, mouse, and rabbit serums were tested for the validity of the proposed sensor probe to the selective detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoflowers were synthesized by a reproducible and inexpensive wet chemical method. The synthesized CuO nanoflowers were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. For an optimized operating temperature of 240°C, the sensor characteristics of the gas sensing device were measured using acetone as a volatile gas. The synthesized CuO nanoflower-based gas sensor responded very strongly for acetone gas concentrations in the range of 250–2250 ppm, and the recorded response for concentrations of 250 ppm and 2250 ppm was 2.7 and 7.2, respectively. The stability of the synthesized sensor was checked by repeating the measurements over a period of 1 month, and a very small change of 3.3% in the response of the sensor was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the hydrophilic silk thread was changed to a hydrophobic surface by a compact cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) using Ar/C6H14 mixture as the working precursor. To test the hydrophobicity of the treated samples, water repellent examinations were performed and the static water contact angle of 139.62° was obtained. The durability of hydrophobicity was investigated using washing cycles and the aging effect. The color test of the samples was performed in CIELAB color space showing good stability in the silk color. To characterize the morphology of the processed samples, the changes in chemical bonds on the surface, deposited thin layer and redistribution of the atomic content on the surface were performed by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-map analyses, respectively. The CAP key parameters were investigated by the voltage–current profiles and optical emission spectroscopy. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the processed silk threads such as breaking strength, elongation, and extension were found to be improved. The results of this work could be used in the textile factory to modify the silk threads before or after dyeing, as well as for other fibers like wool and polyesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, an electrochemical sensor based on CeO2‐SnO2/Pd was prepared and used for highly selective and sensitive determination of nitrite in some real samples. This nanocomposite was characterized by various methods like X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the sensor was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed excellent catalytic property of the nanocomposite as a an electrocatalyst for nitrite oxidation. In the following, the experimental parameters affecting the analytical signal for nitrite were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection and sensitivity of the sensor were calculated as 0.10 μM and 652.95 μA.mM−1.cm−2, respectively. Also, the response of the sensor was linear in the range of 0.36 to 2200 μM of nitrite. Finally, some of the inherent features of the sensor such as repeatability, reproducibility and stability were examined after evaluation of the sensor selectivity in the presence of several interfering species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of efficient reservoirs capable of on-demand release during corrosive attacks is of great interest for surface coating applications. Nitrogen-doped carbon hollow spheres (NCHS) are an emerging class of nanocontainers. In this article, La3+ cations and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) were encapsulated in NCHS to fabricate La.8HQ@NCHS. The structure and morphology of La.8HQ@NCHS nanostructures were assessed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. In addition, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to further characterize La.8HQ@NCHS nanostructures. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy were executed to evaluate the 8HQ and La3+ cations released from the La.8HQ@NCHS capsules at different pHs, respectively. The corrosion inhibition capability of La.8HQ@NCHS nanostructures was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The characterization results of La.8HQ@NCHS showed that La3+ cations and 8HQ were successfully encapsulated in carbon hollow spheres. The results of impedance and corrosion protection evaluations of coated mild steel samples showed a significant increase in corrosion resistance in the presence of La.8HQ@NCHS. [Display omitted] • A novel container based on nitrogen-doped carbon hollow spheres (NCHS) was fabricated. • N-doping revealed a significant impact on the mechanical strength of the carbon shell. • The La3+ cations and 8-hydroxyquinoline molecules were successfully loaded into the NCHS. • The fabricated inhibitor-loaded NCHS particles depicted on-demand pH-controlled release. • Inhibitor-loaded NCHS capsules in the coating provided pronounced active protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we demonstrate a facile surface treatment of a nanostructured tungsten oxide (WO 3) film by Fe2+ ions as a novel post-fabrication technique for enhanced photo-electrochemical water oxidation under sunlight. The structural, optical, morphological and elemental characterizations of the n-type WO 3 nanoplates based electrodes have been done using X-ray diffraction, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The modified WO 3 photoanodes have been subsequently examined for photo-electrochemical response by linear sweep voltammetry, photo-amperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (Nyquist plot) and Mott-Schottky analysis under AM 1.5 G solar simulated light. The optimized WO 3 film with Fe:W ratio of ∼1:25, (Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio of ∼3:2) at the surface exhibited up to 3 times higher and more stable photocurrent under back illumination than that for untreated WO 3 indicating the success of the surface treatment. Investigations revealed that the improved performance is a consequence of an improved charge transfer process at the interface resulting in lowering of unwanted recombination. [Display omitted] • Post-fabrication surface modification of WO 3 photoanode for enhanced solar water oxidation. • Novel treatment of WO 3 photoanode by Fe(II) salt for predominant Fe2+ loading (Fe2+:Fe3+3:2). • Upto 3 times higher photocurrent by incorporation of Fe (Fe:W at. ratio 1:25) at WO 3 surface. • Increased carrier lifetime and lower recombination by formation of p-FeWO 4 /n-WO 3 hetero-junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of photocatalysts, which uses free and available sunlight as a driving force to generate ammonia from nitrogen (N 2) and remove organic pollutants from wastewater, is helpful to develop a sustainable chemical industry. The novel g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite with visible-light response was successfully fabricated for the first time using a simple heating process. The purity, microstructure, morphology, photoelectrochemical, and electronic features of the obtained photocatalysts were studied using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence, Brunauer–Emmer–Teller surface area, photocurrent responses, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite possessed excellent photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation and N 2 fixation upon visible illumination. The photocatalytic ammonium production reached 3780 μmol L−1 g−1 over g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite, increases of 3.15- and 2.85-fold compared to that of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet and AgBiS 2 , respectively, as well as 99% improvement in degradation efficiency for RhB removal. The improved activity of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite can be ascribed to the formation of suitable heterojunction, suppressing the recombination of photogenerated charges, while facilitating their transfer. A plausible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the experimental outcomes and photoelectrochemical properties. The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite proved to be significantly reusable and stable after five and four runs of N 2 fixation and RhB degradation, respectively. [Display omitted] • The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite was fabricated via a facile heating method. • The photocatalytic efficiency of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 was higher than bare samples in N 2 fixation and RhB degradation. • The heterojunction formed between the g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet and AgBiS 2 greatly improved the photocatalytic performance. • The g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet/AgBiS 2 nanocomposite possessed excellent reusability for N 2 fixation and RhB degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-step three-dimensional graphene nanohairs/polyimide heterojunction (GPH) is fabricated using a CO 2 laser-assisted method. An optimization process has been systematically carried out to obtain high-quality graphene nanohairs on polyimide. The obtained GPH was characterized by X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Using the fabricated GPH as a photocatalyst, the photocatalytic degradation of three industrial dyes namely, methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), and Rhodamine B (RhB), was studied under UV irradiation. The decolorization of the samples was studied by UV–vis absorbance spectrometer. Starting from 5 ppm dye solutions with GPH, the degradation efficiencies of 97 % for MO in 60 min, 98 % for RhB in 90 min, and 88 % for MB in 170 min, were achieved. Furthermore, the stability of GPH was evaluated and after five runs, the degradation efficiency of MO, RhB and MB is decreased to 85 %, 91 % and 75 % from 98 %, 97 %, and 88 %, respectively. The mechanism for the degradation of dyes using GPH was proposed. The simple and feasible fabrication of GPH with excellent photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency would create the new insight into the flexible heterostructures for degrading the industrial wastewater treatment process. [Display omitted] • CO 2 laser illumination on PI produced graphene nanohairs/PI heterojunction. • Graphene on PI promoted quick charge separation. • Degradation efficiencies are 98 %, 97 % and 88 % for MO, RhB and MB dyes. • Photocatalytic mechanism of dye degradation using GPH catalyst was derived. • GPH was found to be efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of industrial dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 3D-rGO@nZVI/MnO 2 was fabricated to trigger DO activation. • Complete removal of OTC and 84% TOC removal achieved at natural pH. • Degradation of OTC was caused by the synergism of •OH and 1O 2. • Converting DO into 1O 2 by the redox cycle of Mn(IV)/Mn(III) was explored. This work is dedicated to achieving the high mineralization efficiency of oxytetracycline (OTC) in a dissolved oxygen (DO) activated Fenton-like system by constructing a catalyst with unique catalytic performance. Three-dimensional graphene anchored nZVI hybrid MnO 2 (3D-rGO@nZVI/MnO 2) with layered and porous structures was synthesized and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the removal efficiency of OTC could reach 100.0% with outstanding TOC decrease of 84.0% at natural pH in the 3D-rGO@nZVI/MnO 2 -DO system. Moreover, negligible harmful intermediates were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) after the reaction in the 3D-rGO@nZVI/MnO 2 -DO system. Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) detection, electrochemical measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that the elimination mechanism of OTC was the unique catalytic degradation caused by the synergism of •OH and 1O 2. The unprecedented synchronous generation of •OH and 1O 2 by DO activation provides an innovative strategy for further exploration of Fenton-like system toward more effective degradation of organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Boron doping of diamond like carbon (DLC) films was done. • The films became sp2 rich with incorporation of boron. • Band gap decreased from 2.0 eV to 1.76 eV due to boron incorporation in DLC films. • Ideality factor and built-in voltage of the solar cell are 2.23 and 0.19 eV. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition technique using a glassy carbon disc as carbon source material. Boron doping in DLC films was carried out by ablating boron disc sequentially during the synthesis of DLC films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman measurements were utilized to characterize the films. Hot-probe study indicated the films to be p-type. Core level XPS spectra of B1s appeared at ∼ 189.5 eV and indicated that boron atoms are in form of B-C network connect. Raman studies indicated a dilatation of host lattice with the incorporation of boron in DLC matrix favouring graphitization. Band gap of the thin films decreased from ∼2.0 eV (pure DLC) to ∼1.76 eV with increased incorporation of boron. A photovoltaic cell structure (glass/indium tin oxide)/B:DLC/ZnO/Ag) conceived here, indicated an open circuit voltage ∼110 mV, short circuit current density ∼7.5 mA/cm2 with a fill factor ∼0.3, and a low conversion efficiency (η) ∼ 0.23%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The x-SnO2/α-Fe2O3 (x = 0.04, 0.07, and 0.1) heterogeneous composites were successfully prepared via a two-step solvothermal method. These composites were systematically characterized by the X-ray diffraction technique, field emission scanning electron microscopy, an energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a UV–visible spectrometer. It was found that SnO2 nanoparticles were uniformly decorated on the surface of α-Fe2O3 particles in these heterogeneous composites. A comparative study of methylene blue (MB) photodegradation by α-Fe2O3 and x-SnO2/α-Fe2O3 composites was carried out. All x-SnO2/α-Fe2O3 composites showed higher MB photodegradation efficiency than α-Fe2O3. When x = 0.07, the MB photodegradation efficiency can reach 97% in 60 min. Meanwhile, the first-order kinetic studies demonstrated that the optimal rate constant of 0.07-SnO2/α-Fe2O3 composite was 0.0537 min−1, while that of pure α-Fe2O3 was only 0.0191 min−1. The catalytic mechanism of MB photodegradation by SnO2/α-Fe2O3 was examined. The SnO2 can act as a sink and help the effective transfer of photo-generated electrons for decomposing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into active radicals. This work can provide a new insight into the catalytic mechanism of the photo-Fenton process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PLA and Au@PDA NPs blend electrospinning to produce PLA-Au@PDA nanofibers. • In situ assembly of well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles to produce PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers. • PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers exhibited good hydrophilicity and excellent antibacterial abilities. Nanofibrous membranes which exhibit bacteriostatic functions are a good strategy to prevent microorganisms from adhering to the surface of biomaterials. Here, we report the synthesis of such a nanofibrous membrane which can be applied to biological coatings to reduce bacteriostatic functionality. Ascorbic acid was utilized to reduced chloroauric acid to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Dopamine was then polymerized upon AuNP surfaces by ultrasound-assistance, to synthesize core-shell structured polydopamine-coated AuNPs (Au@PDA NPs). The Au@PDA NPs were then mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) for electrospinning into cylindrical nanofibers (136.6 nm diameter). PLA-Au@PDA nanofibrous membranes were finally immersed in silver nitrate for in situ reduction into a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating to yield PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers. The PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers were characterized based on field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle analyses. The antibacterial properties of the PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers were examined based on the optical density absorbance of bacterial cell suspensions, traditional colony plate counts, zone inhibition analyses, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureaus respectively served as Gram negative and positive bacterial models of industrial relevance. The data conclusively illustrates the antimicrobial and biomedical applications of PLA-Au@PDA@Ag nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]