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In this study, ZrB 2 -SiC-ZrC (ZSZ) composite powders with molar ratios C/(B + Zr + Si) = 1.5, 1.9 and 2.4 were obtained by sol-gel method and boro/carbothermal reduction reaction. Meanwhile, the impact of heat treatment temperature (1100 °C–1600 °C) and holding time (1 h–2.5 h) on the resulting powders were studied. The results showed that the ZSZ powder precursors were first completely converted to ZrO 2 , SiO 2 , B 2 O 3 and pyrolytic carbon after heat treatment at 1200 °C under the optimized molar ratio (2.4) and holding time (2.5 h). Then, the transformed oxidation products and pyrolytic carbon were completely transformed into ZSZ composite powders after optimized heat treatment at 1500 °C. The synthesized ZSZ composite powders are characterized by the core-shell structure, in which ZSZ particles act as the inner core are encapsulated by the low-crystalline ZrB 2 phase as the outer shell to form a core shell structure. The ZSZ composite ceramic materials prepared using the core-shell structural powders have excellent ablative properties in the range of 2000 °C, with the mass and line ablation rate of −3.5 × 10−4 g/cm3 and 2.39 × 10−3 mm/s, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borate bioactive glasses (BGs) have become indispensable in biomedicine for their exceptional bioactivity and tunable degradation characteristics. This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of BGs within the x B 2 O 3 -CaO-Na 2 O-K 2 O-MgO-P 2 O 5 system, featuring varying compositions of B 2 O 3 (x = 40, 55, and 70 mol.%), using both sol-gel and melting techniques. A systematic investigation of their structural evolution, degradation kinetics, apatite-forming capabilities, and cytotoxicity has been conducted. The results demonstrate that the borate BGs with elevated B 2 O 3 content significantly accelerates the degradation rate and enhances bioactivity across both synthesis methods, as B 2 O 3 content increases from 40 to 70 mol%. Notably, the sol-gel derived BG samples demonstrate pronounced degradation, with mass loss reaching up to 90 %, and superior hydroxyapatite formation in simulated body fluid, surpassing the performance of their melting-derived counterparts. Cytotoxicity assays with MC3T3-E1 cells reveal no significant inhibitory effects from any of the borate bioglasses. Moreover, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been utilized to elucidate the relationship between structural alterations and in vitro bioactivity, with a particular emphasis on the boron coordination number. These findings provide a promising strategy for the development of borate BGs with tailored degradation profiles and excellent bioactivity, making them as strong candidates for various biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among magnetic materials, spinel ferrite is regarded as a potentially excellent low-frequency electromagnetic wave (2–8 GHz) absorber with low magnetic resonance frequency. However, spinel ferrite manufactured by conventional methods tends to be shape-isotropic, making the magnetic loss of the absorber quite weak under the Snoek Limit. Accordingly, our work prepares a highly shape-anisotropic Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 Nd 0.04 Fe 1.96 O 4 ferrite (H-NMNF) with multiple crystal structures (mainly decahedral) via a novel sol-gel method. Compared with the uniformly laminated Ni 0.5 Mn 0.5 Nd 0.04 Fe 1.96 O 4 ferrite prepared by the conventional sol-gel method (C-NMNF), the natural resonance loss of H-NMNF is dramatically improved owing to the enhanced shape-anisotropic effect resulting in the Snoek Limit being breached. The results show that H-NMNF achieves the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB max) of 6.64 GHz (2.96–9.6 GHz) at a thinner matching thickness of 5.1 mm, covering approximately the entire low-frequency band. This study provides methodological guidance for manufacturing magnetic loss materials with high shape-anisotropy and a new strategy for fabricating ultra-broadband, low-frequency magnetic electromagnetic wave absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of transforming solar power into hydrogen fuel through photoelectrochemical water splitting is a highly viable strategy for producing hydrogen in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, offering a long-term solution to the worldwide energy crisis. Therefore, the need for high-performance photoelectrodes is critical for optimizing the transformation of solar energy into hydrogen fuel. Herein, a simple citrate sol-gel technique was employed to fabricate magnesium iron oxide (MgFeO 3) for its potential use in photoelectrochemical water splitting. A detailed analysis was undertaken using techniques such as XRD, FESEM, XPS, PL, EDX, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry to uncover the fundamental physicochemical and optoelectronic aspects of the MgFeO 3 perovskite material. The MgFeO 3 photoelectrode manifests superior PEC characteristics as evidenced by the optimal photocurrent density of 4.5 mA cm−2 achieved at a potential of 1.2 V vs. RHE, and a commendable solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.97%. EIS studies provided evidence of improved charge transfer kinetics and decreased recombination rates in the MgFeO 3 photoelectrode. In addition, extended reliability evaluations utilizing chronoamperometry verified consistent operation for 10 h at a photocurrent density of 3.5 mA cm−2, demonstrating the long-term durability of MgFeO 3 in PEC water splitting. These results emphasize the considerable promise of MgFeO 3 perovskite as a proficient and robust photoelectrode substance for PEC water-splitting applications. [Display omitted] • Developed MgFeO 3 perovskite nanostructures using a facile citrate sol-gel method. • High photocurrent density of 9.1 mA cm⁻2 at 1.2 V vs. RHE under visible light irradiation. • Demonstrated a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.97% that showcase the material's efficiency. • MgFeO 3 material exhibited outstanding long-term stability under prolonged visible light exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using citric acid as a chelating agent, BiFeO3 nanopowders doped with La at the A-site, Mn at the B-site, and codoped with La/Mn were synthesized through an ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), specific surface area and pore size analysis (BET), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were employed to analyze the morphology, structure and elemental composition of Bi1 - x Lax Fe1 - y Mny O3 crystals. The results indicate that doping with La and Mn elements can significantly alter the crystal structure and morphology of BiFeO3, suppressing the recombination of its charge carriers. Using Bi1 - x Lax Fe1 - y Mny O3 as a photocatalyst, the effects of pH value and light source on the photocatalytic degradation of simulated pollutants were investigated, and further experiments to explore the photocatalytic mechanism were conducted. The results reveal that La/Mn co-doped samples show significant differences in degradation rates for congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB), which is related to the electronegativity of the dye molecules. Meanwhile, doping enhances the magnetic properties of the samples, which is beneficial for recycling and improving its utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The VO2 and VO2 -SiO2 composite films were prepared by sol-gel method. The phase structure and transmittance of films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer. The results reveal that the prepared VO2 film is monoclinic phase (B), and the XRD patterns of VO2 -SiO2 composite film is similar to that of VO2 film. The optical transmittance of films have reached over 90% within the range of 450 nm to 800 nm. The laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of VO2 -SiO2 composite film is 3. 9 J/cm2, which is 77. 3% higher than that of VO2 film. The difference in damage morphology between VO2 film and VO2 -SiO2 film were studied by FESEM and step analyzer. The VO2 film exhibits melt type damage, while the VO2 -SiO2 film exhibits melt type damage and stress damage. In addition, laser-induced damage models for different films were constructed and damage characteristics and underlying mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-phase UHTCs are favoured for their superior ablation resistance and mechanical properties. In this work, to improve the efficiency and decrease the sintering temperature and pressure, the (Zr, Hf)C and SiC hybrid nanocrystalline particles were prepared via the sol-gel method combining carbothermal reduction at 1600 °C. Utilizing their high sinterability, a relative density of 96.1% (Zr, Hf) C–SiC composite was obtained at the conditions of 1900 °C and 30 MPa using SPS technology. XPS and FT-IR results demonstrate that Zr, Hf, and Si were successfully trapped in the cross-linking structure of the precursors. Precursors of Zr, Hf, and Si reached a molecular-level mixture in the gel phase. SEM, XPS, and XRD characterization showed that the Si–C bond was formed preferentially, leading to the emergence of SiC whiskers and SiC wrapped (Zr, Hf)C with increasing temperature. And, the (Zr, Hf)C can be easily generated during solid solution reaction. Eventually, a nanoscale mixture of (Zr, Hf)C and SiC particles was successfully obtained at 1600 °C. The hardness and compressive strength of the (Zr, Hf)C–SiC composite were 12.94 GPa and 622 MPa, respectively. Comparing usual sintering processes (over 2000 °C and 35 MPa), the reason for the improved sinterability can be attributed to the high sintering activity of the (Zr, Hf)C and SiC hybrid particles, and the existence of the solid solution and nano-SiC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study reports the synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe 2 O 4 NPs) using the sol-gel precipitation process via mixing a stoichiometric ratio of cobalt chloride (1 M) and ferric chloride (2 M). The molar of ferric to cobalt was mentioned (2:1) and then 2 M of sodium hydroxide was added. The structural and morphological features of the material were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrical properties were analyzed using an LCR meter, while the magnetic properties were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigated the material's molecular vibrations. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that all the samples exhibited a cubic spinal structure, and no additional peak was detected. Interestingly, the average size of the crystallites (D) decreased from 17.74 nm to 16.58 nm as the pH level increased from 7 to 13. This finding provides important insights into the behaviour of the tested samples under different pH conditions. The formation of the ferrite spine was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, with the primary detected bands (408.92–470.65 cm−1) attributed to the octahedral complexes and (516.94–588.31 cm−1) assigned to the tetrahedral ones. The dielectric and imaginary part of the dielectric constant decreased with increasing pH values excluding samples prepared at pH = 11. All samples with different pH values exhibit resonance peaks at frequencies up to (1 KHz). The magnetic measurements carried out by the VSM instrument, the result show that the saturation magnetization increases with increasing pH and the higher saturation magnetization is 68 emu. g1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reviews the current progress in the sol-gel method for the synthesis of ferroelectric powders, thin films, and rods in the lead zirconate-titanate system. In addition, it examines methods for obtaining controlled particle morphology, primarily rod-like. The synthetic approaches in the sol-gel process and heat treatment conditions for obtaining lead zirconate-titanate ceramics of pre-defined morphology are the primary focus of the present review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composites were prepared by sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, elemental valence and ethanol gas sensing performance were characterized and studied. At 330 °C, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composite sensor exhibits a response of 112 when exposed to 100 ppm ethanol, roughly 7 times higher than Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3. The response/recovery time of the sensor is 5 s/75 s, alongside good selectivity, anti-interference and stability. The improved performance in gas sensing may be ascribed to heterojunctions between Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 nanoparticles and In 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Meanwhile, Bi 0.9 Er 0.1 FeO 3 /In 2 O 3 composites have larger specific surface area, which increases adsorption sites and supports reactions more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, raw materials, namely zinc acetate dihydrate, iron nitrate nonahydrate, and solvent 2-methoxyethanol, were utilized to synthesize zinc ferrite nanoparticles by sol–gel method. The synthesized material was annealed at different temperatures of 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C to study its effect on morphological, optical, and magnetic properties. Formation of single phase spinel cubic structure with intense peak orientation along (311) direction was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction pattern. FESEM and EDX spectra of the annealed samples confirmed the surface morphology and elemental composition. UV–visible spectral analysis was used to examine the optical properties of the samples. VSM at room temperature revealed the ferromagnetic behavior of zinc ferrite nanoparticles. All the prepared samples at different annealing temperatures showed good antibacterial properties against different bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgFe2O4@ZnAl2O4 magnetic nanocomposites were synthesized with the easy and green sol–gel method, and their photocatalytic efficiency was followed toward degradation of reactive blue 222 (RB222) dye under visible light irradiation. Prepared nanocomposites were fully characterized. The SEM and TEM images revealed the spherical morphology of the produced nanocomposites, with average size of 20–25 nm. The XRD pattern of sample exhibited the successful synthesis of the MgFe2O4@ZnAl2O4 MNCs with crystallite size 13 nm. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of the nanocomposites was examined using VSM, indicating a value of 6.59 emu/g. The absence of Hc and Mr values confirms the superparamagnetic nature of the nanoparticles. In addition, the surface area was calculated to be 78.109 m2/g utilizing BET analysis, and the band gap was determined to be 1.88 eV by DRS analysis. The photocatalytic, photolysis, and adsorption performance were investigated and result shown photodegradation activity was higher than others. These results confirm the synergetic effect between the MgFe2O4@ZnAl2O4 MNCs and visible light irradiation to degradation of organic dye. The results indicate that rapid degradation of 96% of RB222 dye occurred in just 10 min, with a TOC removal rate of approximately 59%. Furthermore, radical scavenger agents also clarified photodegradation of RB222 dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the erbium nitrate pentahydrate (Er(NO3)3·5H2O), tetrabutyl titanate (C16H36O4Ti), glacial acetic acid (CH3COOH), and anhydrous ethanol (C2H5OH) were used as the main raw materials. The Er2Ti2O7 was successfully prepared by the sol-gel method. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analyzer (TG-DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The 10 mg/L methyl orange solution was used as a simulated pollutant under UV light conditions. The effects of different temperatures and light times on the photocatalytic performance of the Er2Ti2O7 samples were investigated. The results showed that the pure Er2Ti2O7 samples could be successfully prepared by calcination in the temperature range of 750–1000 °C. The average grain size of Er2Ti2O7 was about 20–60 μm, and the photocatalytic performance of Er2Ti2O7 samples calcined at 900 °C was the best. When the illumination time is 90 min, the degradation rate of methyl orange reaches to about 100%. The preparation of Er2Ti2O7 by the sol-gel method is a kind of ultraviolet light photocatalyst with wide application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesized a range of spinel ferrite ZnxMg1-xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3) forms using the sol-gel method. Additionally, polypyrrole nanosphere supported by magnesium and zinc ferrites (ZnxMg1-xFe2O4@PPy) were synthesized through in-situ polymerisation. The surfaces of ZnxMg1-xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3) and ZnxMg1-xFe2O4@PPy were subjected to spectroscopic analysis. The data obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of Zn-Mg spinel ferrite. The electrochemical analysis results demonstrated that the Zn0.3Mg0.7Fe2O4@PPy nanocomposites exhibited enhanced redox activity and a higher current intensity. This study highlights the development of hybrid Zn0.3Mg0.7Fe2O4@PPy type nanospheres with substantial and effective electrochemical properties, which could be a suitable option for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The study of the synthesis and kinetics of phase formation during sintering of calcium monoaluminate is relevant. Purpose. Study of the effect of metal salts and hydroxides on the synthesis and kinetics of phase formation of calcium monoaluminate. Methodology. Modern physicochemical analyzes and research methods of ceramic and sol-gel technology are used. Originality. The effects of water-soluble components of calcium and aluminum for the synthesis of calcium monoaluminate were studied, the maximum formation of crystalline phases during firing at a temperature of 1000°C at different holding times was determined. Findings. The effect of water-soluble components of calcium and aluminum on the temperature and processes of structure formation in sol-gel synthesis was studied. At a temperature of 1000°C and holding for 120 min, the formation of the calcium monoaluminate structure is completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Textiles & Engineers / Tekstil ve Mühendis is the property of Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers & Architects, Chamber of Textile Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ce-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ce:YAG) phosphor powder was synthesized with a precursor reaction at room temperature. The YAG phase appeared after sintering the precursor powder at 800°C, and the intermediate phase disappeared when the annealing temperature was increased to 1000°C. The morphology of Ce:YAG particles presented a spherical shape or a connected body and a minimum average grain size of about 41.6 nm. Using this improved sol–gel method, 10 at.% Ce-doped YAG with a high color rendering index was prepared, and cerium dioxide caused by concentration quenching was not found in the sample annealed at 900°C. We utilized the powder to prepare a white light-emitting diode (LED) device, and the spectral data showed a good luminous effect. In addition, by utilizing precursor powders (instead of phosphors), we prepared YAG:Ce/Eu-doped Bi-B glass via a one-step method and briefly analyzed its optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graded-refractive-index SiO2 antireflective (AR) films were prepared using the sol–gel method. A monolayer with a porous nanonetwork structure was designed as the mixed volume ratio of 70:30 between the alkali- and acid-catalyzed SiO2 sols. As the top layer, the hexamethylisilazane (HMDS) modified alkali catalyzed SiO2 sols induced SiO2 nanoparticles transforming from hydrophilic to hydrophobic nature. In comparison with the structures of monolayer and bilayer films, the AR properties and laser damage resistance were investigated in detail. By designing the nanostructures of the bottom and top layers, the graded- refractive-index SiO2 film was obtained, consequently enhancing the AR performance. In the bilayer film, the transmittance reached ∼ 98%@532 nm and 97%@1064 nm, respectively, corresponding to the obvious reduction of reflectivity. The assembly of the bilayer SiO2 film increased the laser-induced damage threshold by ∼ 30% from 25.3 J/cm2 (monolayer) to 33.1 J/cm2 (bilayer). The inducement of laser damage was further revealed by the analysis of morphological changes induced by laser damage, attributing to the initiator absorption of environmental contaminations. Therefore, the SiO2 film not only provided a graded-refractive-index structure with good AR performance, but also had high laser damage resistance. The unique graded-refractive-index structure of SiO2 AR films offers a new strategy for improving the performance of optical components in high-power laser systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The utilization of Na 2 MnSiO 4 as a Faraday electrode in hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI) is investigated to achieve efficient desalination. The Na 2 MnSiO 4 /C (NMSO) materials were fabricated via a simple sol–gel method, in which the synthesis process was modulated by adjusting the volume ratio of ethanol to water. When maintaining the volume ratio of water to ethanol at 3:1, the resultant NMSO-3/1 exhibited expected salt adsorption capacity of 31.06 mg g−1 and salt adsorption rate of 20.43 mg g−1 min−1. This distinguished desalination performance was mainly attributed to its inherent multiple redox pairs, as well as the integration of ethanol, which enhanced both specific capacitance and hydrophilicity of the material. This study opens a new perspective for the development of highly efficient materials in HCDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delved into the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of rare earth doped strontium ferrites (SrRE x Fe 12-x O 19 (x = 0.05–0.2, RE = La, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er, Lu)) synthesized via the sol-gel method. The dopant ion radius is correlated with the performance of the material to a certain extent. Barium and calcium doping and related iron deficiency state experiments were designed to substantiate the reciprocal dependence between ion radius and coercivity. X-ray diffraction results revealed that doping ions had the capacity to modify lattice dimensions. The lattice size does not exhibit a clear linear relationship with the radius of the doping ion, nor does it inherently correlate with the grain size. The scanning electron microscope demonstrated that ion doping had the capacity to influence the size of grains. A general consequence of rare earth doping is the reduction in the saturation magnetization of strontium ferrites. The lanthanide contraction effect significantly influences the changes in coercivity. It is noteworthy that the variations in lattice internal space induced by doping constitute a primary driving factor for the observed coercivity dependence on the radius of the doping ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using citric acid (C6H8O7·H2O), thulium oxide (Tm2O3), nitric acid (HNO3), tetrabutyl titanate (C16H36O4Ti) as main raw materials, the Tm2Ti2O7 samples were successfully prepared by sol-gel method. The prepared samples were characterized by the thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Using 50 mg/L azo dye methyl orange solution as the simulated sewage, the photocatalytic activity of Tm2Ti2O7 samples was investigated at different calcination temperatures and illumination times. The experimental results show that pure Tm2Ti2O7 samples can be prepared at a calcination temperature of 750–1000 °C. According to SEM analysis, Tm2Ti2O7 samples is irregular, with an average particle size of approximately 10 μm. The degradation rate of methyl orange of each sample calcined at 750–1000 °C temperature range can reach more than 50% when exposed to ultraviolet light for 30 min, and the sample calcined at 900 °C has the best photocatalytic effect. When it degrades 50 mg/L methyl orange for 90 min, the degradation rate can almost reach 100%, and the degradation kinetic constant is 0.0488 min−1, which conforms to the first-order kinetics. The above conclusions indicate that Tm2Ti2O7 is a novel photocatalyst with broad application prospects in the field of ultraviolet photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using citric acid (C6H8O7·H2O), ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), Yttrium(III) nitrate (Y(NO3)3·6H2O) and Copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO3)2·3H2O) as main raw materials, the Cu2Y2O5 samples were successfully prepared by sol-gel method.The samples were characterized by thermogravimetry differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Using azo dye methyl orange solution as raw material to simulate wastewater, the photocatalytic activity of Cu2Y2O5 samples was investigated under different synthesis temperatures and light conditions. The experimental results show that pure Cu2Y2O5 samples can be prepared at a calcination temperature of 750 °C to 1000 °C, with Cu2Y2O5 samples prepared at 800 °C having the best photocatalytic activity, with an average grain size of 0.5-1 μm. Under the UV light condition, when the light time is 45 min, the initial concentration of methyl orange is 100 mg/L, the degradation rate of Cu2Y2O5 sample prepared at 800 °C to methyl orange reaches about 100%. Cu2Y2O5 is a catalyst with excellent photocatalytic performance and broad application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3), ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3), nitric acid (HNO3) and citric acid (C6H8O7·H2O) as main raw materials, DyVO4 was successfully prepared by sol-gel method. DyVO4 samples were characterized by thermogravimetry differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Under condition of ultraviolet light, taking 10 mg/L methyl orange solution as simulated sewage, the effects of synthesis temperature and illumination time on the photocatalytic activity of DyVO4 were studied. The results show that pure tetragonal zircon DyVO4 samples can be obtained under calcination conditions of 600 °C to 900 °C. The average grain size is about 2 μm and the breadth of band gap is about 3.52 eV. The sample prepared at 800 °C has the best photocatalytic activity. Under ultraviolet light illumination for 150 min, the degradation rate of 10 mg/L methyl orange can reach nearly 100% in presence DyVO4. DyVO4 prepared by sol-gel method is a photocatalyst which has broad application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a review of progress in the sol-gel method for the synthesis of powders of ferroelectric ceramics based on the PbTiO3–PbZrO3 system, which involves the controlled hydrolysis of the mixtures of salts or organometallic compounds of lead, zirconium, and titanium. To obtain materials based on the PbTiO3–PbZrO3 system, attention is paid to the sol-gel conditions, heat treatment conditions, raw materials, conditions to obtain precursors, gels drying, and PbTiO3–PbZrO3 powder crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nanostructures to polymeric materials allows for a direct interaction between polymeric chains and nanometric structures, resulting in a synergistic process through the physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical properties (bond formation) of constituents for the modification of their properties and potential cutting-edge materials. This study explores a novel in situ synthesis method for PDMS-%SiO2 nanoparticle composites with varying crosslinking degrees (PDMS:TEOS of 15:1, 10:1, and 5:1); particle concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%); and sol-gel catalysts (acidic and alkaline). This investigation delves into the distinct physical and chemical properties of silicon nanoparticles synthesized under acidic (SiO2-a) and alkaline (SiO2-b) conditions. A characterization through Raman, FT-IR, and XPS analyses confirms particle size and agglomeration differences between both the SiO2-a and SiO2-b particles. Similar chemical environments, with TEOS and ethanol by-products, were detected for both systems. The results on polymer composites elucidate the successful incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles into the PDMS matrix without altering the PDMS's chemical structure. However, the presence of nanoparticles did affect the relative intensities of specific vibrational modes over composites from −35% to 24% (Raman) and from −14% to 59% (FT-IR). The XPS results validate the presence of Si, O, and C in all composites, with significant variations in atomic proportions (C/Si and O/Si) and Si and C component analyses through deconvolution techniques. This study demonstrates the successful in situ synthesis of PDMS-SiO2 composites with tunable properties by controlling the sol-gel and crosslinking synthesis parameters. The findings provide valuable insights into the in situ synthesis methods of polymeric composite materials and their potential integration with polymer nanocomposite processing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: GdF3:Tb nanosized phosphors were synthesized by the sol–gel and hydrothermal methods. Directed crystallite growth toward the (020) and (210) crystallographic planes was revealed. Methods: The chemical trap method was used to explore the efficiency of reactive oxygen production of the GdF3:Tb–Rose Bengal photosensitizer system. Results and Discussion: It was shown that the phosphors synthesized by the hydrothermal method have a smaller particle size and a higher luminescence intensity compared to those synthesized by the sol–gel method. Due to their luminescent characteristics and particle size, the GdF3:Tb nanosized phosphors synthesized by the hydrothermal method are suitable for use, in combination with the Rose Bengal photosensitizer, in drug formulations for X-ray photodynamic therapy of oncological diseases. Conclusions: The addition of the GdF3:Tb nanosized phosphors, synthesized by the hydrothermal method, significantly (by 17%) increases the production of reactive oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of thermal energy storage materials applied in various fields has been attracting considerable attention in recent years. In this paper, a series of 1,6-hexanediol (HDL)/silicon dioxide (SiO2) form-stable composite phase change materials (fs-CPCMs) with various mass percentage of HDL loadings were made through sol–gel technique. For HDL/SiO2 fs-CPCMs, HDL was served as PCM, and silica gel was acted as the supporting matrix to keep a stable state without leakage of the composites even the temperature was over 85 °C. The results from form-stability test and DSC measurements showed that the as-prepared fs-CPCM with the mass fraction of HDL at 70 wt% presented good form-stability, suitable melting point (43.5 °C), and reasonable fusion enthalpy of 130.9 J/g. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated that only physical adsorption existed between the HDL and silica gel. Moreover, the thermal performance tests showed that the thermal energy storage and release rates of the as-prepared HDL/SiO2 fs-CPCM was enhanced compared to pure HDL. In summary, the as-prepared fs-CPCMs exhibit reasonable latent heats, good thermal stabilities, and reliability, which are promising candidates for energy-saving construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Synthetic Fiber Industry is the property of Sinopec Baling Petrochemical Company and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, MFe2O4 nanoparticles (M = Ca, Mg) are synthesized by sol– gel method using different stabilizer (acetic acid, pectin and β- carrageenan). The stability of the formed gel is studied extensively by determining the affective conditions (type of stabilizer, molar ratio of stabiliser: M(OH)2:Fe(OH)3, time, and temperature) on the preparation process. The most stabilized gel obtained using β-carrageenan for both Ca, Mg with (1.2·10-2:1:2), (1.37·10-2:1:2) molar ratios, respectively, during 72 h at 25°C. The obtained gel is calcinated and analysed using DTA, XRD and IR spectroscopy. The results show that the calcium ferrite is formed at 493.2°C by orthorhombic lattice cell with particle size of 13.01 nm and the magnesium ferrite is formed at 621.4°C by cubic crystal phase with particle size of 15.93 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to improve the expectancy and quality of life of subjects affected by disabling pathologies that require the replacement or regeneration of tissues or parts of the body has fueled the development of innovative, better-performing materials that are capable of integrating into and being tolerated by body tissues. Materials with these characteristics, i.e., bio-functionality, bio-safety, and biocompatibility, are defined as biomaterials. One of the many methods for producing such materials is the sol–gel technique. This process is mainly used for the preparation of ceramic oxides at low temperatures, through hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of organometallic compounds within a hydroalcoholic solution. This study is based on a specific type of biomaterial: organic–inorganic hybrids. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the sol–gel technique, as well as describe the preparation and chemical and biological characterization, uses, and future prospects of these biomaterials. In particular, the use of plant drugs as organic components of the hybrid material is the innovation of this manuscript. The biological properties of plant extracts are numerous, and for this reason, they deserve great attention from the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium monoaluminate was synthesized by the sol–gel method and the effect of europium and neodymium oxides on the synthesis and structuring kinetics was studied in the temperature range 500 – 1000°C. It was determined that the formation of the structure of calcium monoaluminate occurs at 1000°C and with exposure for 4 h of a xerogel obtained based on a mixture of Al(NO3)3 + Ca(NO3)2 at a compound ratio of 2 : 1, respectively. In the sample obtained, the intermediate mineral is mayenite Ca12Al14O33. With the introduction of the mineralizing europium oxide Eu2O3 in an amount of 1.5 wt.% greater than 100 wt.% in Al(NO3)3 + Ca(NO3)2 composition, at a synthesis temperature of 1000°C, the exposure time for maximum formation of calcium monoaluminate is reduced to 1 h. In samples containing Nd2O3, for the maximum formation of calcium monoaluminate at the same exposure time, it is necessary to introduce it in an amount of 5 wt.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses glass substrates to create nanostructured TiO2 thin films employing Sol-Gel method. Afterwards, TiO2 films are annealed in air for two hours at (400, 450, and 500) °C. The XRD tests demonstrate that all films are tetragonal polycrystalline and have orientations equal to those described in the literature. These findings suggest that when the annealing temperature rises, grain size increases. As the annealing temperature is raised, the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) reduces from 0.57° to 0.0.51°, and the dislocation density drops from 45.22 to 39.22.18 nm, respectively. AFM has examined the thin films' surface morphology. The films formed using this method have good crystalline and homogenous surfaces, according to AFM tests. With an increase in annealing temperature, thin films' average particle size, average roughness, and Root Mean Square (RMS) value all drop. The films' optical characteristics. The transmission was over 97% decreased with increasing annealing temperatures. It is found that the band gap decreases from 3.42 to 3.3 eV with increasing annealing temperature. Between 300 and 900 nm, the films' refractive indices range from 2.89 to 2.2.76. With higher annealing temperatures, the films' extinction coefficients fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation reactions of N-Nitrosomorpholine in an aqueous solution using nano anatase TiO2-ZnO & Si-TiO2-ZnO have been studied. The photocatalysts have been prepared by sol-gel method and characterised using SEM, EDX, XRD, FT-IR, UV, BET & TEM techinques. The loops seen in the BET study exhibited hysteresis following a type IV isotherm. The degradation process has been examined under various conditions including dark, induced light, UV light, direct sunlight, and sonicator in the presence of sunlight as the energy source. A decrease in band gap is observed for Si-TiO2-ZnO as compared undoped TiO2-ZnO, which results in improved photocatalytic activity in the doped sample. The Si-TiO2-ZnO exhibited the highest level of photocatalytic activity when subjected to sonication in the presence of sunlight. The effects of several parameters, such as pH, pollutant concentration, and catalyst dose, the reaction rate etc. have been examined. Under optimal conditions, the pollutant underwent degradation and exhibited a degradation efficiency of 96% using Si-TiO2-ZnO photocatalyst. The photocatalyst exhibits excellent stability when recycled for about four cycles. The remarkable efficiency of Si-TiO2-ZnO under sunlight exposure highlights the extensive range of applications for photocatalysts in the removal of pollutants during water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, NiMoO4 electrode materials doped with different concentrations of Nd rare earth metals were prepared by sol–gel method. Its morphology, structure, and spectral analysis were characterized by different scanning instruments, and the experimental results show that the NiMoO4 electrode material after adding 0.5% Nd doping showed excellent capacitance performance, with a specific capacity of 2182 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The capacitance retention was still 98.5% after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 5 A/g, which has a better electrochemical performance compared with the NiMoO4 material with superior electrochemical performance. In addition, an asymmetric capacitor device was prepared using 0.5% Nd-NiMoO4 material and CNTs as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, and the device showed a high energy density of 73.5 Wh/kg. In addition, the capacitor device still had a capacitance retention of 91.9% after 10,000 cycles. This paper provides an effective reference route for the preparation of rare-earth-doped bimetallic oxide electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using ytterbium nitrate pentahydrate (Yb(NO3)3·5H2O), ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and citric acid monohydrate (C6H8O7·H2O) as main raw materials, the YbVO4 was prepared by sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetry differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflection spectrometer (DRS) and Fourier infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The photocatalytic activity of YbVO4 was studied by using 10 mg/L methyl orange as simulated wastewater. The results show that pure YbVO4 can be prepared by calcining at 500 °C to 900 °C. The surface of YbVO4 sample prepared at different temperatures is porous and irregular. The forbidden band width of YbVO4 sample calcined at 700 °C is about 3.04 eV. Under ultraviolet light conditions, the degradation rate of methyl orange was over 95% after illumination for 30 min with YbVO4 sample calcined at 700 °C. YbVO4 show excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange. This indicates that YbVO4 is a new photocatalyst with wide application prospect in the field of photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanomaterials were synthesized using the low-cost facile sol-gel technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the cubic structure of the prepared sample. Scherrer's formula and the W-H (Williamson-Hall) plot was used to calculated the average crystallite size of the prepared sample and it was found to be 27 nm and 31.3 nm, respectively, while the strain created in the lattice is 5.008 × 10−4. Based on the absorbance plot, the band-gap (Eg) of the sample was determined using Tauc's plot and it was found out to be 2.74 eV. The frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity (ε) and tangent loss (tan δ) of CCTO was analyzed at different temperature range from 300 K to 663 K over a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1 MHz. ε and tan δ decrease monotonically in entire frequency range and an anomalous frequency-dependent behavior was observed at different temperatures. High ε (in the range of 104) was found out at lower frequency range. Electrical conductivity was also analyzed in range of frequencies and temperature, it was found out that in higher region of frequency conductivity slightly increases. The room temperature values of ε, tanδ and conductivity was 7.5 × 103, 1.5 and 0.4 × 10−5 Ω−1 m−1, respectively. The reduction in Eg is achieved which was the major concern in this work. Furthermore, we have extensively studied the ε along with tan δ and ac conductivity for electronic application usage. According to these observations, CCTO is particularly prepared so that it could be suitable for microelectronic applications due to its high ε and low tan δ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge extraction layers play a crucial role in developing the performance of the inverted organic solar cells. Using a transparent metal oxide with appropriate work function to the photoactive layer can significantly decrease interface recombination and enhance charge transport mechanism. Therefore, electron selective films that consist of aluminium-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2:Al) with different concentrations of Al (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2)wt % were prepared using sol-gel technique. The inverted organic solar cells PCPDTBT: PCBM with Al doped TiO2 as electron extraction layer were fabricated. It is well known that Al doping concentration potentially affects the physical characteristics of the TiO2 by controlling the optical, morphological, and structural properties. The effect of Al incorporation on the optical and morphological properties of the prepared films were analysed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current-voltage (J-V) curves of the PCPDTBT: PCBM organic solar cells show that the TiO2:Al layer with 0.8% Al wt%, has the highest power conversion efficiency which is 3.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysprosium (Dy3+)-substituted Ni–Co nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel technique. Structural and morphological analyses were accomplished by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM). The crystallite size and lattice parameter followed a decreasing trend up on increase in Dy3+ substitution for the concentration x ≤ 0.15, which is due to the hindrance in crystallite growth and deposition of Dy3+ on grain boundaries, respectively. The lattice strain was increased from 5.027 to 8.814 × 10 - 3 with enhancement in Dy3+ content. The morphological studies showed uniform distribution of particles with slight agglomeration and the average particle size was calculated to be 22.17 nm, which is in good agreement with XRD results. The magnetic studies were executed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) over a wide range of applied magnetic field. The soft ferrimagnetic nature of these ferrites was revealed by narrow (M–H) curve. The magnetic parameters exhibited decreasing behavior upon increasing amount of substitution. The coercivity (Hc) was recorded to be 1097 Oe for x = 0.00 and saturation magnetization (Ms) was calculated in the range 27.04–40.86 emu/g. The anisotropy constant and magneton number were found to be in the range of 9887–46,703 erg/cm3 and 1.21–1.71 µB, respectively. These properties of prepared ferrites point towards their applicability in magnetic recording instruments, memory, and high-density data storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films prepared by sol-gel method usually have a large leakage current, which hinders their practical applications. Therefore, it is extremely important to adopt effective strategies to reduce their leakage current. In this work, BiFeO 3 thin films with Al 2 O 3 modification, either in the format of layer insertion or evenly-distributed particles incorporation, are fabricated by a sol-gel method on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrates. It was found that an optimal amount of Al 2 O 3 in the system can greatly compress the leakage current and enhance the ferroelectric properties. For BiFeO 3 films with thickness in the ∼300 nm range, remnant polarization (P r) of ∼ 40.82, 80.08, 61,6 μC/cm2, and maximum polarization (P max) of ∼ 62, 157, 90 μC/cm2 can be achieved for Al 2 O 3 modification via 1/3, 1/5 layer insertion and 1:5 particle incorporation, respectively. Additionally, we systematically investigated the impact of Al 2 O 3 on the phase microstructure, leakage current, and conduction mechanism behavior of Al 2 O 3 -modified BiFeO 3 films. The results not only promote the sol-gel method as a promising method for preparing high-quality ferroelectric thin films with compressed leakage, but also promote the potential applications of BiFeO 3 thin films in electromechanical devices. • BiFeO 3 films with Al 2 O 3 modification, either in the format of layer insertion or evenly-distributed particles, are fabricated by sol-gel method. • An optimal amount of Al 2 O 3 can greatly enhance the ferroelectric properties. • The band bending at the Al 2 O 3 /BiFeO 3 interfaces and the resultant build-in electric field counteract the external electric field and increase the breakdown field strength, thus obtaining the superior ferroelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is aimed at investigation of electrical properties inherent to zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofilms prepared using the sol-gel method. The experimental samples consisted of a substrate (25×25×1 mm) made of microscopic glass brand "Voles" covered with the above films of the thickness ranging from 50 to 150 nm. Optical characterization was performed to calculate the bandgap width and to confirm the presence of zinc oxide in the nanofilms and demonstrate their optical activity. An oscillographic method was used to measure the surface resistance of nanofilms by using a galvanic elastic contact, which allowed determining their high electrical quality and resistance. Simultaneously, the high mechanical strength of these nanofilms was ascertained under the action of the elastic contact, enduring a series of 5 to 10 measurements without noticeable changes in resistance. Measurements were also carried out to observe the change in the electrical resistance of ZnO films, when they were heated from 25 up to 100 °C. The obtained results have indicated the potential of these nanofilms for applications in the fields of electronics, photoelectronics and sensor technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dentistry, various ceramics have been tested to overcome the opacity of zirconia. Moreover, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is being used to accurately reproduce intricate shapes and overcome material wastage. This study described the application of a lithium silicate 3D printing material for the fabrication of transparent ceramic dental prostheses and the optimization of the process. After synthesizing approximately 500 nm of lithium silicate powder using the sol-gel method, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), were performed and rheological properties were evaluated. Then, the sintering conditions were set based on thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). A slurry for 3D printing containing 40 vol% powder along with a photocurable resin, an acrylate binder, and a dispersant was prepared. A specimen measuring 15 mm in diameter and 1.8 mm in height, with a layer thickness of 50 μm, was printed with a digital light process (DLP) 3D printer using different holding times (1, 3, 5, and 10 h) and at a final sintering temperature of 1325 °C among the preceding sintering conditions. The shrinkage rate, Vickers hardness, and translucency of the finished specimens were compared and analyzed. Our study terrified the possibility of 3D printing of lithium silicate. Furthermore, our results suggest that a long sintering holding time has a positive effect on the specimen characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles have emerged as promising materials for various applications including color imaging, magnetic recording media, soft magnetic materials, heterogeneous catalysis, and different fields of biomedical science. Apart from the TMO, Fe3O4 nanoparticles hold great promise in a variety of biomedical uses such as drug delivery, cell separation, and MRI imaging. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles exhibit their potential as antimicrobial agents due to their unique properties and interactions with microorganisms. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles that are prepared using the sol–gel method. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through a facile and cost-effective sol–gel route, involving the ferric nitrate and ethanol as precursors. Different characterization techniques, including Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-VIS NIR spectroscopy were employed to analyze the compositional analysis, crystalline structure, and optical properties of the nanoparticles. The EDAX and XRD analysis confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles are near to stoichiometry and formation of single-phase magnetite nanoparticles. The obtained bandgap of synthesized nanoparticles is 5.03 eV. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles was evaluated against a panel of bacteria, which included both Gram-positive (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (i.e., Enterobacter aerogenes) bacteria. Investigations into the nanoparticles' biocompatibility and long-term effects would be crucial for their safe and effective utilization in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the current-voltage characteristics and photoelectric properties of semiconductor structures containing Pd nanoparticles in thin films synthesized by the sol-gel method on an n-InP substrate have been investigated. The experimental results show that in presence of hydrogen the cut-off voltage changes. The photovoltage and photocurrent upon illumination of the structure with an LED (λ = 0.9 µm) and pulsed exposure to hydrogen change, that was observed earlier for hydrogen-sensitive Pd/n-InP Schottky diodes. The prospects of using the structures under study as a sensitive element for hydrogen sensor are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CeCuOx composite catalysts for the catalytic conversion of dimethyl formamide were prepared and catalyzed by the sol-gel method with a controlled amount of Cu. The physical and chemical properties and catalytic performance of the CeCuOx composite catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and H2-programmed step-up reduction. The results indicate that the doping of Cu increases the particle size of the CeOx support and enhances the relative content of Ce3+ species on the CeOx surface. The Cu/Ce ratio significantly influences the activity, product selectivity, and stability of the composite catalyst. Among them, Cu80Ce20 exhibits the best overall performance in the catalytic reaction of dimethylformamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this work was the evaluation of surface modification in surgery of normally used hernia implants and thus improving their antimicrobial properties. The modification consisted of applying hybrid nanolayers with immobilized antiseptic substances (metal cations of Ag, Cu, and Zn) by sol-gel method which ensures prolonged effect of these substances and thus enables a greater resistance of the implant towards infection. In this work, attention is drawn to the issue of applying hybrid nanolayers, activation of mesh surfaces by physical plasma modification or ultraviolet C (UV C) radiation, and influence of these modifications on the mechanical properties of the final meshes. Next work will continue concentrating on the issue of antimicrobial efficacy and eventual toxicity of the prepared layers. Materials and Methods: Present-day materials of the most commonly used types of implants for reconstruction of the abdominal wall in surgery (polypropylene, polyester, polyvinylidenefluoride) were tested. Optimum conditions of application of nanolayers by sol-gel method and their thermal stabilization were examined first. Surface modification was verified by scanning electron microscope. The surface of implants was first activated for better adhesion by plasma treatment or UV radiation after preliminary tests. Maximum strength and ductility after activation and hybrid nanolayer modification were objectively measured on a universal Testometric tensile testing machine. Results: The results of surface activation of the meshes (by both plasma treatment or UV C radiation) provided similar and satisfactory results, and particular conditions differed based on the type of material of the mesh. Usage of antimicrobial sol AD30 diluted by isopropyl alcohol in 1:1 proportion appear to be optimal. All tested cases of meshes activated by plasma treatment or UV C radiation and with applied nanolayer concluded in a slight reduction of mechanical properties in modified meshes in comparison with the original ones. However, a slight reduction of test values was not of clinical importance. Conclusion: It was verified that surface modification of implants by sol-gel method is effective and technically possible, providing hopeful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-catalyst nanoparticles (NPs) find applications in many diverse fields, including environmental remediation, energy conversion, and organic synthesis. By optimizing the nanoparticle's composition, size, morphology, and surface properties, the photo-catalytic performance can be enhanced to develop more efficient and sustainable catalytic systems. This work aligns with this innovative approach and aims to improve the photo-catalytic degradation of Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) through the intensification of the photo-catalyst and the micro-reactor. ZnO-NPs were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Zinc Acetate (Z.A) and sodium hydroxide were used as precursor materials. The resulting ZnO-NPs were characterized for their structure and crystallinity using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and the photo-catalytic activity was assessed with a micro-structured polymer reactor. The degradation of SMX through photo-catalysis proceeds through several stages that involve coupled processes, such as the transportation of molecules and chemical reactions. To solve the mathematical equations governing the transport and photocatalytic reaction, COMSOL Multiphysics software was utilized. The characterization results demonstrate the excellent crystallinity and high purity of the synthesized ZnO-NPs, enabling the estimation of the average diameter of the NPs under different synthesis conditions. The grain growth is faster (3.5 hr) at higher temperatures (70, 80, and 90 °C), and slower (4 hr) at lower temperatures (50 and 60°C). The photo-catalytic degradation is significantly more efficient on 16 nm ZnO-NPs than 50 nm ZnO-NPs. At this size, the conversion rate reaches 96%, surpassing the performance of commercial ZnO-NPs, which only degrades 81% of SMX. The conversion rate obtained through simulation is slightly higher than that achieved in the experiments. However, this difference remains negligible, and overall, the model fits well with the experimental data. This validation of the chosen model confirms its reliability and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnTiO3/TiO2 composite photocatalysts were synthesized via the sol–gel technique, and the impact of varying heat treatment temperatures (470, 570, 670 °C) on their crystalline arrangement, surface morphology, elemental composition, chemical state, specific surface area, optical characteristics, and photocatalytic efficacy was systematically investigated. The outcomes revealed that, as the temperature ascends, pure TiO2 undergoes a transition from anatase to rutile, ultimately forming a hybrid crystal structure at 670 °C. The incorporation of ZnTiO3 engenders a reduction in the TiO2 grain dimensions and retards the anatase-to-rutile phase transition. Consequently, the specimens manifest a composite constitution of anatase and ZnTiO3. In contrast, for pure TiO2, the specimen subjected to 670 °C annealing demonstrates superior photocatalytic performance due to its amalgamated crystal arrangement. The degradation efficacy of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution attains 91% within a 60-min interval, with a calculated first-order reaction rate constant of 0.039 min−1. Interestingly, the ZnTiO3/TiO2 composite photocatalysts exhibit diminished photocatalytic activity in comparison to pristine TiO2 across all three temperature variations. Elucidation of the photocatalytic mechanism underscores that ZnTiO3 coupling augments the generation of photogenerated charge carriers. Nonetheless, concurrently, it undermines the crystalline integrity of the composite, yielding an excess of amorphous constituents that impede the mobility of photoinduced carriers. This dual effect also fosters escalated recombination of photogenerated charges, culminating in diminished quantum efficiency and reduced photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined vacuum impregnation and sol-gel method was used to prepare 2.5D SiO 2f /SiO 2 ceramic composites with good mechanical properties in both warp and weft direction in this study. Phase change and weight gain during forming process of the ceramic composites were measured to explain the forming process. The mechanical properties of materials along different direction at room temperature and high temperature were systematically analyzed, and the fracture mechanism in different service environments was elucidated. Results indicated that dense SiO 2f /SiO 2 ceramic composites could be prepared by impregnating the 2.5D woven fabric preforms in silica sol and sintering them at 800 °C for > 5 cycles. Flexural strength of the composite was directly affected by the arrangement density and straightening degree of the fibers in warp/weft direction. The composite prepared in this study showed a higher flexural strength (∼91.21 MPa) in the weft direction. With the increase of temperature, the quartz fibers inside the composites became brittle due to crystallization, resulting in the failure mechanism of the ceramic composite material changing from ductile fracture to brittle fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]