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We report the structural, morphological, dielectric, and electrochemical sensing studies of Li co-doped LaAlO3:Ce3+1.5 nanopowders successfully synthesized via a simple combustion technique utilizing sugar as fuel. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the prepared nanopowders have a pure rhombohedral crystal structure. The average particle size of the prepared nanopowders was found using Scherrer's relationship and the W-H method and was found to be in the range of 40–60 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectra revealed the strong transmittance peaks at 455 cm−1, 668 cm−1, 832 cm−1, 1044 cm−1, 1389 cm−1, 1592 cm−1, 2432 cm−1, and 3441 cm−1. The formation of nanoparticles was evidenced by scanning electron micrographs. The optical band gap of the prepared nanopowders was estimated. The dielectric and electrical features of the prepared nanopowders were carried out in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 8 MHz at RT utilizing an LCR meter. The prepared nanopowders showed high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss in low- and high-frequency regions, respectively. Using a Cole–Cole plot, the grain boundary contributions in the prepared nanopowders have been explained. Using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, the electrochemical sensing performance of the Li+ co-doped Ce3+ activated LaAlO3nanostructure was investigated. This demonstrated improved sensing behavior due to the intermediate energy levels formed by the additional dopant, Ce3+ and co-dopant, Li+. The introduction of Li+ ions into the LaAlO3:Ce3+ nanostructures improves the performance of these materials in various applications. The novelty of dielectric and electrochemical sensing studies of Li co-doped LaAlO3:Ce3+1.5 nanopowders indicate an approach to investigate the electrical properties of a new material which finds potential applications in electrochemical sensing devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we develop a photocatalyst wherein nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots are scaffolded onto TiO2 nanoparticles (NPCQD/TiO2), denoted as NPCT hereafter. The developed NPCT photocatalyst exhibits an enhanced visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production of 533 μmol h−1 g−1 compared to nitrogen doped CQD/TiO2 (478 μmol h−1 g−1), phosphorus doped CQD/TiO2 (451 μmol h−1 g−1) and pure CQD/TiO2 (427 μmol h−1 g−1) photocatalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the NPCT photocatalyst is attributed to the excellent synergy between NPCQDs and TiO2 nanoparticles, which results in the creation of virtual energy levels, a decrease in work function and suppressed recombination rates, thereby increasing the lifetime of photogenerated electrons. A detailed mechanism is proposed for the enhancement in visible light hydrogen production by the NPCT photocatalyst from the experimental results, Mott–Schottky plots and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy results. Further, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations are carried out which predict the decrease in the work function and band gap, and the increase in the density of states of NPCT as the factors responsible for the observed enhancement in visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, a plant-based carbon sample is synthesized successfully from monkey ladder (EntadaGigas) plant seeds by combustion technique. The prepared samples are subjected to characterizations such as Powder Xray Diffractogram(PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Analysis. The PXRD pattern of the prepared MLC carbon sample exhibits the graphitic structure. The SEM micrograph displays the flake-like morphology; the FTIR spectrum reveals the presence of carbon-based functional groups. The dielectric property of the prepared carbon sample has been studied and confirms the good ac conductivity. The cole-cole plot of the prepared MLC carbon sample displays a single semicircle which signifies the highly resistive grain boundaries. The electrochemical study of prepared MLC Coated Ni foam electrode in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte solution showed good redox potential output proposed by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric studies.The developed material exhibited a good response towards the glucose sensor with a sensitivity of 0.8 mAmM-1 and a limit of detection of 0.5 mM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we develop a photocatalyst wherein nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon quantum dots are scaffolded onto TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPCQD/TiO 2 ), denoted as NPCT hereafter. The developed NPCT photocatalyst exhibits an enhanced visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production of 533 μmol h -1 g -1 compared to nitrogen doped CQD/TiO 2 (478 μmol h -1 g -1 ), phosphorus doped CQD/TiO 2 (451 μmol h -1 g -1 ) and pure CQD/TiO 2 (427 μmol h -1 g -1 ) photocatalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the NPCT photocatalyst is attributed to the excellent synergy between NPCQDs and TiO 2 nanoparticles, which results in the creation of virtual energy levels, a decrease in work function and suppressed recombination rates, thereby increasing the lifetime of photogenerated electrons. A detailed mechanism is proposed for the enhancement in visible light hydrogen production by the NPCT photocatalyst from the experimental results, Mott-Schottky plots and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy results. Further, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations are carried out which predict the decrease in the work function and band gap, and the increase in the density of states of NPCT as the factors responsible for the observed enhancement in visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production.