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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]

This paper investigated the impact of Co ions doping on the structure, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effect for La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Mn 1- x Co x O 3 ceramics (LSMCO) by sol-gel method and first-principles calculations The use of first-principles calculations was provided for subsequent experiments. The sol-gel preparation of LSMCO ceramics and sintered at 950 °C for 10 h. It was shown that the samples' cell volume and lattice constants changed slightly with increasing Co2+ doping but remained a rhombohedral structure (No.167, R-3c space group) by statistics of TEM and XRD. The average particle size for the LSMCO ceramics ranged from 130 nm to 170 nm. LSMCO's chemical composition was verified by EDS and XPS and it was demonstrated that Co2+ was successfully doped. The oxidation state of La was found to be +3, Mn is a mixture of Mn3+ and Mn4+ valence states, and Co is a mixture of Co3+ and Co2+ valence states using XPS. In the vicinity of Tc, all samples presented the second-order magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic resorting to normalization and the Banerjee criterion. The Tc dropped from 292 K to 237 K with increasing Co2+ doping. The blocking temperature and the saturation magnetization were suppressed by the Co2+ substitution while the maximum magnetic entropy change of the LSMCO ceramics was observed to reduce as Co2+ increased. When the external magnetic field is 5 T, the La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Mn 0.95 Co 0.05 O 3 ceramics has a Tc of 292 K and a maximum magnetic entropy change value of 3.47 J/(kg K). [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]

Due to the widespread use and incorrect handling of plastics, we need to find a practical and effective way to eliminate plastic waste from the environment. Different metal-doped nickel oxide (DMD-NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a sol–gel technique and were used to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastic (MP) films when exposed to sunlight. The optical and structural properties of sol–gel method synthesized materials were investigated using a variety of characterization methods (Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Degradation study results suggest that the photocatalytic activity of DMD-NiO-LDPE nanocomposites (NCs) films was greater than that of pure LDPE and undoped NiO-LDPE films. Because of their increased optical absorption and efficient suppression of photo-produced charge carriers' recombination, the DMD-NiO NPs showed higher photocatalytic degradation of LDPE films. Thus, LDPE films with 2% wt Fe-NiO (iron-doped nickel oxide) nanomaterials showed a degradation of around 38.16% among DMD-NiO-LDPE NCs films under visible light over a short period of 30 days (240 h). The formation of carbonyl groups in the degradation product of LDPE was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. When compared to the original LDPE film, the Fe-NiO-LDPE NCs films showed a significant decrease in crystallinity and carbonyl indexes, as much as 8.4% lower. The current project proposes the development of eco-friendly photocatalysts using a sol–gel technique for combating MP pollution in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze casting is an effective way to fabricate the porous ceramics with anisotropic and interconnected porous structures and can be used in various applications, such as filtration, adsorption, and insulation. However, the ceramic‐based scaffolds fabricated by freeze casting have the upper limit of porosity since excessively low solid content in the slurry will lead to structural instability and cracks formation in scaffolds. This study aims at combining the freeze casting and sol–gel method and developing a hybrid process to overcome the limitation of freeze casting. Besides, the effects of solid content and cooling rates on the microstructure of ultralightweight alumina scaffolds (ULASs) and their mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. Aluminum isopropoxide was selected as the precursor to conduct the hydrolysis reaction in acid environment and condensation process by heat treatment. The successfully synthesized alumina scaffolds have ultrahigh porosity (>90%), low bulk density (0.1240–0.2429 g/cm3), and low relative density (0.0314–0.0615). The anisotropic porous lamellar structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscope, µ‐CT, and mercury porosimeter. A lot of nanoscale pores are observed on the lamellae surfaces, forming the dual‐scale porous structure inside the scaffolds and contributing to higher specific surface area. The unique anisotropic structure, high porosity, and stable mechanical properties enable ULASs to deliver a low thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m/K and large anisotropy in thermal properties, possessing great potential for thermal insulative materials. This sol–gel/freeze‐casting hybrid approach is believed to be extended to different material systems and provide promising potentials in fabricating the porous materials with various functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were synthesized using the solution-gelation (sol-gel) technique. For comparison, US Research Nanomaterials, Inc has supplied MgO with very high purity and used without further purification. Both nanoparticles were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis for structural investigation. The XRD measurements showed an incredibly crystalline cubic structure. Morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements to examine the nanoparticles’ size and shape. SEM analysis of the synthesized sample’s morphology revealed a flake-like shape, while a spherical-like structure was observed in the case of the commercial MgO. Using X-ray peak broadening analysis, the Scherrer method was used to assess the crystallite size. A substantial correlation was found between the Scherrer formula and the average particle size of the MgO-NPs, which was determined through SEM analysis. The energy gap calculations were ascertained by plotting the photon energy utilizing the Tauc equation with the measurements of UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Both nanoparticles were used against the bacterial activity of Streptococcus and Serratia bacteria. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles exhibited greater effectiveness against bacterial activity than commercial ones.Article highlights: Sol-gel method produces MgO nanoparticles with superior structural properties. Synthesized MgO nanoparticles demonstrate better performance in optical and antibacterial tests. The sol-gel method enhances MgO nanoparticle purity and structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paint & Coatings Industry (0253-4312) is the property of Paint & Coatings Industry Editorial Office 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.)

ABSTRACT Excessive usage of fossil fuels has led to significant depletion, creating an energy crisis and environmental concerns. This has prompted the creation of sustainable energy conversion systems. This study explores sol–gel incorporation of Sm‐doped MnTiO3 nanostructure, which exhibits OER activity. Different analytical techniques were used to assess the material's morphology, structure, and textural properties. BET analysis confirmed increased surface area (34 m2 g−1) of Sm‐doped MnTiO3 nanostructure, which enhanced OER performance. The electrochemical results showed that the fabricated doped nanostructure had a lower overpotential of 201 mV, resulting in a current density of roughly 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1. In EIS analysis, a low Rct value of Sm‐doped MnTiO3 (0.20 Ω) compared with pure MnTiO3 (0.23 Ω) indicates highly efficient charge transfer and a faster faradaic reaction. Chronoamperometry and cyclic stability analyses of Sm‐doped MnTiO3 nanostructure demonstrate stability over 35 h. The fabricated nanostructure has remarkable electrochemical characteristics, making it a promising material for future applications in electrical and other areas. [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]

In this work, the structure of silica thin films synthesized with three different SiO2 precursors and obtained by the sol–gel method and dip coating technique was studied. Additionally, the influence of Ag addition on the obtained silica sols and then gel structure was investigated. Silica coatings show antireflective properties and high thermal resistance, as well as hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties. Three different silica precursors, TEOS (tetraethylorthosilicate), DDS (dimethyldietoxysilane) and AerosilTM, were selected for the synthesis. DDS added to silica sol act as a pore size modifier, while Ag atoms are known for their antibacterial activity. Coatings were deposited on two different substrates: steel and titanium, dried and annealed at 500 °C in air (steel substrate) and in argon (titanium substrate). For all synthesized films, IR (infrared) spectroscopic studies were performed together with GID and XRD (Grazing Incidence Diffraction, X-ray Diffraction) measurements. The topography and morphology of the surface were traced by SEM and AFM microscopic methods, providing information on the samples' roughness, particle sizes and thickness of the particular layers. The wetting angle values were also measured. GID and XRD measurements pointed to the distinct contribution of an amorphous phase in the samples, allowing us to recognize the crystalline phases and calculate the silver crystallite sizes. The FTIR spectra gave information on the first coordination sphere of the studied samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y1-xNdxFe1-yNiyO3 (x = 0, y = 0; x = 0.05, y = 0.05; x = 0.05, y = 0.10; x = 0.05, y = 0.15) powders with different concentrations of Nd3+ and Ni2+ doped ions were synthesized by sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of the materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and physical property measurement system (PPMS). X-Ray diffraction results show that all the prepared samples are in the single perovskite phase without any secondary phases. The measured doping content was basically consistent with the initial designed content. The remanent magnetization (Mr) and saturation magnetization (Ms) of the synthesized YFeO3 were 0.701 emu/g and 1.481 emu/g, respectively, and the coercivity (Hc) reached 19,000 Oe. The results also showed that the Mr and Ms values of YFeO3 increase, while the Hc values decrease with increasing Ni2+ ion content. When the doping concentrations are x = 0.05 and y = 0.15, the values of Mr and Ms are 0.787 emu/g and 1.782 emu/g, respectively, with Hc at 2100 Oe. From the research results, it can be observed that the introduction of doped ions enhances the super-exchange interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated anti‐glare (AG) coatings on glass sheets by spraying alkoxide‐derived silica sols and demonstrated that the water‐to‐alkoxide ratio is one of the key factors for improving AG performance and sol stability. We synthesized silica sols using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), water, nitric acid, and denatured ethanol and sprayed them on sheets of chemically strengthened glass. The molar ratios of water to TEOS (r) were 3, 7, and 14. The sol with r = 7 provided a higher arithmetic‐mean height (Sa), smaller autocorrelation length (Sal), and better optical properties (lower gloss, higher haze, and lower sparkle level) than the sol with r = 3. An excessive amount of water at r = 14 yielded a large Sal and a high sparkle level. As the storage time of the sols increased, higher r values caused a more pronounced increase in Sa. Although none of the sols showed noticeable temporal changes during dynamic light scattering measurements, solutions with higher r values exhibited a more remarkable reduction in the retention time during liquid chromatography with a styrene‐divinylbenzene matrix. Hence, an excessive amount of water was thought to cause hydrophilization of the polymerized species during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper delves into the enhancement of wastewater treatment through the design and synthesis of advanced photocatalytic materials, focusing on the effects of sodium (Na) substitution in Ca1‐xNaxTa0.5Ti0.5O3 perovskites. By employing various analytical techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and UV‐vis spectroscopy, the study examines the transition of these perovskites from tetragonal to orthorhombic structures and observes a reduction in Ca content with Na substitution, which also favors the cubic phase formation and inhibits secondary phases. Significantly, magnetic property analysis uncovers an unexpected ferromagnetic ordering in these perovskites, including compositions traditionally viewed as non‐magnetic. The photocatalytic tests reveal a significant improvement in degrading Rhodamine B dye under visible light, particularly in samples with higher Na levels, attributed to enhanced light absorption and efficient electron processes. The study highlights the optimal Na substitution level for peak photocatalytic performance, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between structural, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of these perovskites, and their potential in various applications, thereby contributing to the advancement of wastewater treatment technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution by toxic heavy metals is increasing at an alarming rate which demands the development of an appropriate analytical method to investigate and quantify the target analytes. In response to this call, polyaniline Titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate (PANI/TWM) nanocomposite was synthesized by incorporating polyaniline into Titanium (IV) tungstomolybdate using sol–gel method. The material was then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTA), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX). It was amorphous with appreciable thermal stability as it retained 65.2% of its ion exchange capacity (IEC) up to 600 OC. It acts as a bifunctional strong acid cation exchanger with an IEC of 1.58 meq/g for Na+ ions. Moreover, the high distribution coefficients (Kd) of 1572 and 928 mL/g for Pb(II) and Co(II), respectively, indicate its potential to treat these ions in an aqueous matrix selectively. Real sample treatment with the prepared material was undertaken for binary separation of selected metal ions in column mode and practically appreciable efficiency (90.3 to 96.8%) was achieved. Therefore, the synthesized material can be considered as a promising cation exchanger to treat an environmental matrix containing toxic heavy metals. [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]

The utilization of Bi-based superconductors in magnetic field environments is limited due to their anisotropic structure and lack of efficient magnetic flux pinning sites. Therefore, to enhance the performance of Bi-based superconductors in a magnetic field, this study presents the preparation of Bi2212 high-temperature superconducting thin films with varying NiO doping levels on SrTiO 3 (STO) single crystal substrates with different concentrations of NiO seed layers via the self-assembly method. Additionally, phase purity, crystal structure, surface morphology, and transport properties were thoroughly analyzed. According to the results, the NiO seed layers prepared on the STO substrates presented epitaxial growth characteristics, with the NiO second phase in the Bi2212 matrix growing epitaxially along the seed layers. As NiO doping slightly broadens the phase formation temperature range of Bi2212 superconducting thin films, the self-assembly method can be utilized to prepare NiO nanorods with epitaxial growth in Bi2212 thin films. Notably, the self-assembled NiO-doped Bi2212 thin film demonstrated higher critical current carrying capacity, with its J c reaching 6.28 × 104 A/cm2 at 10 K in self-field. This provides a technical reference for improving the performance of high-temperature superconducting thin films under a high magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass coatings find application across diverse fields, offering chemical resistance, insulation, and hardness to substrates. Toughness enhancement of glass coatings is strongly required to maintain these functions in the practical applications. In this study, we propose a novel approach to improve fracture toughness of glass coating by incorporating silver particles into it prepared via the sol-gel method. Samples with 0–2.0 vol% of 73 nm and 730 nm Ag particles in the precursor solution were obtained. The resulting samples exhibited high transparency, minimal change in Young's modulus, and considerably improved fracture toughness. At 73 nm and 730 nm, the maximum fracture toughness occurred at 0.5 vol% and 1.0 vol%, respectively, with a 1.4- and 1.8-fold increase compared to the original coating. This approach shows promise for enhancing glass coating toughness with minimal additive amounts and negligible loss of coating properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Materials Engineering / Cailiao Gongcheng is the property of Journal of Materials Engineering Editorial Office 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.)

Herein, La@MxOy/TiO2 (M = V, Cr, Mn and Fe) composite catalysts were prepared based on the sol–gel method as an effective adsorbent and photocatalyst for the degradation of malachite green from an aqueous solution under UV–Vis light. Under experimental conditions, a maximum adsorption capacity of 57.10% for the malachite green dye was achieved with La@Fe2O3/TiO2. Moreover, this composite showed 78.62% photodegradation efficiency for malachite green. A quadratic model constructed using the response surface method showed that the maximum efficiency of photodegradation of malachite green can be achieved at pH 11 and a process time of 35 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department 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.)

Sr 1- x Ce x Fe 12 O 19 and Sr 1- x Ce x Fe 12- y O 19-δ (x = 0–0.2, y = 0–2) powders were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion method, and the effect on the structure and magnetic properties of changes in doping concentration and iron content has been investigated. XRD results confirmed the formation of M phase and impurities of CeO 2 and Fe 2 O 3. The SEM results show that cerium doping leads to a decrease in grain size. For Sr 1- x Ce x Fe 12 O 19 , the saturation magnetization increases to 77.73 emu/g first and then decreases with the increase of cerium doping. More importantly, our study also found that as the Ce doping concentration and iron content change, the interaction between the two changes differently. This interaction will have different effects on the occupancy of iron ions at spin-up and spin-down sites, ultimately leading to a significant characteristic change in magnetic properties. For Sr 1- x Ce x Fe 12- y O 19-δ , with the iron content decreases, the magnetic properties continue to decrease at x = 0.03, increase first and then decrease at x = 0.1, and keep improving at x = 0.2. It is of reference significance to change the magnetic properties of strontium ferrites by adjusting the relationship between rare earth doping concentration and iron content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface modification of SS-316L using an organic and inorganic hybrid coating of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) is being conducted in the current investigation with crosslinking agent 3-aminopropyl tri-ethoxy silane (APTES). The solvent-gel method and dip coating with varying amount of SiO2 (i.e. 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.%) is used for surface modification. On the coated surface, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at 1000–1250 cm−1 reveals the crosslinking of silicon and PMMA. The coatings formed on SS-316L are homogenous, transparent, and free of defects and voids when seen macroscopically. A good crystallinity and presence of coated material can be seen from the X-ray diffraction and microstructure analysis of coated surface. The PMMA coating with 1.5 wt.% SiO2 has the most apatite crystals deposited on surface as observed with 7 days of immersion on simulated body fluid (SBF). These findings provide a solid link that coating SS-316L with SiO2 promotes bone bioactivity, and the PMMA+1.5 wt.% SiO2 coating can be employed on implants. The results of this study suggest a sustainable coating solution for improved bioactivity in medical applications and surgical instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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, Cu2O nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel technique and subsequently functionalized with extracts from plants of the Rauvolfioideae subfamily and citrus fruits. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, and TEM, were employed to evaluate the structural and surface properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that both functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles exhibit mesoporous structures, as confirmed by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and the pore size distribution analysis. The green extract functionalized nanoparticles displayed a more uniform pore size distribution compared to those functionalized with the orange extract. The study underscores the potential of these functionalized Cu2O nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, catalysis, and adsorption processes, highlighting the influence of the functionalization method on their textural properties and performance in antibacterial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review covers the basics of, inorganic-polymer composite electrolyte materials that combine inorganic components with polymer matrices to enhance the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the electrolyte. These composite electrolytes are commonly employed in solid-state batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and other electrochemical devices. The incorporation of inorganic components, such as ceramic nanoparticles or metal oxides, into a polymer matrix provides several advantages. The inorganic components can improve the overall ionic conductivity by providing pathways for ion transport, reducing the tortuosity of the polymer matrix, and facilitating ion hopping between polymer chains. Additionally, inorganic materials often exhibit higher thermal and chemical stability compared to pure polymers, which can enhance the safety and durability of composite electrolytes. Polymer matrices used in inorganic-polymer composite electrolytes can vary, but common choices include polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide (PEO/PPO) blends. These polymers offer good mechanical flexibility and processability, allowing for the fabrication of thin films or membranes. The fabrication methods for inorganic-polymer composite electrolytes depend on the specific application and desired properties. Common approaches include solution casting, in situ polymerization, melt blending, and electrospinning. During the fabrication process, the inorganic components are typically dispersed or mixed with the polymer matrix, and the resulting composite is processed into the desired form, such as films, membranes, or coatings. The performance of inorganic-polymer composite electrolytes is evaluated based on their ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, electrochemical stability, and compatibility with the electrode materials. Researchers continue to explore various combinations of inorganic and polymer components, as well as optimization strategies, to further improve the overall performance of these composite electrolytes for advanced energy storage and conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of varying calcination temperatures on the properties of Ni0.4Cu0.4Cd0.2Fe2O4 spinel ferrites. As confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements, the compound calcined at 950°C exhibits a larger average crystallite size and lattice constant than the sample calcined at 850°C. The electrical conductivity study demonstrated semiconductor behavior for both samples, following the non-overlapping small polaron tunneling (NSPT) model for conduction. The samples showed high electrical resistivity and decreased activation energy (Ea) from 0.33 eV (at 850°C) to 0.31 eV (at 950°C), suggesting that they could be used in microwave absorption devices. The optical measurements reveal that the samples present direct optical transitions with an estimated optical bandgap energy (Eg) of 2.61 eV at 850°C and 2.39 eV at 950°C. Analyzing the refractive index change provided the Cauchy parameters, while the Wemple–DiDomenico relationship provided the dispersion energy parameters. Other optical characteristics, like the extinction coefficient, penetration depth, dielectric constants, and optical conductivity, were also thoroughly examined. These optical characteristics offered insightful information about the synthesized samples' possible optoelectronic uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials were synthesized using the sol-gel method with different fuels: citric acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid and glucose monohydrate. The effects of organic fuel type and calcination temperature on the magnetic properties of zinc ferrite were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the process of zinc ferrite formation during the calcination of intermediate gel products, as well as to analyze the crystal structure and samples morphology. The formation of hematite and wurtzite secondary phases was confirmed for some materials, and the influence of heat treatment conditions on impurity formation was discussed. The particle size of zinc ferrite was 11–39 nm depending on the calcination temperature and selected fuel. According to data obtained using a vibrating sample magnetometer, the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles exhibited ferrimagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization values of 1.92–15.61 emu/g. Changing the fuel type and the calcination temperature makes it possible to obtain ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials with specific magnetic properties. Highlight: Nanosized ZnFe2O4 samples were obtained by the sol-gel method using four fuels. The formation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles has been experimentally confirmed The effect of fuel on phase composition of ZnFe2O4 was studied by X-ray diffraction Zinc ferrite nanomaterials exhibit ferrimagnetic behavior at room temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key factor affecting the energy storage performance of antiferroelectric materials is their electrical breakdown strength. Nanocomposition is one of the effective methods to improve the electrical breakdown strength of dielectric thin films. In this study, PbZrO3‒Al2O3 nanoparticle composite films were prepared by combining chemical solution deposition of PbZrO3 and vacuum evaporation deposition of Al, and the influence of size and distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) on electrical properties was investigated. The results show that the Al2O3 NPs are distributed in a layered form on the PZO matrix, and their distribution can be controlled by changing the thickness of PZO coatings. As the coating thickness decreases and the coating interface increases, the distribution of Al2O3 NPs becomes more uniform, resulting in a significant increase in maximum polarization and electrical breakdown strength, and a decrease in leakage current density, thereby enhancing the energy storage performance of the PbZrO3-Al2O3 composite films. The results indicate that the regulation of the microstructure of dielectric composite films is of great significance for improving their energy storage performance. Highlights: PbZrO3‒Al2O3 nanoparticle composite films were prepared by combining chemical solution deposition of PbZrO3 and vacuum evaporation deposition of Al. The distribution of Al2O3 NPs can be controlled by changing the thickness of the PbZrO3 coating. The energy storage performance of the PbZrO3-Al2O3 composite films can be effectively improved by adjusting the distribution of Al2O3 NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were synthesized using the solution-gelation (sol-gel) technique. For comparison, US Research Nanomaterials, Inc has supplied MgO with very high purity and used without further purification. Both nanoparticles were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis for structural investigation. The XRD measurements showed an incredibly crystalline cubic structure. Morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements to examine the nanoparticles’ size and shape. SEM analysis of the synthesized sample’s morphology revealed a flake-like shape, while a spherical-like structure was observed in the case of the commercial MgO. Using X-ray peak broadening analysis, the Scherrer method was used to assess the crystallite size. A substantial correlation was found between the Scherrer formula and the average particle size of the MgO-NPs, which was determined through SEM analysis. The energy gap calculations were ascertained by plotting the photon energy utilizing the Tauc equation with the measurements of UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Both nanoparticles were used against the bacterial activity of Streptococcus and Serratia bacteria. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles exhibited greater effectiveness against bacterial activity than commercial ones.

The development of thorium-based nuclear fuel is of significance for the long-term sustainable development of nuclear power. Among these, Th1−xPuxO2 stands as a highly promising nuclear fuel with proven applications in various reactor types. This study aims to explore the structural and qualitative characteristics of thorium-based mixed oxide (Th-MOX) fuel Th1−xPuxO2. With the substitution of Ce for Pu, the sol-gel method was employed to synthesize Th1−xCexO2 (x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1) at varying sintering temperatures (800, 1 000, 1 200, 1 400, 1 600 ℃). The morphology and structure of Th1−xCexO2 were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectrometer. The lattice constant and electronic density of state (DOS) of Th1−xCexO2 were calculated using the first-principles calculation software VASP based on density functional theory. The experimental findings demonstrate that the prepared Th1−xCexO2 material exhibits excellent properties in terms of density and particle uniformity. With the increase in sintering temperature, the results of density testing indicate that the material’s density exhibits a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing, ultimately reaching a maximum of 98.4% of the theoretical density. This phenomenon occurs due to as the sintering temperature increases, the diffusion process induces the migration of grain boundaries, enlarging the contact area between grains and reducing the presence of pores, thereby increasing the material density. However, further elevating the sintering temperature results in the formation of a liquid phase on the material surface, impeding the migration of grain boundaries. This leads to an expansion of gaps between particles, an increase in the number of pores, and ultimately a reduction in density. The XRD analysis reveals that variations in sintering temperature have a negligible effect on the lattice constant of Th1−xCexO2. Nevertheless, the grain size demonstrates a trend of initial enlargement followed by reduction as the sintering temperature increases, indicative of a migration-driven process. SEM images reveal a uniformly dense structure in samples sintered at 1 400 ℃. In comparison to CeO2 and ThO2, the Raman spectrum of Th1−xCexO2 (x=0.25, 0.50, 0.75) reveals an additional, relatively weaker peak at around 582 cm−1, suggesting the occurrence of oxygen vacancies within the lattice during the formation process of the mixed oxide. In addition, as the Th content increases in the mixed oxide, there is a reduction in grain size, an expansion of the bandgap, and a narrowing of the conduction band width, the differences in atomic radii contribute to an increase in the average bond length of the lattice constant, Th—O bond and Ce—O bond. The lattice constant of Th1−xCexO2, as determined through VASP calculations, closely match experimental value and follow Vegard’s law. The local DOS (LDOS) of Th and Ce atoms increases with the increase of the element content. Near 2.2 eV, the LDOS of Th atom is very low but Ce atom is very large due to the contribution of Ce 4f state electrons. This study offers a practical approach for the preparation of Th-MOX fuels.

To realize the practical application of solar photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis degradation of pollutants， the efficient， stable， and easily separable catalysts should be studied. Fe3O4@SiO2@mesoporous TiO2 （FST） composite photoelectrocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel and hydrothermal methods. The successful synthesis of nano FST was confirmed by characterization analysis. Fe3O4， SiO2， and TiO2 nanoparticles were coated layer by layer with a unique core-shell structure. The FST catalyst can be easily separated from the suspension under the applied magnetic field. The surface photocurrent response and impedance test results of FST show that its activity is significantly enhanced. The photoelectrocatalysis degradation of other organic pollutants under visible light is investigated using the synthesized FST， the 90 min photoelectrocatalysis degradation rates of methylene blue， rhodamine B， methyl orange， and amoxicillin are 98%， 95%， 92%， and 90%， respectively. The main active species capture experiments show that FST produces a large amount of h+ and ·OH through photoelectrocatalysis coupling， which degrades pollutants into CO2， H2O， and inorganic ions.

Abstract Herein, La@MxOy/TiO2 (M = V, Cr, Mn and Fe) composite catalysts were prepared based on the sol–gel method as an effective adsorbent and photocatalyst for the degradation of malachite green from an aqueous solution under UV–Vis light. Under experimental conditions, a maximum adsorption capacity of 57.10% for the malachite green dye was achieved with La@Fe2O3/TiO2. Moreover, this composite showed 78.62% photodegradation efficiency for malachite green. A quadratic model constructed using the response surface method showed that the maximum efficiency of photodegradation of malachite green can be achieved at pH 11 and a process time of 35 min.

In this study, the results of the investigation of the influence of Al atoms on the structural characteristics of ZnO films obtained by the sol-gel method are presented. It has been determined that the glass substrates consist of subcrystallites with dimensions of 28.6 nm, having cubic unit cells with lattice parameters a = 0.3336 nm, and their surfaces belong to the crystallographic orientation (111). It has been identified that the grown thin ZnO films consist of subcrystallites with dimensions of 39.5 nm, having a wurtzite structure with lattice parameters a = b = 0.3265 nm and c = 0.5212 nm, respectively. It has been determined that at the boundaries of the division of these subcrystallites, polycrystalline regions with sizes of 12.6 nm, 28.3 nm, 30 nm, and 33 nm are formed. Additionally, nanocrystallites with sizes of 56.8 nm self-assemble on the surface areas of the deposited films. The increase in the values of the “c”axis of the hexagonal crystal lattice of ZnO films by 0.0009 nm when doping Al atoms from 1% to 5% is explained by the shift of the main structural line (002) at small angles (Δθ=0.12°). It has been established that nanocrystallites with lattice parameters аn = 0.5791 nm, belonging to the spatial group Fd3m, self-assemble on the surface areas of ZnO:Al films. the curve due to the presence of a monoenergetic level of fast surface states at the heterojunction.

The efficient and stable bifunctional catalytic material Ru+20%Cu@Ti is rapidly constructed on titanium substrate by the sol–gel method, and shows excellent durability with continuous electrolysis for more than 300h, and is stabled up to 64h at an industrial-grade current density of 0.5 A cm−2 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 or 5.0 M NaCl. [Display omitted] • Highly efficient Ru-Cu/Ti-based catalysts are prepared via sol–gel method for 2 h; • Ru + 20 %Cu@Ti electrode for CER and OER achieves outstanding catalytic in neutral electrolyte and seawater; • Large area Ru-20 %Cu@Ti (8.0 cm * 15.0 cm) catalysis at 0.5 A cm−2 durable for more than 64h; • This non-precious electrode facilitates a wider range of industrial applications. The development of cost-effective and corrosion-resistant catalytic electrodes for chlorine/oxygen evolution reaction (CER/OER) in large-scale industrial applications is a significant challenge. Herein, the sol–gel method is employed to achieve a uniform coating of ruthenium (Ru) doping copper (Cu) on titanium sheet (Ru + 20 %Cu@Ti), and the highly efficient industrial grade stable Ti dimensional stable anode can be quickly constructed at 723.15 K for 2 h. Cu doping reduces the vacancy formation energy of surface oxygen, promotes additional lattice oxygen vacancy assisted hydrolysis dissociation pathway, improves the selectivity and specific activity of CER at high concentration doping, and reduces the binding energy of OER intermediates (e.g., *OH, *O, and *OOH) at adjacent Ru active sites. The overpotentials require to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 for CER and OER were only 365 mV and 232 mV at the conditions of 5.0 M NaCl (pH = 7.0) and 1.0 M KOH + 0.5 M NaCl. More importantly, Ru + 20 %Cu@Ti demonstrates excellent stability, operates continuously for over 340h at industrial current density in neutral and alkaline electrolytes, and its strengthening life reaches 64 h, with ultra-low performance attenuation. Impressively, the designed applied electrode (8.0 cm ✕ 15.0 cm) achieves long-term CER at 0.2–0.3 A cm−2. Further industrial grade evaluation of CER shows that its chlorine extraction polarizability, enhances life and weight loss meet the requirements of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of integrated circuits, TiO 2 -based colossal dielectric constant ceramics have been widely studied as a critical alternative material in MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors). However, the preparation technique is primarily based on the traditional solid-phase reaction method. In this work, (In 0.5 V 0.5) 0.1 Ti 0.9 O 2 , (In 0.5 Nb 0.5) 0.1 Ti 0.9 O 2 , and (In 0.5 Ta 0.5) 0.1 Ti 0.9 O 2 (abbreviated as IVTO, INTO, and ITTO) ceramics were prepared by a sol-gel method. In comparison, Nb5+ (r = 0.64 Å) and Ta5+ (r = 0.65 Å) have close ionic radii, which are more susceptible to Ti4+ (r = 0.745 Å) sites substitution than V5+ of a small ionic radius (r = 0.54 Å), effectively facilitating the carrier concentration. Meanwhile, the Ta5+ has another advantage in refining the ceramic grain size to further improve grain boundary resistance. The ITTO ceramics show a colossal dielectric constant of 9.3 × 104, low dielectric loss of 0.07 (1 kHz, room temperature), and stable temperature application range for X9F (−55 °C–200 °C，Δε r /ε 25 °C ≤ ±7.5 %). The dielectric mechanism is related to the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effect. Thus, this work as a novel strategy provides an effective mean for further development of future colossal dielectric constant materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the estimated stress, strain, and crystallite sizes of different Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles were calculated using the Williamson-Hall method and compared with the values obtained from the Debye-Scherrer formula. Moreover, defects, and magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles at different concentrations were investigated. The sol-gel method was used to synthesize nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis results confirm that the desired structure is formed and that no secondary phase is present up to an Mn concentration of x = 0.2. In and out of plane lattice parameters, cell volumes, bond length, atomic locality, and dislocation density (δ) were clarified. The grain size of the concentration-dependent samples was provided by scanning electron microscope. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited ultraviolet emission along with a broad band encompassing violet, blue, and red regions, attributed to defect-related and excitonic emissions. These emissions were notably influenced by synthesis conditions and doping elements and ratios. Electron spin resonance properties of the concentration-dependent samples were analyzed to figure out the g-factor through line widths of pike-to-pike (ΔHPP) of ESR spectra. Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited ferromagnetism at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LCMO), with its high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and large magnetoresistance (MR) effect, has emerged as a leading material in the field of new multi-functional ceramics. Enhancing the magnetoresistive effect of LCMO in low magnetic field and expanding its application range is one of the main research goals of this kind of materials. In this work, La 0.7- x Sm x Ca 0.3 MnO 3 (LSCMO) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.09) ceramic targets with different doping amounts were successfully prepared by sol-gel method, and the influence mechanism of Sm3+ doping on the magnetoresistive effect and electrical transport performance of LSCMO was systematically analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the lattice parameters (a,b,c,V) of LSCMO decreased slightly, indicating that the doping amount of Sm3+ at the A-site increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the grains were closely connected without obvious pores, the grain size decreased slightly. The ρ -T curve shows an obvious metal-insulator (M − I) transition, with the increase of Sm3+, the increase of resistivity, metal-insulator transition temperature (T MI) and ferromagnetic-paramagnetic (FM-PM) transition temperature (T C) move towards low temperature. When x = 0.015, the peak value of TCR reaches 41.94 %·K−1, and when x = 0.06, the peak value of MR reaches 80.25 %, both TCR and MR are improved. The results show that: Sm3+ doping can effectively enhance the electromagnetic transport performance of LSCMO. This material has a very wide application prospect in the fields of magnetic storage, and infrared detection. [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]

Corrosion protection of metals is essential for a wide range of technological applications, and coating metal surfaces with protective materials is a commonly employed method to achieve this. Among these, TiO 2 coatings are extensively used due to their excellent photocatalytic properties, their applications in sensing and solar cells, and enhancing the corrosion and wear resistance of metal surfaces. Recent advancements have focused on the incorporation of carbide particles, such as B 4 C, to further improve the performance of TiO 2 coatings. In this study, TiO 2 coatings containing 0–3.25 wt% B 4 C were applied to a 316 L stainless steel substrates using the sol-gel method. The coatings were characterized by XRD and SEM-EDS analyses, and their wear and corrosion properties were evaluated using ball-on-disc wear tests and corrosion tests in NaCl solutions. The results demonstrated that lower concentrations of B 4 C led to improved wear resistance, likely due to the formation of a durable tribolayer, while higher concentrations reduced the wear resistance, attributed to increased oxidation and the formation of brittle phases. Corrosion resistance was enhanced in coatings containing 0.25 wt% and 1.25 wt% B 4 C, which can be attributed to the formation of protective B 2 O 3 phases. However, at higher B 4 C concentrations, the corrosion rate increased, primarily due to the presence of cracks in the coating structure. Overall, the addition of 0.25 wt% B 4 C to the TiO 2 coating significantly improved wear and corrosion resistance, indicating its potential as an effective additive for protective coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface modification of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 cathode material is carried out by heat treatment of the mixtures of Mn0.75Ni0.25C2O4 and (NH4)2SO4 absorbed on the surface of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material. The structural analysis by XRD, XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that Li2SO4 and metal oxides exist in the coating layer. The loading of coating layer and the calcination temperature play a crucial role in the initial Coulomb efficiency and cyclic stability of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 cathode material. Compared with the pristine and metal oxide-coated sample, modified Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with Li2SO4 coating exhibits higher first discharge specific capacity (233 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and longer cyclic stability (retention of 94.7% at 1 A g−1). The enhancement of the electrochemical performance can be attributed to the increased reversibility Mn3+/Mn4+ redox reaction and the reduced irreversible migration of transition metal ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel approach to fabricate self-cleaning, superhydrophobic coatings on glass surfaces and photovoltaic cells. Using a cost-effective spray-coating technique, superhydrophobic glass surfaces were developed incorporating modified SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized via a simple sol–gel method. Silylating agents, Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOS), were used for the modification, resulting in enhanced surface roughness and hydrophobicity. The study extensively characterizes the analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. Modified NPs with PFOS showed a significant improvement in hydrophobic properties, with water contact angles of 144.73° and sliding angles of 5°. The stability of these surfaces under various pH conditions was also evaluated. This research contributes valuable insights into the development of self-cleaning coatings for glass and photovoltaic cells, demonstrating the potential of superhydrophobic surfaces in practical applications. Highlights: Cost-effective superhydrophobic coatings: A scalable and cost-effective spray-coating method was developed using modified SiO₂ nanoparticles, PFOS, and PDMS to create superhydrophobic surfaces on glass. Significant water repellency: The coatings achieved an impressive water contact angle of 144.73° and a sliding angle of 5°, demonstrating excellent hydrophobic properties close to the superhydrophobic benchmark. Enhanced surface roughness: The dual-phase modification process, involving SiO₂ nanoparticles and PFOS, significantly increased surface roughness, a key factor for maximizing hydrophobicity. Chemical durability: The superhydrophobic coatings exhibited excellent durability, maintaining their properties under various pH conditions, including acidic, neutral, and basic environments. Simple and scalable process: The method used for developing these coatings is both simple and scalable, offering a practical approach for producing durable superhydrophobic surfaces suitable for various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO-Al2O3 nanocomposites prepared with Al2O3 content of 10, 20 and 30 atomic ratios were synthetized via Sol–gel method and then calcined for 2 h at different temperature 450, 700 and 900 °C. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the powder as-synthetized are investigated. Photocatalytic activity was assessed using methylene blue degradation. In the present work, the high purity of the nanoparticles was confirmed by EDS spectra. The XRD results show that ZnO powder has a wurtzite structure. The aluminum in composite powders leads to the appearance of the ZnAl2O4 spinel phase and it shows that this phase is appeared in the ZnO-30% at Al (Z30A) nanocomposite from an annealing temperature 450 °C as well as increasing the annealing temperature reduces the crystallite size. The flower-like morphology was well defined in these nanocomposites with an average size in the nanometer range. Photoluminescence reveals the incorporation of aluminum into the as-synthetized nanocomposites compared with XRD results.The optical absorption spectra have been presented the relationship between the band gap, particle size, annealing temperature, Al concentration and Urbach energy. Our result suggests that the annealing temperature 700 °C can be considered as an order-disorder transition temperature. The photo-catalytic application of pure ZnO and their composites nanoparticles shows that the best photocatalytic activity is obtained for the Z30A nanocomposite in the presence of MB dye, under UV light. This sample has the smallest crystal size and a high content of the ZnAl2O4 phase. A small particle size ensures high photoactivity. Highlights: We synthesized pure ZnO and ZnO-Al2O3 nanoparticles using the sol–gel method due to its simplicity. The emergence of the ZnAl2O4 spinel phase in ZnO-Al2O3 nanocomposites results from heat treatment and aluminum content. ZnO-30% Al2O3 nanocomposites, containing a high proportion of the spinel phase, demonstrate the best structural, optical, and morphological properties, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When it comes to owning pets, pet odor is a major concern for many individuals. Ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are the primary odor components that have negative effects on human life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a deodorizing material with high NH3 and H2S adsorption capacity. In this study, Resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogels containing amine groups (RF-Mx) were prepared using the sol-gel method and atmospheric pressure drying technique. Melamine was used as a modifier. The specific surface area of the modified aerogel was 119 m2/g with an average pore size of 12 nm when the melamine addition was 20%. The adsorption capacity of RF-M20 for odor was the highest (NH3: 593.8 mg/g, H2S: 640 mg/g), which was significantly superior to the unmodified sample. In addition, the adsorption capacity of RF-M20 for H2S exceeded that of commercial activated carbon. The results concluded that the introduction of amine groups and the higher microporous specific surface area benefited the chemical and physical adsorption of gases, effectively improving the adsorbent's capacity to capture NH3 and H2S. The preparation method is not only efficient in enhancing the odor adsorption capacity but also simple and cost-effective to operate, showing promising potential for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 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.

Increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a serious threat to global public health. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPS) synthesized using the sol-gel method. TiO2 NPS samples were prepared and characterized for morphology via field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 NPS against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and pathogenic fungus Aspergillus penicillioides. The results showed that TiO2 NPS effectively inhibited the growth of microorganisms, with significant inhibition zones especially against fungi. The antimicrobial mechanism of TiO2 NPS involves the formation of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions that damage the cell membrane of microorganisms. The implications of this study are the development of potential antimicrobial nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications, as well as the importance of considering the physical and chemical properties of TiO2 NPS in designing effective infection treatment strategies.