Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) extract and its photovoltaic application

With an increasing awareness of green and clean energy, zinc oxide-based solar cells were found to be suitable candidates for cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy conversion devices. In this paper, we have reported the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) by thermal method and under microwave irradiation using the aqueous extract of tomatoes as non-toxic and ecofriendly reducing material. The synthesised ZnONPs were characterised by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), infra-red spectroscopy, particle size analyser, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction study (XRD). A series of ZnO nanocomposites with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared for photovoltaic application. Structural and morphological studies of these nanocomposites were carried out using UV–vis, SEM, XRD and AFM. The current–voltage measurements of the nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced power conversion efficiency of 6.18% in case of ZnO/GO/ TiO₂ nanocomposite.     

Preparation and characterization of γ-Fe2O3/ZnO composite particles

γ-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composite particles were prepared via a simple solution method using surface-modified γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles as seeds. The phases and purity of the as-prepared γ-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composite particles were characterized by XRD analysis, and the morphology was studied by SEM, which showed that the γ-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites are of typical sphere-like morphology with diameters in the range of 300-400 nm. The γ-Fe₂O₃/ZnO composites exhibit magnetic response to an external magnet field and efficient characteristic emissions of ZnO under UV excitation, respectively, indicating that these nontoxic, emissive and magnetic nanoparticles may find use as chemical/biological sensors especially in areas that directly impact human health.     

Metal oxide blended ZSM-5 nanocomposites as ethanol sensors

Nano-ZSM-5 is synthesized without organic template via microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The synthesized nano-ZSM-5 zeolite is blended with metal oxides (ZnO and TiO₂) to have novel composites as ethanol sensors. The composites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. A study on ethanol sensing behaviour of metal oxide blended composite screen-printed thick films is carried out and the effect of metal oxide concentration on various ethanol sensing features, specifically operating temperature, response/recovery time and active region of the sensor, are investigated. XRD and FTIR confirm the blending of metal oxides in ZSM-5 matrix. Both, ZnO and TiO₂ blended, composite films are sensitive to ethanol. It can be concluded that metal oxide blending improves the preformance of sensor for ethanol detection. The response/recovery time and active sensing regions depend upon the concentration of metal oxide in host zeolite. The ZnO/ZSM-5 and TiO₂/ZSM-5 composite films are the excellent ethanol sensors.     

Facile fabrication of functionalized graphene sheets (FGS)/ZnO nanocomposites with photocatalytic property

Functionalized graphene sheets (FGS)/ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated via thermal treatment method, using graphene oxide as a precursor of graphene, Zn(NH(3))(4)CO(3) as a precursor of zinc oxide, and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) as an intermediate to combine zinc with carbon materials. Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize crystal structure and morphology of FGS/ZnO nanocomposites. It was shown that the well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles were deposited on FGS homogeneously. The composites exhibited photocatalytic activity to decompose rhodamine 6G efficiently under low-power ultraviolet (UV) light. This facile and low-cost method makes the composite a perfect candidate in applications of catalysis and other areas.     

High quality ZnO/CuO nanocomposites synthesized by microwave assisted reaction

Highly crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite powders have been synthesized by a facile microwave irradiation method. The resulting powders were characterized in terms of structural, optical and morphological properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. XRD patterns revealed the formation of ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with good crystalline quality. SEM images displayed the formation of hexagonal ZnO and flower shaped agglomeration of ZnO/CuO nano-flakes with uniform production. The strong UV emission peak observed at around 380 nm show enhanced intensity for ZnO/CuO nanocomposite. Compared to ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO/CuO composites exhibit good transparency with sharp absorbance edges. The simplicity of synthesis route coupled with better optical and PL emission properties propose the microwave synthesized ZnO/CuO nanocomposite powders a promising material for optoelectronic devices.     

The properties of ethanol gas sensor based on Ti doped ZnO nanotetrapods

An ethanol gas sensor was fabricated based on Ti doped ZnO nanotetrapods which were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ZnO nanotetrapods followed by co-annealing with TiO₂ powder. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the as-obtained sample and the ethanol-sensing characteristics of the device were investigated. ZnO:Ti sensors show higher gas response than ZnO counterparts towards 100 ppm ethanol gas at a temperature of 260 °C. The recovery times of the devices are 3.1 min for ZnO:Ti and 10.1 min for ZnO, respectively. The enhancement of sensing properties of ZnO:Ti tetrapods indicates the potential application for fabricating low power and highly sensitive gas sensors.     

MWCNTs/多孔ZnO纳米材料的制备及室温NO气敏性研究

为开发室温气敏传感器材料,以Zn(NO3)2.6H2O为锌源、尿素为沉淀剂,在制备水合碱式碳酸锌(Zn4CO3(OH)6.H2O)的过程中加入羧基化的MWCNTs(MWCNT-COOH),焙烧制备了MWCNTs/ZnO复合材料.采用XRD,SEM和TEM等对其进行了分析.结果表明:复合材料中MWCNTs分散均匀,ZnO呈多孔纳米片状,纳米片由多个尺寸在10～20 nm的ZnO颗粒组成;在室温、空气湿度为50%的氛围中测试复合材料对NO的气敏响应发现,复合材料对体积浓度1×10-4的NO气敏响应灵敏度大约是MWCNT-COOH的3倍,明显高于MWCNT-COOH;对比加入不同量MWCNT-COOH制备的3种复合材料对NO的气敏性可知,加入200 mg MWCNT-COOH所制备的复合材料对低浓度(体积浓度≤50×10-6)的NO气体表现出较高的灵敏度.     

Low Temperature Solution Synthesis and Microwave Absorption Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Fe3O4 Composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were synthesized via a simple low temperature solution method. The phase structures and morphologies of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the Fe₃O₄ spheres of about 150 nm were linked with MWCNTs. The microwave absorption properties of the MWCNTs/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were measured by vector network analysis (VNA). A wide region of microwave absorption was achieved due to dual magnetic and dielectric losses. When the matching thickness is 2 mm, the reflection loss (RL) of the sample exceeding ?10 dB was obtained at the frequency range of 9.9–12.4 GHz, with an optimal RL of ?29.8 dB at 11.04 GHz. A possible mechanism of the improved microwave absorption properties of the composites was discussed.     

微波多元醇法制备单分散Ni1-xZnxFe2O4/MWCNTs与磁性能

以多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)为模板,三乙二醇(TREG)为溶剂,采用微波多元醇法制备MWC-NTs负载组成可控的Ni1-xZnxFe2O4(x=0.4、0.5、0.6)纳米复合材料Ni1-xZnxFe2O4/MWCNTs。其结构和形貌通过XRD、SEM、TEM和EDX进行表征,用VSM测试样品的磁性,并探讨了微波功率、微波时间对镍锌铁氧体负载的影响。结果表明立方系尖晶石结构的单分散Ni1-xZnxFe2O4磁性纳米粒子均匀负载在碳纳米管表面,平均粒径约为6nm;其磁性能与镍锌铁氧体的组成有关,随着Zn含量的增加,饱和磁化强度(Ms)先增大后减小,当x=0.5时Ms达到最大值。矫顽力(Hc)都比较小,在室温下表现为超顺磁性。     

CuO nanoparticle decorated ZnO nanorod sensor for low-temperature H2S detection

CuO nanoparticle decorated porous ZnO nanorods were synthesized via a two-stage solution process. First, porous ZnO nanorods were fabricated by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. Afterward, the porous ZnO nanorods were used as supports to load CuO nanoparticles by a non-aqueous solution method. The morphology and structure of the prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To demonstrate the practical application of the synthesized heterostructured porous CuO/ZnO nanorod hybrid, the sensing properties for H₂S at low operating temperatures were investigated. The high sensitivity, reversible response and good selectivity indicated its potential application as a chemical sensor.     

Single-step synthesis of MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite using co-chemical vapor deposition method

Single-step synthesis of MWCNT and ZnO nanocomposite was conducted by co-chemical vapor deposition method. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the fabricated nanostructures consisted of MWCNTs with a diameter of 60-70 nm which were coated with ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 20-30 nm. The growth of ZnO nanoparticles took place after the formation of MWCNTs. EDS and XRD analyses could confirm the high crystallinity of ZnO deposited on the MWCNT surface. In comparison with pristine MWCNTs and ZnO nanoparticles, the UV absorption of MWCNT/ZnO nanocomposite was changed through modification with ZnO nanoparticles.     

Plasmonic effect and bandgap tailoring of Ag/Ag2S doped on ZnO nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis

Ag/Ag₂S-ZnO nanocomposites were prepared via a simple hydrothermal process followed by a plasmonic Ag⁺ reduction through a photo-deposition method. Ag₂S was introduced to narrow the overall composite bandgap and activate the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of the Ag⁺ cation present. The physicochemical properties of the as-synthesised catalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence emission spectra (PL) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to investigate the photo-absorption and emission spectra of the nanocomposites. The degradation efficiency of all the synthesised catalysts (ZnO, Ag₂S, Ag/ZnO and Ag₂S/ZnO) prior to the final product, Ag/Ag₂S/ZnO was tested and compared. Results showed that the ternary Ag/Ag2S/ZnO achieved a 98 % phenol removal compared to 50 %, 11 %, 64 % and 93 % for ZnO, Ag2S, Ag/ZnO and binary Ag2S/ZnO, respectively. The degradation kinetics followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, which typically describes heterogeneous photocatalytic surface reactions. The linear fits had R² values higher than 0.97, which confirms the degree of accuracy or statistical fitness to the kinetic model. Degradation scavenger test confirmed the holes (h⁺) as the main inhibitor and identified the superoxide O₂?¯ radical as the main active specie responsible for the degradation. Total organic carbon analysis using the ternary Ag/Ag₂S-ZnO catalyst only achieved a 74% phenol mineralization after 24 h of photocatalysis. Recyclability tests showed good phenol removal stability of Ag/Ag₂S-ZnO at 41 % after five recycle runs. Hence, a synergistic degradation mechanism responsible for the efficient photo-degradation performance was proposed.     

MWCNT-polymer composites as highly sensitive and selective room temperature gas sensors

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-polymer composite-based hybrid sensors were fabricated and integrated into a resistive sensor design for gas sensing applications. Thin films of MWCNTs were grown onto Si/SiO(2) substrates via xylene pyrolysis using the chemical vapor deposition technique. Polymers like PEDOT:PSS and polyaniline (PANI) mixed with various solvents like DMSO, DMF, 2-propanol and ethylene glycol were used to synthesize the composite films. These sensors exhibited excellent response and selectivity at room temperature when exposed to low concentrations (100 ppm) of analyte gases like NH(3) and NO(2). The effect of various solvents on the sensor response imparting selectivity to CNT-polymer nanocomposites was investigated extensively. Sensitivities as high as 28% were observed for an MWCNT-PEDOT:PSS composite sensor when exposed to 100 ppm of NH(3) and - 29.8% sensitivity for an MWCNT-PANI composite sensor to 100 ppm of NO(2) when DMSO was used as a solvent. Additionally, the sensors exhibited good reversibility.     

The influence of zinc oxide–cerium oxide nanoparticles on the structural characteristics and electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol films

With the objective to investigate the influence of zinc oxide–cerium oxide (ZnO–Ce₂O₃) nanoparticles on the electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanocomposite films were prepared by solution intercalation method with different weight percentage viz., 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0?wt% of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles on the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), electric modulus (M′ and M″), ac conductivity (σ _ac), and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) over a range of frequencies at room temperature of PVA nanocomposites have been studied. FT-IR, XRD, and DSC analysis indicates the nature of ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanoparticles interaction with the PVA matrix. The morphological behavior of the nanocomposites has been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dielectric behaviors such as dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″) increases with increase in nanoparticle concentration, but decreases with increase in frequency. But, the electric modulus (M′) increases with increase in frequency. Dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) decreases with increase in filler content at lower frequency, but at higher frequencies the tan δ increases with increase in nanoparticles content. AC conductivity (σ _ac) of PVA/ZnO–Ce₂O₃ nanocomposites increases with increasing frequency following the universal dielectric response law.     

Mechanical performance of epoxy matrix hybrid nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds

A novel class of epoxy matrix hybrid nanocomposites has been developed containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanodiamonds (NDs) to explore the combined effect of nanoreinforcements on the mechanical performance of nanocomposites. Both the nanofillers were functionalized before incorporating into epoxy matrix to promote interfacial interactions. The concentrations of both MWCNTs and NDs in the nanocomposites were increased systematically, i.e. 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% and 0.2 wt.% while composites containing individual nanoreinforcements were also manufactured for comparison. The developed nanocomposites were characterized microstructurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanically by tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests. Homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs and NDs was observed under SEM, which resulted in the enhancement of mechanical properties of nanocomposites. The composites containing 0.2 wt.% MWCNTs and 0.2 wt.% NDs showed 50% increase in hardness while tensile strength and modulus enhanced to 70% and 84%, respectively. Flexural strength and modulus also showed a rise of 104% and 56%, respectively. Interestingly, fracture strain also increased in both the tensile and flexural testing. The impact resistance increased to 161% showing a significant improvement in the toughness of hybrid nanocomposites.     

Synthesis of ZnO/Fe3 O4 /rGO nanocomposites and evaluation of antibacterial activities towards E. coli and S. aureus

Antibacterial activity of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs) has received wide spread attention in biomedical applications. In this direction, the authors prepared zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe₃ O₄), and their composite including reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by hydrothermal method. The structural and microstructural properties of the synthesised NPs and NCs were investigated by XRD, FT‐IR, UV‐Vis, TGA, and TEM analysis. PEG‐coated ZnO and Fe₃ O₄ form in hexagonal wurtzite and inverse spinel structures, respectively. ZnO forms in rod‐shaped (aspect ratio of ∼3) morphology, whereas well‐dispersed spherical‐shaped morphology of ∼10 nm is observed in Fe₃ O₄ NPs. The ZnO/Fe₃ O₄ composite possesses a homogeneous distribution of above two phases and shows a very good colloidal stability in aqueous solvent. These synthesised particles exhibited varying antibacterial activity against gram‐positive strain Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative strain Escherichia coli (E. coli). The nanocomposite exhibits a better cidal effect on E. coli when compared to S. aureus when treated with 1 mg/ml concentration. Further, the addition of rGO has intensified the anti‐bacterial effect to a much higher extent due to synergistic influence of individual components.Inspec keywords: colloids, visible spectra, II‐VI semiconductors, thermal analysis, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticles, biomedical materials, wide band gap semiconductors, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectra, antibacterial activity, nanocomposites, zinc compounds, nanobiotechnology, Fourier transform infrared spectra, graphene compounds, iron compounds, crystal growth from solution, crystal morphologyOther keywords: antibacterial activity, E. coli, biomedical applications, iron oxide, hydrothermal method, structural properties, microstructural properties, PEG‐coated ZnO, hexagonal wurtzite, inverse spinel structures, gram‐positive strain Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, gram‐negative strain Escherichia coli, nanocomposites, nanoparticles, XRD, FTIR spectra, UV‐vis spectra, TGA, TEM, rod‐shaped morphology, spherical‐shaped morphology, colloidal stability, cidal effect, ZnO‐Fe₃ O₄ ‐CO     

均匀沉淀法制备碳纳米管/氧化锌复合材料的研究

采用均匀沉淀法制备了碳纳米管(CNTs)负栽氧化锌(ZnO)粒子复合材料,并利用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X光衍射分析(XRD)以及热失重分析(TGA)手段对复合粒子进行了表征.研究结果表明:锌离子浓度取0.4mol/L至1.0mol/L时,所得复合材料中的氧化锌粒子大小均匀细小,分散性较好,形貌以粒状为主,大小在40nm左右;纳米氧化锌粒子与碳纳米管结合力较强,CNTs/ZnO复合材料在超声作用下能够稳定存在;反应时间越长,氧化锌粒子含量越高,晶粒越大;热解温度越高,热解时间越长,氧化锌晶粒尺寸越大.     

Preparation and characterizations of polyaniline (PANI)/ZnO nanocomposites film using solution casting method

Polyaniline (PANI)-ZnO nanoparticles composites film has been successfully fabricated by solution casting technique on glass substrate in which ZnO nanopowder was prepared via auto combustion method and used as inorganic materials. The as-grown nanocomposites film has been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for their structural and morphological characterizations. X-ray diffraction studies of as-grown film showed the reflection of ZnO nanoparticles along with a broad peak of PANI. The AFM study of the film shows the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into the polymer matrix which was further supported by roughness measurement. TEM images showed that the size of ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites increase from ~ 35 nm to ~ 45 nm, indicating the interaction of nanoparticles with PANI molecular chains. FTIR spectra showed a band at 501 cm⁻¹ due to ZnO nanoparticles while the hydrogen bonding between the amine group of PANI and ZnO nanoparticles had been confirmed from the presence of the absorption band at 1148 cm⁻¹.     

Optical properties of Ag doped ZnO nanocrystals prepared by hydrothermal and photodeposition method

Ag/ZnO nanocomposites have been synthesized by facile hydrothermal and photodeposition method. The effect of different concentration of Ag on the luminous intensity of ZnO was studied. The morphology, structure and optical properties of Ag/ZnO were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL), respectively. The XRD patterns show that intensities of diffraction peaks of Ag/ZnO were enhanced. The weak diffraction peak at 38.28° can be assigned to Ag₂O when the concentration of Ag increased to 0.09 M. PL results demonstrate that the UV luminous intensity of ZnO was significantly influenced by the concentration of Ag. The UV luminous intensity of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites increased by 11 times as compared with undoped ZnO when the concentration of Ag was 0.03 M due to the local surface plasma resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles.     

Facile synthesis of Ag nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs with favorable stability and their bactericidal properties

Stable Ag nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been successfully synthesized by calcinations of the complexes of Ag cation and acid-treated MWCNTs under sparging N(2). The nanocomposites are characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The results indicate that Ag nanoparticles are relatively homogeneously dispersed on the surface of MWCNTs. The bactericidal properties of Ag/MWCNT nanocomposites are investigated with disk diffusion assay on the suspension samples inoculated with Escherichia coli. The results show that Ag/MWCNTs-500 nanocomposites possess excellent bactericidal property because of their suitable particle size (15 nm). Moreover, Ag nanoparticles supported on MWCNTs are very stable for half a year. What is more, the bactericidal effect was enhanced obviously under solar irradiation. This is because MWCNTs can absorb near-infrared light to kill parts of bacteria. A possible formation mechanism is also proposed in this article.