Chemical exfoliation of pure graphene sheets from synthesized ZnO–graphene quasi core–shell quantum dots

We report on a novel, simple and easy method to produce graphene layers using chemically synthesized ZnO–graphene quasi core–shell quantum dots. Initially, graphite powder was partially oxidized by acid treatment of graphite powder, which was then mixed with zinc acetate dihydrate in a dimethyl formamide solution. During this process, graphene sheets were detached from the graphite oxide layers through a layer-by-layer chemical peel-off and then partially covered from ZnO quantum dots which formed in the dimethyl formamide solution. Therefore, the ZnO–graphene quantum dots were dissolved in hydrochloric acid solution and then pure graphene layers were extracted from solution. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of obtained graphene layers were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy instrument.     

A novel template-free wet chemical synthesis method for economical production of zinc oxide microrods under atmospheric pressure

This work reports a template-free wet chemical synthesis method for economical production of zinc oxide (ZnO) microrods by using an inexpensive polypropylene beaker as a reactor under atmospheric pressure. The morphology and crystal structure of the as-prepared ZnO microrods were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Ultraviolet–visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and methylene blue photocatalytic degradation test were also conducted to study their physical and chemical properties. The results show that the as-prepared ZnO microrods have a hexagonal crystal structure. Under the optimal synthesis condition, they have a diameter of 0.8–2.6 μm and a length of 10–40 μm. Compared with commercial ZnO powders, the as-prepared ZnO microrods have a higher whiteness. Meanwhile, the as-prepared ZnO microrods have very low photocatalytic activity, indicating that they have good photostability and are unlikely to cause the photodegradation of polymers such as binders. As a result, they will be an excellent and economical white pigment with great potential in coating applications.     

Phase changing stearate ions as active fillers in multifunctional carboxylated acrylonitrile–butadiene composite: Exploring the role of zinc stearate

A suitable polar additive-like zinc stearate (ZnSt) was incorporated in varied amounts to the mixture of carboxylated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber and zinc oxide in the pursuit to introduce smart traits in the composites. Zinc stearate is not reported to effectively crosslink carboxylated nitrile rubber as compared to ZnO but, by the virtue of its strong crystalline nature (solid particles), it enhances the mechanical properties like stress–strain, tear strength, hardness, and so forth of the rubber composites. Moreover, due to the melting nature of the ZnSt at a relatively higher temperature, an alteration of the mechanical behavior of the composite is observed. In addition to the mechanical adaptability, the sample is also found to offer shape memory properties. Initially, the specimens were deformed above the melting temperature (T_m) of ZnSt (∼121 °C) to create a temporary shape, and then they were fixed into that shape by quenching the material to a temperature much below T_m, keeping the stress constant. The permanent form was recovered when the specimens were reheated above T_m without applying any stress. The efficiency of shape fixing was used as the determinant of the shape memory behavior, and up to 90% efficiencies were achieved. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48271.     

Effect of zinc maleate/zinc oxide complex on thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride)

In this study, zinc maleate (ZnMA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) complex (ZnMA/ZnO) was prepared by two methods, namely, by the reaction of maleic acid (MAH) with excess ZnO in aqueous solution and by direct mixing of ZnMA and ZnO at 180°C. The chemical structure of the complex was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stabilizing effect of the complex on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was evaluated through static and dynamic stability methods. Compared to calcium and zinc soaps and ZnMA alone, the complex exhibited better thermal stabilizing effect on PVC. The stabilization mechanism was also investigated by ultraviolet–visible spectrometer, FTIR, TGA, and gel content analysis. The results indicated that the complex which involved the replacement of labile chlorine atoms hindered the formation of conjugated double bonds in PVC chains via Diels–Alder reaction, and ZnMA/ZnO complex also exhibited the ability to absorb hydrogen chloride. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41464.     

Screen printed novel ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposite thick films

Zinc oxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (ZnO/MWCNT) nanocomposites thick films were prepared via sol-gel screen printing procedure and followed by sintering at 550 °C. Thus, the prepared films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and Two-probe method. XRD analysis revealed (101) orientation for both ZnO and ZnO/MWCNT thick films with wurtzite structure. SEM studies confirmed the porous nature of ZnO film while ZnO/MWCNT films showed ZnO particles trapped in the porous MWCNT network and free from cracks. Reflectance spectroscopy showed direct transition with decreasing band gap whereas refractive index and absorption index showed appreciable variation within the band gap regime related to the change in crystallite size. FTIR profile approved the Zn–O stretching and presence of carboxylic CDC group. The PL spectrum of ZnO and ZnO/MWCNT thick films shows red shift and exhibits UV, blue and green emissions confirmed from CIE diagram. Raman spectrum shows that Raman phonons are shifted and dominated due to doping of MWCNT in ZnO matrix. Electrical properties were investigated using 2-probe method and showed a reduction in resistance on MWCNT incorporation. The novelty of current-work is the fabrication of ZnO/MWCNT through a low-cost screen printing process for the first time and the results exhibits that the bandgap of the deposited film is decreased, which in turn, play a significant role in enhancement of conductivity and colour emission for fabrication of low cost optoelectronics devices (LEDs) as compared with the pure ZnO film.     

无卤膨胀阻燃剂在低密度聚乙烯中的应用研究

以干法合成的P-N无卤膨胀阻燃剂(IFR)为基础,配合聚磷酸胺(APP)并且将金属氧化物(ZnO)作为协效剂阻燃改性低密度聚乙烯(PE-LD)。采用扫描电子显微镜对该体系燃烧后的炭层结构进行了分析。通过红外光谱和X射线光电子能谱研究了该体系在不同温度热处理后的残炭组成,并分析了该膨胀型阻燃体系对PE-LD的阻燃机理。结果表明,PE-LD/IFR/APP/ZnO体系的极限氧指数可以达到27.9%,垂直燃烧性能达到UL 94V-0级。     

Performance and antioxidant activity of phenol/phosphite antioxidants in synergistic blends in the thermal and photooxidation of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film: Influence of zinc stearate

The influence of zinc stearate (ZnSt) on the thermal and photochemical stabilities of phenolic antioxidant/phosphite combinations has been determined in HDPE by using FTIR analysis. The results show that while under thermal aging the effects are generally antagonistic, under photooxidation the effects are synergistic. The interactions appear to be dominated by the role of complex formation between the phosphites and ZnSt. Such interactions would remove the hydroperoxide effectiveness of the phosphite in thermal oxidation, while under light they could cause stabilization. Derivative UV and FTIR analysis on pre‐melt blends of the additives in solution shows evidence for strong complexation for the phosphite antioxidants. Other acid scavengers such as hydrotalcite and calcium stearate also appear to influence the behavior of phenolic antioxidants in thermal oxidation. The antagonistic effect of zinc stearate was also confirmed following a single pass in an extruder, where for all formulations there was a greater reduction in MFI associated with crosslinking.     

Synthesis of carbon–silica core–shell nanofibers from a dispersion of fluorinated carbon nanofibers in solvated polysiloxane

Carbon–silica core–shell fibers (which unusually consist of carbon nanofibers coated with silica) were synthesized using a two-step process. First, fluorination of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) allows their homogenous dispersion into a polysiloxane matrix. A longlife dispersion of nanofibers in solvated polysiloxane has been prepared. Second, the polysiloxane/fluorinated carbon was thermally treated in air until 700 °C. Defluorination and conversion of polysiloxane into silica occur and result in carbon–silica core–shell fibers. The thermal treatment of the polysiloxane/carbon and the resulting silica/carbon–silica core–shell nanostructures were investigated using solid state nuclear magnetic resonance using ¹⁹F, ¹³C ¹H, and ²⁹Si nuclei, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies.     

Glucose sensing,photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of graphene–ZnO nanoparticle hybrids

A simple and efficient approach was developed to uniformly decorate graphene nanosheets with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. A single source precursor, zinc benzoate dihydrazinate complex, has been used for the in situ generation of ZnO nanoparticles onto graphene at a relatively low temperature, 200 °C. Physico chemical analyses such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that ZnO nanoparticles were finely dispersed on the surface of graphene. ZnO–graphene hybrids were further characterized by Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and room-temperature photoluminescence. The materials exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity as evident from the degradation of methylene blue in ethanol under UV irradiation. An electrochemical glucose biosensor was fabricated by immobilization of glucose oxidase on the ZnO–graphene hybrids. This biosensor showed improved sensitivity towards glucose as compared to graphene. Also, the hybrids showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli, gram negative bacteria. This simple and economical preparation strategy may be extended for the preparation of other graphene-based hybrids.     

Highly Efficient Room Temperature Synthesis of Silver‐Doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO:Ag) Nanoparticles: Structural,Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties

Synthesis of silver‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ag) nanoparticles through precipitation method has been reported. The synthesis was conducted at room temperature and no subsequent thermal treatment was applied. ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Detailed crystallographic investigation was accomplished through Rietveld refinement. The effect of silver content on structural and optical properties of resultant ZnO nanoparticles has been reported. It was found that silver doping results in positional shifts for the XRD peaks and the absorption band edge of ZnO. These were attributed to the substitutional incorporation of Ag⁺ ions into Zn²⁺ sites within the ZnO crystal. In addition, higher silver incorporation resulted in smaller size for ZnO nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO:Ag nanoparticles was also determined by methylene orange (MO) degradation studies and compared to that of undoped ZnO. Improved photocatalytic activity was obtained for ZnO:Ag nanoparticles. It has been shown that an optimum amount of silver dopant is required to obtain maximum photocatalytic activity.     

Pb(core)/ZnO(shell) nanowires obtained by microwave-assisted method

In this study, Pb-filled ZnO nanowires [Pb(core)/ZnO(shell)] were synthesized by a simple and novel one-step vapor transport and condensation method by microwave-assisted decomposition of zinc ferrite. The synthesis was performed using a conventional oven at 1000 W and 5 min of treatment. After synthesis, a spongy white cotton-like material was obtained in the condensation zone of the reaction system. HRTEM analysis revealed that product consists of a Pb-(core) with (fcc) cubic structure that preferentially grows in the [111] direction and a hexagonal wurtzite ZnO-(Shell) that grows in the [001] direction. Nanowire length was more than 5 μm and a statistical analysis determined that the shell and core diameters were 21.00 ± 3.00 and 4.00 ± 1.00 nm, respectively. Experimental, structural details, and synthesis mechanism are discussed in this study.     

注射交联发泡成型超轻材料的研究

通过共混乙烯一乙酸乙烯酯共聚物(EVA)与马来酸酐接枝乙烯一丙烯酸酯的共聚物(Fusabond)，得到注射超轻发泡材料；考察了过氧化二异丙苯(DCP)、发泡剂(ACH)、氧化锌(ZnO)、硬脂酸(St)、硬脂酸锌(ZnSt)和填充剂(TA)对材料力学性能的影响。结果表明，当EVA用量为92份、Fusabond 8份、DCP 0．75份、ACH2．50份、St 0．40份、ZnSt 0．50份、ZnO 1．80份，且硫化温度为448K、交联发泡时间为320s时，材料的力学性能符合Adidas的标准，可用于生产Adidas运动鞋的中底。’     

ZnO纳米墙薄膜的低温水热制备及其性能研究

利用控制水解浸涂法在氧化铟锡(ITO)导电玻璃上制备籽晶层,进而通过低温水热法和热处理获得了独特的氧化锌(ZnO)纳米墙薄膜结构。通过X射线衍射谱(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、光电子能谱(EDS)、红外光谱(FTIR)、紫外-可见光谱(UV-Vis)和光致发光谱(PL)等对薄膜的形貌、组成和结构进行了分析表征。研究表明,ZnO纳米墙由20～100 nm厚的片层交织而成,在热处理前薄膜的组成为混合的ZnO、醋酸锌(ZnAc)和羟基醋酸锌(Zn-LHS),经500°C热处理脱除CO2、H2O等小分子后基本完全转变为ZnO,而原有层状交织纳米墙结构保留下来。室温PL谱显示薄膜在383 nm处有较强烈的紫外激发峰。结合晶体生长理论探讨了ZnO纳米墙薄膜的生长机制。     

Shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of pyridine on smooth silver electrodes

The invention of shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) extends the study of Raman spectroscopy into surface electrochemistry on the SERS-inactive smooth electrodes. This work aims to investigate the electrochemical system perturbation brought about by spreading Au–core silica–shell nanoparticles (Au@SiO₂ NPs) over the electrode surface for SHINERS. The differential capacitance measurements have shown SHINERS to cause the minimum of disturbance in the electrochemical system. The spectral features of SHINERS of pyridine adsorbed at smooth silver electrodes differs from that of SERS on the electrochemically roughened surface because pyridine interacts with silver much more strongly on the roughened electrode with many heterogeneous adsorption sites. Since most electrochemical data about surface adsorption are based on mechanically polished surface, the spectral information provided by the in situ SHINERS could be more reliable and better correlation.     

High styrene–rubber ionomers,an alternative to thermoplastic elastomers

High styrene rubber ionomers were prepared by sulfonating styrene–butadiene rubber of high styrene content (high styrene rubber) in 1,2‐dichloroethane using acetyl sulfate reagent, followed by neutralization of the precursor acids using methanolic zinc acetate. The ionomers were characterized using X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and also by the evaluation of mechanical properties. The FTIR studies of the ionomer reveal that the sulfonate groups are attached to the benzene ring. The NMR spectra give credence to this observation. Results of DMA show an ionic transition (T_i) in addition to glass–rubber transition (T_g). Incorporation of ionic groups results in improved mechanical properties as well as retention of properties after three cycles of processing. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2294–2300, 2002     

A facile approach to covalently functionalized carbon nanotubes with biocompatible polymer

Biocompatible poly(l-lactic acid) (PLA) was successfully covalently grafted onto the convex surfaces and tips of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by one step based on in situ polycondensation of the commercially available l-lactic acid monomers. The functional groups in the carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-COOH) showed active enough for participating the polycondensation of l-lactic acid. The resulting PLA-grafted-MWNTs were characterized with Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform IR (FTIR), UV-vis, ¹H NMR, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Raman, FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies revealed that the PLA was covalently attached to the MWNT. TGA showed that the grafted PLA content could be controlled by the reaction time. The core/shell structures with MWNT as the “hard” core and the PLA polymer layer as the “soft” shell can be clearly seen through HRTEM.     

双金属稀土促进剂对丁苯橡胶/天然橡胶胎面胶的影响

通过配位反应制备得到双金属硫化促进剂二乙基二硫代氨基甲酸锌镧配合物(ZnLaDC),在不添加传统活化体系氧化锌(ZnO)/硬脂酸(SA)的情况下,考察了ZnLaDC用量对丁苯橡胶(SBR)/天然橡胶(NR)胎面胶复合材料硫化特性及物理机械性能的影响,并与传统硫化体系二乙基二硫代氨基甲酸锌(ZnDC)/ZnO/SA制备的硫化胶性能进行了对比。结果表明,随着ZnLaDC用量的增加,SBR/NR胎面胶复合材料的硫化特性、压缩疲劳生热性能及耐磨性得到有效提高,当ZnLaDC用量为5份时,复合材料的综合性能最佳。与传统硫化体系ZnDC/ZnO/SA制备的硫化胶相比,采用ZnLaDC制备的硫化胶具有更优异的静态力学性能及耐切割性。     

Synthesis of N-Doped ZnO by grinding and subsequent heating ZnO-urea mixture

Synthesis of nitrogen (N) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) has been attempted by a serial operation of co-grinding the mixture of ZnO and urea (CO(NH₂)₂), followed by calcining the ground product at 400 °C. The prepared ZnO sample has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy. All spectra from these techniques are completely different from those of the hand ground mixture sample, confirming the mechanochemical effect of N-doping. The prepared N-doped ZnO sample exhibits light absorbance in the visible light wavelength region, and has high photo-catalytic ability in an anti-bacterial test.     

Time-dependent characteristics of sulfonated EPDM containing zinc stearate. I. Thermal behavior

The crystallization and melting of zinc stearate (ZnSt) in ZnSt-plasticized compositions of ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) and sulfonated EPDM (S-EPDM) have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry. While immiscible in both EPDM and S-EPDM, ZnSt is compatible with the latter. This compatibility presumably arises from either electrostatic or dipole–dipole interactions between the carboxylate functionality of ZnSt and the sulfonate groups of the polymer. The crystallization behavior of ZnSt is significantly perturbed when the material is added to S-EPDM, and the crystalline ZnSt phase that results is strongly time dependent. ZnSt first crystallizes as small imperfect crystals when the compositions are cooled from the melt, but it eventually anneals at room temperature into larger, more perfect crystals. Time dependent changes in the mechanical properties of these compositions are also demonstrated and it is suggested that this may be due in part to changes in the ZnSt morphology.     

Nano‐hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite/platinum (HAp/Pt) core shell nanorods: Development,structural study,and their catalytic activity

The development of a new kind of material that is a nanostructured catalytic material with an environmentally benign nature that can be used for alternative energy has acquired significance in recent years. In this context, the use of heterogeneous catalysts for the transesterification of vegetable oils has gained prominence due to their eco‐friendly and reusable nature. Hence in the present study, pure hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite/platinum (HAp/Pt) nanostructured particles have been prepared successfully through a facile chemical method without templates and surfactants and their catalytic activity investigated for transesterification of natural vegetable oil to bioenergy (biodiesel). The textural and structural features of pure HAp and HAp/Pt were investigated using various characterization techniques such as x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The elements present in the prepared nanostructures were confirmed through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The XPS analysis also confirms the metallic nature of the platinum in HAp/Pt. The specific surface area and porous nature of the prepared nanostructured catalysts were studied using the N₂ physisorption Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller‐Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda (BET‐BJH) method. The catalytic activity of the pure HAp nanoparticles and HAp/Pt core shell nanorods with the Simarouba glauca plant seed oil was investigated. The obtained results indicate that the pristine HAp nanoparticles and HAp/Pt core shell nanorods (NRs) show 91.4% and 87.1% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion, respectively, potentially offering environmental benign biocatalysts for biofuel production from natural feed stock.