Dielectric properties of sol–gel synthesized SrTiO3/(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 and SrTiO3/Ba(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 thin film heterostructures

The paper presents synthesis of Ba_0.7Sr_0.3TiO₃ (BST), BaZr_0.3Ti_0.7O₃ (BZT) and SrTiO₃ (ST) thin films and their heterostructures using modified Pechini method. The La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ has been used as a conducting bottom layer to form metal ferroelectric metal capacitor. The thin films are spin coated on SiO₂/n-Si(100) substrates. The thin films thus deposited are characterized for crystal structure, morphology, dielectric, complex impedance and admittance properties. Deposition of surface layer ST is observed to reduce loss tangent tan δ of BST and BZT thin films, still maintaining equivalent magnitude of figure of merit γ. The results on dielectric properties are analyzed in terms of the Maxwell–Wagner model and Koop’s phenomenological theory.     

Nitrogen-doped ZnO shells: Studies on optical transparency and electrical conductivity

Studies on optical and electrical conductivity in nitrogen (N)-doped ZnO shells are explored. On incorporating low levels of nitrogen, the (0 0 2) X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak was found to be intensified significantly. Closely packed spherical crystallites of ZnO were transformed into flat-flakes during 0.1–0.3 M nitrogen doping and finally to shells, flattered at the center and tapered at ends, at 0.4 M. Both pristine and N-doped ZnO films show hydrophilic character. It was also found that the degree of transparency and the nature of conductivity as estimated by optical absorbance and Hall measurement, respectively, were strongly influenced by the levels of N-doping. Higher nitrogen doping led to decline in electrical resistivity and mobility due to an enhancement of free charge carriers. Presence of both (N₂)_O donor and (N)_O acceptor peaks in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy could be responsible for the formation of higher carrier concentration in ZnO films.     

Polyaniline–CdS nanocomposites: effect of camphor sulfonic acid doping on structural, microstructural, optical and electrical properties

Nanocomposites of CdS nanocrystals with conducting polyaniline doped with camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) have been prepared by spin coating technique and investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy and electrical transport method. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed broad peaks due to formation of nanoparticles of CdS in polyaniline matrix. FESEM showed that the transformation of morphology from agglomeration to nanopetals. The FTIR spectra confirmed the interaction between CSA and polyaniline (PANi)–CdS nanocomposite. The UV–visible spectrums revealed the enhancement of doping level for the PANi–CdS nanocomposites which is assigned to the existence of greater number of charges on the polymer backbone. DC electrical conductivity studies showed an increase in conductivity of PANi–CdS nanocomposites from 6.9?×?10^?6 to 3.14?×?10^?4 due to addition of CSA (10–50?%).     

Low temperature aqueous chemical synthesis of CdS sensitized ZnO nanorods

Cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CNPs) sensitized zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZNRs) were synthesized in the two step deposition process at relatively low temperature. The vertically aligned ZNRs were grown on the conducting glass substrates (FTO) using aqueous chemical method, followed by the deposition of CNPs at 70 °C using chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. The samples were characterized by optical absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Further, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of ZNRs with and without CNPs sensitization was tested in Na₂S-NaOH-S and Na₂SO₄ electrolyte, respectively. When the CNPs are coated on the ZNRs, the optical absorption is enhanced and band edge is shifted towards visible region (525 nm) as compared with ZNRs (375 nm). The sample sensitized with CNPs shows higher photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance with maximum short circuit current of (I_sc) 2.60 mA/cm².     

Novel synthesis of interconnected nanocubic PbS thin films by facile aqueous chemical route

In the present investigation, we have successfully synthesized lead sulfide (PbS) thin films by using simple, cost effective and facile aqueous chemical route. The effect of deposition time on optical, structural and morphological properties of PbS thin films were investigated by using UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optical band gap energy was varied in the range of 0.96–1.56 eV. The XRD patterns revealed the formation of pure cubic crystal structure. FESEM micrographs demonstrated the conversion of morphology from pyramidal to interconnected nanocubic. HRTEM and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern illustrated that nanoparticles are compact, well interconnected and single crystalline in nature. EDS spectrum confirms that deposited PbS thin films are in good stoichiometry.     

Optical Properties of Spin-Deposited Nanocrystalline Ni-Zn Ferrite Thin Films Processed by Sol-Gel

Nano crystalline Zn-substituted Ni ferrite films with compositions of Ni_1?xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) were synthesized by sol–gel spin coating method. The synthesized films were characterized for their structural, morphology, optical, electric, and magnetic properties using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis spectrometer, two probe resistivity, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques, respectively. The corresponding results indicate that zinc content has significant effect on physical, magnetic, and optical properties of the ferrite. X-ray diffraction studies of thin films showed that the samples have pure cubic spinel phase. The crystallite size is of the nanoparticles estimated using Debey-Scherrer’s method was found to be in the range of 10.27 to 14.97 nm. The lattice parameter was found to be increased from 8.35 to 8.40 Å with increasing Zn²⁺ contents. The morphology of the thin films depicted the formation of well-developed nano-sized clusters with homogeneous and agglomerated. The optical absorption seen to be affected due to the presence of Zn in Ni-Zn ferrite thin films. Ni-Zn ferrite thin films possess small coercivity and remnant magnetization, which indicates the soft magnetic nature of the material. Electrical resistivity of the films decreases with increasing temperature, suggesting the semiconducting nature of the samples.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from purple acid phosphatase apoenzyme isolated from a new source Limonia acidissima

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is regarded as a safe and non-toxic process whereas conventional synthesis using chemical methods produces toxic substance. This study provides a novel insight for enzymatic synthesis method of silver nanoparticles using purple acid phosphatase, isolated from Limonia acidissima (wood apple) as a new source and used in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Stable silver nanoparticles were produced by sonochemical method using apoenzyme as a stabilising and capping agent and were characterised by various physicochemical techniques like UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. X-ray study shows that nanoparticles are composed of silver and silver oxide. The synthesised nanoparticles exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Development of docetaxel nanocapsules for improving in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in MCF-7 cells

The aim of this study was to fabricate docetaxel loaded nanocapsules (DTX-NCs) with a high payload using Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique by successive coating with alternate layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Developed nanocapsules (NCs) were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size distribution, zeta potential (ζ-potential), entrapment efficiency and in vitro release. The morphological characteristics of the NCs were assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that revealed coating of polyelectrolytes around the surface of particles. The developed NCs successfully attained a submicron particle size while the ζ-potential of optimized NCs alternated between (+) 34.64?±?1.5 mV to (?) 33.25?±?2.1 mV with each coating step. The non-hemolytic potential of the NCs indicated the suitability of the developed formulation for intravenous administration. A comparative study indicated that the cytotoxicity of positively charged NCs (F4) was significant higher (p?in vitro on MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, cell uptake studies evidenced a higher uptake of positive NCs (≥1.2 fold) in comparison to negative NCs. In conclusion, formulated NCs are an ideal vehicle for passive targeting of drugs to tumor cells that may result in improved efficacy and reduced toxicity of encapsulated drug moiety.     

Chemically deposited nickel oxide as counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cell

Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films have been synthesized by simple and inexpensive chemical bath deposition at low temperature. The synthesized thin films were annealed at 623 K and used for further characterization. Structural and morphological properties of the NiO thin film were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The structural study shows the simple cubic formation of NiO thin films with average crystallite size of 9 nm. Honeycomb like surface morphology with porous structure was observed from the SEM study. NiO thin film electrode has been used as a counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cell. Finally, photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit current density (J_sc), open circuit voltage (V_oc), Fill Factor (FF) and efficiency (η) have been studied.     

Sol–gel derived Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> thin films: effect of annealing on structural,morphological and optoelectronic properties

Nanocrystalline Co₃O₄ thin films were prepared on glass substrates by using sol–gel spin coating technique. The effect of annealing temperature (400–700 °C) on structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of Co₃O₄ thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Electrical conductivity and UV–visible Spectroscopy. XRD measurements show that all the films are nanocrystallized in the cubic spinel structure and present a random orientation. The crystallite size increases with increasing annealing temperature (53–69 nm). These modifications influence the optical properties. The morphology of the sol–gel derived Co₃O₄ shows nanocrystalline grains with some overgrown clusters and it varies with annealing temperature. The optical band gap has been determined from the absorption coefficient. We found that the optical band gap energy decreases from 2.58 to 2.07 eV with increasing annealing temperature between 400 and 700 °C. These mean that the optical quality of Co₃O₄ films is improved by annealing. The dc electrical conductivity of Co₃O₄ thin films were increased from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻² (Ω cm)⁻¹ with increase in annealing temperature. The electron carrier concentration (n) and mobility (μ) of Co₃O₄ films annealed at 400–700 °C were estimated to be of the order of 2.4–4.5 × 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and 5.2–7.0 × 10⁻⁵ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ respectively. It is observed that Co₃O₄ thin film annealing at 700 °C after deposition provide a smooth and flat texture suited for optoelectronic applications.