Interface layer to tailor the texture and surface morphology of Al-doped ZnO polycrystalline films on glass substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomoto, Junichi; Inaba, Katsuhiko; Kobayashi, Shintaro; Makino, Hisao; Yamamoto, Tetsuya

2017-06-01

A 10-nm-thick radio frequency magnetron-sputtered aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) showing a texture with a preferential (0001) orientation on amorphous glass substrates was used as an interface layer for tailoring the orientation of 490-nm-thick polycrystalline AZO films subsequently deposited by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering at a substrate temperature of 200 °C. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction pole figure analysis showed that the resulting 500-nm-thick AZO films showed a texture with a highly preferential c-axis orientation. This showed that DC-magnetron-sputtered AZO films grew along with the orientation matching that of the interface layer, whereas 500-nm-thick AZO films deposited on bare glass substrates by DC magnetron sputtering exhibited a mixed orientation of the c-plane and other planes. The surface morphology was also improved while retaining the lateral grain size by applying the interface layer as revealed by atomic force microscopy.

All-Aluminum Thin Film Transistor Fabrication at Room Temperature

PubMed Central

Yao, Rihui; Zheng, Zeke; Zeng, Yong; Liu, Xianzhe; Ning, Honglong; Hu, Shiben; Tao, Ruiqiang; Chen, Jianqiu; Cai, Wei; Xu, Miao; Wang, Lei; Lan, Linfeng; Peng, Junbiao

2017-01-01

Bottom-gate all-aluminum thin film transistors with multi conductor/insulator nanometer heterojunction were investigated in this article. Alumina (Al2O3) insulating layer was deposited on the surface of aluminum doping zinc oxide (AZO) conductive layer, as one AZO/Al2O3 heterojunction unit. The measurements of transmittance electronic microscopy (TEM) and X-ray reflectivity (XRR) revealed the smooth interfaces between ~2.2-nm-thick Al2O3 layers and ~2.7-nm-thick AZO layers. The devices were entirely composited by aluminiferous materials, that is, their gate and source/drain electrodes were respectively fabricated by aluminum neodymium alloy (Al:Nd) and pure Al, with Al2O3/AZO multilayered channel and AlOx:Nd gate dielectric layer. As a result, the all-aluminum TFT with two Al2O3/AZO heterojunction units exhibited a mobility of 2.47 cm2/V·s and an Ion/Ioff ratio of 106. All processes were carried out at room temperature, which created new possibilities for green displays industry by allowing for the devices fabricated on plastic-like substrates or papers, mainly using no toxic/rare materials. PMID:28772579

One-pot in situ mixed film formation by azo coupling and diazonium salt electrografting.

PubMed

Esnault, Charles; Delorme, Nicolas; Louarn, Guy; Pilard, Jean-François

2013-06-24

So simple: The in situ synthesis of an aryldiazonium salt and an azo-aryldiazonium salt by azo coupling from sulfanilic acid and aniline is reported. Formation of a mixed organic layer is monitored by cyclic voltammetry and atomic force microscopy. A compact mixed layer is obtained with a global roughness of 0.4 nm and 10-15 % vertical extension in the range 1.5-6 nm. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Optical Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Films in the Infrared Region and Their Absorption Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Hua; Zhang, Rong-Jun; Li, Da-Hai; Chen, Xin; Wang, Song-You; Zheng, Yu-Xiang; Li, Meng-Jiao; Hu, Zhi-Gao; Dai, Ning; Chen, Liang-Yao

2018-05-01

The optical properties of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were calculated rapidly and accurately by point-by-point analysis from spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) data. It was demonstrated that there were two different physical mechanisms, i.e., the interfacial effect and crystallinity, for the thickness-dependent permittivity in the visible and infrared regions. In addition, there was a blue shift for the effective plasma frequency of AZO when the thickness increased, and the effective plasma frequency did not exist for AZO ultrathin films (< 25 nm) in the infrared region, which demonstrated that AZO ultrathin films could not be used as a negative index metamaterial. Based on detailed permittivity research, we designed a near-perfect absorber at 2-5 μm by etching AZO-ZnO alternative layers. The alternative layers matched the phase of reflected light, and the void cylinder arrays extended the high absorption range. Moreover, the AZO absorber demonstrated feasibility and applicability on different substrates.

Investigation of transparent zinc oxide-based contacts for high performance III-nitride light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sungpyo

In this dissertation, we investigate Al-doped ZnO(AZO) contact structure to a variety of GaN LED structures. Our results show that ZnO is a potentially viable transparent contact for GaN-based LEDs. We began our investigation by depositing AZO and Ni/AZO contacts to p-GaN. However, these contacts are highly resistive. Next, we deposited thin Ni/Au layer, oxidized the Ni/Au layer to form a good ohmic contact to p-GaN, and then followed by the deposition of thick AZO layer. However, the electrical resistance of oxidized Ni/Au-AZO contacts is higher than that of the conventional Ni/Au contacts. We solve the high contact resistance problem by using a two-step thermal annealing process. In this method, Ni/Au layer is deposited first followed by the AZO layer without any annealing step. After finishing the device fabrication, the samples are annealed in air first to achieve low contact resistance with Ni/Au/AZO and p-GaN and then annealed in nitrogen to achieve low sheet resistance for the AZO layer. The improved electrical and optical characteristics of this scheme compared to conventional Ni/Au contact scheme are demonstrated on a variety of GaN LEDs: blue, green, small area, large area and bottom emitting LEDs. The benefits of ZnO-based contacts are more significant in large area LEDs that include lower forward voltage, and higher optical emission, better emission uniformity and reliability. The advantages of ZnO-based contact in terms of lower contact resistance and higher optical emission on LED fabricated on roughened GaN wafers are also demonstrated. For bottom emitting LED structure intended for flip chip applications, our original oxidized Ni/Au layer over coated with either Al or Ag contacts have shown to simultaneously yield superior I-V characteristics and greatly enhanced optical performance compared to conventional LEDs using a thick Ni/Au contact in the flip-chip configuration. However, the contact is unstable at operating temperatures > 100°C due to close proximity of Ag and Al with p-GaN. Here, the ZnO layer probably can be interdiffusion barrier layer of Al into GaN. We have demonstrated low contact resistance and higher light emission by using ZnO as a barrier material between oxidize Ni/Au and Al reflecting layer. In summary, our investigation demonstrates the applicability of ZnO-based transparent contacts for high performance LEDs that will be larger in size and are expected to be operating at higher current for solid-state lighting of the future. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Fabrication of silver nanowires and metal oxide composite transparent electrodes and their application in UV light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xingzhen; Ma, Jiangang; Xu, Haiyang; Wang, Chunliang; Liu, Yichun

2016-08-01

In this paper, we prepared the silver nanowires (AgNWs)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) composite transparent conducting electrodes for n-ZnO/p-GaN heterojunction light emitting-diodes (LEDs) by drop casting AgNW networks and subsequent atomic layer deposition (ALD) of AZO at 150 °C. The contact resistances between AgNWs were dramatically reduced by pre-annealing in the vacuum chamber before the ALD of AZO. In this case, AZO works not only as the conformal passivation layer that protects AgNWs from oxidation, but also as the binding material that improves AgNWs adhesion to substrates. Due to the localized surface plasmons (LSPs) of the AgNWs resonant coupling with the ultraviolet (UV) light emission from the LEDs, a higher UV light extracting efficiency is achieved from LEDs with the AgNWs/AZO composite electrodes in comparison with the conventional AZO electrodes. Additionally, the antireflective nature of random AgNW networks in the composite electrodes caused a broad output light angular distribution, which could be of benefit to certain optoelectronic devices like LEDs and solar cells.

Application of an Al-doped zinc oxide subcontact layer on vanadium-compensated 6H-SiC photoconductive switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Tian-Yu; Liu, Xue-Chao; Huang, Wei; Dai, Chong-Chong; Zheng, Yan-Qing; Shi, Er-Wei

2015-04-01

Al-doped ZnO thin film (AZO) is used as a subcontact layer in 6H-SiC photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) to reduce the on-state resistance and optimize the device structure. Our photoconductive test shows that the on-state resistance of lateral PCSS with an n+-AZO subcontact layer is 14.7% lower than that of PCSS without an n+-AZO subcontact layer. This occurs because a heavy-doped AZO thin film can improve Ohmic contact properties, reduce contact resistance, and alleviate Joule heating. Combined with the high transparance characteristic at 532 nm of AZO film, vertical structural PCSS devices are designed and their structural superiority is discussed. This paper provides a feasible route for fabricating high performance SiC PCSS by using conductive and transparent ZnO-based materials. Project supported by the Innovation Program of the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics (Grant No. Y39ZC1110G), the Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KJCX2-EW-W10), the Industry-Academic Joint Technological Innovations Fund Project of Jiangsu Province, China (Grant No. BY2011119), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (Grant No. 14ZR1419000), the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61404146), and the National High-tech R & D Program of China (Grant Nos. 2013AA031603 and 2014AA032602).

Studies on morphology, electrical and optical characteristics of Al-doped ZnO thin films grown by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Li; Chen, Xinliang; Zhou, Zhongxin; Guo, Sheng; Zhao, Ying; Zhang, Xiaodan

2018-03-01

Al doped ZnO (AZO) films deposited on glass substrates through the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique are investigated with various temperatures from 100 to 250 °C and different Zn : Al cycle ratios from 20 : 0 to 20 : 3. Surface morphology, structure, optical and electrical properties of obtained AZO films are studied in detail. The Al composition of the AZO films is varied by controlling the ratio of Zn : Al. We achieve an excellent AZO thin film with a resistivity of 2.14 × 10‑3 Ω·cm and high optical transmittance deposited at 150 °C with 20 : 2 Zn : Al cycle ratio. This kind of AZO thin films exhibit great potential for optoelectronics device application. Project supported by the State Key Development Program for Basic Research of China (Nos. 2011CBA00706, 2011CBA00707) and the Tianjin Applied Basic Research Project and Cutting-Edge Technology Research Plan (No. 13JCZDJC26900).

Optical reflectance of solution processed quasi-superlattice ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) channel materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckley, Darragh; McCormack, Robert; O'Dwyer, Colm

2017-04-01

The angle-resolved reflectance of high crystalline quality, c-axis oriented ZnO and AZO single and periodic quasi-superlattice (QSL) spin-coated TFT channels materials are presented. The data is analysed using an adapted model to accurately determine the spectral region for optical thickness and corresponding reflectance. The optical thickness agrees very well with measured thickness of 1-20 layered QSL thin films determined by transmission electron microscopy if the reflectance from lowest interference order is used. Directional reflectance for single layers or homogeneous QSLs of ZnO and AZO channel materials exhibit a consistent degree of anti-reflection characteristics from 30 to 60° (~10-12% reflection) for thickness ranging from ~40 nm to 500 nm. The reflectance of AZO single layer thin films is  <10% from 30 to 75° at 514.5 nm, and  <6% at 632.8 nm from 30-60°. The data show that ZnO and AZO with granular or periodic substructure behave optically as dispersive, continuous thin films of similar thickness, and angle-resolved spectral mapping provides a design rule for transparency or refractive index determination as a function of film thickness, substructure (dispersion) and viewing angle.

Characterization of efficiency-limiting resistance losses in monolithically integrated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar modules

PubMed Central

Yoon, Ju-Heon; Park, Jong-Keuk; Kim, Won Mok; Lee, JinWoo; Pak, Hisun; Jeong, Jeung-hyun

2015-01-01

The cell-to-module efficiency gap in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) monolithically integrated solar modules is enhanced by contact resistance between the Al-doped ZnO (AZO) and Mo back contact layers, the P2 contact, which connects adjacent cells. The present work evaluated the P2 contact resistance, in addition to the TCO resistance, using an embedded transmission line structure in a commercial-grade module without using special sample fabrication methods. The AZO layers between cells were not scribed; instead, the CIGS/CdS/i-ZnO/AZO device was patterned in a long stripe to permit measurement of the Mo electrode pair resistance over current paths through two P2 contacts (Mo/AZO) and along the AZO layer. The intercept and slope of the resistance as a function of the electrode interval yielded the P2 contact resistance and the TCO resistance, respectively. Calibration of the parasitic resistances is discussed as a method of improving the measurement accuracy. The contribution of the P2 contact resistance to the series resistance was comparable to that of the TCO resistance, and its origin was attributed to remnant MoSe2 phases in the P2 region, as verified by transmission electron microscopy. PMID:25573530

Design of a photoswitchable hollow microcapsular drug delivery system by using a supramolecular drug-loading approach.

PubMed

Xiao, Wang; Chen, Wei-Hai; Zhang, Jing; Li, Cao; Zhuo, Ren-Xi; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2011-11-24

In this study, photoswitchable microcapsules were fabricated based on host-guest interactions between α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and azobenzene (Azo). Carboxymethyl dextran-graft-α-CD (CMD-g-α-CD) and poly(acrylic acid) N-aminododecane p-azobenzeneaminosuccinic acid (PAA-C(12)-Azo) were assembled layer by layer on CaCO(3) particles. α-CD-rhodamine B (α-CD-RhB), used as a model drug, was loaded on PAA-C(12)-Azo layers by host-guest interaction. After removal of CaCO(3) particles by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hollow microcapsules loaded with α-CD-RhB were obtained. Since the interactions between α-CD and Azo were photosensitive, the capsules could be dissociated with the irradiation of UV light, followed by the release of the model drug, α-CD-RhB. Compared with traditional drug-loading approaches such as chemical bonding and physical adsorption, our supramolecular drug-loading system has a facile loading process, ideal bonding strength, and photoswitchable behavior. These photosensitive microcapsules exhibit great potential in biomedical applications. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Improvement of GaN light-emitting diodes with surface-treated Al-doped ZnO transparent Ohmic contacts by holographic photonic crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, W. F.; Liu, Z. G.; Xie, Y. N.; Cai, J. F.; Liu, S.; Gong, H.; Wu, Z. Y.

2012-06-01

This letter presents a holographic photonic crystal (H-PhC) Al-doped ZnO (AZO) transparent Ohmic contact layer on p-GaN to increase the light output of GaN-based LEDs without destroying the p-GaN. The operating voltage of the PhC LEDs at 20 mA was almost the same as that of the typical planar AZO LEDs. While the resultant PhC LED devices exhibited significant improvements in light extraction, up to 1.22 times that of planar AZO LEDs without PhC integration. Temperature dependence of the integrated photoluminescence intensity indicates that this improvement can be attributed to the increased extraction efficiency due to the surface modification. These results demonstrate that the surface-treated AZO layer by H-PhCs is suitable for fabricating high-brightness GaN-based LEDs.

Electromechanical and Photoluminescence Properties of Al-doped ZnO Nanorods Applied in Piezoelectric Nanogenerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Wen-Yang; Fang, Te-Hua; Tsai, Ju-Hsuan

2015-02-01

A piezoelectric nanogenerator based on Al-doped ZnO (AZO) nanorods with a V-zigzag layer is investigated at a low temperature. The growth temperature, growth time, growth concentration, photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, and AZO epitaxial growth on the ITO glass substrate using aqueous solution are reported and the associated electromechanical and PL properties are discussed. In general, the properties of piezoelectric nanogenerators and their functionality at ultralow temperatures (near liquid helium temperature) are important for applications in extreme environments. A V-zigzag layer is used to enhance the bending and compression deformation of the piezoelectric nanogenerator. The electromechanical properties of AZO nanorods are tested using an ultrasonic wave generator. Results show that the percent transmittance decreases with increasing growth time and growth temperature. The intensities of the PL spectrum and the (002) peak orientation increases with increasing growth temperature. AZO at a low growth temperature of 90 C has good piezoelectric harvesting efficiency when the piezoelectric nanogenerator has a zigzag structure. The average current, voltage, and power density of the piezoelectric harvesting are 0.76 A, 1.35 mV, and 1.026 nW/mm, respectively. These results confirm the feasibility of growing AZO at low temperature. AZO nanorods have potential for energy harvester applications.

Plasmonic Three-Dimensional Transparent Conductor Based on Al-Doped Zinc Oxide-Coated Nanostructured Glass Using Atomic Layer Deposition

DOE PAGES

Malek, Gary A.; Aytug, Tolga; Liu, Qingfeng; ...

2015-04-02

Transparent nanostructured glass coatings, fabricated on glass substrates, with a unique three-dimensional (3D) architecture were utilized as the foundation for the design of plasmonic 3D transparent conductors. Transformation of the non-conducting 3D structure to a conducting 3D network was accomplished through atomic layer deposition of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). After AZO growth, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were deposited by electronbeam evaporation to enhance light trapping and decrease the overall sheet resistance. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microcopy images revealed the highly porous, nanostructured morphology of the AZO coated glass surface along with the in-plane dimensions of the depositedmore » AuNPs. Sheet resistance measurements conducted on the coated samples verified that the electrical properties of the 3D network are comparable to that of the untextured two-dimensional AZO coated glass substrates. In addition, transmittance measurements of the glass samples coated with various AZO thicknesses showed preservation of the highly transparent nature of each sample, while the AuNPs demonstrated enhanced light scattering as well as light-trapping capability.« less

Plasmonic Three-Dimensional Transparent Conductor Based on Al-Doped Zinc Oxide-Coated Nanostructured Glass Using Atomic Layer Deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Malek, Gary A.; Aytug, Tolga; Liu, Qingfeng

Transparent nanostructured glass coatings, fabricated on glass substrates, with a unique three-dimensional (3D) architecture were utilized as the foundation for the design of plasmonic 3D transparent conductors. Transformation of the non-conducting 3D structure to a conducting 3D network was accomplished through atomic layer deposition of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). After AZO growth, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were deposited by electronbeam evaporation to enhance light trapping and decrease the overall sheet resistance. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microcopy images revealed the highly porous, nanostructured morphology of the AZO coated glass surface along with the in-plane dimensions of the depositedmore » AuNPs. Sheet resistance measurements conducted on the coated samples verified that the electrical properties of the 3D network are comparable to that of the untextured two-dimensional AZO coated glass substrates. In addition, transmittance measurements of the glass samples coated with various AZO thicknesses showed preservation of the highly transparent nature of each sample, while the AuNPs demonstrated enhanced light scattering as well as light-trapping capability.« less

Ultra-violet absorption induced modifications in bulk and nanoscale electrical transport properties of Al-doped ZnO thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Mohit; Basu, Tanmoy; Som, Tapobrata, E-mail: tsom@iopb.res.in

Using conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, we study local electrical transport properties in aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al or AZO) thin films. Current mapping shows a spatial variation in conductivity which corroborates well with the local mapping of donor concentration (∼10{sup 20 }cm{sup −3}). In addition, a strong enhancement in the local current at grains is observed after exposing the film to ultra-violet (UV) light which is attributed to persistent photocurrent. Further, it is shown that UV absorption gives a smooth conduction in AZO film which in turn gives rise to an improvement in the bulk photoresponsivity ofmore » an n-AZO/p-Si heterojunction diode. This finding is in contrast to the belief that UV absorption in an AZO layer leads to an optical loss for the underneath absorbing layer of a heterojunction solar cell.« less

AZO films with Al nano-particles to improve the light extraction efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, Ying-Hung; Yan, Jheng-Tai; Lee, Hsin-Ying; Lee, Ching-Ting

2008-02-01

The co-sputtering Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films with Al nano-particles were used to increase the extraction efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Fixing the ZnO radio frequency (RF) power of 100W and changing the Al DC power from 0 to 13W, the AZO films with various Al contents can be obtained. In the experimental results, the AZO films deposited with Al DC power of 0, 4.5 and 7W do not have Al segregation. However, the segregated Al nano-particles can be found in the AZO films deposited by Al DC power of 10W and 13W. The co-sputtering 170 nm-thick AZO films with and without Al nano-particles were deposited on the transparent area of LEDs and compared the light output intensity of conventional LEDs. The light intensity of LEDs with AZO films with Al DC power 0, 4.5 and 7W increased 10% than that of conventional LEDs. This was due to the AZO film played a role of anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer. The light intensity of LEDs with AZO film deposited using Al DC power of 10W and 13W increased about 35% and 30%, respectively. It can be deduced that the output light is scattered by the Al nano-particles existed in the AZO film.

Microstructures and thermochromic characteristics of VO2/AZO composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Han; Li, Yi; Yuan, Wenrui; Fang, Baoying; Wang, Xiaohua; Hao, Rulong; Wu, Zhengyi; Xu, Tingting; Jiang, Wei; Chen, Peizu

2016-05-01

A vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film was fabricated on a ZnO doped with Al (AZO) conductive glass by magnetron sputtering at room temperature followed by annealing under air atmosphere. The microstructures and optical properties of the thin film were studied. The results showed that the VO2/AZO composite film was poly-crystalline and the AZO layer did not change the preferred growth orientation of VO2. Compared to the VO2 film fabricated on soda-lime glass substrate through the same process and condition, the phase transition temperature of the VO2/AZO composite film was decreased by about 25 °C, thermal hysteresis width narrowed to 6 °C, the visible light transmittance was over 50%, the infrared transmittances before and after phase transition were 21% and 55%, respectively at 1500 nm.

Two-step deposition of Al-doped ZnO on p-GaN to form ohmic contacts.

PubMed

Su, Xi; Zhang, Guozhen; Wang, Xiao; Chen, Chao; Wu, Hao; Liu, Chang

2017-12-01

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were deposited directly on p-GaN substrates by using a two-step deposition consisting of polymer assisted deposition (PAD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) methods. Ohmic contacts of the AZO on p-GaN have been formed. The lowest sheet resistance of the two-step prepared AZO films reached to 145 Ω/sq, and the specific contact resistance reduced to 1.47 × 10 -2 Ω·cm 2 . Transmittance of the AZO films remained above 80% in the visible region. The combination of PAD and ALD technique can be used to prepare p-type ohmic contacts for optoelectronics.

Two-step deposition of Al-doped ZnO on p-GaN to form ohmic contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Xi; Zhang, Guozhen; Wang, Xiao; Chen, Chao; Wu, Hao; Liu, Chang

2017-07-01

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were deposited directly on p-GaN substrates by using a two-step deposition consisting of polymer assisted deposition (PAD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) methods. Ohmic contacts of the AZO on p-GaN have been formed. The lowest sheet resistance of the two-step prepared AZO films reached to 145 Ω/sq, and the specific contact resistance reduced to 1.47 × 10-2 Ω·cm2. Transmittance of the AZO films remained above 80% in the visible region. The combination of PAD and ALD technique can be used to prepare p-type ohmic contacts for optoelectronics.

A room temperature strategy towards enhanced performance and bias stability of oxide thin film transistor with a sandwich structure channel layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yong; Ning, Honglong; Zheng, Zeke; Zhang, Hongke; Fang, Zhiqiang; Yao, Rihui; Xu, Miao; Wang, Lei; Lan, Linfeng; Peng, Junbiao; Lu, Xubing

2017-04-01

Thermal annealing is a conventional and effective way to improve the bias stress stability of oxide thin film transistors (TFT) on solid substrates. However, it is still a challenge for enhancing the bias stress stability of oxide TFTs on flexible substrates by high-temperature post-treatment due to the thermal sensitivity of flexible substrates. Here, a room temperature strategy is presented towards enhanced performance and bias stability of oxide TFTs by intentionally engineering a sandwich structure channel layer consisting of a superlattice with aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) and Al2O3 thin films. The Al2O3/AZO/Al2O3-TFTs not only exhibit a saturation mobility of 9.27 cm2 V-1 s-1 and a linear mobility of 11.38 cm2 V-1 s-1 but also demonstrate a better bias stress stability than AZO/Al2O3-TFT. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of this enhanced electrical performance of TFTs with a sandwich structure channel layer is that the bottom Al2O3 thin films can obviously improve the crystalline phase of AZO films while decreasing electrical trapping centers and adsorption sites for undesirable molecules such as water and oxygen.

Efficient indium-tin-oxide free inverted organic solar cells based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide cathode and low-temperature aqueous solution processed zinc oxide electron extraction layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Dazheng; Zhang, Chunfu, E-mail: cfzhang@xidian.edu.cn; Wang, Zhizhe

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) free inverted organic solar cells (IOSCs) based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) cathode, low-temperature aqueous solution processed zinc oxide (ZnO) electron extraction layer, and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl):[6, 6]-phenyl C{sub 61} butyric acid methyl ester blend were realized in this work. The resulted IOSC with ZnO annealed at 150 °C shows the superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.01%, if decreasing the ZnO annealing temperature to 100 °C, the obtained IOSC also shows a PCE of 2.76%, and no light soaking issue is observed. It is found that this ZnO film not only acts as an effective buffer layer but also slightlymore » improves the optical transmittance of AZO substrates. Further, despite the relatively inferior air-stability, these un-encapsulated AZO/ZnO IOSCs show comparable PCEs to the referenced ITO/ZnO IOSCs, which demonstrates that the AZO cathode is a potential alternative to ITO in IOSCs. Meanwhile, this simple ZnO process is compatible with large area deposition and plastic substrates, and is promising to be widely used in IOSCs and other relative fields.« less

Enhanced Performance in Al-Doped ZnO Based Transparent Flexible Transparent Thin-Film Transistors Due to Oxygen Vacancy in ZnO Film with Zn-Al-O Interfaces Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Yao, Rui; Wang, Huanhuan; Wu, Xiaoming; Wu, Jinzhu; Wu, Xiaohong; Qin, Wei

2017-04-05

Highly conductive and optical transparent Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film composed of ZnO with a Zn-Al-O interface was fabricated by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The as-prepared AZO thin film exhibits excellent electrical and optical properties with high stability and compatibility with temperature-sensitive flexible photoelectronic devices; film resistivity is as low as 5.7 × 10 -4 Ω·cm, the carrier concentration is high up to 2.2 × 10 21 cm -3 . optical transparency is greater than 80% in a visible range, and the growth temperature is below 150 °C on the PEN substrate. Compared with the conventional AZO film containing by a ZnO-Al 2 O 3 interface, we propose that the underlying mechanism of the enhanced electrical conductivity for the current AZO thin film is attributed to the oxygen vacancies deficiency derived from the free competitive growth mode of Zn-O and Al-O bonds in the Zn-Al-O interface. The flexible transparent transistor based on this AZO electrode exhibits a favorable threshold voltage and I on /I off ratio, showing promising for use in high-resolution, fully transparent, and flexible display applications.

Self-assembled graphene/azo polyelectrolyte multilayer film and its application in electrochemical energy storage device.

PubMed

Wang, Dongrui; Wang, Xiaogong

2011-03-01

Graphene/azo polyelectrolyte multilayer films were fabricated through electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly, and their performance as electrochemical capacitor electrode was investigated. Cationic azo polyelectrolyte (QP4VP-co-PCN) was synthesized through radical polymerization, postpolymerization azo coupling reaction, and quaternization. Negatively charged graphene nanosheets were prepared by a chemically modified method. The LbL films were obtained by alternately dipping a piece of the pretreated substrates in the QP4VP-co-PCN and nanosheet solutions. The processes were repeated until the films with required numbers of bilayers were obtained. The self-assembly and multilayer surface morphology were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, and TEM. The performance of the LbL films as electrochemical capacitor electrode was estimated using cyclic voltammetry. Results show that the graphene nanosheets are densely packed in the multilayers and form random graphene network. The azo polyelectrolyte cohesively interacts with the nanosheets in the multilayer structure, which prevents agglomeration of graphene nanosheets. The sheet resistance of the LbL films decreases with the increase of the layer numbers and reaches the stationary value of 1.0 × 10(6) Ω/square for the film with 15 bilayers. At a scanning rate of 50 mV/s, the LbL film with 9 bilayers shows a gravimetric specific capacitance of 49 F/g in 1.0 M Na(2)SO(4) solution. The LbL films developed in this work could be a promising type of the electrode materials for electric energy storage devices.

Ionochromic 4,4 '-azobispyridinium salt-incorporated polymer: synthesis and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Taek Seung; Ahn, Heungki; Lee, Jin Kyun; Park, Won Ho

2003-01-01

Azobispyridinium-bearing polyelectrolyte linked with flexible alkyl chain was synthesized and characterized. The polymer showed absorption changes upon addition of hydroxide anion with an isobestic point in UV-visible spectrum. It is presumed that conformational change of the azo group in the main chain is responsible for the point. Transduction of physical information (hydroxide concentration) into an optical signal from azo group was related to the ionochromic effect. Electrostatic self-assembled multilayer of the polymer with appropriate polyanion was carried out via layer-by-layer deposition.

Comparative study of toxicity of azo dye Procion Red MX-5B following biosorption and biodegradation treatments with the fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus.

PubMed

Almeida, E J R; Corso, C R

2014-10-01

Azo dyes are an important class of environmental contaminants and are characterized by the presence of one or more azo bonds (-N=N-) in their molecular structure. Effluents containing these compounds resist many types of treatments due to their molecular complexity. Therefore, alternative treatments, such as biosorption and biodegradation, have been widely studied to solve the problems caused by these substances, such as their harmful effects on the environment and organisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate biosorption and biodegradation of the azo dye Procion Red MX-5B in solutions with the filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. Decolorization tests were performed, followed by acute toxicity tests using Lactuca sativa seeds and Artemia salina larvae. Thirty percent dye removal of the solutions was achieved after 3 h of biosorption. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that removal of the dye molecules occurred without major molecular changes. The acute toxicity tests confirmed lack of molecular degradation following biosorption with A. niger, as toxicity to L. sativa seed reduced from 5% to 0%. For A. salina larvae, the solutions were nontoxic before and after treatment. In the biodegradation study with the fungus A. terreus, UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy revealed molecular degradation and the formation of secondary metabolites, such as primary and secondary amines. The biodegradation of the dye molecules was evaluated after 24, 240 and 336 h of treatment. The fungal biomass demonstrated considerable affinity for Procion Red MX-5B, achieving approximately 100% decolorization of the solutions by the end of treatment. However, the solutions resulting from this treatment exhibited a significant increase in toxicity, inhibiting the growth of L. sativa seeds by 43% and leading to a 100% mortality rate among the A. salina larvae. Based on the present findings, biodegradation was effective in the decolorization of the samples, but generated toxic metabolites, while biosorption was effective in both decolorization and reducing the toxicity of the solutions. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Thermoelectric and Structural Characterization of Al-Doped ZnO/Y₂O₃ Multilayers.

PubMed

Mele, P; Saini, S; Tiwari, A; Hopkins, P E; Miyazaki, K; Ichinose, A; Niemelä, J; Karppinen, M

2017-03-01

The influence of Y2O3 nanolayers on thermoelectric performance and structure of 2% Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films has been studied. Multilayers based on five 50 nm thick AZO layers alternated with few nanometers thick Y2O3 layers were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on Al2O3 single crystals by alternate ablation of AZO target and Y2O3 target. The number of laser shots on Y2O3 target was maintained very low (5, 10 and 15 pulses in three separate experiments. The main phase (AZO) presents polycrystalline orientation and typical columnar growth not affected by the presence of Y2O3 nanolayers. The multilayer with 15 laser shots of Y2O3 showed best thermoelectric performance with electrical conductivity σ 48 S/cm and Seebeck coefficient S = −82 μV/K, which estimate power factor (S2·σ) about 0.03 × 10−3 W m−1 K−2 at 600 K. The value of thermal conductivity (κ) was found 10.03 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K, which is one third of typical value previously reported for bulk AZO. The figure of merit, ZT = S2·σ·T/κ, is calculated 9.6 × 10−4 at 600 K. These results demonstrated the feasibility of nanoengineered defects insertion for the depression of thermal conductivity.

Modeling and Optimization of Sub-Wavelength Grating Nanostructures on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Shou-Yi; Hsieh, Ming-Yang; Lai, Fang-I.; Liao, Yu-Kuang; Kao, Ming-Hsuan; Kuo, Hao-Chung

2012-10-01

In this study, an optical simulation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells by the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method is carried out to investigate the effects of surface morphology on the light absorption and power conversion efficiencies. Various sub-wavelength grating (SWG) nanostructures of periodic ZnO:Al (AZO) on CIGS solar cells were discussed in detail. SWG nanostructures were used as efficient antireflection layers. From the simulation results, AZO structures with nipple arrays effectively suppress the Fresnel reflection compared with nanorod- and cone-shaped AZO structures. The optimized reflectance decreased from 8.44 to 3.02% and the efficiency increased from 14.92 to 16.11% accordingly. The remarkable enhancement in light harvesting is attributed to the gradient refractive index profile between the AZO nanostructures and air.

Detection of azo dyes and aromatic amines in women under garment

PubMed Central

NGUYEN, THAO; SALEH, MAHMOUD A.

2016-01-01

Women are exposed to several chemical additives including azo dyes that exist in textile materials that are a potential health hazard for consumers. Our objective was to analyze suspected carcinogenic azo dyes and their degradation aromatic amines in women's panties underwear using a fast and simple method for quantification. Here, we evaluated 120 different samples of women underwear for their potential release of aromatic amines to the skin. Seventy four samples yielded low level mixtures of aromatic amines; however eighteen samples were found to produce greater than 200 mg/kg (ppm) of aromatic amines. Azo dyes in these 18 samples were extracted from the fabrics and analyzed by reverse phase thin layer chromatography in tandem with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Eleven azo dyes were identified based on their mass spectral data and the chemical structure of the aromatic amine produced from these samples. We demonstrate that planar chromatography and mass spectrometry can be really helpful in confirming the identity of the azo dyes, offering highly relevant molecular information of the responsible compounds in the fabrics. With the growing concern about the consumer goods, analysis of aromatic amines in garments has become a highly important issue. PMID:27149414

High-performance InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs with Al-doped ZnO transparent conductive layers grown by MOCVD using H2O as an oxidizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jia-Yong; Pei, Yan-Li; Zhuo, Yi; Chen, Zi-Min; Hu, Rui-Qin; Cai, Guang-Shuo; Wang, Gang

2016-11-01

In this study, the high performance of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with Al-doped ZnO (AZO) transparent conductive layers (TCLs) has been demonstrated. The AZO-TCLs were fabricated on the n+-InGaN contact layer by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using H2O as an oxidizer at temperatures as low as 400 °C without any post-deposition annealing. It shows a high transparency (98%), low resistivity (510-4 Ω·cm), and an epitaxial-like excellent interface on p-GaN with an n+-InGaN contact layer. A forward voltage of 2.82 V @ 20 mA was obtained. Most importantly, the power efficiencies can be markedly improved by 53.8%@20 mA current injection and 39.6%@350 mA current injection compared with conventional LEDs with indium tin oxide TCL (LED-III), and by 28.8%@20 mA current injection and 4.92%@350 mA current injection compared with LEDs with AZO-TCL prepared by MOCVD using O2 as an oxidizer (LED-II), respectively. The results indicate that the AZO-TCL grown by MOCVD using H2O as an oxidizer is a promising TCL for a low-cost and high-efficiency GaN-based LED application. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61204091, 61404177, 51402366, and U1201254) and the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, China (Grant No. 2015B010132006).

Influence of sputtering deposition parameters on electrical and optical properties of aluminium-doped zinc oxide thin films for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczak, Ewelina; Agata, Zdyb; Gulkowski, Slawomir; Fave, Alain; Fourmond, Erwann

2017-11-01

Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCOs) characterized by high visible transmittance and low electrical resistivity play an important role in photovoltaic technology. Aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) is one of the TCOs that can find its application in thin film solar cells (CIGS or CdTe PV technology) as well as in other microelectronic applications. In this paper some optical and electrical properties of ZnO:Al thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering method have been investigated. AZO layers have been deposited on the soda lime glass substrates with use of variable technological parameters such as pressure in the deposition chamber, power applied and temperature during the process. The composition of AZO films has been investigated by EDS method. Thickness and refraction index of the deposited layers in dependence on certain technological parameters of sputtering process have been determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The measurements of transmittance and sheet resistance were also performed.

Tunable antireflection from conformal Al-doped ZnO films on nanofaceted Si templates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Photon harvesting by reducing reflection loss is the basis of photovoltaic devices. Here, we show the efficacy of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) overlayer on ion beam-synthesized nanofaceted silicon for suppressing reflection loss. In particular, we demonstrate thickness-dependent tunable antireflection (AR) from conformally grown AZO layer, showing a systematic shift in the reflection minima from ultraviolet to visible to near-infrared ranges with increasing thickness. Tunable AR property is understood in light of depth-dependent refractive index of nanofaceted silicon and AZO overlayer. This improved AR property significantly increases the fill factor of such textured heterostructures, which reaches its maximum for 60-nm AZO compared to the ones based on planar silicon. This thickness matches with the one that shows the maximum reduction in surface reflectance. PACS 81.07.-b; 42.79.Wc; 81.16.Rf; 81.15.Cd PMID:24808799

Thermally Diffused Al:ZnO Thin Films for Broadband Transparent Conductor.

PubMed

Tong, Chong; Yun, Juhyung; Chen, Yen-Jen; Ji, Dengxin; Gan, Qiaoqiang; Anderson, Wayne A

2016-02-17

Here, we report an approach to realize highly transparent low resistance Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films for broadband transparent conductors. Thin Al films are deposited on ZnO surfaces, followed by thermal diffusion processes, introducing the Al doping into ZnO thin films. By utilizing the interdiffusion of Al, Zn, and O, the chemical state of Al on the surfaces can be converted to a fully oxidized state, resulting in a low sheet resistance of 6.2 Ω/sq and an excellent transparency (i.e., 96.5% at 550 nm and higher than 85% up to 2500 nm), which is superior compared with some previously reported values for indium tin oxide, solution processed AZO, and many transparent conducting materials using novel nanostructures. Such AZO films are also applied as transparent conducting layers for AZO/Si heterojunction solar cells, demonstrating their applications in optoelectronic devices.

Enhanced light extraction of GaN-based light-emitting diodes with periodic textured SiO2 on Al-doped ZnO transparent conductive layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zhao; Bingfeng, Fan; Yiting, Chen; Yi, Zhuo; Zhoujun, Pang; Zhen, Liu; Gang, Wang

2016-07-01

We report an effective enhancement in light extraction of GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an Al-doped ZnO (AZO) transparent conductive layer by incorporating a top regular textured SiO2 layer. The 2 inch transparent through-pore anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane was fabricated and used as the etching mask. The periodic pore with a pitch of about 410 nm was successfully transferred to the surface of the SiO2 layer without any etching damages to the AZO layer and the electrodes. The light output power was enhanced by 19% at 20 mA and 56% at 100 mA compared to that of the planar LEDs without a patterned surface. This approach offers a technique to fabricate a low-cost and large-area regular pattern on the LED chip for achieving enhanced light extraction without an obvious increase of the forward voltage. ).

Efficient degradation of Azo dyes by a newly isolated fungus Trichoderma tomentosum under non-sterile conditions.

PubMed

He, Xiao-Ling; Song, Chao; Li, Yuan-Yuan; Wang, Ning; Xu, Lei; Han, Xin; Wei, Dong-Sheng

2018-04-15

A fast-growing fungus with remarkable ability to degrade several azo dyes under non-sterile conditions was isolated and identified. This fungus was identified as Trichoderma tomentosum. Textile effluent of ten-fold dilution could be decolorized by 94.9% within 72h before optimization. Acid Red 3R model wastewater with a concentration of 85.5mgL -1 could be decolorized by 99.2% within the same time after optimization. High-level of manganese peroxidase and low-level of lignin peroxidase activities were detected during the process of decolorization from the culture supernatant, indicating the possible involvement of two enzymes in azo dye decolorization. No aromatic amine products were detected from the degradation products of Acid Red 3R by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, indicating the possible involvement of a special symmetrical oxidative degradation pathway. Phytotoxicity assay confirmed the lower toxicity toward the test plant seeds of the degradation products when compared to the original dye. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trap-assisted tunneling in aluminum-doped ZnO/indium oxynitride nanodot interlayer Ohmic contacts on p-GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Wen-Cheng; Lee, Fang-Wei; Yang, Cheng-Yi; Chen, Wei-Kuo; Huang, Hao-Ping

2015-10-01

This study developed an Ohmic contact formation method for a ZnO:Al (AZO) transparent conductive layer on p-GaN films involving the introduction of an indium oxynitride (InON) nanodot interlayer. An antisurfactant pretreatment was used to grow InON nanodots on p-GaN films in a RF magnetron sputtering system. A low specific contact resistance of 1.12 × 10-4 Ω cm2 was achieved for a sample annealed at 500 °C for 30 s in nitrogen ambient and embedded with an InON nanodot interlayer with a nanodot density of 6.5 × 108 cm-2. By contrast, a sample annealed in oxygen ambient exhibited non-Ohmic behavior. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy results showed that the oxygen vacancy (Vo) in the InON nanodots played a crucial role in carrier transport. The fitting I-V characteristic curves indicated that the hopping mechanism with an activation energy of 31.6 meV and trap site spacing of 1.1 nm dominated the carrier transport in the AZO/InON nanodot/p-GaN sample. Because of the high density of donor-like oxygen vacancy defects at the InON nanodot/p-GaN interface, positive charges from the underlying p-GaN films were absorbed at the interface. This led to positive charge accumulation, creating a narrow depletion layer; therefore, carriers from the AZO layer passed through InON nanodots by hopping transport, and subsequently tunneling through the interface to enter the p-GaN films. Thus, AZO Ohmic contact can be formed on p-GaN films by embedding an InON nanodot interlayer to facilitate trap-assisted tunneling.

High-Hall-Mobility Al-Doped ZnO Films Having Textured Polycrystalline Structure with a Well-Defined (0001) Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomoto, Junichi; Makino, Hisao; Yamamoto, Tetsuya

2016-06-01

Five hundred-nanometer-thick ZnO-based textured polycrystalline films consisting of 490-nm-thick Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films deposited on 10-nm-thick Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films exhibited a high Hall mobility ( μ H) of 50.1 cm2/Vs with a carrier concentration ( N) of 2.55 × 1020 cm-3. Firstly, the GZO films were prepared on glass substrates by ion plating with dc arc discharge, and the AZO films were then deposited on the GZO films by direct current magnetron sputtering (DC-MS). The GZO interface layers with a preferential c-axis orientation play a critical role in producing AZO films with texture development of a well-defined (0001) orientation, whereas 500-nm-thick AZO films deposited by only DC-MS showed a mixture of the c-plane and the other plane orientation, to exhibit a μ H of 38.7 cm2/Vs with an N of 2.22 × 1020 cm-3.

Organic heterostructures deposited by MAPLE on AZO substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Socol, M.; Preda, N.; Stanculescu, A.; Breazu, C.; Florica, C.; Stanculescu, F.; Iftimie, S.; Girtan, M.; Popescu-Pelin, G.; Socol, G.

2017-09-01

Organic heterostructures based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene (C60) as blends or multilayer were deposited on Al:ZnO (AZO) by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The AZO layers were obtained by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) on glass substrate, the high quality of the films being reflected by the calculated figure of merit. The organic heterostructures were investigated from morphological, optical and electrical point of view by atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements, respectively. The increase of the C60 content in the blend heterostructure has as result a high roughness. Compared with the multilayer heterostructure, those based on blends present an improvement in the electrical properties. Under illumination, the highest current value was recorded for the heterostructure based on the blend with the higher C60 amount. The obtained results showed that MAPLE is a useful technique for the deposition of the organic heterostructures on AZO as transparent conductor electrode.

High-Quality AZO/Au/AZO Sandwich Film with Ultralow Optical Loss and Resistivity for Transparent Flexible Electrodes.

PubMed

Zhou, Hua; Xie, Jing; Mai, Manfang; Wang, Jing; Shen, Xiangqian; Wang, Shuying; Zhang, Lihua; Kisslinger, Kim; Wang, Hui-Qiong; Zhang, Jinxing; Li, Yu; Deng, Junhong; Ke, Shanming; Zeng, Xierong

2018-05-09

Transparent flexible electrodes are in ever-growing demand for modern stretchable optoelectronic devices, such as display technologies, solar cells, and smart windows. Such sandwich-film-electrodes deposited on polymer substrates are unattainable because of the low quality of the films, inducing a relatively large optical loss and resistivity as well as a difficulty in elucidating the interference behavior of light. In this article, we report a high-quality AZO/Au/AZO sandwich film with excellent optoelectronic performance, e.g., an average transmittance of about 81.7% (including the substrate contribution) over the visible range, a sheet resistance of 5 Ω/sq, and a figure-of-merit (FoM) factor of ∼55.1. These values are well ahead of those previously reported for sandwich-film-electrodes. Additionally, the interference behaviors of light modulated by the coat and metal layers have been explored with the employment of transmittance spectra and numerical simulations. In particular, a heater device based on an AZO/Au/AZO sandwich film exhibits high performance such as short response time (∼5 s) and uniform temperature field. This work provides a deep insight into the improvement of the film quality of the sandwich electrodes and the design of high-performance transparent flexible devices by the application of a flexible substrate with an atomically smooth surface.

Flexible thin-film transistors on plastic substrate at room temperature.

PubMed

Han, Dedong; Wang, Wei; Cai, Jian; Wang, Liangliang; Ren, Yicheng; Wang, Yi; Zhang, Shengdong

2013-07-01

We have fabricated flexible thin-film transistors (TFTs) on plastic substrates using Aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) as an active channel layer at room temperature. The AZO-TFTs showed n-channel device characteristics and operated in enhancement mode. The device shows a threshold voltage of 1.3 V, an on/off ratio of 2.7 x 10(7), a field effect mobility of 21.3 cm2/V x s, a subthreshold swing of 0.23 V/decade, and the off current of less than 10(-12) A at room temperature. Recently, the flexible displays have become a very hot topic. Flexible thin film transistors are key devices for realizing flexible displays. We have investigated AZO-TFT on flexible plastic substrate, and high performance flexible TFTs have been obtained.

Structural, optical and nonlinear optical studies of AZO thin film prepared by SILAR method for electro-optic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edison, D. Joseph; Nirmala, W.; Kumar, K. Deva Arun; Valanarasu, S.; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd.; AlFaify, S.

2017-10-01

Aluminium doped (i.e. 3 at%) zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were prepared by simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method with different dipping cycles. The structural and surface morphology of AZO thin films were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical parameters such as, transmittance, band gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant and nonlinear optical properties of AZO films were investigated. XRD pattern revealed the formation of hexagonal phase ZnO and the intensity of the film was found to increase with increasing dipping cycle. The crystallite size was found to be in the range of 29-37 nm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show the presence of small sized grains, revealing that the smoothest surface was obtained at all the films. The EDAX spectrum of AZO conforms the presence of Zn, O and Al. The optical transmittance in the visible region is high 87% and the band gap value is 3.23 eV. The optical transmittance is decreased with respect to dipping cycles. The room temperature PL studies revealed that the AZO films prepared at (30 cycles) has good film quality with lesser defect density. The third order nonlinear optical parameters were also studied using Z-scan technique to know the applications of deposited films in nonlinear devices. The third order nonlinear susceptibility value is found to be 1.69 × 10-7, 3.34 × 10-8, 1.33 × 10-7and 2.52 × 10-7 for AZO films deposited after 15, 20, 25 and 30 dipping cycles.

Growth of KOH etched AZO nanorods and investigation of its back scattering effect in thin film a-Si solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Jayasree Roy; Mitra, Suchismita; Ghosh, Hemanta; Das, Gourab; Bose, Sukanta; Mandal, Sourav; Mukhopadhyay, Sumita; Saha, Hiranmay; Barua, A. K.

2018-02-01

In order to increase the stabilized efficiencies of thin film silicon (TFS) solar cells it is necessary to use better light management techniques. Texturization by etching of sputtered aluminum doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO or AZO) films has opened up a variety of promises to optimize light trapping schemes. RF sputtered AZO film has been etched by potassium hydroxide (KOH). A systematic study of etching conditions such as etchant concentration, etching time, temperature management etc. have been performed in search of improved electrical and optical performances of the films. The change in etching conditions has exhibited a noticeable effect on the structure of AZO films for which the light trapping effect differs. After optimizing the etching conditions, nanorods have been found on the substrate. Hence, nanorods have been developed only by chemical etching, rather than the conventional development method (hydrothermal method, sol-gel method, electrolysis method etc.). The optimized etched substrate has 82% transmittance, moderate haze in the visible range and sheet resistance ∼13 (Ω/□). The developed nanorods (optimized etched substrate) provide better light trapping within the cell as the optical path length has been increased by using the nanorods. This provides an effect on carrier collection as well as the efficiency in a-Si solar cells. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations have been performed to observe the light trapping by AZO nanorods formed on sputtered AZO films. For a p-i-n solar cell developed on AZO nanorods coated with sputtered AZO films, it has been found through simulations that, the incident light is back scattered into the absorbing layer, leading to an increase in photogenerated current and hence higher efficiency. It has been found that, the light that passes through the nanorods is not getting absorbed and maximum amount of light is back scattered towards the solar cell.

Trap-assisted tunneling in aluminum-doped ZnO/indium oxynitride nanodot interlayer Ohmic contacts on p-GaN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ke, Wen-Cheng, E-mail: wcke@mail.ntust.edu.tw; Yang, Cheng-Yi; Lee, Fang-Wei

2015-10-21

This study developed an Ohmic contact formation method for a ZnO:Al (AZO) transparent conductive layer on p-GaN films involving the introduction of an indium oxynitride (InON) nanodot interlayer. An antisurfactant pretreatment was used to grow InON nanodots on p-GaN films in a RF magnetron sputtering system. A low specific contact resistance of 1.12 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm{sup 2} was achieved for a sample annealed at 500 °C for 30 s in nitrogen ambient and embedded with an InON nanodot interlayer with a nanodot density of 6.5 × 10{sup 8} cm{sup −2}. By contrast, a sample annealed in oxygen ambient exhibited non-Ohmic behavior. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy resultsmore » showed that the oxygen vacancy (V{sub o}) in the InON nanodots played a crucial role in carrier transport. The fitting I–V characteristic curves indicated that the hopping mechanism with an activation energy of 31.6 meV and trap site spacing of 1.1 nm dominated the carrier transport in the AZO/InON nanodot/p-GaN sample. Because of the high density of donor-like oxygen vacancy defects at the InON nanodot/p-GaN interface, positive charges from the underlying p-GaN films were absorbed at the interface. This led to positive charge accumulation, creating a narrow depletion layer; therefore, carriers from the AZO layer passed through InON nanodots by hopping transport, and subsequently tunneling through the interface to enter the p-GaN films. Thus, AZO Ohmic contact can be formed on p-GaN films by embedding an InON nanodot interlayer to facilitate trap-assisted tunneling.« less

Comparative Study of Hydrogen- and Deuterium-Induced Degradation of Ferroelectric (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 Capacitors Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Measurement.

PubMed

Takada, Yoko; Okamoto, Naoki; Saito, Takeyasu; Yoshimura, Takeshi; Fujimura, Norifumi; Higuchi, Koji; Kitajima, Akira; Shishido, Rie

2016-10-01

Ferroelectric (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O 3 (PLZT) capacitors were fabricated with Pt, Al:ZnO (AZO), or Sn:In 2 O 3 (ITO) top electrodes. Hydrogen- or deuterium-induced degradation was investigated for the three capacitors by annealing in a 3% H 2 /balance N 2 or 3% D 2 /balance N 2 ambient environment at 200 °C and 1 torr. The remnant polarization of all capacitors decreased after annealing in both H 2 and D 2 ambient after 45 min, and the remnant polarization of the Pt/PLZT/Pt capacitor significantly decreased after 45-min annealing compared with that of the AZO/PLZT/Pt and ITO/PLZT/Pt capacitors, even though the initial remnant polarization for the Pt/PLZT/Pt capacitor was larger. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry showed slight differences in hydrogen content for the three different capacitors after H 2 annealing. In contrast, the deuterium content of the Pt/PLZT/Pt and AZO/PLZT/Pt or ITO/PLZT/PT capacitors was significantly different after deuterium annealing. Deuterium depth profiles for the Pt/PLZT/Pt capacitor after annealing showed that deuterium conformally exists in the PLZT layer of the Pt/PLZT/Pt capacitor, and deuterium accumulation under the Pt bottom electrode was also observed. This result suggests that diffusion of deuterium in Pt was much higher than that in PLZT. AZO and ITO top electrodes could act as a hydrogen barrier layer for ferroelectric films.

Cucurbit[8]uril-Containing Multilayer Films for the Photocontrolled Binding and Release of a Guest Molecule.

PubMed

Nicolas, Henning; Yuan, Bin; Zhang, Xi; Schönhoff, Monika

2016-03-15

The powerful host-guest chemistry of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) was employed to obtain photoresponsive polyelectrolyte multilayer films for the reversible and photocontrolled binding and release of an organic guest molecule. For this purpose, we designed and synthesized a polyelectrolyte with azobenzene side groups. Then, CB[8] was associated with the azo side group to obtain a supramolecular host-guest complex that was further used as building block in order to prepare photoresponsive and CB[8]-containing polyelectrolyte multilayer films. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and a dissipative quartz crystal microbalance are employed to monitor the formation of the host-guest complex and the layer-by-layer self-assembly of the multilayer films, respectively. We demonstrate that the photoresponsive properties of the azo side groups are maintained before and after host-guest complexation with CB[8] in solution and within the multilayer films, respectively. A guest molecule was then specifically included as second binding partner into the CB[8]-containing multilayer films. Subsequently, the release of the guest was performed by UV light irradiation due to the trans-cis isomerization of the adjacent azo side groups. Re-isomerization of the azo side groups was achieved by VIS light irradiation and enabled the rebinding of the guest into CB[8]. Finally, we demonstrate that the photocontrolled binding and release within CB[8]-containing multilayer films can reliably and reversibly be performed over a period of more than 2 weeks with constant binding efficiency. Therefore, we expect such novel type of photosensitive films to have promising future applications in the field of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials.

Patterning Surfaces on Azo-Based Multilayer Films via Surface Wrinkling Combined with Visible Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Zong, Chuanyong; Zhao, Yan; Ji, Haipeng; Xie, Jixun; Han, Xue; Wang, Juanjuan; Cao, Yanping; Lu, Conghua; Li, Hongfei; Jiang, Shichun

2016-08-01

Here, a simple combined strategy of surface wrinkling with visible light irradiation to fabricate well tunable hierarchical surface patterns on azo-containing multilayer films is reported. The key to tailor surface patterns is to introduce a photosensitive poly(disperse orange 3) intermediate layer into the film/substrate wrinkling system, in which the modulus decrease is induced by the reversible photoisomerization. The existence of a photoinert top layer prevents the photoisomerization-induced stress release in the intermediate layer to some extent. Consequently, the as-formed wrinkling patterns can be modulated over a large area by light irradiation. Interestingly, in the case of selective exposure, the wrinkle wavelength in the exposed region decreases, while the wrinkles in the unexposed region are evolved into highly oriented wrinkles with the orientation perpendicular to the exposed/unexposed boundary. Compared with traditional single layer-based film/substrate systems, the multilayer system consisting of the photosensitive intermediate layer offers unprecedented advantages in the patterning controllability/universality. As demonstrated here, this simple and versatile strategy can be conveniently extended to functional multilayer systems for the creation of prescribed hierarchical surface patterns with optically tailored microstructures. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Digital photocontrol of the network of live excitable cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erofeev, I. S.; Magome, N.; Agladze, K. I.

2011-11-01

Recent development of tissue engineering techniques allows creating and maintaining almost indefinitely networks of excitable cells with desired architecture. We coupled the network of live excitable cardiac cells with a common computer by sensitizing them to light, projecting a light pattern on the layer of cells, and monitoring excitation with the aid of fluorescent probes (optical mapping). As a sensitizing substance we used azobenzene trimethylammonium bromide (AzoTAB). This substance undergoes cis-trans-photoisomerization and trans-isomer of AzoTAB inhibits excitation in the cardiac cells, while cis-isomer does not. AzoTAB-mediated sensitization allows, thus, reversible and dynamic control of the excitation waves through the entire cardiomyocyte network either uniformly, or in a preferred spatial pattern. Technically, it was achieved by coupling a common digital projector with a macroview microscope and using computer graphic software for creating the projected pattern of conducting pathways. This approach allows real time interactive photocontrol of the heart tissue.

Optical devices combining an organic semiconductor crystal with a two-dimensional inorganic diffraction grating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kitazawa, Takenori; Yamao, Takeshi, E-mail: yamao@kit.ac.jp; Hotta, Shu

2016-02-01

We have fabricated optical devices using an organic semiconductor crystal as an emission layer in combination with a two-dimensional (2D) inorganic diffraction grating used as an optical cavity. We formed the inorganic diffraction grating by wet etching of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) under a 2D cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) diffraction grating used as a mask. The COC diffraction grating was fabricated by nanoimprint lithography. The AZO diffraction grating was composed of convex prominences arranged in a triangular lattice. The organic crystal placed on the AZO diffraction grating indicated narrowed peaks in its emission spectrum under ultraviolet light excitation. These aremore » detected parallel to the crystal plane. The peaks were shifted by rotating the optical devices around the normal to the crystal plane, which reflected the rotational symmetries of the triangular lattice through 60°.« less

AZO/Ag/AZO anode for resonant cavity red, blue, and yellow organic light emitting diodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gentle, A. R., E-mail: angus.gentle@uts.edu.au; Smith, G. B.; Yambem, S. D.

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is the transparent electrode of choice for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Replacing ITO for cost and performance reasons is a major drive across optoelectronics. In this work, we show that changing the transparent electrode on red, blue, and yellow OLEDs from ITO to a multilayer buffered aluminium zinc oxide/silver/aluminium zinc oxide (AZO/Ag/AZO) substantially enhances total output intensity, with better control of colour, its constancy, and intensity over the full exit hemisphere. The thin Ag containing layer induces a resonant cavity optical response of the complete device. This is tuned to the emission spectra of the emissivemore » material while minimizing internally trapped light. A complete set of spectral intensity data is presented across the full exit hemisphere for each electrode type and each OLED colour. Emission zone modelling of output spectra at a wide range of exit angles to the normal was in excellent agreement with the experimental data and hence could, in principle, be used to check and adjust production settings. These multilayer transparent electrodes show significant potential for both eliminating indium from OLEDs and spectrally shaping the emission.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahn, Cheol Hyoun; Hee Kim, So; Gu Yun, Myeong

In this study, we proposed the artificially designed channel structure in oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) called a “step-composition gradient channel.” We demonstrated Al step-composition gradient Al-Zn-O (AZO) channel structures consisting of three AZO layers with different Al contents. The effects of stacking sequence in the step-composition gradient channel on performance and electrical stability of bottom-gate TFT devices were investigated with two channels of inverse stacking order (ascending/descending step-composition). The TFT with ascending step-composition channel structure (5 → 10 → 14 at. % Al composition) showed relatively negative threshold voltage (−3.7 V) and good instability characteristics with a reduced threshold voltage shift (Δmore » 1.4 V), which was related to the alignment of the conduction band off-set within the channel layer depending on the Al contents. Finally, the reduced Al composition in the initial layer of ascending step-composition channel resulted in the best field effect mobility of 4.5 cm{sup 2}/V s. We presented a unique active layer of the “step-composition gradient channel” in the oxide TFTs and explained the mechanism of adequate channel design.« less

Improving the efficiency of copper indium gallium (Di-)selenide (CIGS) solar cells through integration of a moth-eye textured resist with a refractive index similar to aluminum doped zinc oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burghoorn, M.; Kniknie, B.; van Deelen, J.; Xu, M.; Vroon, Z.; van Ee, R.; van de Belt, R.; Buskens, P.

2014-12-01

Textured transparent conductors are widely used in thin-film silicon solar cells. They lower the reflectivity at interfaces between different layers in the cell and/or cause an increase in the path length of photons in the Si absorber layer, which both result in an increase in the number of absorbed photons and, consequently, an increase in short-circuit current density (Jsc) and cell efficiency. Through optical simulations, we recently obtained strong indications that texturing of the transparent conductor in copper indium gallium (di-)selenide (CIGS) solar cells is also optically advantageous. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that the Jsc and efficiency of CIGS solar cells with an absorber layer thickness (dCIGS) of 0.85 μm, 1.00 μm and 2.00 μm increase through application of a moth-eye textured resist with a refractive index that is sufficiently similar to AZO (nresist = 1.792 vs. nAZO = 1.913 at 633 nm) to avoid large optical losses at the resist-AZO interface. On average, Jsc increases by 7.2%, which matches the average reduction in reflection of 7.0%. The average relative increase in efficiency is slightly lower (6.0%). No trend towards a larger relative increase in Jsc with decreasing dCIGS was observed. Ergo, the increase in Jsc can be fully explained by the reduction in reflection, and we did not observe any increase in Jsc based on an increased photon path length.

Light-controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles using a rigid, photoresponsive surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Youju; Kim, Dong-Hwan

2012-09-01

We report a new strategy for shape control over the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by using a photoresponsive surfactant based on a modified seed growth method. Owing to photoresponsive properties of the azo group, the designed surfactant, N1,N3,N5-tris[(4'-azobenzene-4-sulphonic acid)phenyl]benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide, exhibits a distinctive molecular configuration under light leading to different growth processes of AuNPs. As a result, the blackberry-like, spherical AuNPs and multilayered Au plates were successfully prepared in high yield under visible and UV light. The size and morphological control of Au nanocrystals are described and the synthesized Au nanocrystals are evaluated for SERS applications.We report a new strategy for shape control over the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by using a photoresponsive surfactant based on a modified seed growth method. Owing to photoresponsive properties of the azo group, the designed surfactant, N1,N3,N5-tris[(4'-azobenzene-4-sulphonic acid)phenyl]benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide, exhibits a distinctive molecular configuration under light leading to different growth processes of AuNPs. As a result, the blackberry-like, spherical AuNPs and multilayered Au plates were successfully prepared in high yield under visible and UV light. The size and morphological control of Au nanocrystals are described and the synthesized Au nanocrystals are evaluated for SERS applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The UV-vis spectra, representative field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images and size distributions of Au seeds (18 nm) and spherical AuNPs (50 nm), photograph images of AuNPs solution and TEM images of blackberry-like AuNPs. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr31717f

Infrared metamaterial by RF magnetron sputtered ZnO/Al:ZnO multilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santiago, Kevin C.; Mundle, Rajeh; White, Curtis; Bahoura, Messaoud; Pradhan, Aswini K.

2018-03-01

Hyperbolic metamaterials create artificial anisotropy using metallic wires suspended in dielectric media or alternating layers of a metal and dielectric (Type I or Type II). In this study we fabricated ZnO/Al:ZnO (AZO) multilayers by the RF magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Our fabricated multilayers satisfy the requirements for a type II hyperbolic metamaterial. The optical response of individual AZO and ZnO films, as well as the multilayered film were investigated via UV-vis-IR transmittance and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The optical response of the multilayered system is calculated using the nonlocal-corrected Effective Medium Approximation (EMA). The spectroscopic ellipsometry data of the multilayered system was modeled using a uniaxial material model and EMA model. Both theoretical and experimental studies validate the fabricated multilayers undergo a hyperbolic transition at a wavelength of 2.2 μm. To our knowledge this is the first AZO/ZnO type II hyperbolic metamaterial system fabricated by magnetron sputtering deposition method.

Photo-switchable bistable twisted nematic liquid crystal optical switch.

PubMed

Wang, Chun-Ta; Wu, Yueh-Chi; Lin, Tsung-Hsien

2013-02-25

This work demonstrates a photo-switchable bistable optical switch that is based on an azo-chiral doped liquid crystal (ACDLC). The photo-induced isomerization of the azo-chiral dopant can change the chirality of twisted nematic liquid crystal and the gap/pitch ratio of an ACDLC device, enabling switching between 0° and 180° twist states in a homogeneous aligned cell. The bistable 180° and 0° twist states of the azo-chiral doped liquid crystal between crossed polarizers correspond to the ON and OFF states of a light shutter, respectively, and they can be maintained stably for tens of hours. Rapid switching between 180° and 0° twist states can be carried out using 408 and 532 nm addressing light. Such a photo-controllable optical switch requires no specific asymmetric alignment layer or precise control of the cell gap/pitch ratio, so it is easily fabricated and has the potential for use in optical systems.

The influence of target erosion grade in the optoelectronic properties of AZO coatings growth by magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zubizarreta, C.; G-Berasategui, E.; Ciarsolo, I.; Barriga, J.; Gaspar, D.; Martins, R.; Fortunato, E.

2016-09-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) transparent conductor coating has emerged as promising substitute to tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) as electrode in optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Besides its high transmission in the visible spectral region and low resistivity, AZO presents a main advantage over other candidates such as graphene, carbon nanotubes or silver nanowires; it can be deposited using the technology industrially implemented to manufacture ITO layers, the magnetron sputtering (MS). This is a productive, reliable and green manufacturing technique. But to guarantee the robustness, reproducibility and reliability of the process there are still some issues to be addressed, such as the effect and control of the target state. In this paper a thorough study of the influence of the target erosion grade in developed coatings has been performed. AZO films have been deposited from a ceramic target by RF MS. Structure, optical transmittance and electrical properties of the produced coatings have been analyzed as function of the target erosion grade. No noticeable differences have been found neither in optoelectronic properties nor in the structure of the coatings, indicating that the RF MS is a stable and consistent process through the whole life of the target.

Decolorization of sulfonated azo dye Metanil Yellow by newly isolated bacterial strains: Bacillus sp. strain AK1 and Lysinibacillus sp. strain AK2.

PubMed

Anjaneya, O; Souche, S Yogesh; Santoshkumar, M; Karegoudar, T B

2011-06-15

Two different bacterial strains capable of decolorizing a highly water soluble azo dye Metanil Yellow were isolated from dye contaminated soil sample collected from Atul Dyeing Industry, Bellary, India. The individual bacterial strains Bacillus sp. AK1 and Lysinibacillus sp. AK2 decolorized Metanil Yellow (200 mg L(-1)) completely within 27 and 12h respectively. Various parameters like pH, temperature, NaCl and initial dye concentrations were optimized to develop an economically feasible decolorization process. The maximum concentration of Metanil Yellow (1000 mg L(-1)) was decolorized by strains AK2 and AK1 within 78 and 84 h respectively. These strains could decolorize Metanil Yellow over a broad pH range 5.5-9.0; the optimum pH was 7.2. The decolorization of Metanil Yellow was most efficient at 40°C and confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, TLC, HPLC and GC/MS analysis. Further, both the strains showed the involvement of azoreductase in the decolorization process. Phytotoxicity studies of catabolic products of Metanil Yellow on the seeds of chick pea and pigeon pea revealed much reduction in the toxicity of metabolites as compared to the parent dye. These results indicating the effectiveness of strains AK1 and AK2 for the treatment of textile effluents containing azo dyes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving the efficiency of copper indium gallium (Di-)selenide (CIGS) solar cells through integration of a moth-eye textured resist with a refractive index similar to aluminum doped zinc oxide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burghoorn, M.; Kniknie, B.; Deelen, J. van

2014-12-15

Textured transparent conductors are widely used in thin-film silicon solar cells. They lower the reflectivity at interfaces between different layers in the cell and/or cause an increase in the path length of photons in the Si absorber layer, which both result in an increase in the number of absorbed photons and, consequently, an increase in short-circuit current density (J{sub sc}) and cell efficiency. Through optical simulations, we recently obtained strong indications that texturing of the transparent conductor in copper indium gallium (di-)selenide (CIGS) solar cells is also optically advantageous. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that the J{sub sc} and efficiency ofmore » CIGS solar cells with an absorber layer thickness (d{sub CIGS}) of 0.85 μm, 1.00 μm and 2.00 μm increase through application of a moth-eye textured resist with a refractive index that is sufficiently similar to AZO (n{sub resist} = 1.792 vs. n{sub AZO} = 1.913 at 633 nm) to avoid large optical losses at the resist-AZO interface. On average, J{sub sc} increases by 7.2%, which matches the average reduction in reflection of 7.0%. The average relative increase in efficiency is slightly lower (6.0%). No trend towards a larger relative increase in J{sub sc} with decreasing d{sub CIGS} was observed. Ergo, the increase in J{sub sc} can be fully explained by the reduction in reflection, and we did not observe any increase in J{sub sc} based on an increased photon path length.« less

Air-stable flexible organic light-emitting diodes enabled by atomic layer deposition.

PubMed

Lin, Yuan-Yu; Chang, Yi-Neng; Tseng, Ming-Hung; Wang, Ching-Chiun; Tsai, Feng-Yu

2015-01-16

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are an energy-efficient light source with many desirable attributes, besides being an important display of technology, but its practical application has been limited by its low air-stability. This study demonstrates air-stable flexible OLEDs by utilizing two atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) films: (1) a ZnO film as both a stable electron-injection layer (EIL) and as a gas barrier in plastics-based OLED devices, and (2) an Al2O3/ZnO (AZO) nano-laminated film for encapsulating the devices. Through analyses of the morphology and electrical/gas-permeation properties of the films, we determined that a low ALD temperature of 70 °C resulted in optimal EIL performance from the ZnO film and excellent gas-barrier properties [water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) <5 × 10(-4) g m(-2) day(-1)] from both the ZnO EIL and the AZO encapsulating film. The low-temperature ALD processes eliminated thermal damage to the OLED devices, which were severe when a 90 °C encapsulation process was used, while enabling them to achieve an air-storage lifetime of >10,000 h.

Air-Stable flexible organic light-emitting diodes enabled by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yuan-Yu; Chang, Yi-Neng; Tseng, Ming-Hung; Wang, Ching-Chiun; Tsai, Feng-Yu

2015-01-01

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are an energy-efficient light source with many desirable attributes, besides being an important display of technology, but its practical application has been limited by its low air-stability. This study demonstrates air-stable flexible OLEDs by utilizing two atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) films: (1) a ZnO film as both a stable electron-injection layer (EIL) and as a gas barrier in plastics-based OLED devices, and (2) an Al2O3/ZnO (AZO) nano-laminated film for encapsulating the devices. Through analyses of the morphology and electrical/gas-permeation properties of the films, we determined that a low ALD temperature of 70 °C resulted in optimal EIL performance from the ZnO film and excellent gas-barrier properties [water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) <5 × 10-4 g m-2 day-1] from both the ZnO EIL and the AZO encapsulating film. The low-temperature ALD processes eliminated thermal damage to the OLED devices, which were severe when a 90 °C encapsulation process was used, while enabling them to achieve an air-storage lifetime of >10 000 h.

All-Nonvacuum-Processed CIGS Solar Cells Using Scalable Ag NWs/AZO-Based Transparent Electrodes.

PubMed

Wang, Mingqing; Choy, Kwang-Leong

2016-07-06

With record cell efficiency of 21.7%, CIGS solar cells have demonstrated to be a very promising photovoltaic (PV) technology. However, their market penetration has been limited due to the inherent high cost of the cells. In this work, to lower the cost of CIGS solar cells, all nonvacuum-processed CIGS solar cells were designed and developed. CIGS absorber was prepared by the annealing of electrodeposited metallic layers in a chalcogen atmosphere. Nonvacuum-deposited Ag nanowires (NWs)/AZO transparent electrodes (TEs) with good transmittance (92.0% at 550 nm) and high conductivity (sheet resistance of 20 Ω/□) were used to replace the vacuum-sputtered window layer. Additional thermal treatment after device preparation was conducted at 220 °C for a few of minutes to improve both the value and the uniformity of the efficiency of CIGS pixel cell on 5 × 5 cm substrate. The best performance of the all-nonvacuum-fabricated CIGS solar cells showed an efficiency of 14.05% with Jsc of 34.82 mA/cm(2), Voc of 0.58 V, and FF of 69.60%, respectively, which is comparable with the efficiency of 14.45% of a reference cell using a sputtered window layer.

40 CFR 721.9538 - Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9538 Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo... substance identified generically as lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (PMN P-00...

40 CFR 721.9538 - Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9538 Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo... substance identified generically as lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (PMN P-00...

40 CFR 721.9538 - Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9538 Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo... substance identified generically as lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (PMN P-00...

40 CFR 721.9538 - Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9538 Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo... substance identified generically as lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (PMN P-00...

40 CFR 721.9538 - Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9538 Lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo... substance identified generically as lithium salt of sulfophenyl azo phenyl azo disulfostilbene (PMN P-00...

Comparative study for highly Al and Mg doped ZnO thin films elaborated by sol gel method for photovoltaic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hallani, G.; Nasih, S.; Fazouan, N.; Liba, A.; Khuili, M.; Sajieddine, M.; Mabrouki, M.; Laanab, L.; Atmani, E. H.

2017-04-01

Transparent conducting oxides such as ZnO doped with Al or Mg are commonly used in solar cells, light emitting diodes, photodetectors, and ultraviolet laser diodes. In our work, we focus on a comparative study of the structural, optical, and electrical properties of ZnO films highly doped with Al (AZO) and Mg (MZO). These films are deposited on glass substrates by the sol-gel spin coating method. The doping concentrations for Al and Mg are fixed to 5%-30%. The XRD spectra indicate that all the samples are polycrystalline with hexagonal wurtzite structures, exhibiting a preferred orientation along the (002) plane. Low degradation in crystallinity was observed for MZO even at a Mg concentration of 30%. The MgO phase started to appear compared to Al-doped layers where smaller grains are formed inducing a deterioration in the films just after doping but no new phase appeared. This result is in agreement with other experimental results [J. K. Rath, Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 76, 431-487 (2003); Morris et al., J. Appl. Phys. 67, 1079-1087 (1990)]. By AFM analysis, the results indicate a significantly rough surface for MZO compared to AZO films. For equal Al and Mg dopant concentrations, we observe that the transmittance spectra of MZO thin films are wider than those of AZO, indicating a shift toward shorter wavelengths with an optical gap energy equal to 3.67 eV. The electrical measurements of AZO and MZO thin films were made using the I-V characteristic obtained by the four probe method. All the films present an ohmic behavior. The conductivity and the mobility of AZO films were found to be better than those of MZO.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sweet, William J.; Oldham, Christopher J.; Parsons, Gregory N., E-mail: parsons@ncsu.edu

Flexible electronics and wearable technology represent a novel and growing market for next generation devices. In this work, the authors deposit conductive zinc oxide films by atomic layer deposition onto nylon-6 nonwoven fiber mats and spun-cast films, and quantify the impact that deposition temperature, coating thickness, and aluminum doping have on the conductivity of the coated substrates. The authors produce aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) coated fibers with conductivity of 230 S/cm, which is ∼6× more conductive than ZnO coated fibers. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate AZO coated fibers maintain 62% of their conductivity after being bent around a 3 mm radius cylinder.more » As an example application, the authors fabricate an “all-fiber” pressure sensor using AZO coated nylon-6 electrodes. The sensor signal scales exponentially under small applied force (<50 g/cm{sup 2}), yielding a ∼10{sup 6}× current change under 200 g/cm{sup 2}. This lightweight, flexible, and breathable touch/force sensor could function, for example, as an electronically active nonwoven for personal or engineered system analysis and diagnostics.« less

Study of annealing effect on the growth of ZnO nanorods on ZnO seed layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sannakashappanavar, Basavaraj S.; Pattanashetti, Nandini A.; Byrareddy, C. R.; Yadav, Aniruddh Bahadur

2018-04-01

A zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer was deposited on the SiO2/Si substrate by RF sputtering. To study the effect of annealing, the seed layers were classified into annealed and unannealed thin films. Annealing of the seed layers was carried at 450°C. Surface morphology of the seed layers were studied by Atomic force microscopy. ZnO nanorods were then grown on both the types of seed layer by hydrothermal method. The morphology and the structural properties of the nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. The effect of seed layer annealing on the growth and orientation of the ZnO nanorods were clearly examined on comparing with the nanorods grown on unannealed seed layer. The nanorods grown on annealed seed layers were found to be well aligned and oriented. Further, the I-V characteristic study was carried out on these aligned nanorods. The results supports positively for the future work to further enhance the properties of developed nanorods for their wide applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.

40 CFR 721.10107 - Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo-naphthaleneyl]azo]-hydroxy...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10107 Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo... naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo-naphthaleneyl]azo]-hydroxy-[(methoxy-sulfophenyl)azo...

40 CFR 721.10107 - Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo-naphthaleneyl]azo]-hydroxy...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10107 Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo... naphthalenedisulfonic acid, [amino-hydroxy-[(substituted)azo-sulfo-naphthaleneyl]azo]-hydroxy-[(methoxy-sulfophenyl)azo...

Origin of Photovoltage Enhancement via Interfacial Modification with Silver Nanoparticles Embedded in an a-SiC:H p-Type Layer in a-Si:H Solar Cells.

PubMed

Li, Tiantian; Zhang, Qixing; Ni, Jian; Huang, Qian; Zhang, Dekun; Li, Baozhang; Wei, Changchun; Yan, Baojie; Zhao, Ying; Zhang, Xiaodan

2017-03-29

We used silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) embedded in the p-type semiconductor layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells in the Schottky barrier contact design to modify the interface between aluminum-doped ZnO (ZnO:Al, AZO) and p-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (p-a-SiC:H) without plasmonic absorption. The high work function of the Ag-NPs provided a good channel for the transport of photogenerated holes. A p-type nanocrystalline SiC:H layer was used to compensate for the real surface defects and voids on the surface of Ag-NPs to reduce recombination at the AZO/p-type layer interface, which then enhanced the photovoltage of single-junction a-Si:H solar cells to values as high as 1.01 V. The Ag-NPs were around 10 nm in diameter and thermally stable in the p-type a-SiC:H film at the solar-cell process temperature. We will also show that a wide range of photovoltages between 1.01 and 2.89 V could be obtained with single-, double-, and triple-junction solar cells based on the single-junction a-Si:H solar cells with tunable high photovoltage. These solar cells are suitable photocathodes for solar water-splitting applications.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, and molecular structure characterizations of some azo derivatives of 2-hydroxyacetophenone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albayrak, Çiğdem; Gümrükçüoğlu, İsmail E.; Odabaşoğlu, Mustafa; İskeleli, Nazan Ocak; Ağar, Erbil

2009-08-01

Some novel azo compounds were prepared by the reaction of 2-hydroxyacetophenone with aniline and its substituted derivatives. The structures of synthesized azo compounds were determined by IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques and the structures of some of these compounds were also determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Structural analysis using IR in solid state shows that the azo form is favoured in the azo compounds whereas UV-Vis analysis of the azo compounds in solution has shown that there is a azo and ionic form. The azo compounds in the basic solvents dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) are both azo and ionic form while these compounds in ethyl alcohol (EtOH) and chloroform (CHCl 3) are only azo form.

Surface potential driven dissolution phenomena of [0 0 0 1]-oriented ZnO nanorods grown from ZnO and Pt seed layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Youngmi; Kim, Jung Hyeun

2011-06-01

Highly oriented ZnO nanorods are synthesized hydrothermally on ZnO and Pt seed layers, and they are dissolved in KOH solution. The rods grown on ZnO seed layer show uniform dissolution, but those grown on Pt seed layer are rod-selectively dissolved. The ZnO nanorods from both seed layers show the same crystalline structure through XRD and Raman spectrometer data. However, the surface potential analysis reveals big difference for ZnO and Pt seed cases. The surface potential distribution is very uniform for the ZnO seed case, but it is much fluctuated on the Pt seed case. It suggests that the rod-selective dissolution phenomena on Pt seed case are likely due to the surface energy difference.

Metal deposition using seed layers

DOEpatents

Feng, Hsein-Ping; Chen, Gang; Bo, Yu; Ren, Zhifeng; Chen, Shuo; Poudel, Bed

2013-11-12

Methods of forming a conductive metal layers on substrates are disclosed which employ a seed layer to enhance bonding, especially to smooth, low-roughness or hydrophobic substrates. In one aspect of the invention, the seed layer can be formed by applying nanoparticles onto a surface of the substrate; and the metallization is achieved by electroplating an electrically conducting metal onto the seed layer, whereby the nanoparticles serve as nucleation sites for metal deposition. In another approach, the seed layer can be formed by a self-assembling linker material, such as a sulfur-containing silane material.

Improved conversion efficiency of amorphous Si solar cells using a mesoporous ZnO pattern

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

To provide a front transparent electrode for use in highly efficient hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film solar cells, porous flat layer and micro-patterns of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) layers were prepared through ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) and deposited on Al-doped ZnO (AZO) layers. Through this, it was found that a porous micro-pattern of ZnO NPs dispersed in resin can optimize the light-trapping pattern, with the efficiency of solar cells based on patterned or flat mesoporous ZnO layers increased by 27% and 12%, respectively. PMID:25276101

Photoaligning and photopatterning technology: applications in displays and photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chigrinov, Vladimir

2016-03-01

The advantages of LC photoalignment technology in comparison with common "rubbing" alignment methods tend to the continuation of the research in this field. Almost all the criteria of perfect LC alignment are met in case of azo-dye layers. Nowadays azo-dye alignment materials can be already used in LCD manufacturing, e.g. for the alignment of monomers in LCP films for new generations of photonics and optics devices. Recently the new application of photoaligned technology for the tunable LC lenses with a variable focal distance was proposed. New optically rewritable (ORW) liquid crystal display and photonics devices with a light controllable structure may include LC E-paper screens, LC lenses with a variable focal distance etc. Fast ferroelectric liquid crystal devices (FLCD) are achieved through the application of nano-scale photo aligning (PA) layers in FLC cells. The novel photoaligned FLC devices may include field sequential color (FSC) FLC with a high resolution, high brightness, low power consumption and extended color gamut to be used for PCs, PDAs, switchable goggles, and new generation of switchable 2D/3D LCD TVs, as well as photonics elements.

Zinc Oxide/TiO2 Bilayer Heterojunction as a Working Electrode in Quasi Solid Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aprilia, A.; Safriani, L.; Arsyad, Wa Ode S.; Syakir, N.; Susilawati, T.; Mulyana, C.; Fitrilawati; Hidayat, R.

2017-07-01

Bilayer heterojunction of aluminium doped zinc oxide (AZO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) mesoporous has been successfully deposited on fluorine tin oxide (FTO) substrate as working electrode in dye sensitized solar cell. This layer was used as working electrode in quasi solid dye sensitized solar cell. The solar cell structure is FTO/ZnO/TiO2/PGE/Pt/FTO using polymer gel electrolyte (PGE). In polymer gel electrolyte system, hybrid copolymer based on poly-TMSPMA (3-methoxysilyl propyl methacrylate) was used as a matrix to trap ionic liquid. An addition of aluminum as atom dopant also studied to observe the physical properties changes of photoanode related to solar cell performance. AlCl3 was used as dopant material with the concentrations at 0.5 weight % and 1.0 weight% of zinc acetate dehydrate as raw material. Based on our previous result, the existence of Al dopant would decrease the surface roughness of ZnO layer, reduce the grain size of ZnO particles, transmittance at visible light increase and also change the charge carrier density. Nevertheless, the highest efficiency was achieved for undoped ZnO/TiO2 photoanode (η=0.67%). Based on current-voltage measurement data analysis (using diode model equation) the ideality factor (n) of device using undoped ZnO was smaller (n=2.96) than AZO 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% (n=∼4), indicate better quality of undoped ZnO/TiO2 interfaces rather than AZO/TiO2.

7 CFR 52.1851 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1851...-Raisins with Seeds § 52.1851 Sizes of raisins with seeds—layer or cluster. The size of Layer or Cluster... measurement as applicable to layer or cluster raisins with seeds are: (a) 3 Crown size or larger. “3 Crown...

Chemical solution seed layer for rabits tapes

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit; Paranthaman, Mariappan; Wee, Sung-Hun

2014-06-10

A method for making a superconducting article includes the steps of providing a biaxially textured substrate. A seed layer is then deposited. The seed layer includes a double perovskite of the formula A.sub.2B'B''O.sub.6, where A is rare earth or alkaline earth metal and B' and B'' are different rare earth or transition metal cations. A superconductor layer is grown epitaxially such that the superconductor layer is supported by the seed layer.

Smooth ZnO:Al-AgNWs Composite Electrode for Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Device.

PubMed

Wang, Hu; Li, Kun; Tao, Ye; Li, Jun; Li, Ye; Gao, Lan-Lan; Jin, Guang-Yong; Duan, Yu

2017-12-01

The high interest in organic light-emitting device (OLED) technology is largely due to their flexibility. Up to now, indium tin oxide (ITO) films have been widely used as transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) in organic opto-electronic devices. However, ITO films, typically deposited on glass are brittle and they make it difficult to produce flexible devices, restricting their use for flexible devices. In this study, we report on a nano-composite TCE, which is made of a silver nanowire (AgNW) network, combined with aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al, AZO) by atomic layer deposition. The AgNWs/AZO composite electrode on photopolymer substrate shows a low sheet resistance of only 8.6 Ω/sq and a high optical transmittance of about 83% at 550 nm. These values are even comparable to conventional ITO on glass. In addition, the electrodes also have a very smooth surface (0.31 nm root-mean-square roughness), which is flat enough to contact the OLED stack. Flexible OLED were built with AgNWs/AZO electrodes, which suggests that this approach can replace conventional ITO TCEs in organic electronic devices in the future.

Smooth ZnO:Al-AgNWs Composite Electrode for Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hu; Li, Kun; Tao, Ye; Li, Jun; Li, Ye; Gao, Lan-Lan; Jin, Guang-Yong; Duan, Yu

2017-01-01

The high interest in organic light-emitting device (OLED) technology is largely due to their flexibility. Up to now, indium tin oxide (ITO) films have been widely used as transparent conductive electrodes (TCE) in organic opto-electronic devices. However, ITO films, typically deposited on glass are brittle and they make it difficult to produce flexible devices, restricting their use for flexible devices. In this study, we report on a nano-composite TCE, which is made of a silver nanowire (AgNW) network, combined with aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al, AZO) by atomic layer deposition. The AgNWs/AZO composite electrode on photopolymer substrate shows a low sheet resistance of only 8.6 Ω/sq and a high optical transmittance of about 83% at 550 nm. These values are even comparable to conventional ITO on glass. In addition, the electrodes also have a very smooth surface (0.31 nm root-mean-square roughness), which is flat enough to contact the OLED stack. Flexible OLED were built with AgNWs/AZO electrodes, which suggests that this approach can replace conventional ITO TCEs in organic electronic devices in the future.

Non-classical azoreductase secretion in Clostridium perfringens in response to sulfonated azo dye exposure.

PubMed

Morrison, Jessica M; John, Gilbert H

2015-08-01

Clostridium perfringens, a strictly anaerobic microorganism and inhabitant of the human intestine, has been shown to produce an azoreductase enzyme (AzoC), an NADH-dependent flavin oxidoreductase. This enzyme reduces azo dyes into aromatic amines, which can be carcinogenic. A significant amount of work has been completed on the activity of AzoC. Despite this, much is still unknown, including whether azoreduction of these dyes occurs intracellularly or extracellulary. A physiological study of C. perfringens involving the effect of azo dye exposure was completed to answer this question. Through exposure studies, azo dyes were found to cause cytoplasmic protein release, including AzoC, from C. perfringens in dividing and non-dividing cells. Sulfonation (negative charge) of azo dyes proved to be the key to facilitating protein release of AzoC and was found to be azo-dye-concentration-dependent. Additionally, AzoC was found to localize to the Gram-positive periplasmic region. Using a ΔazoC knockout mutant, the presence of additional azoreductases in C. perfringens was suggested. These results support the notion that the azoreduction of these dyes may occur extracellularly for the commensal C. perfringens in the intestine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Seed Semipermeable Layer and Its Relation to Seed Quality Assessment in Four Grass Species.

PubMed

Lv, Yan Y; He, Xue Q; Hu, Xiao W; Wang, Yan R

2017-01-01

The existence of a semipermeable layer in grass seeds has been extensively reported, yet knowledge of its influence on tests for seed viability and vigor that depend upon measurement of electrical conductivity (EC) is limited. This study determined the presence and location of the semipermeable layer, and its relation to seed viability and vigor assessment, in seeds of four important grass species- Elymus nutans Griseb., Lolium perenne L., Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., and Avena sativa L. Intact seeds of E. nutans, Lolium perenne , and Leymus chinensis exhibited little staining with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), and there were no differences in EC between seeds with different germination percentage (GP) ( P > 0.05). After piercing the seed coat, however, all three species displayed positive staining with TTC, along with a significant negative correlation between EC and GP ( E. nutans : R 2 = 0.7708; Lolium perenne : R 2 = 0.8414; Leymus chinensis : R 2 = 0.859; P < 0.01). In contrast, both intact and pierced seeds of A. sativa possessed a permeable seed coat that showed positive staining with TTC and EC values that were significantly negatively correlated with GP [ R 2 = 0.9071 (intact) and 0.9597 (pierced); P < 0.01]. In commercial seed lots of A. sativa , a field emergence test indicated that EC showed a significant negative correlation with field emergence at two sowing dates ( R 2 = 0.6069, P < 0.01 and 0.5316, P < 0.05). Analysis of seed coat permeability revealed the presence of a semipermeable layer located in the seed coat adjacent to the endosperm in E. nutans, Lolium perenne , and Leymus chinensis ; however, no semipermeable layer was observed in A. sativa. This is the first report of the absence of a semipermeable layer in a grass species. The existence of a semipermeable layer is one of the most important factors affecting seed viability and vigor testing (based on EC measurement) in E. nutans, Lolium perenne , and Leymus chinensis . Increasing the permeability of the semipermeable layer, e.g., by piercing the seed coat, may permit the use of EC measurement to assess seed vigor in species that possess such a layer.

40 CFR 721.2577 - Copper complex of (substituted sulfonaphthyl azo substituted phenyl) disulfonaphthyl azo, amine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Copper complex of (substituted... Copper complex of (substituted sulfonaphthyl azo substituted phenyl) disulfonaphthyl azo, amine salt... substances identified generically as copper complex of (substituted sulfonaphthyl azo substituted phenyl...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 414 - Complexed Metal-Bearing Waste Streams

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Pt. 414, App. B... dyes, Azo (including metallized) Organic pigments, miscellaneous lakes and toners Copper Disperse dyes...-acetamidoanisole Azo dyes, metallized/Azo dye + metal acetate Direct dyes, Azo Disperse dyes, Azo and Vat Organic...

Characterization and structural analysis of wild type and a non-abscission mutant at the development funiculus (Def) locus in Pisum sativum L.

PubMed

Ayeh, Kwadwo Owusu; Lee, YeonKyeong; Ambrose, Mike J; Hvoslef-Eide, Anne Kathrine

2009-06-23

In pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.), the Def locus defines an abscission event where the seed separates from the funicle through the intervening hilum region at maturity. A spontaneous mutation at this locus results in the seed failing to abscise from the funicle as occurs in wild type peas. In this work, structural differences between wild type peas that developed a distinct abscission zone (AZ) between the funicle and the seed coat and non-abscission def mutant were characterized. A clear abscission event was observed in wild type pea seeds that were associated with a distinct double palisade layers at the junction between the seed coat and funicle. Generally, mature seeds fully developed an AZ, which was not present in young wild type seeds. The AZ was formed exactly below the counter palisade layer. In contrast, the palisade layers at the junction of the seed coat and funicle were completely absent in the def mutant pea seeds and the cells in this region were seen to be extensions of surrounding parenchymatous cells. The Def wild type developed a distinct AZ associated with palisade layer and counterpalisade layer at the junction of the seed coat and funicle while the def mutant pea seed showed non-abscission and an absence of the double palisade layers in the same region. We conclude that the presence of the double palisade layer in the hilum of the wild type pea seeds plays an important structural role in AZ formation by delimiting the specific region between the seed coat and the funicle and may play a structural role in the AZ formation and subsequent detachment of the seed from the funicle.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of organic azo dyes by using strength of nonlinearity parameter and Z-scan technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motiei, H.; Jafari, A.; Naderali, R.

2017-02-01

In this paper, two chemically synthesized organic azo dyes, 2-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyazo)-5,5-dimethyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione (azo dye (i)) and 5,5-Dimethyl-2-tolylazo-cyclohexane-1,3-dione (azo dye (ii)), have been studied from optical Kerr nonlinearity point of view. These materials were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Experiments were performed using a continous wave diode-pumped laser at 532 nm wavelength in three intensities of the laser beam. Nonlinear absorption (β), refractive index (n2) and third-order susceptibility (χ (3)) of dyes, were calculated. Nonlinear absorption coefficient of dyes have been calculated from two methods; 1) using theoretical fits and experimental data in the Z-scan technique, 2) using the strength of nonlinearity curves. The values of β obtained from both of the methods were approximately the same. The results demonstrated that azo dye (ii) displays better nonlinearity and has a lower two-photon absorption threshold than azo dye (i). Calculated parameter related to strength of nonlinearity for azo dye (ii) was higher than azo dye (i), It may be due to presence of methyl in azo dye (ii) instead of chlorine in azo dye (i). Furthermore, The measured values of third order susceptibility of azo dyes were from the order of 10-9 esu . These azo dyes can be suitable candidate for optical switching devices.

Growth and physiology of Clostridium perfringens wild-type and ΔazoC knockout: an azo dye exposure study.

PubMed

Morrison, Jessica M; John, Gilbert H

2016-02-01

Clostridium perfringens, a strictly anaerobic micro-organism and inhabitant of the human intestine, has been shown to produce the azoreductase enzyme AzoC, an NAD(P)H-dependent flavin oxidoreductase. This enzyme reduces azo dyes to aromatic amines, which are carcinogenic in nature. A significant amount of work has been completed that focuses on the activity of this enzyme; however, few studies have been completed that focus on the physiology of azo dye reduction. Dye reduction studies coupled with C. perfringens growth studies in the presence of ten different azo dyes and in media of varying complexities were completed to compare the growth rates and dye-reducing activity of C. perfringens WT cells, a C. perfringens ΔazoC knockout, and Bifidobacterium infantis, a non-azoreductase-producing control bacterium. The presence of azo dyes significantly increased the generation time of C. perfringens in rich medium, an effect that was not seen in minimal medium. In addition, azo dye reduction studies with the ΔazoC knockout suggested the presence of additional functional azoreductases in this medically important bacterium. Overall, this study addresses a major gap in the literature by providing the first look, to our knowledge, at the complex physiology of C. perfringens upon azo dye exposure and the effect that both azo dyes and the azoreductase enzyme have on growth.

Degradation of azo dyes by environmental microorganisms and helminths

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kingthom Chung; Stevens, S.E. Jr.

1993-11-01

The degradation of azo dyes by environmental microorganisms, fungi, and helminths is reviewed. Azo dyes are used in a wide variety of products and can be found in the effluent of most sewage treatment facilities. Substantial quantities of these dyes have been deposited in the environment, particularly in streams and rivers. Azo dyes were shown to affect microbial activities and microbial population sizes in the sediments and in the water columns of aquatic habitats. Only a few aerobic bacteria have been found to reduce azo dyes under aerobic conditions, and little is known about the process. A substantial number ofmore » anaerobic bacteria capable of azo dye reduction have been reported. The enzyme responsible for azo dye reduction has been partially purified, and characterization of the enzyme is proceeding. The nematode Ascaris lumbricoides and the cestode Moniezia expanza have been reported to reduce azo dyes anaerobically. Recently the fungus Phanerochaete chrysoporium was reported to mineralize azo dyes via a peroxidation-mediated pathway. A possible degradation pathway for the mineralization of azo dye is proposed and future research needs are discussed.« less

Effects of Cr-N-ZrO 2 seed layer formed on glass substrates for longitudinal recording media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Djayaprawira, David D.; Takahashi, Yoshio; Ishikawa, Akira; Ono, Toshinori; Yahisa, Yotsuo

1999-03-01

Effects of Cr-N-ZrO 2 seed layer deposited on glass substrates before the deposition of C/Co-Cr-Pt/Cr-Ti layers for longitudinal recording media have been investigated. The product of v and Is, the activation volume and the saturation magnetization per unit volume, media noise Nd and S0/ Nd, which is the half value of peak-to-peak output voltage of an isolated pulse over Nd at 11.8 kFC/mm, are evaluated. We find that vIs is decreased by adding N and ZrO 2 to Cr seed layer. Nd is reduced as vIs decreases by adding nitrogen to the Cr seed layer. This is mainly due to the decreased grain sizes of both Cr-Ti underlayer and Co-Cr-Pt magnetic layer. The Nd is further reduced by the addition of ZrO 2 to the Cr-N seed layer. Highest S0/ Nd is achieved for the media with Cr-N-ZrO 2 seed layer. On the other hand, the media with Cr-ZrO 2 seed layer deposited without nitrogen show the higher Nd. Therefore the decrease of the grain size by addition of nitrogen into Ar is essential to reduce Nd, and the ZrO 2 addition to the Cr-N seed layer seems to enhance the effect of grain size reduction by nitrogen addition.

Effect of Pb content and solution concentration of Pb{sub x}TiO{sub 3} seed layer on (100)-texture and ferroelectric/dielectric behavior of PZT (52/48) thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Jian; Batra, Vaishali; Han, Hui

The effect of Pb content and solution concentration of lead titanate (Pb{sub x}TiO{sub 3}) seed layer on the texture and electric properties of Pb{sub 1.1}(Zr{sub 0.52},Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} (PZT) thin films was investigated. A variety of seed layers (y Pb{sub x}TiO{sub 3}) with varying solution concentration (y = 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M) and Pb content (x = 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, and 1.2) was deposited on Pt/TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}/Si substrates using chemical-solution deposition method. PZT films were then deposited on these seed layers using the same process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of the seed layers confirm change in crystal structuremore » with variation in the solution properties. XRD studies of PZT films deposited on seed layers demonstrate that the seed layer helps in enhancing (100)-texture and suppressing (111)-texture. It was observed that PZT films prepared on seed layers with lower solution concentrations results in highly (100)-textured films, which further helps to improve the electric properties. The polarization and dielectric constant of the PZT films were seen to increase while the coercive field decreased with increase in (100)-texture. Irrespective of the seed layer solution concentration, higher Pb content in the seed layer deteriorates the PZT film properties. Ninety-five percent to ninety-six percent (100)-texture was obtained from thin PZT films deposited on seed layers of 0.02 M solution concentration with 1.05 and 1.10 Pb contents, which is higher than the values reported for thick PZT films. Optimization of both Pb content and solution concentration of the seed layer is a promising route to achieve highly (100)-textured PZT films with improved electric properties.« less

Effect of the seed layer on the Y0.5Gd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-σ film fabricated by PLD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yanjie; Wang, Wei; Liu, Linfei; Lu, Saidan; Wu, Xiang; Zheng, Tong; Liu, Shunfan; Li, Yijie

2018-06-01

The surface morphology and internal residual stress have influence on the critical current density (Jc) of REBa2Cu3O7-σ (REBCO) coated conductor. In order to modulate them, a series of Y0.5Gd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-σ (YGBCO) films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) through introducing a seed layer in this paper. The thicknesses of seed layer changes from about 2 nm to 30 nm. For comparison, a standard sample without seed layer was fabricated at the same deposition condition. The surface morphology was illustrated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness was scanned by Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The microstructure and internal strain were measured by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). DC four-probe method was used to measure the critical current of the samples at 77 K and self-field. As a result, all samples have high Jc of about 4 MA/cm2, while the self-field Jc of the YGBCO films can be promoted by the seed layer. The results of our research work are as follows. First of all, seed layer makes the deposition of the YGBCO layer much easier to control. By this way, we can decrease the surface roughness of the samples. Furthermore, the internal residual stress of the YGBCO films with seed layer decrease. Finally, the best thickness of the seed layer was found by summarizing and analyzing the conditions of seed layer.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study.

PubMed

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-04-20

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-01-01

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C. PMID:28773423

Toxicological significance of azo dye metabolism by human intestinal microbiota

PubMed Central

Feng, Jinhui; Cerniglia, Carl E.; Chen, Huizhong

2018-01-01

Approximately 0.7 million tons of azo dyes are synthesized each year. Azo dyes are composed of one or more R1-N=N-R2 linkages. Studies have shown that both mammalian and microbial azoreductases cleave the azo bonds of the dyes to form compounds that are potentially genotoxic. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a diverse microbiota comprised of at least several thousand species. Both water-soluble and water-insoluble azo dyes can be reduced by intestinal bacteria. Some of the metabolites produced by intestinal microbiota have been shown to be carcinogenic to humans although the parent azo dyes may not be classified as being carcinogenic. Azoreductase activity is commonly found in intestinal bacteria. Three types of azoreductases have been characterized in bacteria. They are flavin dependent NADH preferred azoreductase, flavin dependent NADPH preferred azoreductase, and flavin free NADPH preferred azoreductase. This review highlights how azo dyes are metabolized by intestinal bacteria, mechanisms of azo reduction, and the potential contribution in the carcinogenesis/mutagenesis of the reduction of the azo dyes by intestinal microbiota. PMID:22201895

Flower-like ZnO nanorod arrays grown on HF-etched Si (111): constraining relation between ZnO seed layer and Si (111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brahma, Sanjaya; Liu, C.-W.; Huang, R.-J.; Chang, S.-J.; Lo, K.-Y.

2015-11-01

We demonstrate the formation of self-assembled homogenous flower-like ZnO nanorods over a ZnO seed layer deposited on a HF-etched Si (111) substrate. The typical flower-like morphology of ZnO nanorod arrays is ascribed to the formation of the island-like seed layer which is deposited by the drop method followed by annealing at 300 °C. The island-like ZnO seed layer consists of larger ZnO grains, and is built by constraining of the Si (111) surface due to pattern matching. Pattern matching of Si with ZnO determines the shape and size of the seed layer and this controls the final morphology of ZnO nanorods to be either flower like or vertically aligned. The high quality of the island-like ZnO seed layer enhances the diameter and length of ZnO nanorods. Besides, while the amorphous layer formed during the annealing process would influence the strained ZnO grain, that subsequent amorphous layer will not block the constraining between the ZnO grain and the substrate.

Crystal structures of 3,3'-bis-(hy-droxy-dimethylsilan-yl)azo-benzene and 4,4'-bis-(hy-droxy-dimethyl-silane)azo-benzene.

PubMed

Strüben, Jan; Hoffmann, Jonas; Presa-Soto, David; Näther, Christian; Staubitz, Anne

2016-11-01

The title compounds {systematic names ( E )-[diazene-1,2-diylbis(3,1-phenyl-ene)]bis-(di-methyl-silanol) and ( E )-[diazene-1,2-diylbis(4,1-phenyl-ene)]bis-(di-methyl-silanol)}, both of the sum formula C 16 H 22 N 2 O 2 Si 2 , were obtained by transmetallation of the respective bis-stannylated azo-benzenes with di-chloro-dimethyl-silane and esterification followed by hydrolysis. The asymmetric unit of 3,3'-diazenediylbis[dimeth-yl(phen-yl)silanol] (with the silanol functional group in a meta position) consists of two mol-ecules, of which one occupies a general position, whereas the second is located on a centre of inversion. In 4,4'-diazenediylbis[dimeth-yl(phen-yl)silanol] (with the silanol functional group in a para position) likewise two mol-ecules are present in the asymmetric unit, but in this case both occupy general positions. Differences between all mol-ecules can be found in the torsions about the N=N bond, as well as in the dihedral angles between the benzene rings. In both structures, inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding is observed, leading to the formation of layers parallel to (01-1) for (I) and to chains parallel to the a axis for (II).

Effect of an Electrochemically Oxidized ZnO Seed Layer on ZnO Nanorods Grown by using Electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Woosung; Leem, Jae-Young

2018-05-01

ZnO nanorods were prepared on a Si substrate with and without a ZnO seed layer formed by electro-oxidation to investigate the effect of the seed layer on their growth. The ZnO nanorods grown on the ZnO seed layer had top surfaces that were flat whereas those grown without it had rough top surfaces, as observed in field-emission scanning electron microscopy images. In the Xray diffraction analysis, all ZnO nanorods showed preferential orientation with the (002) plane. In the case of ZnO nanorods prepared with a ZnO seed layer, the residual stress decreased, and the full width at half maximum of the ZnO (002) plane peak decreased. The photoluminescence spectra show a strong and narrow near-band-edge emission peak and high near-band-edge emission to deep-level emission peak ratio for the ZnO nanorods prepared with the seed layer. With respect to the photoresponse properties, the ZnO nanorods grown with the ZnO seed layer showed higher responsivity and faster rise/decay curves than those grown without it. Thus, the ZnO seed layer formed by electro-oxidation improves the structural, optical, and photoresponse properties of the ZnO nanorods formed on it. This method could serve as a new route for improving the properties of optoelectronic devices.

40 CFR 721.5286 - Benzenediazonium, [[[[(substituted) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized..., [[[[(substituted) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized..., [[[[(substituted)azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized...

40 CFR 721.5286 - Benzenediazonium, [[[[(substituted) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized..., [[[[(substituted) azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized..., [[[[(substituted)azo]phenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-, coupled with aminophenol, diazotized aminobenzoic acid, diazotized...

40 CFR 721.10126 - Alkyl amino substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo substituted phenyl azo... substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo... substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo...

40 CFR 721.10126 - Alkyl amino substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo substituted phenyl azo... substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo... substituted triazine amino substituted benezenesulfonic acid reaction product with naphthalenesulfonato azo...

Biomedical Applications Of Aromatic Azo Compounds: From Chromophore To Pharmacophore.

PubMed

Ali, Yousaf; Hamid, Shafida Abd; Rashid, Umer

2018-05-23

Azo dyes are widely used in textile, fiber, cosmetic, leather, paint and printing industries. Besides their characteristic coloring function, biological properties of certain azo compounds including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and cytotoxic are also reported. Azo compounds can be used as drug carriers, either by acting as a 'cargo' that entrap therapeutic agents or by prodrug approach. The drug is released by internal or external stimuli in the region of interest, as observed in colon-targeted drug delivery. Besides drug-like and drug carrier properties, a number of azo dyes are used in cellular staining to visualize cellular components and metabolic processes. However, the biological significance of azo compounds, especially in cancer chemotherapy, is still in its infancy. This may be linked to early findings that declared azo compounds as one of the possible causes of cancer and mutagenesis. Currently, researchers are screening the aromatic azo compounds for their potential biomedical use, including cancer diagnosis and therapy. The medical applications of azo compounds, particularly in cancer research are discussed. The biomedical significance of cis-trans interchange and negative implications of azo compounds are also highlighted in brief. This review may provide the researchers a platform in the quest of more potent therapeutic agents of this class. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Developmental patterning of sub-epidermal cells in the outer integument of Arabidopsis seeds

PubMed Central

Fiume, Elisa; Coen, Olivier; Xu, Wenjia; Lepiniec, Loïc

2017-01-01

The seed, the reproductive unit of angiosperms, is generally protected by the seed coat. The seed coat is made of one or two integuments, each comprising two epidermal cells layers and, in some cases, extra sub-epidermal cell layers. The thickness of the seed-coat affects several aspects of seed biology such as dormancy, germination and mortality. In Arabidopsis, the inner integument displays one or two sub-epidermal cell layers that originate from periclinal cell divisions of the innermost epidermal cell layer. By contrast, the outer integument was considered to be two-cell layered. Here, we show that sub-epidermal chalazal cells grow in between the epidermal outer integument cell layers to create an incomplete three-cell layered outer integument. We found that the MADS box transcription factor TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 represses growth of the chalaza and formation of sub-epidermal outer integument cells. Finally, we demonstrate that sub-epidermal cells of the outer and inner integument respond differently to the repressive mechanism mediated by FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED Polycomb group proteins and to fertilization signals. Our data suggest that integument cell origin rather than sub-epidermal cell position underlies different responses to fertilization. PMID:29141031

Investigations into the impact of various substrates and ZnO ultra thin seed layers prepared by atomic layer deposition on growth of ZnO nanowire array

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The impact of various substrates and zinc oxide (ZnO) ultra thin seed layers prepared by atomic layer deposition on the geometric morphology of subsequent ZnO nanowire arrays (NWs) fabricated by the hydrothermal method was investigated. The investigated substrates included B-doped ZnO films, indium tin oxide films, single crystal silicon (111), and glass sheets. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the geometry and aligment of the NWs were controlled by surface topography of the substrates and thickness of the ZnO seed layers, respectively. According to atomic force microscopy data, we suggest that the substrate, fluctuate amplitude and fluctuate frequency of roughness on ZnO seed layers have a great impact on the alignment of the resulting NWs, whereas the influence of the seed layers' texture was negligible. PMID:22759838

High-Performance Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells on Ultrathin Glass: Implications of the TCO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dou, Benjia; Miller, Elisa M.; Christians, Jeffrey A.

For halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to fulfill their vast potential for combining low-cost, high efficiency, and high throughput production they must be scaled using a truly transformative method, such as roll-to-roll processing. Bringing this reality closer to fruition, the present work demonstrates flexible perovskite solar cells with 18.1% power conversion efficiency on flexible Willow Glass substrates. Here, we highlight the importance of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers on device performance by studying various TCOs. And while tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO) based PSC devices demonstrate high photovoltaic performances, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) based devicesmore » underperformed in all device parameters. Analysis of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data shows that the stoichiometry of the perovskite film surface changes dramatically when it is fabricated on AZO, demonstrating the importance of the substrate in perovskite film formation.« less

High-Performance Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells on Ultrathin Glass: Implications of the TCO

DOE PAGES

Dou, Benjia; Miller, Elisa M.; Christians, Jeffrey A.; ...

2017-09-27

For halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to fulfill their vast potential for combining low-cost, high efficiency, and high throughput production they must be scaled using a truly transformative method, such as roll-to-roll processing. Bringing this reality closer to fruition, the present work demonstrates flexible perovskite solar cells with 18.1% power conversion efficiency on flexible Willow Glass substrates. Here, we highlight the importance of the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers on device performance by studying various TCOs. And while tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO) based PSC devices demonstrate high photovoltaic performances, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) based devicesmore » underperformed in all device parameters. Analysis of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data shows that the stoichiometry of the perovskite film surface changes dramatically when it is fabricated on AZO, demonstrating the importance of the substrate in perovskite film formation.« less

Thermally and optically tunable lasing properties from dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal in capillaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Maozhou; Dai, Haitao; Wang, Dongshuo; Yang, Yue; Luo, Dan; Zhang, Xiaodong; Liu, Changlong

2018-03-01

In this paper, we investigated tunable lasing properties from the dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) gratings in capillaries with thermal and optical manners. The thermally tunable range of the lasing from the dye-doped HPDLC reached 8.60 nm with the temperature ranging from 23 °C to 50 °C. The optically tunable laser emission was achieved by doping azo-dye in HPDLC. The transition of azo-dye from trans- to cis-state could induce the reorientation of LC molecules after UV light irradiation, which resulted in the variation of refractive index contrast of LC-rich/polymer-rich layer in HPDLC. Experimentally, the emission wavelength of lasing showed a blueshift (about 2 nm) coupled with decreasing output intensities. The tunable laser based on HPDLC may enable more applications in laser displays, optical communication, biosensors, etc.

7 CFR 52.1842 - Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with... Raisins 1 § 52.1842 Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds. Raisins with Seeds that are referred to as Layer or Cluster raisins means that the raisins have not been detached from the...

Influence of substrates and rutile seed layers on the assembly of hydrothermally grown rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalb, Julian; Dorman, James A.; Folger, Alena; Gerigk, Melanie; Knittel, Vanessa; Plüisch, Claudia S.; Trepka, Bastian; Lehr, Daniela; Chua, Emily; Goodge, Berit H.; Wittemann, Alexander; Scheu, Christina; Polarz, Sebastian; Schmidt-Mende, Lukas

2018-07-01

Rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs) are applicable in various prospective technologies. Hydrothermal methods present a simple technique to fabricate such NRAs. In this report, we present the fabrication of seed layers for the hydrothermal growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods via sputter deposition, electron-beam evaporation, and sol-gel method and study the influence of each on the growth behavior. To satisfy the requirements of numerous applications, p-type silicon, platinum, levitating carbon membranes, a template made of polystyrene spheres, and commercial fluorine tin oxide (FTO) were employed as substrates. We document the structural properties of the TiO2 seed layers and describe the relationship between the characteristics of the seed crystals, the growth evolution, and the appearance of as-grown nanorods. Various growth stages of rutile TiO2 nanorods are compared depending on whether they are grown on polycrystalline TiO2 or FTO seed layers. In both cases, a homogenous TiO2 bottom layer is formed at the seed layer/substrate interface, which is essential for electronic applications such as hybrid solar cells. Detached NRAs illustrate the effect of rutile FTO and TiO2 on the porosity of this bottom layer. Further details about the formation process of this layer are obtained from the growth on confined seed layers fabricated by electron-beam lithography.

Improvement of methyl orange dye biotreatment by a novel isolated strain, Aeromonas veronii GRI, by SPB1 biosurfactant addition.

PubMed

Mnif, Inès; Maktouf, Sameh; Fendri, Raouia; Kriaa, Mouna; Ellouze, Semia; Ghribi, Dhouha

2016-01-01

Aeromonas veronii GRI (KF964486), isolated from acclimated textile effluent after selective enrichment on azo dye, was assessed for methyl orange biodegradation potency. Results suggested the potential of this bacterium for use in effective treatment of azo-dye-contaminated wastewaters under static conditions at neutral and alkaline pH value, characteristic of typical textile effluents. The strain could tolerate higher doses of dyes as it was able to decolorize up to 1000 mg/l. When used as microbial surfactant to enhance methyl orange biodecolorization, Bacillus subtilis SPB1-derived lipopeptide accelerated the decolorization rate and maximized slightly the decolorization efficiency at an optimal concentration of about 0.025%. In order to enhance the process efficiency, a Taguchi design was conducted. Phytotoxicity bioassay using sesame and radish seeds were carried out to assess the biotreatment effectiveness. The bacterium was able to effectively decolorize the azo dye when inoculated with an initial optical density of about 0.5 with 0.25% sucrose, 0.125% yeast extract, 0.01% SPB1 biosurfactant, and when conducting an agitation phase of about 24 h after static incubation. Germination potency showed an increase toward the nonoptimized conditions indicating an improvement of the biotreatment. When comparing with synthetic surfactants, a drastic decrease and an inhibition of orange methyl decolorization were observed in the presence of CTAB and SDS. The nonionic surfactant Tween 80 had a positive effect on methyl orange biodecolorization. Also, studies ensured that methyl orange removal by this strain could be due to endocellular enzymatic activities. To conclude, the addition of SPB1 bioemulsifier reduced energy costs by reducing effective decolorization period, biosurfactant stimulated bacterial decolorization method may provide highly efficient, inexpensive, and time-saving procedure in treatment of textile effluents.

AZO nanorods thin films by sputtering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosli, A. B.; Shariffudin, S. S.; Awang, Z.; Herman, S. H.

2018-05-01

Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanorods thin film were deposited on Au catalyst using RF sputtering at 300 °C. The 15 nm thickness Au catalyst were deposited on glass substrates by sputtering method followed by annealing for 15 min at 500 °C to form Au nanostructures on the glass substrate. The AZO thin films were then deposited on Au catalyst at different RF power ranging from 50 - 200 W. The morphology of AZO was characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy while X-ray Diffraction was used to examine crystallinity of AZO thin films. From this work, the AZO nanorods was found grow at 200 W RF power.

Developmental patterning of the sub-epidermal integument cell layer in Arabidopsis seeds

PubMed Central

Coen, Olivier; Fiume, Elisa; Xu, Wenjia; De Vos, Delphine; Lu, Jing; Pechoux, Christine; Lepiniec, Loïc

2017-01-01

Angiosperm seed development is a paradigm of tissue cross-talk. Proper seed formation requires spatial and temporal coordination of the fertilization products – embryo and endosperm – and the surrounding seed coat maternal tissue. In early Arabidopsis seed development, all seed integuments were thought to respond homogenously to endosperm growth. Here, we show that the sub-epidermal integument cell layer has a unique developmental program. We characterized the cell patterning of the sub-epidermal integument cell layer, which initiates a previously uncharacterized extra cell layer, and identified TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 and SEEDSTICK MADS box transcription factors as master regulators of its polar development and cell architecture. Our data indicate that the differentiation of the sub-epidermal integument cell layer is insensitive to endosperm growth alone and to the repressive mechanism established by FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT ENDOSPERM and MULTICOPY SUPPRESSOR OF IRA1 Polycomb group proteins. This work demonstrates the different responses of epidermal and sub-epidermal integument cell layers to fertilization. PMID:28348169

Azo polymeric micelles designed for colon-targeted dimethyl fumarate delivery for colon cancer therapy.

PubMed

Ma, Zhen-Gang; Ma, Rui; Xiao, Xiao-Lin; Zhang, Yong-Hui; Zhang, Xin-Zi; Hu, Nan; Gao, Jin-Lai; Zheng, Yu-Feng; Dong, De-Li; Sun, Zhi-Jie

2016-10-15

Colon-targeted drug delivery and circumventing drug resistance are extremely important for colon cancer chemotherapy. Our previous work found that dimethyl fumarate (DMF), the approved drug by the FDA for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, exhibited anti-tumor activity on colon cancer cells. Based on the pharmacological properties of DMF and azo bond in olsalazine chemical structure, we designed azo polymeric micelles for colon-targeted dimethyl fumarate delivery for colon cancer therapy. We synthesized the star-shape amphiphilic polymer with azo bond and fabricated the DMF-loaded azo polymeric micelles. The four-arm polymer star-PCL-azo-mPEG (sPCEG-azo) (constituted by star-shape PCL (polycaprolactone) and mPEG (methoxypolyethylene glycols)-olsalazine) showed self-assembly ability. The average diameter and polydispersity index of the DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles were 153.6nm and 0.195, respectively. In vitro drug release study showed that the cumulative release of DMF from the DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles was no more than 20% in rat gastric fluid within 10h, whereas in the rat colonic fluids, the cumulative release of DMF reached 60% in the initial 2h and 100% within 10h, indicating that the DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles had excellent colon-targeted property. The DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles had no significant cytotoxicity on colon cancer cells in phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and rat gastric fluid. In rat colonic fluid, the micelles showed significant cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells. The blank sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles (without DMF) showed no cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells in rat colonic fluids. In conclusion, the DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles show colon-targeted DMF release and anti-tumor activity, providing a novel approach potential for colon cancer therapy. Colon-targeted drug delivery and circumventing drug resistance are extremely important for colon cancer chemotherapy. Our previous work found that dimethyl fumarate (DMF), the approved drug by the FDA for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, exhibited anti-tumor activities on colon cancer cells (Br J Pharmacol. 2015 172(15):3929-43.). Based on the pharmacological properties of DMF and azo bond in olsalazine chemical structure, we designed azo polymeric micelles for colon-targeted dimethyl fumarate delivery for colon cancer therapy. We found that the DMF-loaded sPCEG-azo polymeric micelles showed colon-targeted DMF release and anti-tumor activities, providing a novel approach potential for colon cancer therapy. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods on Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layers grown by hydrothermal method.

PubMed

Kim, Min Su; Kim, Do Yeob; Kim, Sung-O; Leem, Jae-Young

2013-05-01

ZnO nanorods were grown on the Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layers with different thickness by hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) were carried out to investigate the effects of the Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layer thickness on the structural and the optical properties of the ZnO nanorods. The residual stress in the Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layers was depended on the thickness while the texture coefficient of the Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layers was not affected significantly. The smaller full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the ZnO (002) diffraction and near-band-edge emission (NBE) peak and the larger average grain size were observed from the ZnO nanorods grown on the Mg0.2Zn0.8O seed layers with 5 layers (thickness of 350 nm), which indicate the enhancement the structural and the optical properties of the ZnO nanorods.

Growth mechanism, surface and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures deposited on various Au-seeded thickness obtained by mist-atomization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Afaah, A. N., E-mail: afaahabdullah@yahoo.com; Aadila, A., E-mail: aadilaazizali@gmail.com; Asib, N. A. M., E-mail: amierahasib@yahoo.com

2016-07-06

In this paper, growth mechanisms of ZnO nanostructures on non-seeded glass, 6 nm and 12 nm Au seed layer obtained by mist-atomization was proposed. ZnO films were successfully deposited on glass substrate with different thickness of Au seed layer i.e. 6 nm and 12 nm. The surface and optical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence (PL). FESEM micrograph show that ZnO nanostructure deposited on 6 nm Au seed layer has uniform formation and well distributed. From PL spectroscopy, the UV emission shows that ZnO deposited on 6 nm Au seedmore » layer has the more intense UV intensity which proved that high crystal quality of nanostructured ZnO deposited on 6 nm Au seed layer.« less

Fruit and seed heteromorphism in the cold desert annual ephemeral Diptychocarpus strictus (Brassicaceae) and possible adaptive significance.

PubMed

Lu, Juanjuan; Tan, Dunyan; Baskin, Jerry M; Baskin, Carol C

2010-06-01

Diptychocarpus strictus is an annual ephemeral in the cold desert of northwest China that produces heteromorphic fruits and seeds. The primary aims of this study were to characterize the morphology and anatomy of fruits and seeds of this species and compare the role of fruit and seed heteromorphism in dispersal and germination. Shape, size, mass and dispersal of siliques and seeds and the thickness of the mucilage layer on seeds were measured, and the anatomy of siliques and seeds, the role of seed mucilage in water absorption/dehydration, germination and adherence of seeds to soil particles, the role of pericarp of lower siliques in seed dormancy and seed after-ripening and germination phenology were studied using standard procedures. Plants produce dehiscent upper siliques with a thin pericarp containing seeds with large wings and a thick mucilage layer and indehiscent lower siliques with a thick pericarp containing nearly wingless seeds with a thin mucilage layer. The dispersal ability of seeds from the upper siliques was much greater than that of intact lower siliques. Mucilage increased the amount of water absorbed by seeds and decreased the rate of dehydration. Seeds with a thick mucilage layer adhered to soil particles much better than those with a thin mucilage layer or those from which mucilage had been removed. Fresh seeds were physiologically dormant and after-ripened during summer. Non-dormant seeds germinated to high percentages in light and in darkness. Germination of seeds from upper siliques is delayed until spring primarily by drought in summer and autumn, whereas the thick, indehiscent pericarp prevents germination for >1 year of seeds retained in lower siliques. The life cycle of D. strictus is morphologically and physiologically adapted to the cold desert environment in time and space via a combination of characters associated with fruit and seed heteromorphism.

Seed layer effect on different properties and UV detection capability of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods over SiO2/p-Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sannakashappanavar, Basavaraj S.; Byrareddy, C. R.; Kumar, Pesala Sudheer; Yadav, Aniruddh Bahadur

2018-05-01

Hydrothermally grown one dimensional ZnO nanostructures are among the most widely used semiconductor materials to build high-efficiency electronic devices for various applications. Few researchers have addressed the growth mechanism and effect of ZnO seed layer on different properties of ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal method, instead, no one has synthesized ZnO nanorod over SiO2/p-Si substrate. The aim of this study is to study the effect of ZnO seed layer and the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods over SiO2/p-Si substrate. To achieve the goal, we have synthesized ZnO nanorods over different thickness ZnO seed layers by using the hydrothermal method on SiO2/p-Si substrate. The effects of c-plane area ratio were identified for the growth rate of c-plane, reaction rate constant and stagnant layer thickness also calculated by using a modified rate growth equation. We have identified maximum seed layer thickness for the growth of vertical ZnO nanorod. A step dislocation in the ZnO nanorods grown on 150and 200 nm thick seed layers was observed, the magnitude of Burges vector was calculated for this disorder. The seed layer and ZnO nanorods were characterized by AFM, XPS, UV-visible, XRD (X-ray diffraction, and SEM(scanning electron microscope). To justify the application of the grown ZnO nanorods Ti/Au was deposited over ZnO nanorods grown over all seed layers for the fabrication of photoconductor type UV detector.

40 CFR 721.4594 - Substituted azo metal complex dye.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Substituted azo metal complex dye. 721... Substances § 721.4594 Substituted azo metal complex dye. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a substituted azo metal complex...

40 CFR 721.4594 - Substituted azo metal complex dye.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Substituted azo metal complex dye. 721... Substances § 721.4594 Substituted azo metal complex dye. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a substituted azo metal complex...

40 CFR 721.10108 - Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, hydrozy-[[[(hydroxyl-disulfo-naphthaleneyl)azo]-alkyl(C=1-5...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, hydrozy-[[[(hydroxyl-disulfo-naphthaleneyl)azo]-alkyl(C=1-5)-(sulfoalkoxy)cyclic]azo]-substituted azo-, metal salt... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.10108 Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, hydrozy-[[[(hydroxyl-disulfo...

40 CFR 721.2097 - Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Azo chromium complex dyestuff... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2097 Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation... substance identified generically as an azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (PMN P-95-240) is subject...

40 CFR 721.2097 - Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Azo chromium complex dyestuff... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2097 Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation... substance identified generically as an azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (PMN P-95-240) is subject...

40 CFR 721.2097 - Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Azo chromium complex dyestuff... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2097 Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation... substance identified generically as an azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (PMN P-95-240) is subject...

40 CFR 721.2097 - Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Azo chromium complex dyestuff... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2097 Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation... substance identified generically as an azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (PMN P-95-240) is subject...

7 CFR 52.1853 - Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... quality of Layer or Cluster Raisins with Seeds that have similar varietal characteristics; that have a... outlined in Table III of this subpart. (b) “U.S. Grade B” is the quality of Layer or Cluster Raisins with.... (c) “Substandard” is the quality of Layer or Cluster Raisins with Seeds that fail to meet the...

Formation of qualified BaHfO3 doped Y0.5Gd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-δ film on CeO2 buffered IBAD-MgO tape by self-seeding pulsed laser deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Linfei; Wang, Wei; Yao, Yanjie; Wu, Xiang; Lu, Saidan; Li, Yijie

2018-05-01

Improvement in the in-filed transport properties of REBa2Cu3O7-δ (RE = rare earth elements, REBCO) coated conductor is needed to meet the performance requirements for various practical applications, which can be accomplished by introducing artificial pinning centers (APCs), such as second phase dopant. However, with increasing dopant level the critical current density Jc at 77 K in zero applied magnetic field decreases. In this paper, in order to improve Jc we propose a seed layer technique. 5 mol% BaHfO3 (BHO) doped Y0.5Gd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-δ (YGBCO) epilayer with an inserted seed layer was grown on CeO2 buffered ion beam assisted deposition MgO (IBAD-MgO) tape by pulsed laser deposition. The effect of the conditions employed to prepare the seed layer, including tape moving speed and chemical composition, on the quality of 5 mol% BHO doped YGBCO epilayer was systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. It was found that all the samples with seed layer have higher Jc (77 K, self-field) than the 5 mol% BHO doped YGBCO film without seed layer. The seed layer could inhibit deterioration of the Jc at 77 K and self-filed. Especially, the self-seed layer (5 mol% BHO doped YGBCO seed layer) was more effective in improving the crystal quality, surface morphology and superconducting performance. At 4.2 K, the 5 mol% BHO doped YGBCO film with 4 nm thick self-seed layer had a very high flux pinning force density Fp of 860 GN/m3 for B//c under a 9 T field, and more importantly, the peak of the Fp curve was not observed.

Seed morphology, germination phenology, and capacity to form a seed bank in six herbaceous layer apiaceae species of the eastern deciduous forest

Treesearch

Tracy S. Hawkins; Jerry M. Baskin; Carol C. Baskin

2007-01-01

We compared seed mass, seed morphology, and long-term germination phenology of three monocarpic (MI and three polycarpic (P) Apiaceae species of the herbaceous layer of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. Seeds (mericarps) of the six species differed considerably in mass, shape, and ornamentation. Mean seed masses were ranked Cryptotaenia canadensis (M)...

Effect of Ti seed layers on structure of self-organized epitaxial face-centered-cubic-Ag(001) oriented nanodots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamiko, M.; Nose, K.; Suenaga, R.

2013-12-28

The influence of Ti seed layers on the structure of self-organized Ag nanodots, obtained with a Ti seed-layer-assisted thermal agglomeration method, has been investigated. The samples were grown on MgO(001) single crystal substrates by RF magnetron sputter deposition. The samples were deposited at room temperature and post-annealed at 350 °C for 4 h while maintaining the chamber vacuum conditions. The results of atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations indicated that the insertion of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) between the MgO substrate and Ag layer promotes the agglomeration process, forming the nanodot array. Comparisons between the AFM images revealed thatmore » the size of the Ag nanodots was increased with an increase in the Ti seed layer thickness. The atomic concentration of the film surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS result suggested that the nanodot surface mainly consisted of Ag. Moreover, X-ray diffraction results proved that the initial deposition of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) onto MgO(001) prior to the Ag deposition yielded high-quality fcc-Ag(001) oriented epitaxial nanodots. The optical absorbance spectra of the fabricated Ag nanodots with various Ti seed layer thicknesses were obtained in the visible light range.« less

Effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and their analogues on azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with p-dimethylaminoazobenzene.

PubMed

Velanganni, A Antony Joseph; Balasundaram, C

2010-04-01

p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) is an azo-dye and known to cause liver tumour in rats. Azo-dye binding protein is a specific cytosolic protein involved in the translocation of azo-dye carcinogen metabolites from liver cytoplasm into the nucleus. Administration of vitamin A (40,000 and 50,000 IU), L-ascorbic acid (500 and 1000 mg) and vitamin E succinate (200-500 mg) reduced the amount of azo-dye binding protein in liver of rats treated with DAB. Supplementation of high doses of vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate, sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate had no effect on the quantity of azo-dye binding protein in liver. When the vitamin mixture was given, the level of azo-dye binding protein decreased in the liver at all the studied doses, which may be due to their synergistic effect.

Novel Strategy for Tracking the Microbial Degradation of Azo Dyes with Different Polarities in Living Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Xu, Meiying; Chen, Xingjuan; Yang, Yonggang; Wang, Haiji; Sun, Guoping

2015-10-06

Direct visualization evidence is important for understanding the microbial degradation mechanisms. To track the microbial degradation pathways of azo dyes with different polar characterizations, sensors based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from 1,8-naphthalimide to azo dyes were synthesized, in which the quenched fluorescence will recover when the azo bond was cleaved. In living cells, the sensor-tracking experiment showed that the low polarity and hydrophobic azo dye can be taken up into the cells and reduced inside the cells, whereas the high polarity and hydrophilic azo dye can be reduced only outside the cells because of the selective permeability of the cell membranes. These results indicated that there were two different bacterial degradation pathways available for different polarity azo dyes. To our knowledge, no fluorescent sensor has yet been designed for illuminating the microbial degradation mechanisms of organic pollutants with different characteristics.

Influence of various thickness metallic interlayers on opto-electric and mechanical properties of AZO thin films on PET substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, R. C.; Li, T. C.; Lin, C. W.

2012-02-01

Various thickness metallic interlayers to improve the opto-electric and mechanical properties of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films deposited on flexible polyethylene terephtalate (PET) substrates are studied. The effects of the interlayers on the resistance and transmittance of the AZO thin films are discussed. The result shows that the metallic interlayers effectively improve the electric resistance but reduce the optical transmittance of the AZO thin films. These phenomena become more obvious as the interlayer thickness increases. However, the AZO with an aluminum interlayer still behaves an acceptable transmittance. Moreover, mechanical tests indicate that the aluminum interlayer increases the hardness and modulus, and reduce the residual stress of the AZO thin films. In contrast, the silver and copper interlayers decrease the AZO's mechanical properties. Comparing to those without any interlayer, the results show that the best interlayer is the 6 nm thick aluminum film.

40 CFR 721.2577 - Copper complex of (substituted sulfonaphthyl azo substituted phenyl) disulfonaphthyl azo, amine...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Copper complex of (substituted sulfonaphthyl azo substituted phenyl) disulfonaphthyl azo, amine salt (generic). 721.2577 Section 721.2577 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES...

40 CFR 721.984 - Amino-hydroxy sulfonaphthylazo-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). 721.984 Section 721.984 Protection of Environment...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (PMN P-00-0351) is subject to reporting under this section for...

40 CFR 721.984 - Amino-hydroxy sulfonaphthylazo-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). 721.984 Section 721.984 Protection of Environment...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (PMN P-00-0351) is subject to reporting under this section for...

40 CFR 721.984 - Amino-hydroxy sulfonaphthylazo-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). 721.984 Section 721.984 Protection of Environment...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (PMN P-00-0351) is subject to reporting under this section for...

40 CFR 721.984 - Amino-hydroxy sulfonaphthylazo-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). 721.984 Section 721.984 Protection of Environment...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (PMN P-00-0351) is subject to reporting under this section for...

40 CFR 721.984 - Amino-hydroxy sulfonaphthylazo-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). 721.984 Section 721.984 Protection of Environment...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses...-disubstituted phenyl azo benzene carboxylate salt (PMN P-00-0351) is subject to reporting under this section for...

Electrical, optical and structural properties of transparent conducting Al doped ZnO (AZO) deposited by sol-gel spin coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonny, Kaniz Naila; Rafique, Rosaleena; Sharmin, Afrina; Bashar, Muhammad Shahriar; Mahmood, Zahid Hasan

2018-06-01

Al doped ZnO (AZO) films are fabricated by using sol-gel spin coating method and changes in electrical, optical and structural properties due to variation in film thickness is studied. AZO films provide c-axis orientation along the (002) plane and peak sharpness increased with film thickness is evident from XRD analysis. Conductivity (σ) of AZO films has increased from 2.34 (Siemens/cm) to 20156.27 (Siemens/cm) whereas sheet resistance (Rsh) decreases from 606300 (ohms/sq.) to 2.08 (ohm/sq.) with increase of film thickness from 296 nm to 1030 nm. Optical transmittance (T%) of AZO films is decreased from around 82% to 62% in the visible region. And grain size (D) of AZO thin films has been found to increase from 19.59 nm to 25.25 nm with increase of film thickness. Figure of Merit is also calculated for prepared sample of AZO. Among these four sample of AZO thin films, L-15 sample (having thickness in 895 nm) has provided highest figure of merit which is 5.49*10^-4 (Ω-1).

Covalent functionalization of graphene by azobenzene with molecular hydrogen bonds for long-term solar thermal storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yiyu; Liu, Hongpo; Luo, Wen; Liu, Enzuo; Zhao, Naiqin; Yoshino, Katsumi; Feng, Wei

2013-11-01

Reduced graphene oxide-azobenzene (RGO-AZO) hybrids were prepared via covalent functionalization for long-term solar thermal storage. Thermal barrier (ΔEa) of cis to tran reversion and thermal storage (ΔH) were improved by molecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) through ortho- or para-substitution of AZO. Intramolecular H-bonds thermally stabilized cis-ortho-AZO on RGO with a long-term half-life of 5400 h (ΔEa = 1.2 eV), which was much longer than that of RGO-para-AZO (116 h). RGO-para-AZO with one intermolecular H-bond showed a high density of thermal storage up to 269.8 kJ kg-1 compared with RGO-ortho-AZO (149.6 kJ kg-1) with multiple intra- and intermolecular H-bonds of AZO according to relaxed stable structures. Thermal storage in experiment was the same order magnitude to theoretical data based on ΔH calculated by density functional theory and packing density. Photoactive RGO-AZO hybrid can be developed for high-performance solar thermal storage by optimizing molecular H-bonds.

Covalent functionalization of graphene by azobenzene with molecular hydrogen bonds for long-term solar thermal storage

PubMed Central

Feng, Yiyu; Liu, Hongpo; Luo, Wen; Liu, Enzuo; Zhao, Naiqin; Yoshino, Katsumi; Feng, Wei

2013-01-01

Reduced graphene oxide-azobenzene (RGO-AZO) hybrids were prepared via covalent functionalization for long-term solar thermal storage. Thermal barrier (ΔEa) of cis to tran reversion and thermal storage (ΔH) were improved by molecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) through ortho- or para-substitution of AZO. Intramolecular H-bonds thermally stabilized cis-ortho-AZO on RGO with a long-term half-life of 5400 h (ΔEa = 1.2 eV), which was much longer than that of RGO-para-AZO (116 h). RGO-para-AZO with one intermolecular H-bond showed a high density of thermal storage up to 269.8 kJ kg−1 compared with RGO-ortho-AZO (149.6 kJ kg−1) with multiple intra- and intermolecular H-bonds of AZO according to relaxed stable structures. Thermal storage in experiment was the same order magnitude to theoretical data based on ΔH calculated by density functional theory and packing density. Photoactive RGO-AZO hybrid can be developed for high-performance solar thermal storage by optimizing molecular H-bonds. PMID:24247355

Covalent functionalization of graphene by azobenzene with molecular hydrogen bonds for long-term solar thermal storage.

PubMed

Feng, Yiyu; Liu, Hongpo; Luo, Wen; Liu, Enzuo; Zhao, Naiqin; Yoshino, Katsumi; Feng, Wei

2013-11-19

Reduced graphene oxide-azobenzene (RGO-AZO) hybrids were prepared via covalent functionalization for long-term solar thermal storage. Thermal barrier (ΔEa) of cis to tran reversion and thermal storage (ΔH) were improved by molecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) through ortho- or para-substitution of AZO. Intramolecular H-bonds thermally stabilized cis-ortho-AZO on RGO with a long-term half-life of 5400 h (ΔEa = 1.2 eV), which was much longer than that of RGO-para-AZO (116 h). RGO-para-AZO with one intermolecular H-bond showed a high density of thermal storage up to 269.8 kJ kg(-1) compared with RGO-ortho-AZO (149.6 kJ kg(-1)) with multiple intra- and intermolecular H-bonds of AZO according to relaxed stable structures. Thermal storage in experiment was the same order magnitude to theoretical data based on ΔH calculated by density functional theory and packing density. Photoactive RGO-AZO hybrid can be developed for high-performance solar thermal storage by optimizing molecular H-bonds.

Cu2O-based solar cells using oxide semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minami, Tadatsugu; Nishi, Yuki; Miyata, Toshihiro

2016-01-01

We describe significant improvements of the photovoltaic properties that were achieved in Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/n-type oxide semiconductor/p-type Cu2O heterojunction solar cells fabricated using p-type Cu2O sheets prepared by thermally oxidizing Cu sheets. The multicomponent oxide thin film used as the n-type semiconductor layer was prepared with various chemical compositions on non-intentionally heated Cu2O sheets under various deposition conditions using a pulsed laser deposition method. In Cu2O-based heterojunction solar cells fabricated using various ternary compounds as the n-type oxide thin-film layer, the best photovoltaic performance was obtained with an n-ZnGa2O4 thin-film layer. In most of the Cu2O-based heterojunction solar cells using multicomponent oxides composed of combinations of various binary compounds, the obtained photovoltaic properties changed gradually as the chemical composition was varied. However, with the ZnO-MgO and Ga2O3-Al2O3 systems, higher conversion efficiencies (η) as well as a high open circuit voltage (Voc) were obtained by using a relatively small amount of MgO or Al2O3, e.g., (ZnO)0.91-(MgO)0.09 and (Ga2O3)0.975-(Al2O3)0.025, respectively. When Cu2O-based heterojunction solar cells were fabricated using Al2O3-Ga2O3-MgO-ZnO (AGMZO) multicomponent oxide thin films deposited with metal atomic ratios of 10, 60, 10 and 20 at.% for the Al, Ga, Mg and Zn, respectively, a high Voc of 0.98 V and an η of 4.82% were obtained. In addition, an enhanced η and an improved fill factor could be achieved in AZO/n-type multicomponent oxide/p-type Cu2O heterojunction solar cells fabricated using Na-doped Cu2O (Cu2O:Na) sheets that featured a resistivity controlled by optimizing the post-annealing temperature and duration. Consequently, an η of 6.25% and a Voc of 0.84 V were obtained in a MgF2/AZO/n-(Ga2O3-Al2O3)/p-Cu2O:Na heterojunction solar cell fabricated using a Cu2O:Na sheet with a resistivity of approximately 10 Ω·cm and a (Ga0.975Al0.025)2O3 thin film with a thickness of approximately 60 nm. In addition, a Voc of 0.96 V and an η of 5.4% were obtained in a MgF2/AZO/n-AGMZO/p-Cu2O:Na heterojunction solar cell.

Synthesis of poly glycidylmethacrylate grafted azobenzene copolymer: Photosensitivity and nonlinear optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sousani, Abbas; Moghadam, Peyman Najafi; Hasanzadeh, Reza; Motiei, Hamideh; Bagheri, Massoumeh

2016-01-01

In this work poly glycidylmethacrylate grafted 4-hydroxy-4‧-methoxy-azobenzene (Azo-PGMA) was synthesized. For this propose firstly 4-hydroxy-4‧-methoxy-azobenzene (AZO) was prepared, then poly glycidylmethacrylate was prepared by free radical polymerization of glycidylmethacrylate in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as initiator under inert atmosphere in dry THF. Finally the homopolymer was functionalized by AZO moieties. The characterization of the synthesized copolymer was carried out by 1H NMR, FT-IR, thermal gravimetric analyze (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical polarizing microscope (POM) analysis. The UV-vis studies were carried out on Azo-PGMA copolymer and the results showed that the synthesized Azo-PGMA copolymer has ultra-fast response to UV light and has slow relaxation time. Also the third-order nonlinear optical properties of the Azo-PGMA copolymer and AZO were studied by using Z-scan technique. Nonlinear refraction and absorption coefficients of the above mentioned materials were measured by the closed and open aperture Z-scan method using a continuous wave Nd-YAG laser at 532 nm. The positive nonlinear absorption in Azo-PGMA and AZO was investigated at the wavelength of λ = 532 nm, respectively and the measured values of nonlinear refraction in both of the samples were from the order of 10-8 cm2/W.

Highly (002) textured large grain bcc Cr{sub 80}Mn{sub 20} seed layer on Cr{sub 50}Ti{sub 50} amorphous layer for FePt-C granular film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeon, Seong-Jae, E-mail: jsjigst@ecei.tohoku.ac.jp; Saito, Shin; Hinata, Shintaro

Effect of bcc Cr{sub 80}Mn{sub 20} seed layer and Cr{sub 50}Ti{sub 50} amorphous texture inducing layer on the heteroepitaxy system in FePt-C granular film was studied by introducing a new concept of the layered structure. The concept suggested that the large grain seed layer in which the crystallographic texture was initially formed on an amorphous layer in the layered structure can reduce the angular distribution of (002) c-axis crystal orientation in the FePt-C granular film owing to heteroepitaxial growth. Structure analysis by X-ray diffraction revealed that (1) when the substrate heating temperature was elevated from 300 °C to 500 °C, grain sizemore » in the seed layer increased from 9.8 nm to 11.6 nm, and then decreased with further increasing the substrate temperature. The reduction of the grain size over 500 °C corresponds to the crystallization of the amorphous texture inducing layer, (2) when the grain size increased from 9.8 nm to 11.6 nm, the angular distribution of the (002) orientation in the seed layer dramatically decreased from 13.7° to 4.1°. It was shown that the large grain seed layer increased the perpendicular hysteresis in FePt-C granular film.« less

Dependence of seed layer thickness on sensitivity of nano-ZnO cholesterol biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yang-Ming; Wang, Po-Chin; Tang, Jian-Fu; Chu, Sheng-Yuan

2017-01-01

The anemone-like ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized by hydrothermal method and were further adsorbed immobilized cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) as a nano-biosensor. In this study, the sensitivity of biosensor were improved by varying the thickness of the ZnO seed layer. The SEM analysis showed changes in thickness of seed layer will not affect the morphologies of anemone-like ZnO nanostructures. The X-ray Diffraction patterns showed that the (002) plane of anemone-like ZnO grown on various thickness of the seed layer was more prouded than other crystal plane. Abioelectrode (ChOx/ZnO/ITO/glass) grown on the 30nm of ZnO seed layer with high sensitivity of 57.533μAmM-1cm-2 (1.488 μA (mg/dl) -1cm-2), a wide sensitive range from 25 to 500 mg/dl. It is concluded that the thinner sputtered ZnO seed layer for growing anemone-like ZnO nanostructure can effectively improve the sensitivity of the ZnO biosensor.

Preparation of an anionic azo pigment-pillared layered double hydroxide and the thermo- and photostability of the resulting intercalated material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shengchang; Li, Dianqing; Zhang, Weifeng; Pu, Min; Evans, David G.; Duan, Xue

2004-12-01

A large anionic pigment has been intercalated into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) host by ion-exchange of an Mg/Al LDH-nitrate precursor with a solution of C.I. Pigment Red 48:2 (the calcium salt of 4-((5-chloro-4-methyl-2-sulfophenyl)azo)-3-hydroxy-2-naphthalene-carboxylic acid), in ethane-1,2-diol. After intercalation of the pigment, the interlayer distance in the LDH increases from 0.86 to 1.72 nm. Infrared spectra and TG-DTA curves reveal the presence of a complex system of supramolecular host-guest interactions. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra of C.I. Pigment Red 48:2 show marked changes after heating at 200 °C and above, whereas there are no significant changes in the spectra of the intercalated pigment after heating at temperatures up to 300 °C, showing that the thermostability is markedly enhanced by intercalation in the LDH host. The pigment-intercalated LDHs exhibits much higher photostability to UV light than the pristine pigment, in the case of both the pure solids and their composites with polypropylene, as shown by measurement of CIE 1976 L*a*b* color difference ( ΔE) values.

Evidence for significantly enhancing reduction of Azo dyes in Escherichia coli by expressed cytoplasmic Azoreductase (AzoA) of Enterococcus faecalis.

PubMed

Feng, J; Heinze, T M; Xu, H; Cerniglia, C E; Chen, H

2010-05-01

Although cytoplasmic azoreductases have been purified and characterized from various bacteria, little evidence demonstrating that these azoreductases are directly involved in azo dye reduction in vivo is known. In order to evaluate the contribution of the enzyme to azo dye reduction in vivo, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of a recombinant cytoplasmic azoreductase (AzoA) from Enterococcus faecalis expressed in Escherichia coli on the rate of metabolism of Methyl Red, Ponceau BS and Orange II. The intact cells that contained IPTG induced AzoA had a higher rate of dye reduction with increases of 2 (Methyl Red), 4 (Ponceau BS) and 2.6 (Orange II)-fold compared to noninduced cells, respectively. Metabolites of Methyl Red isolated from induced cultures were identified as N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid through liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) analyses. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that AzoA from Ent. faecalis is capable of increasing the reduction of azo dyes in intact E. coli cells and that cytoplasmic azoreductase is involved in bacterial dye degradation in vivo.

Evidence for Significantly Enhancing Reduction of Azo Dyes in Escherichia coli by Expressed Cytoplasmic Azoreductase (AzoA) of Enterococcus faecalis

PubMed Central

Feng, Jinhui; Heinze, Thomas M.; Xu, Haiyan; Cerniglia, Carl E.; Chen, Huizhong

2018-01-01

Although cytoplasmic azoreductases have been purified and characterized from various bacteria, little evidence demonstrating that these azoreductases are directly involved in azo dye reduction in vivo is known. In order to evaluate the contribution of the enzyme to azo dye reduction in vivo, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of a recombinant cytoplasmic azoreductase (AzoA) from Enterococcus faecalis expressed in Escherichia coli on the rate of metabolism of Methyl Red, Ponceau BS and Orange II. The intact cells that contained IPTG induced AzoA had a higher rate of dye reduction with increases of 2 (Methyl Red), 4 (Ponceau BS) and 2.6 (Orange II)-fold compared to noninduced cells, respectively. Metabolites of Methyl Red isolated from induced cultures were identified as N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid through liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) analyses. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that AzoA from Ent. faecalis is capable of increasing the reduction of azo dyes in intact E. coli cells and that cytoplasmic azoreductase is involved in bacterial dye degradation in vivo. PMID:19663804

Linkage of iron elution and dissolved oxygen consumption with removal of organic pollutants by nanoscale zero-valent iron: Effects of pH on iron dissolution and formation of iron oxide/hydroxide layer.

PubMed

Fujioka, Nanae; Suzuki, Moe; Kurosu, Shunji; Kawase, Yoshinori

2016-02-01

The iron elution and dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption in organic pollutant removal by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was examined in the range of solution pH from 3.0 to 9.0. Their behaviors were linked with the removal of organic pollutant through the dissolution of iron and the formation of iron oxide/hydroxide layer affected strongly by solution pH and DO. As an example of organic pollutants, azo-dye Orange II was chosen in this study. The chemical composition analyses before and after reaction confirmed the corrosion of nZVI into ions, the formation of iron oxide/hydroxide layer on nZVI surface and the adsorption of the pollutant and its intermediates. The complete decolorization of Orange II with nZVI was accomplished very quickly. On the other hand, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal was considerably slow and the maximum TOC removal was around 40% obtained at pH 9.0. The reductive cleavage of azo-bond by emitted electrons more readily took place as compared with the cleavage of aromatic rings of Orange II leading to the degradation to smaller molecules and subsequently the mineralization. A reaction kinetic model based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood/Eley-Rideal approach was developed to elucidate mechanisms for organic pollutant removal controlled by the formation of iron oxide/hydroxide layer, the progress of which could be characterized by considering the dynamic concentration changes in Fe(2+) and DO. The dynamic profiles of Orange II removal linked with Fe(2+) and DO could be reasonably simulated in the range of pH from 3.0 to 9.0. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of NiFeCr seed and capping layers on exchange bias and planar Hall voltage response of NiFe/Au/IrMn trilayer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talantsev, Artem; Elzwawy, Amir; Kim, CheolGi

2018-05-01

Thin films and cross junctions, based on NiFe/Au/IrMn structures, were grown on Ta and NiFeCr seed layers by magnetron sputtering. The effects of substitution of Ta with NiFeCr in seed and capping layers on an exchange bias field are studied. A threefold improvement of the exchange bias value in the structures, grown with NiFeCr seed and capping layers, is demonstrated. The reasons for this effect are discussed. Formation of clusters in the NiFeCr capping layer is proved by atomic force microscopy technique. Ta replacement on NiFeCr in the capping layer results in the enhancement of magnetoresistive response and a reduction of noise.

Effect of ZnO seed layer on the morphology and optical properties of ZnO nanorods grown on GaN buffer layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nandi, R., E-mail: rajunandi@iitb.ac.in; Mohan, S., E-mail: rajunandi@iitb.ac.in; Major, S. S.

2014-04-24

ZnO nanorods were grown by chemical bath deposition on sputtered, polycrystalline GaN buffer layers with and without ZnO seed layer. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction show that the ZnO nanorods on GaN buffer layers are not vertically well aligned. Photoluminescence spectrum of ZnO nanorods grown on GaN buffer layer, however exhibits a much stronger near-band-edge emission and negligible defect emission, compared to the nanorods grown on ZnO buffer layer. These features are attributed to gallium incorporation at the ZnO-GaN interface. The introduction of a thin (25 nm) ZnO seed layer on GaN buffer layer significantly improves the morphology andmore » vertical alignment of ZnO-NRs without sacrificing the high optical quality of ZnO nanorods on GaN buffer layer. The presence of a thick (200 nm) ZnO seed layer completely masks the effect of the underlying GaN buffer layer on the morphology and optical properties of nanorods.« less

Organofunctional Silane Modification of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Surfaces as a Route to Stabilization

DOE PAGES

Matthews, Rachael; Glasser, Emily; Sprawls, Samuel C.; ...

2017-05-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a low-temperature processed transparent conductive oxide (TCO) made of earth abundant elements; its applications are currently limited by instability to heat, moisture, and acidic conditions. We demonstrate that the application of an organofunctional silane modifier mitigates AZO degradation, and explore the interplay between performance and material composition and morphology. Specifically, we evaluate degradation of bare AZO and APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)-modified AZO in response to damp heat (DH, 85 °C, 85 % relative humidity) exposure over 1000 h, then demonstrate how surface modification impacts changes in electrical and optical properties, and chemical composition in one of themore » most thorough studies to date. Hall measurements show that the resistivity of AZO increases due to a decrease in electron mobility, with no commensurate change in carrier concentration. APTES decelerates this electrical degradation, without affecting AZO optical properties. Percent transmission and yellowness index of an ensemble of bare and modified AZO are stable upon DH exposure, but haze increases slightly for a discrete sample of modified AZO. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometer (OP) measurements do not show evidence of pitting or delamination after 1000 h DH exposure, but indicate a slight increase in surface roughness on both the nanometer and micron length scales. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data (XPS) reveal that the surface composition of bare and silanized AZO is stable over this time frame; oxygen vacancies, as measured by XPS, are also stable with DH exposure, which, together with transmission and Hall measurements, indicate stable carrier concentrations. However, after 1500 h of DH exposure, only bare AZO shows signs of catastrophic destruction. Comparison of the data presented herein to previous reports indicates that the initial AZO composition and microstructure dictate the degradation profile. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that surface modification slows the bulk degradation of AZO, and provides insight into how the material can be more widely used as a transparent electrode in the next generation of optoelectronic devices.« less

Organofunctional Silane Modification of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Surfaces as a Route to Stabilization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matthews, Rachael; Glasser, Emily; Sprawls, Samuel C.

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a low-temperature processed transparent conductive oxide (TCO) made of earth abundant elements; its applications are currently limited by instability to heat, moisture, and acidic conditions. We demonstrate that the application of an organofunctional silane modifier mitigates AZO degradation, and explore the interplay between performance and material composition and morphology. Specifically, we evaluate degradation of bare AZO and APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)-modified AZO in response to damp heat (DH, 85 °C, 85 % relative humidity) exposure over 1000 h, then demonstrate how surface modification impacts changes in electrical and optical properties, and chemical composition in one of themore » most thorough studies to date. Hall measurements show that the resistivity of AZO increases due to a decrease in electron mobility, with no commensurate change in carrier concentration. APTES decelerates this electrical degradation, without affecting AZO optical properties. Percent transmission and yellowness index of an ensemble of bare and modified AZO are stable upon DH exposure, but haze increases slightly for a discrete sample of modified AZO. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometer (OP) measurements do not show evidence of pitting or delamination after 1000 h DH exposure, but indicate a slight increase in surface roughness on both the nanometer and micron length scales. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data (XPS) reveal that the surface composition of bare and silanized AZO is stable over this time frame; oxygen vacancies, as measured by XPS, are also stable with DH exposure, which, together with transmission and Hall measurements, indicate stable carrier concentrations. However, after 1500 h of DH exposure, only bare AZO shows signs of catastrophic destruction. Comparison of the data presented herein to previous reports indicates that the initial AZO composition and microstructure dictate the degradation profile. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that surface modification slows the bulk degradation of AZO, and provides insight into how the material can be more widely used as a transparent electrode in the next generation of optoelectronic devices.« less

Influence of aromatic substitution patterns on azo dye degradability by Streptomyces spp. and Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

PubMed Central

Pasti-Grigsby, M B; Paszczynski, A; Goszczynski, S; Crawford, D L; Crawford, R L

1992-01-01

Twenty-two azo dyes were used to study the influence of substituents on azo dye biodegradability and to explore the possibility of enhancing the biodegradabilities of azo dyes without affecting their properties as dyes by changing their chemical structures. Streptomyces spp. and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were used in the study. None of the actinomycetes (Streptomyces rochei A10, Streptomyces chromofuscus A11, Streptomyces diastaticus A12, S. diastaticus A13, and S. rochei A14) degraded the commercially available Acid Yellow 9. Decolorization of monosulfonated mono azo dye derivatives of azobenzene by the Streptomyces spp. was observed with five azo dyes having the common structural pattern of a hydroxy group in the para position relative to the azo linkage and at least one methoxy and/or one alkyl group in an ortho position relative to the hydroxy group. The fungus P. chrysosporium attacked Acid Yellow 9 to some extent and extensively decolorized several azo dyes. A different pattern was seen for three mono azo dye derivatives of naphthol. Streptomyces spp. decolorized Orange I but not Acid Orange 12 or Orange II. P. chrysosporium, though able to transform these three azo dyes, decolorized Acid Orange 12 and Orange II more effectively than Orange I. A correlation was observed between the rate of decolorization of dyes by Streptomyces spp. and the rate of oxidative decolorization of dyes by a commercial preparation of horseradish peroxidase type II, extracellular peroxidase preparations of S. chromofuscus A11, or Mn(II) peroxidase from P. chrysosporium. Ligninase of P. chrysosporium showed a dye specificity different from that of the other oxidative enzymes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1482183

The in situ generation and reactive quench of diazonium compounds in the synthesis of azo compounds in microreactors.

PubMed

Akwi, Faith M; Watts, Paul

2016-01-01

In this paper, a micro-fluidic optimized process for the continuous flow synthesis of azo compounds is presented. The continuous flow synthesis of Sudan II azo dye was used as a model reaction for the study. At found optimal azo coupling reaction temperature and pH an investigation of the optimum flow rates of the reactants for the diazotization and azo coupling reactions in Little Things Factory-MS microreactors was performed. A conversion of 98% was achieved in approximately 2.4 minutes and a small library of azo compounds was thus generated under these reaction conditions from couplers with aminated or hydroxylated aromatic systems. The scaled up synthesis of these compounds in PTFE tubing (i.d. 1.5 mm) was also investigated, where good reaction conversions ranging between 66-91% were attained.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of an azoreductase from Staphylococcus aureus, a tetrameric NADPH-dependent flavoprotein

PubMed Central

Chen, Huizhong; Hopper, Sherryll L.; Cerniglia, Carl E.

2018-01-01

Azo dyes are a predominant class of colourants used in tattooing, cosmetics, foods and consumer products. A gene encoding NADPH-flavin azoreductase (Azo1) from the skin bacterium Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 was identified and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. RT-PCR results demonstrated that the azo1 gene was constitutively expressed at the mRNA level in S. aureus. Azo1 was found to be a tetramer with a native molecular mass of 85 kDa containing four non-covalently bound FMN. Azo1 requires NADPH, but not NADH, as an electron donor for its activity. The enzyme was resolved to dimeric apoprotein by removing the flavin prosthetic groups using hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The dimeric apoprotein was reconstituted on-column and in free stage with FMN, resulting in the formation of a fully functional native-like tetrameric enzyme. The enzyme cleaved the model azo dye 2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenylazo]benzoic acid (Methyl Red) into N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid. The apparent Km values for NADPH and Methyl Red substrates were 0·;074 and 0·057 mM, respectively. The apparent Vmax was 0·4 µM min−1 (mg protein)−1. Azo1 was also able to metabolize Orange II, Amaranth, Ponceau BS and Ponceau S azo dyes. Azo1 represents the first azoreductase to be identified and characterized from human skin microflora. PMID:15870453

The Hydractinia echinata test-system. III: Structure-toxicity relationship study of some azo-, azo-anilide, and diazonium salt derivatives.

PubMed

Chicu, Sergiu Adrian; Munteanu, Melania; Cîtu, Ioana; Soica, Codruta; Dehelean, Cristina; Trandafirescu, Cristina; Funar-Timofei, Simona; Ionescu, Daniela; Simu, Georgeta Maria

2014-07-08

Structure-toxicity relationships for a series of 75 azo and azo-anilide dyes and five diazonium salts were developed using Hydractinia echinata (H. echinata) as model species. In addition, based on these relationships, predictions for 58 other azo-dyes were made. The experimental results showed that the measured effectiveness Mlog(1/MRC50) does not depend on the number of azo groups or the ones corresponding to metobolites, but it is influenced by the number of anilide groups, as well as by the substituents' positions within molecules. The conformational analysis pointed out the intramolecular hydrogen bonds, especially the simple tautomerization of quinoidic (STOH) or aminoidic (STNH2) type. The effectiveness is strongly influenced by the "push-pull" electronic effect, specific to two hydroxy or amino groups separated by an azo moiety (double alternate tautomery, (DAT), to the -COOH or -SO3H groups which are located in ortho or para position with respect to the azo group. The levels of the lipophylic/hydrophilic, electronic and steric equilibriums, pointed out by the Mlog(1/MRC50) values, enabled the calculation of their average values Clog(1/MRC50) ("Köln model"), characteristic to one derivative class (class isotoxicity). The azo group reduction and the hydrolysis of the amido/peptidic group are two concurrent enzymatic reactions, which occur with different reaction rates and mechanisms. The products of the partial biodegradation are aromatic amines. No additive or synergic effects are noticed among them.

Trap-induced charge transfer/transport at energy harvesting assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Seongeun; Paik, Hanjong; Kim, Tae Wan; Park, Byoungnam

2017-02-01

Understanding interfacial electronic properties between electron donors and acceptors in hybrid optoelectronic solar cells is crucial in governing the device parameters associated with energy harvesting. To probe the electronic localized states at an electron donor/acceptor interface comprising a representative hybrid solar cell, we investigated the electrical contact properties between Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) using AZO as the source and drain electrodes, pumping carriers from AZO into P3HT. The injection efficiency was evaluated using the transmission line method (TLM) in combination with field effect transistor characterizations. Highly conductive AZO films worked as the source and drain electrodes in the devices for TLM and field effect measurements. A comparable contact resistance difference between AZO/P3HT/AZO and Au/P3HT/Au structures contradicts the fact that a far larger energy barrier exists for electrons and holes between AZO and P3HT compared with between P3HT and Au based on the Schottky-Mott model. It is suggested that band to band tunneling accounts for the contradiction through the initial hop from AZO to P3HT for hole injection. The involvement of the tunneling mechanism in determining the contact resistance implies that there is a high density of electronic traps in the organic side.

Photobleaching effect in azo-dye containing epoxy resin films: the potentiality of carbon nanotubes as azo-dye dispensers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz Costanzo, Guadalupe; Goyanes, Silvia; Ledesma, Silvia

2015-04-01

Azo-dye molecules may suffer from bleaching under certain illumination conditions. When this photoinduced process occurs, it generates an irreversible effect that is characterized by the loss of absorption of the dye molecule. Moreover, the well-known isomerization of azodye molecules does not occur anymore. In this work it is shown how the addition of a small amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) helps to decrease the bleaching effect in a photosensitive guest-host azo-polymer film. Two different systems were fabricated using an epoxy resin as polymer matrix. An azo-dye, Disperse Orange 3, was used as photosensitive material in both systems and MWCNTs were added into one of them. The optical response of the polymeric systems was studied considering the degree of photoinduced birefringence. Photobleaching of the azo-dye was observed in all cases however, the effect is lower for the composite material containing 0.2 wt % MWCNTs. The weak interaction between MWCNTs and dye molecules is less favorable when the material is heated. The optical behavior of the heated composite material suggests that carbon nanotubes can be potentially used as azo dye dispensers. The results are interpreted in terms of the non-covalent interaction between azo-dye molecules and MWCNTs.

Room temperature growth of ZnO nanorods by hydrothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tateyama, Hiroki; Zhang, Qiyan; Ichikawa, Yo

2018-05-01

The effect of seed layer morphology on ZnO nanorod growth at room temperature was studied via hydrothermal synthesis on seed layers with different thicknesses and further annealed at different temperatures. The change in the thickness and annealing temperature enabled us to control over a diameter of ZnO nanorods which are attributed to the changing of crystallinity and roughness of the seed layers.

The in situ generation and reactive quench of diazonium compounds in the synthesis of azo compounds in microreactors

PubMed Central

Akwi, Faith M

2016-01-01

Summary In this paper, a micro-fluidic optimized process for the continuous flow synthesis of azo compounds is presented. The continuous flow synthesis of Sudan II azo dye was used as a model reaction for the study. At found optimal azo coupling reaction temperature and pH an investigation of the optimum flow rates of the reactants for the diazotization and azo coupling reactions in Little Things Factory-MS microreactors was performed. A conversion of 98% was achieved in approximately 2.4 minutes and a small library of azo compounds was thus generated under these reaction conditions from couplers with aminated or hydroxylated aromatic systems. The scaled up synthesis of these compounds in PTFE tubing (i.d. 1.5 mm) was also investigated, where good reaction conversions ranging between 66–91% were attained. PMID:27829903

Model for thickness dependence of mobility and concentration in highly conductive ZnO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Look, D. C.; Leedy, K. D.; Kiefer, A.; Claflin, B.; Itagaki, N.; Matsushima, K.; Suhariadi, I.

2013-03-01

The dependences of the 294-K and 10-K mobility μ and volume carrier concentration n on thickness (d = 25 - 147 nm) were examined in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) layers grown in Ar ambient at 200 °C on quartz-glass substrates. Two AZO layers were grown at each thickness, one with and one without a 20-nm-thick ZnON buffer layer grown at 300 °C in Ar/N2 ambient. Plots of the 10-K sheet concentration ns vs d for buffered (B) and unbuffered (UB) samples give straight lines of similar slope, n = 8.36 x 1020 and 8.32 x 1020 cm-3, but different x-axis intercepts, δd = -4 and +13 nm, respectively. Thus, the electrical thicknesses are d - δd = d + 4 and d - 13 nm, respectively. Plots of ns vs d at 294 K produced substantially the same results. Plots of μ vs d can be well fitted with the equation μ(d) = μ(infinity symbol)/[1 + d*/(d-δd)], where d* is the thickness for which μ(infinity symbol) is reduced by a factor 2. For the B and UB samples, d* = 7 and 23 nm, respectively, showing the efficacy of the ZnON buffer. Finally, from n and μ(infinity symbol) we can use degenerate electron scattering theory to calculate bulk donor and acceptor concentrations of 1.23 x 1021 cm-3 and 1.95 x 1020 cm-3, respectively, and Drude theory to predict a plasmonic resonance at1.34 μm. The latter is confirmed by reflectance measurements.

Effects of substrate heating and vacuum annealing on optical and electrical properties of alumina-doped ZnO films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Chien-Jen; Wang, Chun-Yuan; Jaing, Cheng-Chung

2011-10-01

Alumina-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films have wide range of applications in optical and optoelectronic devices. AZO films have advantage in high transparency, high stability to hydrogen plasma and low cost to alternative ITO film. AZO film was prepared by direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering from ceramic ZnO:Al2O3 target. The AZO films were compared in two different conditions. The first is substrate heating process, in which AZO film was deposited by different substrate temperature, room temperature, 150 °C and 250 °C. The second is vacuum annealing process, in which AZO film with deposited at room temperature have been annealed at 250 °C and 450 °C in vacuum. The optical properties, electrical properties, grain size and surface structure properties of the films were studied by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer, Hall effect measurement equipment, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The resistivity, carrier mobility, carrier concentration, and grain size of AZO films were 1.92×10-3 Ω-cm, 6.38 cm2/Vs, 5.08×1020 #/cm3, and 31.48 nm respectively, in vacuum annealing of 450 °C. The resistivity, carrier mobility, carrier concentration, and grain size of AZO films were 8.72×10-4 Ω-cm, 6.32 cm2/Vs, 1.13×1021 #/cm3, and 31.56 nm, respectively, when substrate temperature was at 250 °C. Substrate heating process is better than vacuum annealed process for AZO film deposited by DC Magnetron Sputtering.

The role of seed bank in the dynamics of understorey in an oak forest in Hungary.

PubMed

Koncz, G; Papp, Mária; Török, P; Kotroczó, Zs; Krakomperger, Zs; Matus, G; Tóthmérész, B

2010-01-01

We studied the potential role of seed bank in the dynamics of the understorey in a turkey oak-sessile oak forest (Querceteum petraeae-cerris) in Hungary. We used long-term records of the herb layer (1973-2006) and the seed bank composition of 2006 to assess the role of seed bank in the regeneration of herb layer. The total cover of herb layer decreased from 22% (1973) to 6% (1988), and remained low (<10%) till 2006; coinciding with the increasing cover of secondary canopy dominated by Acer campestre. We found a low density seed bank (ca. 1300 seeds/m2). Altogether 33 species were germinated from the soil samples. A few generalist weed species composed the majority of seed bank. It was possible to assign a seed bank type for 19 species; 14 species out of 19 was long-term persistent. We found that the characteristic perennial forest herbs and grasses had only sparse seed bank. The Jaccard similarity between vegetation and seed bank was low (<30%). Our results suggest that the continuous establishment of forest herbs are not based on local persistent seed bank; it should be based on vegetative spreading and/or seed rain.

An Endosperm-Associated Cuticle Is Required for Arabidopsis Seed Viability, Dormancy and Early Control of Germination

PubMed Central

Loubery, Sylvain; Utz-Pugin, Anne; Bailly, Christophe; Mène-Saffrané, Laurent; Lopez-Molina, Luis

2015-01-01

Cuticular layers and seeds are prominent plant adaptations to terrestrial life that appeared early and late during plant evolution, respectively. The cuticle is a waterproof film covering plant aerial organs preventing excessive water loss and protecting against biotic and abiotic stresses. Cutin, consisting of crosslinked fatty acid monomers, is the most abundant and studied cuticular component. Seeds are dry, metabolically inert structures promoting plant dispersal by keeping the plant embryo in an arrested protected state. In Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, the embryo is surrounded by a single cell endosperm layer itself surrounded by a seed coat layer, the testa. Whole genome analyses lead us to identify cutin biosynthesis genes as regulatory targets of the phytohormones gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways that control seed germination. Cutin-containing layers are present in seed coats of numerous species, including Arabidopsis, where they regulate permeability to outer compounds. However, the role of cutin in mature seed physiology and germination remains poorly understood. Here we identify in mature seeds a thick cuticular film covering the entire outer surface of the endosperm. This seed cuticle is defective in cutin-deficient bodyguard1 seeds, which is associated with alterations in endospermic permeability. Furthermore, mutants affected in cutin biosynthesis display low seed dormancy and viability levels, which correlates with higher levels of seed lipid oxidative stress. Upon seed imbibition cutin biosynthesis genes are essential to prevent endosperm cellular expansion and testa rupture in response to low GA synthesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that in the course of land plant evolution cuticular structures were co-opted to achieve key physiological seed properties. PMID:26681322

An Endosperm-Associated Cuticle Is Required for Arabidopsis Seed Viability, Dormancy and Early Control of Germination.

PubMed

De Giorgi, Julien; Piskurewicz, Urszula; Loubery, Sylvain; Utz-Pugin, Anne; Bailly, Christophe; Mène-Saffrané, Laurent; Lopez-Molina, Luis

2015-12-01

Cuticular layers and seeds are prominent plant adaptations to terrestrial life that appeared early and late during plant evolution, respectively. The cuticle is a waterproof film covering plant aerial organs preventing excessive water loss and protecting against biotic and abiotic stresses. Cutin, consisting of crosslinked fatty acid monomers, is the most abundant and studied cuticular component. Seeds are dry, metabolically inert structures promoting plant dispersal by keeping the plant embryo in an arrested protected state. In Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, the embryo is surrounded by a single cell endosperm layer itself surrounded by a seed coat layer, the testa. Whole genome analyses lead us to identify cutin biosynthesis genes as regulatory targets of the phytohormones gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways that control seed germination. Cutin-containing layers are present in seed coats of numerous species, including Arabidopsis, where they regulate permeability to outer compounds. However, the role of cutin in mature seed physiology and germination remains poorly understood. Here we identify in mature seeds a thick cuticular film covering the entire outer surface of the endosperm. This seed cuticle is defective in cutin-deficient bodyguard1 seeds, which is associated with alterations in endospermic permeability. Furthermore, mutants affected in cutin biosynthesis display low seed dormancy and viability levels, which correlates with higher levels of seed lipid oxidative stress. Upon seed imbibition cutin biosynthesis genes are essential to prevent endosperm cellular expansion and testa rupture in response to low GA synthesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that in the course of land plant evolution cuticular structures were co-opted to achieve key physiological seed properties.

Preparation of freestanding GaN wafer by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on porous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xian; Li, Peng; Liang, Renrong; Xiao, Lei; Xu, Jun; Wang, Jing

2018-05-01

A freestanding GaN wafer was prepared on porous Si (111) substrate using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). To avoid undesirable effects of the porous surface on the crystallinity of the GaN, a GaN seed layer was first grown on the Si (111) bare wafer. A pattern with many apertures was fabricated in the GaN seed layer using lithography and etching processes. A porous layer was formed in the Si substrate immediately adjacent to the GaN seed layer by an anodic etching process. A 500-μm-thick GaN film was then grown on the patterned GaN seed layer using HVPE. The GaN film was separated from the Si substrate through the formation of cracks in the porous layer caused by thermal mismatch stress during the cooling stage of the HVPE. Finally, the GaN film was polished to obtain a freestanding GaN wafer.

Catalyst-free growth of ZnO nanowires on ITO seed/glass by thermal evaporation method: Effects of ITO seed layer thickness

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alsultany, Forat H., E-mail: foratusm@gmail.com; Ahmed, Naser M.; Hassan, Z.

A seed/catalyst-free growth of ZnO nanowires (ZnO-NWs) on a glass substrate were successfully fabricated using thermal evaporation technique. These nanowires were grown on ITO seed layers of different thicknesses of 25 and 75 nm, which were deposited on glass substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Prior to synthesized ITO nanowires, the sputtered ITO seeds were annealed using the continuous wave (CW) CO2 laser at 450 °C in air for 15 min. The effect of seed layer thickness on the morphological, structural, and optical properties of ZnO-NWs were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),more » and UV-Vis spectrophotometer.« less

Isolation, cloning and characterization of an azoreductase from the halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata.

PubMed

Eslami, Maryam; Amoozegar, Mohammad Ali; Asad, Sedigheh

2016-04-01

Azo dyes are a major class of colorants used in various industries including textile, paper and food. These dyes are regarded as pollutant since they are not readily reduced under aerobic conditions. Halomonas elongata, a halophilic bacterium, has the ability to decolorize different mono and di-azo dyes in anoxic conditions. In this study the putative azoreductase gene of H. elongata, formerly annotated as acp, was isolated, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. The gene product, AzoH, was found to have a molecular mass of 22 kDa. The enzyme requires NADH, as an electron donor for its activity. The apparent Km was 63 μM for NADH and 12 μM for methyl red as a mono-azo dye substrate. The specific activity for methyl red was 0.27 μmol min(-1)mg(-1). The optimum enzyme activity was achieved in 50mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6. Although increased salinity resulted in reduced activity, AzoH could decolorize azo dye at NaCl concentrations up to 15% (w/v). The enzyme was also shown to be able to decolorize remazol black B as a representative of di-azo dyes. This is the first report describing the sequence and activity of an azo-reducing enzyme from a halophilic bacterium. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies of surface morphology and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures grown on different molarities of TiO{sub 2} seed layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Asib, N. A. M., E-mail: amierahasib@yahoo.com; Afaah, A. N.; Aadila, A.

Titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) seed layer was prepared by using sol-gel spin-coating technique, followed by growth of 0.01 M of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures by solution-immersion. The molarities of TiO{sub 2} seed layer were varied from 1.1 M to 0.100 M on glass substrates. The nanostructures thin films were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electrons Microscope (FESEM), Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. FESEM images demonstrate that needle-like ZnO nanostructures are formed on all TiO{sub 2} seed layer. The smallest diameter of needle-like ZnO nanostructures (90.3 nm) were deposited on TiO{sub 2} seed layer of 0.100 M. PL spectramore » of the TiO{sub 2}: ZnO nanostructures thin films show the blue shifted emissions in the UV regions compared to the ZnO thin film. Meanwhile, UV-vis spectra of films display high absorption in the UV region and high trasparency in the visible region. The highest absorbance at UV region was recorded for sample which has 0.100 M of TiO{sub 2} seed layer.« less

Flexible Al-doped ZnO films grown on PET substrates using linear facing target sputtering for flexible OLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Jin-A.; Shin, Hyun-Su; Choi, Kwang-Hyuk; Kim, Han-Ki

2010-11-01

We report the characteristics of flexible Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films prepared by a plasma damage-free linear facing target sputtering (LFTS) system on PET substrates for use as a flexible transparent conducting electrode in flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The electrical, optical and structural properties of LFTS-grown flexible AZO electrodes were investigated as a function of dc power. We obtained a flexible AZO film with a sheet resistance of 39 Ω/squ and an average transmittance of 84.86% in the visible range although it was sputtered at room temperature without activation of the Al dopant. Due to the effective confinement of the high-density plasma between the facing AZO targets, the AZO film was deposited on the PET substrate without plasma damage and substrate heating caused by bombardment of energy particles. Moreover, the flexible OLED fabricated on the AZO/PET substrate showed performance similar to the OLED fabricated on a ITO/PET substrate in spite of a lower work function. This indicates that LFTS is a promising plasma damage-free and low-temperature sputtering technique for deposition of flexible and indium-free AZO electrodes for use in cost-efficient flexible OLEDs.

Enzyme-mediated bacterial biodegradation of an azo dye (C.I. Acid blue 113): reuse of treated dye wastewater in post-tanning operations.

PubMed

Senthilvelan, T; Kanagaraj, J; Panda, R C

2014-11-01

"Dyeing" is a common practice used to color the hides during the post-tanning operations in leather processing generating plenty of wastewater. The waste stream containing dye as pollutant is severely harmful to living beings. An azo dye (C.I. Acid Blue 113) has been biodegraded effectively by bacterial culture mediated with azoreductase enzyme to reduce the pollution load in the present investigation. The maximum rate of dye degradation was found to be 96 ± 4 and 92 ± 4 % for the initial concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/l, respectively. The enzyme activity was measured using NADH as a substrate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was confirmed that the transformation of azo linkage could be transformed into N2 or NH3 or incorporated into complete biomass. Breaking down of dye molecules to various metabolites (such as aniline, naphthalene-1,4-diamine, 3-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid, 8-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid, 5,8-diaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid) was confirmed by gas chromatography and mass spectra (GC-MS) and mass (electrospray ionization (ESI)) spectra analysis. The treated wastewater could be reused for dyeing operation in the leather processing, and the properties of produced leather were evaluated by conventional methods that revealed to have improved dye penetration into the grain layer of experimental leather sample and resulted in high levelness of dyeing, which helps to obtain the desired smoothness and soft leather properties.

Sensitive spectrophotometric determination of aceclofenac following azo dye formation with 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrobenzene diazonium ion.

PubMed

Aderibigbe, Segun A; Adegoke, Olajire A; Idowu, Olakunle S; Olaleye, Sefiu O

2012-01-01

The study is a description of a sensitive spectrophotometric determination of aceclofenac following azo dye formation with 4-carboxyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenediazonium ion (CDNBD). Spot test and thin layer chromatography revealed the formation of a new compound distinct from CDNBD and aceclofenac. Optimization studies established a reaction time of 5 min at 30 degrees C after vortex mixing the drug/CDNBD for 10 s. An absorption maximum of 430 nm was selected as analytical wavelength. A linear response was observed over 1.2-4.8 μg/mL of aceclofenac with a correlation coefficient of 0.9983 and the drug combined with CDNBD at stoichiometric ratio of 2 : 1. The method has a limit of detection of 0.403 μg/mL, limit of quantitation of 1.22 μg/mL and is reproducible over a three day assessment. The method gave Sandell's sensitivity of 3.279 ng/cm2. Intra- and inter-day accuracies (in terms of errors) were less than 6% while precisions were of the order of 0.03-1.89% (RSD). The developed spectrophotometric method is of equivalent accuracy (p > 0.05) with British Pharmacopoeia, 2010 potentiometric method. It has the advantages of speed, simplicity, sensitivity and more affordable instrumentation and could found application as a rapid and sensitive analytical method of aceclofenac. It is the first described method by azo dye derivatization for the analysis of aceclofenac in bulk samples and dosage forms.

Model for thickness dependence of mobility and concentration in highly conductive zinc oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Look, David C.; Leedy, Kevin D.; Kiefer, Arnold; Claflin, Bruce; Itagaki, Naho; Matsushima, Koichi; Surhariadi, Iping

2013-03-01

The dependences of the 294 and 10 K mobility μ and volume carrier concentration n on thickness (d=25 to 147 nm) are examined in aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). Two AZO layers are grown at each thickness, one with and one without a 20-nm-thick ZnON buffer layer. Plots of the 10 K sheet concentration ns versus d for buffered (B) and unbuffered (UB) samples give straight lines of similar slope, n=8.36×1020 and 8.32×1020 cm-3, but different x-axis intercepts, δd=-4 and +13 nm, respectively. Plots of ns versus d at 294 K produce substantially the same results. Plots of μ versus d can be well fitted with the equation μ(d)=μ(∞)/[1+d*/(d-δd)], where d* is the thickness for which μ(∞) is reduced by a factor 2. For the B and UB samples, d*=7 and 23 nm, respectively, showing the efficacy of the ZnON buffer. Finally, from n and μ(∞) we can use degenerate electron scattering theory to calculate bulk donor and acceptor concentrations of 1.23×1021 cm-3 and 1.95×1020 cm-3, respectively, and Drude theory to predict a plasmonic resonance at 1.34 μm. The latter is confirmed by reflectance measurements.

AIRBORNE BACTERIA IN THE ATMOSPHERIC SURFACE LAYER: TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION ABOVE A GRASS SEED FIELD

EPA Science Inventory

Temporal airborne bacterial concentrations and meteorological conditions were measured above a grass seed field in the Willamette River Valley, near Corvallis, Oregon, in the summer of 1993. he report describes the changes in the atmospheric surface layer over a grass seed field ...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 414 - Complexed Metal-Bearing Waste Streams

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., metallized/Azo dye + metal acetate Direct dyes, Azo Disperse dyes, Azo and Vat Organic pigment Green 7/Copper phthalocyanine Organic pigments Organic pigments/Phthalocyanine pigments Organic pigments/Copper phthalocyanine (Blue Crude) Organic pigments, miscellaneous lakes and toners Lead Organic pigments, Quinacridines...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 414 - Complexed Metal-Bearing Waste Streams

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., metallized/Azo dye + metal acetate Direct dyes, Azo Disperse dyes, Azo and Vat Organic pigment Green 7/Copper phthalocyanine Organic pigments Organic pigments/Phthalocyanine pigments Organic pigments/Copper phthalocyanine (Blue Crude) Organic pigments, miscellaneous lakes and toners Lead Organic pigments, Quinacridines...

Microstructure and Electrical Properties of AZO/Graphene Nanosheets Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

PubMed Central

Yang, Shuang; Chen, Fei; Shen, Qiang; Lavernia, Enrique J.; Zhang, Lianmeng

2016-01-01

In this study we report on the sintering behavior, microstructure and electrical properties of Al-doped ZnO ceramics containing 0–0.2 wt. % graphene sheets (AZO-GNSs) and processed using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Our results show that the addition of <0.25 wt. % GNSs enhances both the relative density and the electrical resistivity of AZO ceramics. In terms of the microstructure, the GNSs are distributed at grain boundaries. In addition, the GNSs are also present between ZnO and secondary phases (e.g., ZnAl2O4) and likely contribute to the measured enhancement of Hall mobility (up to 105.1 cm2·V−1·s−1) in these AZO ceramics. The minimum resistivity of the AZO-GNS composite ceramics is 3.1 × 10−4 Ω·cm which compares favorably to the value of AZO ceramics which typically have a resistivity of 1.7 × 10−3 Ω·cm. PMID:28773759

Structural, optical, and LED characteristics of ZnO and Al doped ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandeep, K. M.; Bhat, Shreesha; Dharmaprakash, S. M.

2017-05-01

ZnO (pristine) and Al doped ZnO (AZO) films were prepared using sol-gel spin coating method. The XRD analysis showed the enhanced compressive stress in AZO film. The presence of extended states below the conduction band edge in AZO accounts for the redshift in optical bandgap. The PL spectra of AZO showed significant blue emission due to the carrier recombination from defect states. The TRPL curves showed the dominant DAP recombination in ZnO film, whereas defect related recombination in Al doped ZnO film. Color parameters viz: the dominant wavelength, color coordinates (x,y), color purity, luminous efficiency and correlated color temperature (CCT) of ZnO and AZO films are calculated using 1931 (CIE) diagram. Further, a strong blue emission with color purity more than 96% is observed in both the films. The enhanced blue emission in AZO significantly increased the luminous efficiency (22.8%) compared to ZnO film (10.8%). The prepared films may be used as blue phosphors in white light generation.

Effect of substrate on thermoelectric properties of Al-doped ZnO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mele, P.; Saini, S.; Honda, H.; Matsumoto, K.; Miyazaki, K.; Hagino, H.; Ichinose, A.

2013-06-01

We have prepared 2% Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on SrTiO3 (STO) and Al2O3 substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition technique at various deposition temperatures (Tdep = 300 °C-600 °C). Transport and thermoelectric properties of AZO thin films were studied in low temperature range (300 K-600 K). AZO/STO films present superior performance respect to AZO/Al2O3 films deposited at the same temperature, except for films deposited at 400 °C. Best film is the fully c-axis oriented AZO/STO deposited at 300 °C, which epitaxial strain and dislocation density are the lowest: electrical conductivity 310 S/cm, Seebeck coefficient -65 μV/K, and power factor 0.13 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 300 K. Its performance increases with temperature. For instance, power factor is enhanced up to 0.55 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 600 K, surpassing the best AZO film previously reported in literature.

Tomato Seed Coat Permeability to Selected Carbon Nanomaterials and Enhancement of Germination and Seedling Growth

PubMed Central

Ratnikova, Tatsiana A.; Rao, Apparao M.; Taylor, Alan G.

2015-01-01

Seed coat permeability was examined using a model that tested the effects of soaking tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) seeds in combination with carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNMs) and ultrasonic irradiation (US). Penetration of seed coats to the embryo by CBNMs, as well as CBNMs effects on seed germination and seedling growth, was examined. Two CBNMs, C60(OH)20 (fullerol) and multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs), were applied at 50 mg/L, and treatment exposure ranged from 0 to 60 minutes. Bright field, fluorescence, and electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy provided corroborating evidence that neither CBNM was able to penetrate the seed coat. The restriction of nanomaterial (NM) uptake was attributed to the semipermeable layer located at the innermost layer of the seed coat adjacent to the endosperm. Seed treatments using US at 30 or 60 minutes in the presence of MWNTs physically disrupted the seed coat; however, the integrity of the semipermeable layer was not impaired. The germination percentage and seedling length and weight were enhanced in the presence of MWNTs but were not altered by C60(OH)20. The combined exposure of seeds to NMs and US provided insight into the nanoparticle-seed interaction and may serve as a delivery system for enhancing seed germination and early seedling growth. PMID:26495423

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin films grown on various substrates using facing target sputtering system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hwa-Min; Lee, Chang Hyun; Shon, Sun Young; Kim, Bong Hwan

2017-11-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films were fabricated on various substrates, such as glass, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), at room temperature using a facing target sputtering (FTS) system with hetero ZnO and Al2O3 targets, and their electrical and optical properties were investigated. The AZO film on glass exhibited compressive stress while the films on the plastic substrates showed tensile stress. These stresses negatively affected the crystalline quality of the AZO films, and it is suggested that the poor crystalline quality of the films may be related to the neutral Al-based defect complexes formed in the films; these complexes act as neutral impurity scattering centers. AZO films with good optoelectronic properties could be formed on the glass and plastic substrates by the FTS technique using the hetero targets. The AZO films deposited on the glass, PEN, and PET substrates showed very low resistivities, of 5.0 × 10-4 Ω cm, 7.0 × 10-4 Ω cm, and 7.4 × 10-4 Ω cm, respectively. Further, the figure merit of the AZO film formed on the PEN substrate in the visible range (400-700 nm) was significantly higher than that of the AZO film on PET and similar to that of the AZO film on glass. Finally, the average transmittances of the films in the visible range (400-700 nm) were 83.16% (on glass), 76.3% (on PEN), and 78.16% (on PET).

Nonlinear Brillouin amplification of finite-duration seeds in the strong coupling regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, G.; Spatschek, K. H.

2013-07-01

Parametric plasma processes received renewed interest in the context of generating ultra-intense and ultra-short laser pulses up to the exawatt-zetawatt regime. Both Raman as well as Brillouin amplifications of seed pulses were proposed. Here, we investigate Brillouin processes in the one-dimensional (1D) backscattering geometry with the help of numerical simulations. For optimal seed amplification, Brillouin scattering is considered in the so called strong coupling (sc) regime. Special emphasis lies on the dependence of the amplification process on the finite duration of the initial seed pulses. First, the standard plane-wave instability predictions are generalized to pulse models, and the changes of initial seed pulse forms due to parametric instabilities are investigated. Three-wave-interaction results are compared to predictions by a new (kinetic) Vlasov code. The calculations are then extended to the nonlinear region with pump depletion. Generation of different seed layers is interpreted by self-similar solutions of the three-wave interaction model. Similar to Raman amplification, shadowing of the rear layers by the leading layers of the seed occurs. The shadowing is more pronounced for initially broad seed pulses. The effect is quantified for Brillouin amplification. Kinetic Vlasov simulations agree with the three-wave interaction predictions and thereby affirm the universal validity of self-similar layer formation during Brillouin seed amplification in the strong coupling regime.

Performance analysis of RF-sputtered ZnO/Si heterojunction UV photodetectors with high photo-responsivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Satyendra Kumar; Hazra, Purnima; Tripathi, Shweta; Chakrabarti, P.

2016-03-01

In this paper, structural, electrical and ultraviolet photodetection parameters of RF sputtered-ZnO/Si heterojunction diodes are analyzed. In this work, ZnO thin film was deposited on bare Si substrate as well as Si substrate coated with ultrathin ZnO seed layer to exhibit the effect of seed layer on device performance. AFM image of as-grown ZnO films have exhibited the uniform growth ZnO film over the whole Si substrate with average roughness of 3.2 nm and 2.83 nm for ZnO with and without seed layer respectively. Stronger peak intensity along (002) direction, as shown in XRD spectra confirm that ZnO film grown on ZnO seed layer is having more stable wurtzite structure. Ti/Al point contacts were deposited on top of the ZnO film and a layer of Al was deposited on bottom of Si substrate for using as ohmic contacts for further device characterization at dark and under UV light of 365 nm wavelength. This process is repeated for both the films sequentially. The photo-responsivity of our proposed devices is calculated as 0.34 A/W for seed layer-mediated devices and 0.26 A/W for devices without seed layer. These values are very high as compare to the reported value of photo-responsivity for same kind of ZnO/Si heterojunction device prototypes prepared by other techniques.

40 CFR 721.1300 - [(Dinitrophenyl)azo]-[2,4-dia-mino-5-methoxybenzene] derivatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-methoxybenzene] derivatives. 721.1300 Section 721.1300 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1300 [(Dinitrophenyl)azo]-[2,4-dia-mino-5-methoxybenzene] derivatives... identified generically as [(dinitrophenyl)azo]-[2,4-di-a-mino-5-methoxybenzene] derivatives (P-83-817 and P...

FATE OF WATER SOLUBLE AZO DYES IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this study was to determine the partitioning of water soluble azo dyes in the activated sludge process (ASP). Azo dyes are of concern because some of the dyes, dye precursors , and/or their degradation products such as aromatic amines (which are also dye precurso...

Acid-Base Properties of Azo Dyes in Solution Studied Using Spectrophotometry and Colorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snigur, D. V.; Chebotarev, A. N.; Bevziuk, K. V.

2018-03-01

Colorimetry and spectrophotometry with chemometric data processing were used to study the acid-base properties of azo dyes in aqueous solution. The capabilities of both methods were compared. Ionization constants of all the functional groups of the azo compounds studied could be determined relative to the change in the specific color difference depending on the acidity of the medium. The colorimetric functions of ion-molecular forms of azo compounds used as an analytical signal allow us to obtain complete information on the acid-base equilibrium in a wide acidity range.

Azo biphenyl polyurethane: Preparation, characterization and application for optical waveguide switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yan; Da, Zulin; Qiu, Fengxian; Yang, Dongya; Guan, Yijun; Cao, Guorong

2018-01-01

Azo waveguide polymers are of particular interest in the design of materials for applications in optical switch. The aim of this contribution was the synthesis and thermo-optic waveguide switch properties of azo biphenyl polyurethanes. A series of monomers and azo biphenyl polyurethanes (Azo BPU1 and Azo BPU2) were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and 1H NMR. The physical and mechanical properties of thin polymer films were measured. The refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) of polymer films were investigated for TE (transversal electric) polarizations by ATR technique. The transmission loss of film was measured using the Charge Coupled Device digital imaging devices. The results showed the Azo BPU2 containing chiral azobenzene chromophore had higher dn/dT and lower transmission loss. Subsequently, a 1 × 2 Y-branch and 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder optical switches based on the prepared polymers were designed and simulated. The results showed that the power consumption of all switches was less than 1.0 mW. Compared with 1 × 2 Y-branch optical switch, the 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder optical switches based on the same polymer have the faster response time, which were about only 1.2 and 2.0 ms, respectively.

Azo compounds as a family of organic electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries.

PubMed

Luo, Chao; Borodin, Oleg; Ji, Xiao; Hou, Singyuk; Gaskell, Karen J; Fan, Xiulin; Chen, Ji; Deng, Tao; Wang, Ruixing; Jiang, Jianjun; Wang, Chunsheng

2018-02-27

Organic compounds are desirable for sustainable Li-ion batteries (LIBs), but the poor cycle stability and low power density limit their large-scale application. Here we report a family of organic compounds containing azo group (N=N) for reversible lithiation/delithiation. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid lithium salt (ADALS) with an azo group in the center of the conjugated structure is used as a model azo compound to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compounds. In LIBs, ADALS can provide a capacity of 190 mAh g -1 at 0.5 C (corresponding to current density of 95 mA g -1 ) and still retain 90%, 71%, and 56% of the capacity when the current density is increased to 2 C, 10 C, and 20 C, respectively. Moreover, ADALS retains 89% of initial capacity after 5,000 cycles at 20 C with a slow capacity decay rate of 0.0023% per cycle, representing one of the best performances in all organic compounds. Superior electrochemical behavior of ADALS is also observed in Na-ion batteries, demonstrating that azo compounds are universal electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries. The highly reversible redox chemistry of azo compounds to alkali ions was confirmed by density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. It provides opportunities for developing sustainable batteries.

Kinetics of successive seeding of monodisperse polystyrene latexes. I - Initiation via potassium persulfate. II - Azo initiators with and without inhibitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sudol, E. D.; El-Aasser, M. S.; Vanderhoff, J. W.

1986-01-01

The polymerization kinetics of monodisperse polystyrene latexes with diameters of 1 micron are studied. The monodisperse latexes were prepared by the successive seeding method using 1 mM K2S2O8 with an 8 percent emulsifier surface coverage and 0.5 mM K2S2O8 with a 4 percent emulsifier surface coverage, and the kinetics were measured in a piston/cylinder dialometer. The data reveal that the polymerization rate decreases with increasing particle size; and the surface charge decreases with increasing particle size. The effects of initiators (AIBN and AMBN) and inhibitors (NH24SCN, NaNO2, and hydroquinone) on the product monodispersity and polymerization kinetics of latexes with diameters greater than 1 micron are investigated in a second experiment. It is observed that hydroquinone combined with AMBN are most effective in reducing nucleation without causing flocculation. It is noted that the kinetic transition from emulsion to bulk is complete for a particle size exceeding 1 micron in which the polymerization rate is independent of the particle size.

Film transfer enabled by nanosheet seed layers on arbitrary sacrificial substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dral, A. P.; Nijland, M.; Koster, G.

An approach for film transfer is demonstrated that makes use of seed layers of nanosheets on arbitrary sacrificial substrates. Epitaxial SrTiO{sub 3}, SrRuO{sub 3}, and BiFeO{sub 3} films were grown on Ca{sub 2}Nb{sub 3}O{sub 10} nanosheet seed layers on phlogopite mica substrates. Cleavage of the mica substrates enabled film transfer to flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrates. Electron backscatter diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy confirmed that crystal orientation and film morphology remained intact during transfer. The generic nature of this approach is illustrated by growing films on zinc oxide substrates with a nanosheet seed layer. Film transfer to a flexiblemore » substrate was accomplished via acid etching.« less

Step-by-step seeding procedure for preparing HKUST-1 membrane on porous α-alumina support.

PubMed

Nan, Jiangpu; Dong, Xueliang; Wang, Wenjin; Jin, Wanqin; Xu, Nanping

2011-04-19

Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes have attracted considerable attention because of their striking advantages in small-molecule separation. The preparation of an integrated MOF membrane is still a major challenge. Depositing a uniform seed layer on a support for secondary growth is a main route to obtaining an integrated MOF membrane. A novel seeding method to prepare HKUST-1 (known as Cu(3)(btc)(2)) membranes on porous α-alumina supports is reported. The in situ production of the seed layer was realized in step-by-step fashion via the coordination of H(3)btc and Cu(2+) on an α-alumina support. The formation process of the seed layer was observed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. An integrated HKUST-1 membrane could be synthesized by the secondary hydrothermal growth on the seeded support. The gas permeation performance of the membrane was evaluated. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Comparison of the quality of single-crystal diamonds grown on two types of seed substrates by MPCVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yun; Guo, Yanzhao; Lin, Liangzhen; Zheng, Yuting; Hei, Lifu; Liu, Jinlong; Wei, Junjun; Chen, Liangxian; Li, Chengming

2018-06-01

Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) was used to grow single-crystal diamonds on two types of single-crystal diamond seed substrates prepared by high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. The quality of diamonds grown on the different seed substrates was compared. Fluorescence characteristics showed that the sectors of the HPHT seed substrates were obviously partitioned. Raman and absorption spectra showed that the CVD seed substrate produced higher-quality crystals with fewer nitrogen impurities. X-ray topography showed that the HPHT seed substrate had obvious growth sector boundaries, inclusions, dislocations, and stacking faults. The polarization characteristics of HPHT seed substrate were obvious, and the stress distribution was not uniform. When etching HPHT and CVD seed substrates using the same parameters, the etching morphology and extent of different growth sectors of the two substrates differed. Although extended defects were inevitably formed at the interface and propagated in the CVD layer, the dislocation density of a 1 mm-thick CVD layer grown on a CVD seed substrate was only half that of a 1 mm-thick CVD layer grown on an HPHT seed substrate. Therefore, the use of CVD seed substrate enabled the growth of a relatively higher-quality CVD single-crystal diamond.

Mannans and endo-β-mannanase transcripts are located in different seed compartments during Brassicaceae germination.

PubMed

Carrillo-Barral, Néstor; Matilla, Angel J; Rodríguez-Gacio, María Del Carmen; Iglesias-Fernández, Raquel

2018-03-01

Mannans but not endo-β-mannanases are mainly found in the mucilage layer of two Brassicaceae seeds. Nonetheless, mannanase mobilization from inner to outer seed layers cannot be ruled out. The contribution of endo-β-mannanase (MAN) genes to the germination of the wild-type Sisymbrium officinale and cultivated Brassica rapa (Brassicaceae) species has been explored. In both species, mannans have been localized to the imbibed external seed coat layer (mucilage) by fluorescence immunolocalization and MAN enzymatic activity increases in seeds as imbibition progresses, reaching a peak before 100% germination is achieved. The MAN gene families have been annotated and the expression of their members analyzed in vegetative and reproductive organs. In S. officinale and B. rapa, MAN2, MAN5, MAN6, and MAN7 transcripts accumulate upon seed imbibition. SoMAN7 is the most expressed MAN gene in S. officinale germinating seeds, as occurs with its ortholog in Arabidopsis thaliana, but in B. rapa, the most abundant transcripts are BrMAN2 and BrMAN5. These genes (MAN2, MAN5, MAN6, and MAN7) are localized, by mRNA in situ hybridization, to the micropylar at the endosperm layer and to the radicle in S. officinale, but in B. rapa, these mRNAs are faintly found to the micropylar living seed coat layer and are mainly present at the radicle tip and the vascular bundles. If the domestication process undergone by B. rapa is responsible for these different MAN expression patterns, upon germination remains to be elucidated. Since mannans and MAN genes are not spatially distributed in the same seed tissues, a movement of MAN enzymes that are synthesized with typical signal peptides from the embryo tissues to the mucilage layer (via apoplastic space) is necessary for the mannans to be hydrolyzed.

Azo dyes in clothing textiles can be cleaved into a series of mutagenic aromatic amines which are not regulated yet.

PubMed

Brüschweiler, Beat J; Merlot, Cédric

2017-08-01

Azo dyes represent the by far most important class of textile dyes. Their biotransformation by various skin bacteria may release aromatic amines (AAs) which might be dermally absorbed to a major extent. Certain AAs are well known to have genotoxic and/or carcinogenic properties. Correspondingly, azo dyes releasing one of the 22 known carcinogenic AAs are banned from clothing textiles in the European Union. In the present study, we investigated the mutagenicity of 397 non-regulated AAs potentially released from the 470 known textile azo dyes. We identified 36 mutagenic AAs via publicly available databases. After predicting their mutagenicity potential using the method by Bentzien, we accordingly allocated them into different priority groups. Ames tests on 18 AAs of high priority showed that 4 substances (22%) (CASRN 84-67-3, 615-47-4, 3282-99-3, 15791-87-4) are mutagenic in the strain TA98 and/or TA100 with and/or without rat S9 mix. Overall, combining the information from the Ames tests and the publicly available data, we identified 40 mutagenic AAs being potential cleavage products of approximately 180 different parent azo dyes comprising 38% of the azo dyes in our database. The outcome of this study indicates that mutagenic AAs in textile azo dyes are of much higher concern than previously expected, which entails implications on the product design and possibly on the regulation of azo dyes in the future. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Origin of high carrier mobility and low residual stress in RF superimposed DC sputtered Al doped ZnO thin film for next generation flexible devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Naveen; Dubey, Ashish; Bahrami, Behzad; Venkatesan, S.; Qiao, Qiquan; Kumar, Mukesh

2018-04-01

In this work, the energy and flux of high energetic ions were controlled by RF superimposed DC sputtering process to increase the grain size and suppress grain boundary potential with minimum residual stress in Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin film. AZO thin films were deposited at different RF/(RF + DC) ratios by keeping total power same and were investigated for their electrical, optical, structural and nanoscale grain boundaries potential. All AZO thin film showed high crystallinity and orientation along (002) with peak shift as RF/(RF + DC) ratio increased from 0.0, pure DC, to 1.0, pure RF. This peak shift was correlated with high residual stress in as-grown thin film. AZO thin film grown at mixed RF/(RF + DC) of 0.75 showed high electron mobility, low residual stress and large crystallite size in comparison to other AZO thin films. The nanoscale grain boundary potential was mapped using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy in all AZO thin film and it was observed that carrier mobility is controlled not only by grains size but also by grain boundary potential. The XPS analysis confirms the variation in oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials which explain the origin of low grain boundaries potential and high carrier mobility in AZO thin film deposited at 0.75 RF/(RF + DC) ratio. This study proposes a new way to control the grain size and grain boundary potential to further tune the optoelectronic-mechanical properties of AZO thin films for next generation flexible and optoelectronic devices.

Dynamic changes in the distribution of minerals in relation to phytic acid accumulation during rice seed development.

PubMed

Iwai, Toru; Takahashi, Michiko; Oda, Koshiro; Terada, Yasuko; Yoshida, Kaoru T

2012-12-01

Phytic acid (inositol hexakisphosphate [InsP(6)]) is the storage compound of phosphorus in seeds. As phytic acid binds strongly to metallic cations, it also acts as a storage compound of metals. To understand the mechanisms underlying metal accumulation and localization in relation to phytic acid storage, we applied synchrotron-based x-ray microfluorescence imaging analysis to characterize the simultaneous subcellular distribution of some mineral elements (phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper) in immature and mature rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. This fine-imaging method can reveal whether these elements colocalize. We also determined their accumulation patterns and the changes in phosphate and InsP(6) contents during seed development. While the InsP(6) content in the outer parts of seeds rapidly increased during seed development, the phosphate contents of both the outer and inner parts of seeds remained low. Phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and iron were most abundant in the aleurone layer, and they colocalized throughout seed development. Zinc was broadly distributed from the aleurone layer to the inner endosperm. Copper localized outside the aleurone layer and did not colocalize with phosphorus. From these results, we suggest that phosphorus translocated from source organs was immediately converted to InsP(6) and accumulated in aleurone layer cells and that calcium, potassium, and iron accumulated as phytic acid salt (phytate) in the aleurone layer, whereas zinc bound loosely to InsP(6) and accumulated not only in phytate but also in another storage form. Copper accumulated in the endosperm and may exhibit a storage form other than phytate.

THE MUTAGENICITY OF METALLIZED AND UNMETALLIZED AZO AND FORMAZAN DYES IN THE SALMONELLA MUTAGENICITY ASSAY

EPA Science Inventory

The mutagenicity of metallized and unmetallized azo and formazan dyes in the Salmonella mutagenicity
Laura. C. Edwards', Harold S. Freeman'*, and Larry D. Claxton2

Abstract
In previous papers, the synthesis and chemical properties of iron complexed azo and formazan d...

An Interdisciplinary Experiment: Azo-Dye Metabolism by "Staphylococcus Aureus"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brocklesby, Kayleigh; Smith, Robert; Sharp, Duncan

2012-01-01

An interdisciplinary and engaging practical is detailed which offers great versatility in the study of a qualitative and quantitative metabolism of azo-dyes by "Staphylococcus aureus". This practical has broad scope for adaptation in the number and depth of variables to allow a focused practical experiment or small research project. Azo-dyes are…

78 FR 18526 - Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances; Technical Amendment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-27

... aromatic sulfonic acid amino azo dye salts (PMN P-12-276) a typographical error has been identified. This... significant new uses for aromatic sulfonic acid amino azo dye salts, EPA inadvertently listed the respirator... include this requirement when promulgating the significant new uses for aromatic sulfonic acid amino azo...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 414 - Complexed Metal-Bearing Waste Streams

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Pt. 414, App. B Appendix B to Part... (including metallized) Organic pigments, miscellaneous lakes and toners Copper Disperse dyes Acid dyes Direct..., metallized/Azo dye + metal acetate Direct dyes, Azo Disperse dyes, Azo and Vat Organic pigment Green 7/Copper...

40 CFR Appendix B to Part 414 - Complexed Metal-Bearing Waste Streams

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORGANIC CHEMICALS, PLASTICS, AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS Pt. 414, App. B Appendix B to Part... (including metallized) Organic pigments, miscellaneous lakes and toners Copper Disperse dyes Acid dyes Direct..., metallized/Azo dye + metal acetate Direct dyes, Azo Disperse dyes, Azo and Vat Organic pigment Green 7/Copper...

Effect of Reactive Black 5 azo dye on soil processes related to C and N cycling

PubMed Central

Rehman, Khadeeja; Sahar, Amna; Hussain, Sabir; Mahmood, Faisal; Siddique, Muhammad H.; Siddique, Muhammad A.; Rashid, Muhammad I.

2018-01-01

Azo dyes are one of the largest classes of synthetic dyes being used in textile industries. It has been reported that 15–50% of these dyes find their way into wastewater that is often used for irrigation purpose in developing countries. The effect of azo dyes contamination on soil nitrogen (N) has been studied previously. However, how does the azo dye contamination affect soil carbon (C) cycling is unknown. Therefore, we assessed the effect of azo dye contamination (Reactive Black 5, 30 mg kg−1 dry soil), bacteria that decolorize this dye and dye + bacteria in the presence or absence of maize leaf litter on soil respiration, soil inorganic N and microbial biomass. We found that dye contamination did not induce any change in soil respiration, soil microbial biomass or soil inorganic N availability (P > 0.05). Litter evidently increased soil respiration. Our study concludes that the Reactive Black 5 azo dye (applied in low amount, i.e., 30 mg kg−1 dry soil) contamination did not modify organic matter decomposition, N mineralization and microbial biomass in a silty loam soil.

Photocontrol of Voltage-Gated Ion Channel Activity by Azobenzene Trimethylammonium Bromide in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

PubMed Central

Frolova, Sheyda R.; Gaiko, Olga; Tsvelaya, Valeriya A.; Pimenov, Oleg Y.; Agladze, Konstantin I.

2016-01-01

The ability of azobenzene trimethylammonium bromide (azoTAB) to sensitize cardiac tissue excitability to light was recently reported. The dark, thermally relaxed trans- isomer of azoTAB suppressed spontaneous activity and excitation propagation speed, whereas the cis- isomer had no detectable effect on the electrical properties of cardiomyocyte monolayers. As the membrane potential of cardiac cells is mainly controlled by activity of voltage-gated ion channels, this study examined whether the sensitization effect of azoTAB was exerted primarily via the modulation of voltage-gated ion channel activity. The effects of trans- and cis- isomers of azoTAB on voltage-dependent sodium (INav), calcium (ICav), and potassium (IKv) currents in isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The experiments showed that azoTAB modulated ion currents, causing suppression of sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) currents and potentiation of net potassium (K+) currents. This finding confirms that azoTAB-effect on cardiac tissue excitability do indeed result from modulation of voltage-gated ion channels responsible for action potential. PMID:27015602

Ohmic contacts on n-type β-Ga2O3 using AZO/Ti/Au

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carey, Patrick H.; Yang, Jiancheng; Ren, F.; Hays, David C.; Pearton, S. J.; Jang, Soohwan; Kuramata, Akito; Kravchenko, Ivan I.

2017-09-01

AZO interlayers between n-Ga2O3 and Ti/Au metallization significantly enhance Ohmic contact formation after annealing at ≥ 30 0°C. Without the presence of the AZO, similar anneals produce only rectifying current-voltage characteristics. Transmission Line Measurements of the Au/Ti/AZO/Ga2O3 stacks showed the specific contact resistance and transfer resistance decreased sharply from as-deposited values with annealing. The minimum contact resistance and specific contact resistance of 0.42 Ω-mm and 2.82 × 10-5 Ω-cm2 were achieved after a relatively low temperature 40 0°C annealing. The conduction band offset between AZO and Ga2O3 is 0.79 eV and provides a favorable pathway for improved electron transport across this interface.

Ohmic contacts on n-type β-Ga 2O 3 using AZO/Ti/Au

DOE PAGES

Carey, IV, Patrick H.; Yang, Jiancheng; Ren, F.; ...

2017-09-14

AZO interlayers between n-Ga 2O 3 and Ti/Au metallization significantly enhance Ohmic contact formation after annealing at ≥ 300°C. Without the presence of the AZO, similar anneals produce only rectifying current-voltage characteristics. Transmission Line Measurements of the Au/Ti/AZO/Ga 2O 3 stacks showed the specific contact resistance and transfer resistance decreased sharply from as-deposited values with annealing. The minimum contact resistance and specific contact resistance of 0.42 Ω-mm and 2.82 × 10 -5 Ω-cm 2 were achieved after a relatively low temperature 400°C annealing. In conclusion, the conduction band offset between AZO and Ga 2O 3 is 0.79 eV and providesmore » a favorable pathway for improved electron transport across this interface.« less

Low-Temperature Synthesis of Vertically Align ZnO Layer on ITO Glass: The Role of Seed Layer and Hydrothermal Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sholehah, Amalia; Achmad, NurSumiati; Dimyati, Arbi; Dwiyanti, Yanyan; Partuti, Tri

2017-05-01

ZnO thin layer has a broad potential application in optoelectronic devices. In the present study, vertically align ZnO layers on ITO glass were synthesized using wet chemical method. The seed layers were prepared using electrodeposition method at 3°C. After that, the growing process was carried out using chemical bath deposition (CBD) at 90°C. To improve the structural property of the ZnO layers, hydrothermal technique was used subsequently. Results showed that seeding layer has a great influence on the physical properties of the ZnO layers. Moreover, hydrothermal process conducted after the ZnO growth can enhance the morphological property of the layers. From the experiments, it is found that the ZnO layers has diameter of ∼60 nm with increasing thickness from ∼0.8 to 1.2 μm and band-gap energies of ∼3.2 eV.

Surface microstructure evolution of highly transparent and conductive Al-doped ZnO thin films and its application in CIGS solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ke; Liu, Jingjing; Jin, Ranran; Liu, Jingling; Liu, Xinsheng; Lu, Zhangbo; Liu, Ya; Liu, Xiaolan; Du, Zuliang

2017-07-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) has attained intensive attention as being a very good transparent conducting oxide for photovoltaic applications. In this work, AZO films have been deposited on glass substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The influences of substrate temperatures on morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of AZO films were systematically investigated. The results indicate that all AZO films have the hexagonal structure with c-axis preferred orientation. Morphological and electrical measurements have revealed that the substrate temperatures have strong influence on the microstructure, optical and electrical properties of AZO films. The AZO film is highly transparent from ultraviolet up to near infrared range with highest average transparency exceeding 83%. The minimum resistivity is as low as 6.1 × 10-4 Ω cm. The carrier concentration and mobility are as high as 3.357 × 1020 cm-3 and 30.48 cm2/Vs, respectively. Finally, the performances of the AZO film are evaluated by its practical application in Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) photovoltaic device as a transparent electrode. Benefited from its highly transparent and conductive feature, the most efficient device reveals an efficiency of 7.8% with a short-circuit current density of 28.99 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 430 mV, and a fill factor of 62.44 under standard conditions.

REDUCTION OF AZO DYES WITH ZERO-VALENT IRON. (R827117)

EPA Science Inventory

The reduction of azo dyes by zero-valent iron metal (Fe⁰) at pH 7.0 in 10 mM HEPES buffer was studied in aqueous, anaerobic batch systems. Orange II was reduced by cleavage of the azo linkage, as evidenced by the production of sulfanilic acid (a substituted ani...

40 CFR 721.9597 - Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo compound (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9597 Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo... substance identified generically as salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo compound (PMN P-00-0094) is...

40 CFR 721.9597 - Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo compound (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl... New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9597 Salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo... substance identified generically as salt of a substituted sulfonated aryl azo compound (PMN P-00-0094) is...

Steady-state solution growth of microcrystalline silicon on nanocrystalline seed layers on glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansen, R.; Ehlers, C.; Teubner, Th.; Boeck, T.

2016-09-01

The growth of polycrystalline silicon layers on glass from tin solutions at low temperatures is presented. This approach is based on the steady-state solution growth of Si crystallites on nanocrystalline seed layers, which are prepared in a preceding process step. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations reveal details about the seed layer surfaces, which consist of small hillocks, as well as about Sn inclusions and gaps along the glass substrate after solution growth. The successful growth of continuous microcrystalline Si layers with grain sizes up to several ten micrometers shows the feasibility of the process and makes it interesting for photovoltaics. Project supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (No. BO 1129/5-1).

Optimization and enhancement of textile reactive Remazol black B decolorization and detoxification by environmentally isolated pH tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa KY284155.

PubMed

Hashem, Rasha A; Samir, Reham; Essam, Tamer M; Ali, Amal E; Amin, Magdy A

2018-05-21

Azo dyes are complex derivatives of diazene used in food and textile manufacture. They are highly recalcitrant compounds, and account for severe environmental and health problems. Different strains of Pseudomonas species were isolated from textile wastewater effluents. The bioconversion of Remazol black B (a commonly used water soluble dye) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in static conditions. The bio-decolorization process was optimized by a multi factorial Plackett-Burman experimental design. Decolorization of 200 mg L -1 reached 100% in 32 h. Interestingly, the presence of yeast extract, magnesium and iron in the culture media, highly accelerated the rate of decolorization. Moreover, one of our isolates, P. aeruginosa KY284155, was kept high degradation rates at high pH (pH = 9), which represents the pH of most textile wastewater effluents, and was able to tolerate high concentration of dye up to 500 mg L -1 . In bacteria, azo-dye degradation is often initiated by reductive azo compound cleavage catalyzed by azo-reductases. Three genes encoding azo-reductases, paazoR1, paazoR2 and paazoR3, could be identified in the genome of the isolated P. aeruginosa stain (B1). Bioinformatics analyses of the paazoR1, paazoR2 and paazoR3 genes reveal their prevalence and conservation in other P. aeruginosa strains. Chemical oxygen demand dramatically decreased and phyto-detoxification of the azo dye was accomplished by photocatalytic post treatment of the biodegradation products. We suggest applying combined biological photocatalytic post treatment for azo dyes on large scale, for effective, cheap decolorization and detoxification of azo-dyes, rendering them safe enough to be discharged in the environment.

Mineralization of the sulfonated azo dye Mordant Yellow 3 by a 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonate-degrading bacterial consortium.

PubMed Central

Haug, W; Schmidt, A; Nörtemann, B; Hempel, D C; Stolz, A; Knackmuss, H J

1991-01-01

Under anaerobic conditions the sulfonated azo dye Mordant Yellow 3 was reduced by the biomass of a bacterial consortium grown aerobically with 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid. Stoichiometric amounts of the aromatic amines 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonate and 5-aminosalicylate were generated and excreted into the medium. After re-aeration of the culture, these amines were mineralized by different members of the bacterial culture. Thus, total degradation of a sulfonated azo dye was achieved by using an alternating anaerobic-aerobic treatment. The ability of the mixed bacterial culture to reduce the azo dye was correlated with the presence of strain BN6, which possessed the ability to oxidize various naphthalenesulfonic acids. It is suggested that strain BN6 has a transport system for naphthalenesulfonic acids which also catalyzes uptake of sulfonated azo dyes. These dyes are then gratuitously reduced in the cytoplasm by unspecific reductases. PMID:1781678

Light sensitive polymer obtained by dispersion of azo-functionalized POSS nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miniewicz, A.; Tomkowicz, M.; Karpinski, P.; Sznitko, L.; Mossety-Leszczak, B.; Dutkiewicz, M.

2015-07-01

Hybrid inorganic-organic nanoparticles based on cubic siloxane cage (RSiO3/2)8, known as polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS), have been functionalized by eight groups of azo-benzene mesogens and dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA matrix. Presence of azo-benzene units adds an important light-driven functionality to the system due to their photoisomerization resulting in refractive index and/or absorption changes of the whole system. The polymer films containing various concentrations of azo-POSS nanoparticles show remarkable changes of surface morphology being either transparent (at low POSS concentration) or highly scattering (at high POSS concentration) for visible light. Surface structures were examined by optical microscopy as well as by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results of photoinduced alignment are discussed in the framework of light-induced modification of the aliphatic chains containing azo-benzene photoisomerizing moieties and self-organization process.

New fluorescent symmetrically substituted perylene-3,4,9,10-dianhydride-azohybrid dyes: Synthesis and spectroscopic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeed, Aamer; Shabir, Ghulam

2014-12-01

Five phenolic azo-dyes (3a-e) were synthesized by diazo coupling of the suitably substituted anilines (1a-e) with phenol at low temperature in alkaline medium. The resulting dyes have low solubility in aqueous medium due to lack of carboxylic or sulfonic solubilizing functionalities. The hybridization of perylene dianhydride with phenolic azo-dyes was achieved by the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction of perylene-3,4,9,10-dianhydride 4 with phenolic azo-dyes 3a-e in basic medium. The hybrid dyes exhibit absorption maxima λmax in the range 440-460 nm in aqueous medium due to presence of azo linkage and highly conjugated system of π bonds. Fluorescence spectra of these dyes in water show sharp emission peaks with small band widths. The structures of perylene-azo dyes were confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.

DFT, FT-IR, FT-Raman and NMR studies of 4-(substituted phenylazo)-3,5-diacetamido-1H-pyrazoles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kınalı, Selin; Demirci, Serkan; Çalışır, Zühre; Kurt, Mustafa; Ataç, Ahmet

2011-05-01

We present a detailed analysis of the structural and vibrational spectra of some novel azo dyes. 2-(Substituted phenylazo)malononitriles were synthesized by the coupling reaction of the diazonium salts, which were prepared with the use of various aniline derivatives with malononitrile, and then 4-(substituted phenylazo)-3,5-diamino-1H-pyrazole azo dyes were obtained via the ring closure of the azo compounds with hydrazine monohydrate. The experimental and theoretical vibrational spectra of azo dyes were studied. The structural and spectroscopic analysis of the molecules were carried out by using Becke's three-parameters hybrid functional (B3LYP) and density functional harmonic calculations. The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the azo dye molecules were calculated using the gauge-invariant-atomic orbital (GIAO) method. The calculated vibrational wavenumbers and chemical shifts were compared with the experimental data of the molecules.

[Dynamics of Quercus variabilis seed rain and soil seed bank in different habitats on the north slope of Qinling Mountains].

PubMed

Wu, Min; Zhang, Wen-Hui; Zhou, Jian-Yun; Ma, Chuang; Ma, Li-Wei

2011-11-01

In order to explore the dynamics of Quercus variabilis seed rain and soil seed bank in different habitats on the north slope of Qinling Mountains, three kinds of micro-habitats (understory, forest gap, and forest edge) were selected, with the seed rain quantity and quality of Q. variabilis, seed amount and viability in soil seed bank, as well as the seedling development of Q. variabilis studied. The seed rain of Q. variabilis started from mid August, reached the peak in mid September-early October, and ended at the beginning of November, and there existed differences in the dissemination process, occurrence time, and composition of the seed rain among the three micro-habitats. The seed rain had the maximum intensity (39.55 +/- 5.56 seeds x m(-2)) in understory, the seeds had the earliest landing time, the longest lasting duration, and the highest viability in forest gap, and the mature seeds had the largest proportion in forest edge, accounting for 58.7% of the total. From the ending time of seed rain to next August, the total reserve of soil seed bank was the largest in understory and the smallest in forest edge. In the three habitats, the amount of mature and immature seeds, that of seeds eaten by animals, and the seed viability in soil seed bank all decreased with time. In contrast, the number of moldy seeds increased. The seeds were mainly concentrated in litter layer, a few of them were in 0-2 cm soil layer, and few were in 2-5 cm soil layer. The density of the seedlings varied with habitats, being the largest in forest gap, followed by in forest edge, and the least in understory, which suggested that forest gap was more suitable for the seed germination and seedling growth of Q. variabilis, and thus, appropriate thinning should be taken to increase forest gap to provide favorable conditions for the natural regeneration of Q. variabilis forest.

High Transparent Conductive Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films by Reactive Co-Sputtering (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-30

wavelength where n = k) is 1605 nm from the film (f). Figure 1 XRD patterns of the AZO films on quartz substrate Figure 2 UV-Vis-NIR...71.6 1605 9.87 x10 -4 Figure 3 Refractive index n (left) and extinction coefficient k of (right) the AZO films. 4. Conclusions AZO films were

Preparation of 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole. [1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole

DOEpatents

Lee, K.Y.

1985-03-05

A new high density composition of matter, 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole, has been synthesized using inexpensive, commonly available compounds. This compound has been found to be an explosive, and its use as a propellant is anticipated. 1 fig., 1 tab.

Preparation of ZnO Photocatalyst for the Efficient and Rapid Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoqing; Wu, Zhansheng; Liu, Dandan; Gao, Zhenzhen

2017-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalysts were synthesized by sol-gel method using zinc acetate as precursor for degradation of azo dyes under UV irradiation. The resultant samples were characterized by different techniques, such as XRD, SEM, and EDX. The influence of preparation conditions such as calcination temperature and composite ratio on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was investigated. ZnO prepared with a composite ratio of 4:1 and calcination temperature of 400 °C exhibited 99.70% removal rate for MO. The effect of operation parameters on the degradation was also studied. Results showed that the removal rate of azo dyes increased with the increased dosage of catalyst and decreased initial concentration of azo dyes and the acidic condition is favorable for degradation. Furthermore, the kinetics and scavengers of the reactive species during the degradation were also investigated. It was found that the degradation of azo dyes fitted the first-order kinetics and superoxide ions were the main species. The proposed photocatalyst can efficiently and rapidly degrade azo dyes; thus, this economical and environment-friendly photocatalyst can be applied to the treatment of wastewater contaminated with synthetic dyes.

Development of visible light-responsive RNA scissors based on the 10-23 DNAzyme.

PubMed

Kamiya, Yukiko; Arimura, Yu; Ooi, Hideaki; Kato, Kenjiro; Liang, Xingguo; Asanuma, Hiroyuki

2018-04-22

10-23 DNAzyme is an artificially developed functional oligonucleotide, which can cleave RNA in a sequence-specific manner. In this study, we designed a new photo-driven DNAzyme possessing a photo-responsive DNA overhang complementary to the catalytic core region. The photo-responsive overhang region of the DNAzyme included either azobenzenes (Azos) or 2,6-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)azobenzenes (SDM-Azos) introduced via a D-threoninol linker. When the Azos or SDM-Azos were in the trans form, the photo-responsive DNA overhang hybridized with the DNAzyme, and the RNA cleavage activity was suppressed. Cis isomerization of Azos or SDM-Azos induced by 365 or 400 nm light, respectively, destabilized the duplex between the photo-responsive overhang and the catalytic core, and the DNAzyme recovered RNA cleavage activity. Reversible on and off of the DNAzyme activity was achieved by specific light irradiation. Further, light-dependent on and off of protein expression under the DNAzyme-containing condition was demonstrated. Thus, this photo-driven DNAzyme has potential for application in photo-controlled gene silencing system and a photo-activatable gene expression system. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication and characteristics of high-performance and high-stability aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Dongfang; Han, Dedong; Huang, Fuqing; Tian, Yu; Zhang, Suoming; Qi, Lin; Cong, Yingying; Zhang, Shengdong; Zhang, Xing; Wang, Yi

2014-01-01

Fully transparent aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) were successfully fabricated on glass substrates at room temperature. Superior properties, such as a high saturation mobility of 59.3 cm2 V-1 s-1, a positive threshold voltage of 1.3 V, a steep subthreshold swing of 122.9 mV/dec, an off-state current on the order of 10-12 A, and an on/off ratio of 2.7 × 108, were obtained. The electrical properties of the AZO TFTs were successively studied within a period of six months. Small property degenerations could be observed from the test results obtained within the study period, which proved the high-performance and high-stability characteristics of AZO TFTs. Furthermore, hysteresis loop scanning of AZO TFTs was performed, and a small hysteresis could be detected in the scanning curves, which suggested the superior properties of a dielectric and a channel-insulator interface. Lastly, we succeeded in manufacturing an organic LED (OLED) flat panel display panel driven by AZO TFTs and obtained an excellent display effect from it. We believe that AZO TFTs are a promising candidate successor to Si-based TFTs in next-generation flat panel displays.

Selenium-assisted controlled growth of graphene-Bi2Se3 nanoplates hybrid Dirac materials by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhencui; Man, Baoyuan; Yang, Cheng; Liu, Mei; Jiang, Shouzhen; Zhang, Chao; Zhang, Jiaxin; Liu, Fuyan; Xu, Yuanyuan

2016-03-01

Se seed layers were used to synthesize the high-quality graphene-Bi2Se3 nanoplates hybrid Dirac materials via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The morphology, crystallization and structural properties of the hybrid Dirac materials were characterized by SEM, EDS, Raman, XRD, AFM and HRTEM. The measurement results verify that the Se seed layer on the graphene surface can effectively saturate the surface dangling bonds of the graphene, which not only impel the uniform Bi2Se3 nanoplates growing along the horizontal direction but also can supply enough Se atoms to fill the Se vacancies. We also demonstrate the Se seed layer can effectively avoid the interaction of Bi2Se3 and the graphene. Further experiments testify the different Se seed layer on the graphene surface can be used to control the density of the Bi2Se3 nanoplates.

Morpho-anatomy, imbibition, viability and germination of the seed of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Fabaceae).

PubMed

Varela, Rodolfo Omar; Albornoz, Patricia Liliana

2013-09-01

Seed biology is a relevant aspect of tropical forests because it is central to the understanding of processes of plant establishment, succession and natural regeneration. Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil is a timber tree from South America that produces large seeds with thin weak teguments, which is uncommon among legumes. This study describes the morphology and anatomy of the seed coat, the viability, imbibition, and germination in this species. Seeds used during the essays came from 10 trees that grow naturally in Horco Molle, province of Tucumán, Argentina. Seed morphology was described from a sample of 20 units. The seed coat surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope. Transverse sections of hydrated and non-hydrated seeds were employed to describe the histological structure of the seed coat. Hydration, viability and germination experiments were performed under laboratory controlled conditions; and the experimental design consisted of 10 replicas of 10 seeds each. Viability and germination tests were conducted using freshly fallen seeds and seeds stored for five months. Morphologically the seeds of A. colubrina var. cebil are circular to subcircular, laterally compressed, smooth, bright brown and have a horseshoe fissure line (= pleurogram) on both sides. The seed coat comprises five tissue layers and a double (external and internal) cuticle. The outer cuticle (on the epidermis) is smooth and interrupted by microcracks and pores of variable depth. The epidermis consists of macroesclereids with non-lignified secondary walls. This layer is separated from the underlying ones during seed hydration. The other layers of internal tissues are comprised of osteosclereids, parenchyma, osteosclereids, and macrosclereids. The percentage of viable seeds was 93%, decreasing to 75% in seeds with five months old. Seed mass increased 76% after the first eight hours of hydration. Germination percentage was 75% after 76 hours. Germination of seeds stored for five months decreased to 12%. The results showed that seeds of A. colubrina var. cebil are highly permeable and germinate directly without a dormant period.

Influence of ZnO seed layer precursor molar ratio on the density of interface defects in low temperature aqueous chemically synthesized ZnO nanorods/GaN light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alnoor, Hatim; Pozina, Galia; Khranovskyy, Volodymyr; Liu, Xianjie; Iandolo, Donata; Willander, Magnus; Nur, Omer

2016-04-01

Low temperature aqueous chemical synthesis (LT-ACS) of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) has been attracting considerable research interest due to its great potential in the development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The influence of the molar ratio of the zinc acetate (ZnAc): KOH as a ZnO seed layer precursor on the density of interface defects and hence the presence of non-radiative recombination centers in LT-ACS of ZnO NRs/GaN LEDs has been systematically investigated. The material quality of the as-prepared seed layer as quantitatively deduced by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is found to be influenced by the molar ratio. It is revealed by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence that the seed layer molar ratio plays a significant role in the formation and the density of defects at the n-ZnO NRs/p-GaN heterostructure interface. Consequently, LED devices processed using ZnO NRs synthesized with molar ratio of 1:5 M exhibit stronger yellow emission (˜575 nm) compared to those based on 1:1 and 1:3 M ratios as measured by the electroluminescence. Furthermore, seed layer molar ratio shows a quantitative dependence of the non-radiative defect densities as deduced from light-output current characteristics analysis. These results have implications on the development of high-efficiency ZnO-based LEDs and may also be helpful in understanding the effects of the ZnO seed layer on defect-related non-radiative recombination.

40 CFR 721.5288 - Chromate(2-), [3-hydroxy-4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthenyl)azo]-7-nitro-1-substituted][N-[7-hydroxy-8...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5288 Chromate(2-), [3-hydroxy-4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthenyl)azo]-7-nitro-1-substituted][N-[7-hydroxy-8-[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)azo]-1-substituted]-, salt (generic). (a) Chemical...

Density functional theory study of adsorption geometries and electronic structures of azo-dye-based molecules on anatase TiO2 surface for dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

PubMed

Prajongtat, Pongthep; Suramitr, Songwut; Nokbin, Somkiat; Nakajima, Koichi; Mitsuke, Koichiro; Hannongbua, Supa

2017-09-01

Structural and electronic properties of eight isolated azo dyes (ArNNAr', where Ar and Ar' denote the aryl groups containing benzene and naphthalene skeletons, respectively) were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) based on the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and TD-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) methods The effect of methanol solvent on the structural and electronic properties of the azo dyes was elucidated by employing a polarizable continuum model (PCM). Then, the azo dyes adsorbed onto the anatase TiO 2 (101) slab surface through a carboxyl group. The geometries and electronic structures of the adsorption complexes were determined using periodic DFT based on the PWC/DNP method. The calculated adsorption energies indicate that the adsorbed dyes preferentially take configuration of the bidentate bridging rather than chelating or monodentate ester-type geometries. Furthermore, the azo compounds having two carboxyl groups are coordinated to the TiO 2 surface more preferentially through the carboxyl group connecting to the benzene skeleton than through that connecting to the naphthalene skeleton. The dihedral angles (Φ B-N ) between the benzene- and naphthalene-skeleton moieties are smaller than 10° for the adsorbed azo compounds containing one carboxyl group. In contrast, Φ B-N > 30° are obtained for the adsorbed azo compounds containing two carboxyl groups. The almost planar conformations of the former appear to strengthen both π-electrons conjugation and electronic coupling between low-lying unoccupied molecular orbitals of the azo dyes and the conduction band of TiO 2 . On the other hand, such coupling is very weak for the latter, leading to a shift of the Fermi level of TiO 2 in the lower-energy direction. The obtained results are useful to the design and synthesize novel azo-dye-based molecules that give rise to higher photovoltaic performances of the dye-sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mediator-free interaction of glucose oxidase, as model enzyme for immobilization, with Al-doped and undoped ZnO thin films laser-deposited on polycarbonate supports.

PubMed

V T K P, Fidal; Inguva, Saikumar; Krishnamurthy, Satheesh; Marsili, Enrico; Mosnier, Jean-Paul; T S, Chandra

2017-01-01

Al doped and undoped ZnO thin films were deposited by pulsed-laser deposition on polycarbonate sheets. The films were characterized by optical transmission, Hall effect measurement, XRD and SEM. Optical transmission and surface reflectometry studies showed good transparency with thicknesses ∼100nm and surface roughness of 10nm. Hall effect measurements showed that the sheet carrier concentration was -1.44×10 15 cm -2 for AZO and -6×10 14 cm -2 for ZnO. The films were then modified by drop-casting glucose oxidase (GOx) without the use of any mediators. Higher protein concentration was observed on ZnO as compared to AZO with higher specific activity for ZnO (0.042Umg -1 ) compared to AZO (0.032Umg -1 ), and was in agreement with cyclic voltemmetry (CV). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested that the protein was bound by dipole interactions between AZO lattice oxygen and the amino group of the enzyme. Chronoamperometry showed sensitivity of 5.5μAmM -1 cm -2 towards glucose for GOx/AZO and 2.2μAmM -1 cm -2 for GOx/ZnO. The limit of detection (LoD) was 167μM of glucose for GOx/AZO, as compared to 360μM for GOx/ZnO. The linearity was 0.28-28mM for GOx/AZO whereas it was 0.6-28mM for GOx/ZnO with a response time of 10s. Possibly due to higher enzyme loading, the decrease of impedance in presence of glucose was larger for GOx/ZnO as compared to GOx/AZO in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Analyses with clinical blood serum samples showed that the systems had good reproducibility and accuracy. The characteristics of novel ZnO and AZO thin films with GOx as a model enzyme, should prove useful for the future fabrication of inexpensive, highly sensitive, disposable electrochemical biosensors for high throughput diagnostics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Al-/Ga-Doped ZnO Window Layers for Highly Efficient Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Seo, Se Won; Seo, Jung Woo; Kim, Donghwan; Cheon, Ki-Beom; Lee, Doh-Kwon; Kim, Jin Young

2018-09-01

The successful use of Al-/Ga-doped ZnO (AGZO) thin films as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer of a Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cell is demonstrated. The AGZO thin films were prepared by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The structural, crystallographic, electrical, and optical properties of the AGZO thin films were systematically investigated. The photovoltaic properties of CZTSSe thin film solar cells incorporating the AGZO-based TCO layer were also reported. It has been found that the RF power and substrate temperature of the AGZO thin film are important factors determining the electrical, optical, and structural properties. The optimization process involving the RF power and the substrate temperature leads to good electrical and optical transmittance of the AGZO thin films. Finally, the CZTSSe solar cell with the AGZO TCO layer demonstrated a high conversion efficiency of 9.68%, which is higher than that of the conventional AZO counterpart by 12%.

Effect of AZO deposition on antireflective property of Si subwavelength grating structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leem, J. W.; Song, Y. M.; Lee, Y. T.; Yu, J. S.

2011-12-01

We investigate the effect of the aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) deposition on the fabricated Si SWG structure on its antireflection characteristics for solar cell applications. The Si SWGs with the two-dimensional periodic nanostructure are fabricated by using holographic lithography and subsequent ICP etching process in SiCl4 plasma. For the antireflection analysis of AZO thin-film on the Si SWG structure, the optical reflectivity is measured experimentally. The maxima reflectance and its oscillation of the structure are significantly decreased on average than those of AZO thin-film on Si substrate over a wide wavelength range of 300-1100 nm, indicating average reflectance less than 4.5% with the maxima of <10%.

Investigation of Gas Seeding for Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence in Hypersonic Boundary Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arisman, C. J.; Johansen, C. T.; Bathel, B. F.; Danehy, P. M.

2015-01-01

Numerical simulations of the gas-seeding strategies required for planar laser-induced fluorescence in a Mach 10 (approximately Mach 8.2 postshock) airflow were performed. The work was performed to understand and quantify the adverse effects associated with gas seeding and to assess various types of seed gas that could potentially be used in future experiments. In prior experiments, NO and NO2 were injected through a slot near the leading edge of a flatplate wedge model used in NASA Langley Research Center's 31 in. Mach 10 air tunnel facility. In this paper, nitric oxide, krypton, and iodine gases were simulated at various injection rates. Simulations showing the deflection of the velocity boundary layer for each of the cases are presented. Streamwise distributions of velocity and concentration boundary-layer thicknesses, as well as vertical distributions of velocity, temperature, and mass distributions, are presented for each of the cases. A comparison between simulated streamwise velocity profiles and experimentally obtained molecular tagging velocimetry profiles using a nitric oxide seeding strategy is performed to verify the influence of such a strategy on the boundary layer. The relative merits of the different seeding strategies are discussed. The results from a custom solver based on OpenFOAM version 2.2.1 are compared against results obtained from ANSYS® Fluent version 6.3.

Ionic pH and glucose sensors fabricated using hydrothermal ZnO nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jyh-Liang; Yang, Po-Yu; Hsieh, Tsang-Yen; Juan, Pi-Chun

2016-01-01

Hydrothermally synthesized aluminum-doped ZnO (AZO) nanostructures have been adopted in extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) sensors to demonstrate the sensitive and stable pH and glucose sensing characteristics of AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors. The AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors exhibited the following superior pH sensing characteristics: a high current sensitivity of 0.96 µA1/2/pH, a high linearity of 0.9999, less distortion of output waveforms, a small hysteresis width of 4.83 mV, good long-term repeatability, and a wide sensing range from pHs 1 to 13. The glucose sensing characteristics of AZO-nanostructured biosensors exhibited the desired sensitivity of 60.5 µA·cm-2·mM-1 and a linearity of 0.9996 up to 13.9 mM. The attractive characteristics of high sensitivity, high linearity, and repeatability of using ionic AZO-nanostructured EGFET sensors indicate their potential use as electrochemical and disposable biosensors.

Transparent CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/Al-ZnO p-n heterojunction diode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Sunil, E-mail: skbgudha@gmail.com; Ansari, Mohd Zubair; Khare, Neeraj

2016-05-23

A p-type Organic inorganic tin chloride (CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}) perovskite thin film has been synthesized by solution method. An n-type 1% Al doped ZnO (AZO) film has been deposited on FTO substrate by ultrasonic assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. A transparent CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction diode has been fabricated by spin coating technique. CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction shows 75% transparency in the visible region. I-V characteristic of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction shows rectifying behavior of the diode. The diode parameters calculated as ideality factor η=2.754 and barrier height Φ= 0.76 eV. The resultmore » demonstrates the potentiality of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction for transparent electronics.« less

Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao

Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAhg -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAhg -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstratingmore » excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na +. The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing longcycle-life and high-rate SSIBs.« less

Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao; ...

2018-01-29

Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAhg -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAhg -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstratingmore » excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na +. The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing longcycle-life and high-rate SSIBs.« less

Ion irradiation of AZO thin films for flexible electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boscarino, Stefano; Torrisi, Giacomo; Crupi, Isodiana; Alberti, Alessandra; Mirabella, Salvatore; Ruffino, Francesco; Terrasi, Antonio

2017-02-01

Aluminum doped Zinc oxide (AZO) is a promising transparent conductor for solar cells, displays and touch-screen technologies. The resistivity of AZO is typically improved by thermal annealing at temperatures not suitable for plastic substrates. Here we present a non-thermal route to improve the electrical and structural properties of AZO by irradiating the TCO films with O+ or Ar+ ion beams (30-350 keV, 3 × 1015-3 × 1016 ions/cm2) after the deposition on glass and flexible polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). X-ray diffraction, optical absorption, electrical measurements, Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Atomic Force Microscopy evidenced an increase of the crystalline grain size and a complete relief of the lattice strain upon ion beam irradiation. Indeed, the resistivity of thin AZO films irradiated at room temperature decreased of two orders of magnitude, similarly to a thermal annealing at 400 °C. We also show that the improvement of the electrical properties does not simply depend on the strain or polycrystalline domain size, as often stated in the literature.

Effect of substrate rotation speed and off-center deposition on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of AZO thin films fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turkoglu, F.; Koseoglu, H.; Zeybek, S.; Ozdemir, M.; Aygun, G.; Ozyuzer, L.

2018-04-01

In this study, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The distance between the substrate and target axis, and substrate rotation speed were varied to get high quality AZO thin films. The influences of these deposition parameters on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the fabricated films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and four-point probe techniques. The overall analysis revealed that both sample position and substrate rotation speed are effective in changing the optical, structural, and electrical properties of the AZO thin films. We further observed that stress in the films can be significantly reduced by off-center deposition and rotating the sample holder during the deposition. An average transmittance above 85% in the visible range and a resistivity of 2.02 × 10-3 Ω cm were obtained for the AZO films.

Photochemical bonding of epithelial cell-seeded collagen lattice to rat muscle layer for esophageal tissue engineering: a pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Barbara P.; Sato, M.; Vacanti, Joseph P.; Kochevar, Irene E.; Redmond, Robert W.

2005-04-01

Bilayered tube structures consist of epithelial cell-seeded collagen lattice and muscle layer have been fabricated for esophageal tissue engineering. Good adhesion between layers in order to facilitate cell infiltration and neovascularization in the collagen lattice is required. Previous efforts include using other bioglues such as fibrin glue and silicone tube as the physical support. However, the former is subjected to chances of transmitting blood-born infectious disease and is time consuming while the latter requires a second surgical procedure. The current project aimed to bond the cell-seeded collagen lattice to muscle layer using photochemical bonding, which has previously been demonstrated a rapid and non-thermal procedure in bonding collagenous tissues. Rat esophageal epithelial cells were seeded on collagen lattice and together with the latissimus dorsi muscle layer, were exposed to a photosensitizer rose Bengal at the bonding surface. An argon laser was used to irradiate the approximated layers. Bonding strength was measured during the peeling test of the collagen layer from the muscle layer. Post-bonding cell viability was assessed using a modified NADH-diaphorase microassay. A pilot in vivo study was conducted by directly bonding the cell-seeded collagen layer onto the muscle flap in rats and the structures were characterized histologically. Photochemical bonding was found to significantly increase the adherence at the bonding interface without compromising the cell viability. This indicates the feasibility of using the technique to fabricate multi-layered structures in the presence of living cells. The pilot animal study demonstrated integration of the collagen lattice with the muscle layer at the bonding interface although the subsequent surgical manipulation disturbed the integration at some region. This means that an additional procedure removing the tube could be avoided if the approximation and thus the bonding are optimized. Cell infiltration and neovascularization were also evident demonstrating that direct bonding of engineered tissue structures in particular those with low processability such as collagen lattice to the host tissue is feasible.

40 CFR 721.10078 - Butanamide, 2-[(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-, 4-[(17-substituted-3,6,9...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-, 4-[(17-substituted-3,6,9,12,15-pentaazaheptadec-1-yl)substituted...-nitrophenyl)azo]-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-, 4-[(17-substituted-3,6,9,12,15-pentaazaheptadec-1-yl)substituted...]-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-, 4-[(17-substituted-3,6,9,12,15-pentaazaheptadec-1-yl)substituted]phenyl...

Tunneling Characteristics Depending on Schottky Barriers and Diffusion Current in SiOC.

PubMed

Oh, Teresa; Kim, Chy Hyung

2016-02-01

To obtain a diffusion current in SiOC, the aluminum doped zinc oxide films were deposited on SiOC/Si wafer by a RF magnetron sputtering. All the X-ray patterns of the SiOC films showed amorphous phases. The level of binding energy of Si atoms will lead to an additional potential modulation by long range Coulombic and covalent interactions with oxygen ions. The growth of the AZO film was affected by the characteristics of SiOC, resulting in similar trends in XPS spectra and a shift to higher AZO lattice d values than the original AZO d values in XRD analyses. The charges trapped by the defects at the interlayer between AZO and SiOC films induced the decreased mobility of carriers. In the absence of trap charges, AZO grown on SiOC film such as the sample prepared at O2 = 25 or 30 sccm, which has low charge carrier concentration and high mobility, showed high mobility in an ambipolar characteristic of oxide semiconductor due to the tunneling effect and diffusion current. The structural matching of an interface between AZO and amorphous SiOC enhanced the height of Schottky Barrier (SB), and then the mobility was increased by the tunneling effect from band to band through the high SB.

Nearly full-dense and fine-grained AZO:Y ceramics sintered from the corresponding nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide ceramics with yttria doping (AZO:Y) ranging from 0 to 0.2 wt.% were fabricated by pressureless sintering yttria-modified nanoparticles in air at 1,300°C. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, a physical property measurement system, and a densimeter were employed to characterize the precursor nanoparticles and the sintered AZO ceramics. It was shown that a small amount of yttria doping can remarkably retard the growth of the as-received precursor nanoparticles, further improve the microstructure, refine the grain size, and enhance the density for the sintered ceramic. Increasing the yttria doping to 0.2 wt.%, the AZO:Y nanoparticles synthetized by a coprecipitation process have a nearly sphere-shaped morphology and a mean particle diameter of 15.1 nm. Using the same amount of yttria, a fully dense AZO ceramic (99.98% of theoretical density) with a grain size of 2.2 μm and a bulk resistivity of 4.6 × 10−3 Ω·cm can be achieved. This kind of AZO:Y ceramic has a potential to be used as a high-quality sputtering target to deposit ZnO-based transparent conductive films with better optical and electrical properties. PMID:22929049

Dendritic azo compounds as a new type amorphous molecular material with quick photoinduced surface-relief-grating formation ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yaning; Gu, Xinyu; Guo, Miaocai; Wang, Xiaogong

2008-09-01

A series of dendritic azobenzene-containing compounds have been synthesized as a new type amorphous molecular material, which can show quick surface-relief-grating (SRG) formation ability upon light irradiation. For the synthesis, the dendritic precursor tris(2-(ethyl(phenyl)amino)ethyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate and tris(3,5-bis(2-(ethyl(phenyl)amino)ethoxy)benzyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate were prepared by esterification reactions between 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl chloride and N-ethyl- N-hydroxyethyl-aniline and 3,5-bis[2-( N-ethylanilino)ethoxy] benzylalcohol. The precursors were, respectively reacted with the diazonium salts of 4-nitroaniline, 4-aminobenzoic acid, and 4-aminobenzonitrile to introduce different types of donor-acceptor azo chromophores at the peripheral positions. The structure and properties of the dendritic azo compounds were characterized by the spectroscopic methods and thermal analysis. The surface-relief-grating (SRG) formation behavior of the dendritic azo compounds was studied by exposing the spin-coated thin films to an interference pattern of laser beams (532 nm) at modest intensity (100 mW/cm 2). The results show that the azo compounds can form stable amorphous glasses in a broad temperature range. The glass transition temperatures ( Tgs) depend on the backbone structures and the type of the peripheral azo chromophors. The type of the electron withdrawing groups in the p-positions of the terminal azobenzene units shows a significant influence on the SRG inscription rate. For the compounds containing the same type azo chromophores, the SRG inscription rate is also affected by the backbone structure.

Seed Anatomy and Water Uptake in Relation to Seed Dormancy in Opuntia tomentosa (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae)

PubMed Central

Orozco-Segovia, A.; Márquez-Guzmán, J.; Sánchez-Coronado, M. E.; Gamboa de Buen, A.; Baskin, J. M.; Baskin, C. C.

2007-01-01

Background and Aims There is considerable confusion in the literature concerning impermeability of seeds with ‘hard’ seed coats, because the ability to take up (imbibe) water has not been tested in most of them. Seeds of Opuntia tomentosa were reported recently to have a water-impermeable seed coat sensu lato (i.e. physical dormancy), in combination with physiological dormancy. However, physical dormancy is not known to occur in Cactaceae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if seeds of O. tomentosa are water-permeable or water-impermeable, i.e. if they have physical dormancy. Methods The micromorphology of the seed coat and associated structures were characterized by SEM and light microscopy. Permeability of the seed-covering layers was assessed by an increase in mass of seeds on a wet substrate and by dye-tracking and uptake of tritiated water by intact versus scarified seeds. Key Results A germination valve and a water channel are formed in the hilum–micropyle region during dehydration and ageing in seeds of O. tomentosa. The funicular envelope undoubtedly plays a role in germination of Opuntia seeds via restriction of water uptake and mechanical resistance to expansion of the embryo. However, seeds do not exhibit any of three features characteristic of those with physical dormancy. Thus, they do not have a water-impermeable layer(s) of palisade cells (macrosclereids) or a water gap sensu stricto and they imbibe water without the seed coat being disrupted. Conclusions Although dormancy in seeds of this species can be broken by scarification, they have physiological dormancy only. Further, based on information in the literature, it is concluded that it is unlikely that any species of Opuntia has physical dormancy. This is the first integrative study of the anatomy, dynamics of water uptake and dormancy in seeds of Cactaceae subfamily Opuntioideae. PMID:17298989

A decrease in phytic acid content substantially affects the distribution of mineral elements within rice seeds.

PubMed

Sakai, Hiroaki; Iwai, Toru; Matsubara, Chie; Usui, Yuto; Okamura, Masaki; Yatou, Osamu; Terada, Yasuko; Aoki, Naohiro; Nishida, Sho; Yoshida, Kaoru T

2015-09-01

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate; InsP6) is the storage compound of phosphorus and many mineral elements in seeds. To determine the role of InsP6 in the accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in seeds, we performed fine mappings of mineral elements through synchrotron-based X-ray microfluorescence analysis using developing seeds from two independent low phytic acid (lpa) mutants of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The reduced InsP6 in lpa seeds did not affect the translocation of mineral elements from vegetative organs into seeds, because the total amounts of phosphorus and the other mineral elements in lpa seeds were identical to those in the wild type (WT). However, the reduced InsP6 caused large changes in mineral localization within lpa seeds. Phosphorus and potassium in the aleurone layer of lpa greatly decreased and diffused into the endosperm. Zinc and copper, which were broadly distributed from the aleurone layer to the inner endosperm in the WT, were localized in the narrower space around the aleurone layer in lpa mutants. We also confirmed that similar distribution changes occurred in transgenic rice with the lpa phenotype. Using these results, we discussed the role of InsP6 in the dynamic accumulation and distribution patterns of mineral elements during seed development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of ZnO seed layer precursor molar ratio on the density of interface defects in low temperature aqueous chemically synthesized ZnO nanorods/GaN light-emitting diodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alnoor, Hatim, E-mail: hatim.alnoor@liu.se; Iandolo, Donata; Willander, Magnus

Low temperature aqueous chemical synthesis (LT-ACS) of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) has been attracting considerable research interest due to its great potential in the development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The influence of the molar ratio of the zinc acetate (ZnAc): KOH as a ZnO seed layer precursor on the density of interface defects and hence the presence of non-radiative recombination centers in LT-ACS of ZnO NRs/GaN LEDs has been systematically investigated. The material quality of the as-prepared seed layer as quantitatively deduced by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is found to be influenced by the molar ratio. It is revealedmore » by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence that the seed layer molar ratio plays a significant role in the formation and the density of defects at the n-ZnO NRs/p-GaN heterostructure interface. Consequently, LED devices processed using ZnO NRs synthesized with molar ratio of 1:5 M exhibit stronger yellow emission (∼575 nm) compared to those based on 1:1 and 1:3 M ratios as measured by the electroluminescence. Furthermore, seed layer molar ratio shows a quantitative dependence of the non-radiative defect densities as deduced from light-output current characteristics analysis. These results have implications on the development of high-efficiency ZnO-based LEDs and may also be helpful in understanding the effects of the ZnO seed layer on defect-related non-radiative recombination.« less

Oriented Y-type hexagonal ferrite thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buršík, J., E-mail: bursik@iic.cas.cz; Kužel, R.; Knížek, K.

2013-07-15

Thin films of Ba{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 22} (Y) hexaferrite were prepared through the chemical solution deposition method on SrTiO{sub 3}(1 1 1) (ST) single crystal substrates using epitaxial SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} (M) hexaferrite thin layer as a seed template layer. The process of crystallization was mainly investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. A detailed inspection revealed that growth of seed layer starts through the break-up of initially continuous film into isolated grains with expressive shape anisotropy and hexagonal habit. The vital parameters of the seed layer, i.e. thickness, substrate coverage, crystallization conditions and temperature rampmore » were optimized with the aim to obtain epitaxially crystallized Y phase. X-ray diffraction Pole figure measurements and Φ scans reveal perfect parallel in-plane alignment of SrTiO{sub 3} substrate and both hexaferrite phases. - Graphical abstract: XRD pole figure and AFM patterns of Ba{sub 2}Zn{sub 2}Fe{sub 12}O{sub 22} thin film epitaxially grown on SrTiO{sub 3}(1 1 1) single crystal using seeding layer templating. - Highlights: • Single phase Y-type hexagonal ferrite thin films were prepared by CSD method. • Seed M layer breaks into isolated single crystal islands and serves as a template. • Large seed grains grow by consuming the grains within the bulk of recoated film. • We explained the observed orientation relation of epitaxial domains. • Epitaxial growth on SrTiO{sub 3}(1 1 1) with relation (0 0 1){sub M,Y}//(1 1 1){sub ST}+[1 0 0]{sub M,Y}//[2 −1 −1]{sub ST}.« less

Realizing 11.3% efficiency in PffBT4T-2OD fullerene organic solar cells via superior charge extraction at interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Cheng; Wright, Matthew; Elumalai, Naveen Kumar; Mahmud, Md Arafat; Wang, Dian; Gonçales, Vinicius R.; Upama, Mushfika Baishakhi; Haque, Faiazul; Gooding, J. Justin; Uddin, Ashraf

2018-06-01

The influence of interface engineering on the performance and photovoltaic properties of the PffBT4T-2OD poly[(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4,7-diyl)-alt-(3,3'''-di(2-octyldodecyl)-2,2';5',2″;5″,2'''-quaterthiophen-5,5'''-diy)] based polymer solar cells (PSCs) are investigated. Owing to the high crystallinity and processing parameter dependent morphology distribution of the PffBT4T-2OD polymer, the performance of the devices can vary significantly with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of around 10% has been reported via such morphology modification. In this work, we demonstrate the effect of trap state passivation at the electron transport layer (ETL)/Polymer interface on the performance of PffBT4T-2OD based PSCs. Aluminium doped ZnO (AZO) and pristine Zinc Oxide (ZnO) are employed as ETLs, which modified the polymer wettability and blend morphology. The interface engineered devices exhibited high PCE of over 11% with high J sc of about 22.5 mA/cm2 which is about 19% higher than that of the conventional ZnO based devices. The reason behind such distinct enhancements is investigated using several material and device characterization methods including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The recombination resistance ( R rec) of the AZO based device is found to be 4.5 times higher than that of the ZnO devices. The enhanced photovoltaic parameters of the AZO based device are attributed to the superior charge transport characteristics in the ETL as well as at the ETL/polymer interface, enabling effective charge extraction at the respective electrodes with much lesser recombination. The mechanism and the processes behind such enhancements are also elaborated in detail.

The role of nanoscale seed layers on the enhanced performance of niobium doped TiO 2 thin films on glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nikodemski, Stefan; Dameron, Arrelaine A.; Perkins, John D.

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coatings with decreased cost and greater process or performance versatility are needed for a variety of optoelectronic applications. Among potential new TCO candidates, doped titanium dioxide is receiving particular interest. In this study, niobium-doped titania bilayer structures consisting of a nanoscale seed layer (deposited by atomic layer deposition or RF magnetron sputtering) followed by a thick bulk-like layer were grown directly on glass in order to examine the effects of the seed layer processing on the subsequent crystallization and electrical properties of these heterostructures. Observations from Raman spectroscopy suggest that higher oxygen content in the seedmore » layer suppresses the formation of detrimental titania polymorph phases, found in films produced by annealing directly after synthesis without any exposure to oxygen. Here, our results indicate that the generation of excellent Nb:TiO 2 conductors on glass (without breaking vacuum) only occurs within a narrow processing range and that the sequential deposition of oxygen-poor layers on oxygen-rich layers is a critical step towards achieving films with low resistivity.« less

The role of nanoscale seed layers on the enhanced performance of niobium doped TiO 2 thin films on glass

DOE PAGES

Nikodemski, Stefan; Dameron, Arrelaine A.; Perkins, John D.; ...

2016-09-09

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coatings with decreased cost and greater process or performance versatility are needed for a variety of optoelectronic applications. Among potential new TCO candidates, doped titanium dioxide is receiving particular interest. In this study, niobium-doped titania bilayer structures consisting of a nanoscale seed layer (deposited by atomic layer deposition or RF magnetron sputtering) followed by a thick bulk-like layer were grown directly on glass in order to examine the effects of the seed layer processing on the subsequent crystallization and electrical properties of these heterostructures. Observations from Raman spectroscopy suggest that higher oxygen content in the seedmore » layer suppresses the formation of detrimental titania polymorph phases, found in films produced by annealing directly after synthesis without any exposure to oxygen. Here, our results indicate that the generation of excellent Nb:TiO 2 conductors on glass (without breaking vacuum) only occurs within a narrow processing range and that the sequential deposition of oxygen-poor layers on oxygen-rich layers is a critical step towards achieving films with low resistivity.« less

Azobenzene-based organic salts with ionic liquid and liquid crystalline properties

DOE PAGES

Stappert, Kathrin; Muthmann, Johanna; Spielberg, Eike T.; ...

2015-07-23

Two sets of new azobenzene-based bromide salts are synthesized, and their thermal photochromic properties are studied. Both sets are based on the imidazolium cation. The first set (1) features a symmetric biscation where two imidazolium head groups (Im) with different alkyl chains (Cn) are connected to a central azobenzene unit (Azo): [Azo(C1-Im-Cn) 2]; n = 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. The other one contains an n-alkyl-imidazolium cation (Cn-Im) bearing a terminal azobenzene unit (C1-Azo) substituted with an alkoxy chain (O-Cm) of either two (2) or six (3) carbon atoms: [C1-Azo-O-Cm-Im-Cn]; m = 2, n = 8, 10, 12 and mmore » = 6, n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16. For both cation classes, the influence of alkyl chains of varying length on the thermal phase behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). For five compounds (Azo(-C1-Im-C12) 2 (1d), Azo(-C1-Im-C12) 2 (1e), C1-Azo-O-C2-Im-C10 (2b), C1-Azo-O-C2-Im-C12 (2c), and C1-Azo-O-C6-Im-C16 (3e)), the formation of a liquid crystalline phase was observed. The biscationic salts (1) are all comparatively high melting organic salts (180–240 °C), and only the two representatives with long alkylchains (C12 and C14) exhibit liquid crystallinity. The monocationic salts with an O–C2 bridge (2) melt between 140 and 170 °C depending on the alkyl chain length, but from an alkyl chain of 10 and more carbon atoms on they form a smectic A liquid crystalline phase. The representatives of the third set with a O–C6 bridge qualify as ionic liquids with melting points less than 100 °C. However, only the representative with a hexadecyl chain forms a liquid crystalline phase. Representative single crystals for all sets of cations could be grown that allowed for single crystal structure analysis. Together with small-angle X-ray scattering experiments they allow for a more detailed understanding of the thermal properties. As a result, through irradiation with UV-light (320–366 nm) all compounds undergo trans–cis isomerization, which reverses under visible light (440 nm).« less

Electric Characteristic Enhancement of an AZO/Si Schottky Barrier Diode with Hydrogen Plasma Surface Treatment and AlxOx Guard Ring Structure

PubMed Central

Li, Chien-Yu; Cheng, Min-Yu; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Jing

2018-01-01

In this study, the design and fabrication of AZO/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with hydrogen plasma treatment on silicon surface and AlxOx guard ring were presented. The Si surface exhibited less interface defects after the cleaning process following with 30 w of H2 plasma treatment that improved the switching properties of the following formed SBDs. The rapid thermal annealing experiment also held at 400 °C to enhance the breakdown voltage of SBDs. The edge effect of the SBDs was also suppressed with the AlxOx guard ring structure deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) at the side of the SBDs. Experimental results show that the reverse leakage current was reduced and the breakdown voltage increased with an addition of the AlxOx guard ring. The diode and fabrication technology developed in the study were applicable to the realization of SBDs with a high breakdown voltage (>200 V), a low reverse leakage current density (≤72 μA/mm2@100 V), and a Schottky barrier height of 1.074 eV. PMID:29316726

Electric Characteristic Enhancement of an AZO/Si Schottky Barrier Diode with Hydrogen Plasma Surface Treatment and AlxOx Guard Ring Structure.

PubMed

Li, Chien-Yu; Cheng, Min-Yu; Houng, Mau-Phon; Yang, Cheng-Fu; Liu, Jing

2018-01-08

In this study, the design and fabrication of AZO/n-Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with hydrogen plasma treatment on silicon surface and Al x O x guard ring were presented. The Si surface exhibited less interface defects after the cleaning process following with 30 w of H₂ plasma treatment that improved the switching properties of the following formed SBDs. The rapid thermal annealing experiment also held at 400 °C to enhance the breakdown voltage of SBDs. The edge effect of the SBDs was also suppressed with the Al x O x guard ring structure deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) at the side of the SBDs. Experimental results show that the reverse leakage current was reduced and the breakdown voltage increased with an addition of the Al x O x guard ring. The diode and fabrication technology developed in the study were applicable to the realization of SBDs with a high breakdown voltage (>200 V), a low reverse leakage current density (≤72 μA/mm²@100 V), and a Schottky barrier height of 1.074 eV.

Synthesis and structural characterization of new oxovanadium(IV) complexes derived from azo-5-pyrazolone with prospective medical importance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagdatli, Emine; Altuntas, Eylem; Sayin, Ulku

2017-01-01

Four novel o-hydroxy substituted aryl-(msbnd H, sbnd Cl, sbnd Br, sbnd CH3) azo-5-pyrazolone compounds (2a-d, respectively) were synthesized as azo-group containing ligands by diazotization of aryl amines then coupled with 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one (1) and the structures were confirmed by FTIR, UV-Visible, GC-MS or ESI-LCMS and NMR spectroscopic techniques. As a result, the first synthesis of azo-5-pyrazolone based oxovanadium(IV) complexes (3a-d) was achieved by interaction of 2a-d with half equivalent of vanadyl sulphate pentahydrate in a methanolic medium with moderate to high yields (67, 74, 60, 71 for 3a-d, respectively). The resulting complexes were characterized using FTIR, UV-Visible, ESI-LCMS and EPR spectroscopic techniques as well as with thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis. They have the composition [VO(L)2]·H2O; (3a-c) or [VO(L)2]·CH3OH; (3d) where LH is an azo-5-pyrazolone compound as the ligand (2a-d). The electronic spectra of the complexes are typical of oxovanadium(IV) complexes showing a low intensity band near 500 nm. Spectroscopic results have shown that azo-5-pyrazolone compounds have acted bidendate and the coordination sites are hydroxyl-substituent on the -azo phenyl-aromatic ring and the pyrazolone carbonyl-moiety. The thermal data confirm that the complexes have methanol (3a-c) or water (3d) molecule outside the coordination sphere and the complexes show similar thermogravimetric decomposition fragments which are consistent with the proposed structures. A distorted octahedral geometry has been proposed for these complexes mainly with EPR and the other spectral techniques.

Molecular dynamics study of biodegradation of azo dyes via their interactions with AzrC azoreductase.

PubMed

Haghshenas, Hamed; Kay, Maryam; Dehghanian, Fariba; Tavakol, Hossein

2016-01-01

Azo dyes are one of the most important class of dyes, which have been widely used in industries. Because of the environmental pollution of azo dyes, many studies have been performed to study their biodegradation using bacterial systems. In present work, the AzrC of mesophilic gram-positive Bacillus sp. B29 has been considered to study its interaction with five common azo dyes (orange G, acid red 88, Sudan I, orange I, and methyl red). The molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to study the interaction between AzrC and azo dyes. The trajectory was confirmed using root mean square deviation and the root mean square fluctuation analyses. Then, the hydrogen bond and alanine scanning analyses were performed to reveal active site residues. Phe105 (A), Phe125 (B), Phe172 (B), and Pro132 (B) have been found as the most important hydrophobic residues whereas Asn104 (A), Tyr127 (B), and Asn187 (A) have key role in making hydrogen bond. The results of molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area calculations proved that the hydrophobic azo dyes like Acid red 88 binds more tightly to the AzrC protein. The calculated data suggested MR A 121 (B) I as a potential candidate for improving the AzrC-MR interactions.

Enhanced electrical and optical properties of room temperature deposited Aluminium doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) thin films by excimer laser annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El hamali, S. O.; Cranton, W. M.; Kalfagiannis, N.; Hou, X.; Ranson, R.; Koutsogeorgis, D. C.

2016-05-01

High quality transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) often require a high thermal budget fabrication process. In this study, Excimer Laser Annealing (ELA) at a wavelength of 248 nm has been explored as a processing mechanism to facilitate low thermal budget fabrication of high quality aluminium doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films. 180 nm thick AZO films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering at room temperature on fused silica substrates. The effects of the applied RF power and the sputtering pressure on the outcome of ELA at different laser energy densities and number of pulses have been investigated. AZO films deposited with no intentional heating at 180 W, and at 2 mTorr of 0.2% oxygen in argon were selected as the optimum as-deposited films in this work, with a resistivity of 1×10-3 Ω.cm, and an average visible transmission of 85%. ELA was found to result in noticeably reduced resistivity of 5×10-4 Ω.cm, and enhancing the average visible transmission to 90% when AZO is processed with 5 pulses at 125 mJ/cm2. Therefore, the combination of RF magnetron sputtering and ELA, both low thermal budget and scalable techniques, can provide a viable fabrication route of high quality AZO films for use as transparent electrodes.

Correlations between 1/f noise and thermal treatment of Al-doped ZnO thin films deposited by direct current sputtering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barhoumi, A., E-mail: amira-barhoumi@yahoo.fr; Guermazi, S.; Leroy, G.

2014-05-28

Al-doped ZnO thin films (AZO) have been deposited on amorphous glass substrates by DC sputtering at different substrate temperatures T{sub s}. X-Ray diffraction results reveal that AZO thin films have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with (002) preferred orientation. (002) peaks indicate that the crystalline structure of the films is oriented with c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. Three-dimensional (3D) atomic force microscopy images of AZO thin films deposited on glass substrate at 200 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C, respectively, shows the improvement of the crystallinity and the homogeneity of AZO thin films with T{sub s} which is in agreement with the noise measurements.more » The noise was characterized between 1 Hz and 100 kHz and we have obtained 1/f spectra. The noise is very sensitive to the crystal structure especially to the orientation of the crystallites which is perpendicular to the substrate and to the grain boundaries which generate a high current flow and a sharp increase in noise. Through time, R{sub sh} and [αμ]{sub eff} increase with the modification of the crystallinity of AZO thin films. Study of noise aging shows that the noise is more sensitive than resistivity for all AZO thin films.« less

Microbial fuel cell operation using monoazo and diazo dyes as terminal electron acceptor for simultaneous decolourisation and bioelectricity generation.

PubMed

Oon, Yoong-Sin; Ong, Soon-An; Ho, Li-Ngee; Wong, Yee-Shian; Oon, Yoong-Ling; Lehl, Harvinder Kaur; Thung, Wei-Eng; Nordin, Noradiba

2017-03-05

Monoazo and diazo dyes [New coccine (NC), Acid orange 7 (AO7), Reactive red 120 (RR120) and Reactive green 19 (RG19)] were employed as electron acceptors in the abiotic cathode of microbial fuel cell. The electrons and protons generated from microbial organic oxidation at the anode which were utilized for electrochemical azo dye reduction at the cathodic chamber was successfully demonstrated. When NC was employed as the electron acceptor, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and dye decolourisation efficiencies obtained at the anodic and cathodic chamber were 73±3% and 95.1±1.1%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the decolourisation rates of monoazo dyes were ∼50% higher than diazo dyes. The maximum power density in relation to NC decolourisation was 20.64mW/m 2 , corresponding to current density of 120.24mA/m 2 . The decolourisation rate and power output of different azo dyes were in the order of NC>AO7>RR120>RG19. The findings revealed that the structure of dye influenced the decolourisation and power performance of MFC. Azo dye with electron-withdrawing group at para substituent to azo bond would draw electrons from azo bond; hence the azo dye became more electrophilic and more favourable for dye reduction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[The decolorization and biodegrading metabolism of azo dyes by Pseudomonas S-42].

PubMed

Liu, Z P; Yang, H F

1989-12-01

Pseudomonas S-42 was capable of decolorizing azo dyes such as Diamira Brilliant Orange RR(DBO-RR), Direct Brown M (DBM), Eriochrome Brown R(EBR) and so on. The cell suspension, cell-free extract and purified enzyme of Pseud. S-42 could decolorize azo dyes under similar conditions: the optimum pH and temperature laid 7.0 and 37 degrees C respectively. The efficiencies of decolorizing of DBO-RR, DBM, EBR by intact cells stood more than 90%. When the cell concentration was 15 mg(wet)/ml and the reaction time was 5 hours, the decolorizing activity for above three azo dyes by intact cells were 1.75, 2.4, 0.95 micrograms dye/mg cell, respectively. Cell-free extract and purified enzyme could well express the decolorizing activity only under the anaerobic condition and added NADH. Purified enzyme belongs to azoreductase, its molecular weight is about 34,000-2000 daltons, and its Vmax and Km for DBO-RR are 13 mumol.mg protein-1.min-1 and 54 mumol/L. The results of the detection of the biodegrading products of DBO-RR by spectrophotometric and NaNO2 reactional methods showed that the biodegradation of azo dyes was initiated by the reduction cleavage of azo bonds. It was hypothesized that biodegrading metabolism pathway of DBO-RR by Pseudomonas S-42.

An Al-doped ZnO electrode grown by highly efficient cylindrical rotating magnetron sputtering for low cost organic photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jun-Hyuk; Ahn, Kyung-Jun; Park, Kang-Il; Na, Seok-In; Kim, Han-Ki

2010-03-01

We report the characteristics of Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films prepared by a highly efficient cylindrical rotating magnetron sputtering (CRMS) system for use as a transparent conducting electrode in cost-efficient bulk hetero-junction organic solar cells (OSCs). Using a rotating cylindrical type cathode with an AZO target, whose usage was above 80%, we were able to obtain a low cost and indium free AZO electrode with a low sheet resistance of ~4.59 Ω/sq, a high transparency of 85% in the visible wavelength region and a work function of 4.9 eV at a substrate temperature of 230 °C. Moreover, the neutral poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrenesulfonate) based OSC fabricated on the CRMS-grown AZO electrode at 230 °C showed an open circuit voltage of 0.5 V, a short circuit current of 8.94 mA cm-2, a fill factor of 45% and power conversion efficiency of 2.01%, indicating that CRMS is a promising cost-efficient AZO deposition technique for low cost OSCs.

Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao; Hou, Singyuk; Chen, Long; Wang, Fei; Jiang, Jianjun; Chen, Zonghai; Ren, Yang; Amine, Khalil; Wang, Chunsheng

2018-03-05

Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAh g -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAh g -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na + . The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing long-cycle-life and high-rate SSIBs. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mono azo dyes derived from 5-nitroanthranilic acid: Synthesis, absorption properties and DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabacak Atay, Çiğdem; Gökalp, Merve; Kart, Sevgi Özdemir; Tilki, Tahir

2017-08-01

Four new azo dyes: 2-[(3,5-diamino-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]-5-nitrobenzoic acid (A), 2-[(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]-5-nitrobenzoic acid (B), 2-[(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]-5-nitrobenzoic acid (C) and 2-[(5-amino-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]-5-nitrobenzoic acid (D) which have the same 4-nitrobenzene/azo/pyrazole skeleton and different substituted groups are synthesized in this work. The structures and spectroscopic properties of these new azo dyes are characterized by using spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and UV-vis. Their solvatochromic properties in chloroform, acetic acid, methanol, dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) are studied. Moreover, molecular structures and some spectroscopic properties of azo dyes are investigated by utilizing the quantum computational chemistry method based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) employing B3LYP hybrid functional level with 6-31G(d) basis set. It is seen that experimental and theoretical results are compatible with each other.

Oxidation of Levafix CA reactive azo-dyes in industrial wastewater of textile dyeing by electro-generated Fenton's reagent.

PubMed

El-Desoky, Hanaa S; Ghoneim, Mohamed M; El-Sheikh, Ragaa; Zidan, Naglaa M

2010-03-15

The indirect electrochemical removal of pollutants from effluents has become an attractive method in recent years. Removal (decolorization and mineralization) of Levafix Blue CA and Levafix Red CA reactive azo-dyes from aqueous media by electro-generated Fenton's reagent (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)) using a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode and a platinum gauze anode was optimized. Progress of oxidation (decolorization and mineralization) of the investigated azo-dyes with time of electro-Fenton's reaction was monitored by UV-visible absorbance measurements, Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and HPLC analysis. The results indicated that the electro-Fenton's oxidation system is efficient for treatment of such types of reactive dyes. Oxidation of each of the investigated azo-dyes by electro-generated Fenton's reagent up to complete decolorization and approximately 90-95% mineralization was achieved. Moreover, the optimized electro-Fenton's oxidation was successfully applied for complete decolorization and approximately 85-90% mineralization of both azo-dyes in real industrial wastewater samples collected from textile dyeing house at El-Mahalla El-Kobra, Egypt. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Novel Preparation Method of Two Polymer Dyes with Low Cytotoxicity

PubMed Central

Lv, Dongjun; Zhang, Mingjie; Cui, Jin; Li, Weixue; Zhu, Guohua

2017-01-01

A new preparation method of polymer dyes was developed to improve both the grafting degree of the azo dyes onto O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OMCS) and the water solubility of prepared polymer dyes. Firstly, the coupling compound of two azo edible colorants, sunset yellow (SY) and allura red (AR), was grafted onto OMCS, and then coupled with their diazonium salt. The chemical structure of prepared polymer dyes was determined by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and 1H-NMR, and the results showed that the two azo dyes were successfully grafted onto OMCS. The grafting degree onto OMCS and the water solubility of polymer dyes were tested, and the results showed that they were both improved as expected. The UV-vis spectra analysis results showed that the prepared polymer dyes showed similar color performance with the original azo dyes. Eventually, the cytotoxicity of prepared polymer dyes was tested and compared with the original azo dyes by a cytotoxicity test on human liver cell lines LO2, and the results showed that their grafting onto OMCS significantly reduced the cytotoxicity. PMID:28772583

Creation of second-order nonlinear optical effects by photoisomerization of polar azo dyes in polymeric films: theoretical study of steady-state and transient properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekkat, Zouheir; Knoll, Wolfgang

1995-10-01

It was shown recently that the application of a dc field across a polymer film containing polar azo dye chromophores at a temperature far below that of its glass transition leads to an appreciable polar order when the azo dyes undergo cis \\left-right-double-arrow trans isomerization. We present a detailed theoretical study of this phenomenon based on the enhanced mobility of the azo chromophores during the isomerization process. The equations representing this phenomenological theory are solved by recurrence relations of Legendre polynomials, and both the steady state and the dynamics are investigated. Analytical expressions are derived for the photoinduced polar order and its related anisotropy for both cis and trans molecular distributions.

Comparative Study of MIL-96(Al) as Continuous Metal-Organic Frameworks Layer and Mixed-Matrix Membrane.

PubMed

Knebel, Alexander; Friebe, Sebastian; Bigall, Nadja Carola; Benzaqui, Marvin; Serre, Christian; Caro, Jürgen

2016-03-23

MIL-96(Al) layers were prepared as supported metal-organic frameworks membrane via reactive seeding using the α-alumina support as the Al source for the formation of the MIL-96(Al) seeds. Depending on the solvent mixture employed during seed formation, two different crystal morphologies, with different orientation of the transport-active channels, have been formed. This crystal orientation and habit is predefined by the seed crystals and is kept in the subsequent growth of the seeds to continuous layers. In the gas separation of an equimolar H2/CO2 mixture, the hydrogen permeability of the two supported MIL-96(Al) layers was found to be highly dependent on the crystal morphology and the accompanied channel orientation in the layer. In addition to the neat supported MIL-96(Al) membrane layers, mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs, 10 wt % filler loading) as a composite of MIL-96(Al) particles as filler in a continuous Matrimid polymer phase have been prepared. Five particle sizes of MIL-96(Al) between 3.2 μm and 55 nm were synthesized. In the preparation of the MIL-96(Al)/Matrimid MMM (10 wt % filler loading), the following preparation problems have been identified: The bigger micrometer-sized MIL-96(Al) crystals show a trend toward sedimentation during casting of the MMM, whereas for nanoparticles aggregation and recrystallization to micrometer-sized MIL-96(Al) crystals has been observed. Because of these preparation problems for MMM, the neat supported MIL-96(Al) layers show a relatively high H2/CO2 selectivity (≈9) and a hydrogen permeance approximately 2 magnitudes higher than that of the best MMM.

Smooth muscle cell seeding of decellularized scaffolds: the importance of bioreactor preconditioning to development of a more native architecture for tissue-engineered blood vessels.

PubMed

Yazdani, Saami K; Watts, Benjamin; Machingal, Masood; Jarajapu, Yagna P R; Van Dyke, Mark E; Christ, George J

2009-04-01

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) impart important functional characteristics in the native artery and, therefore, should logically be incorporated in the development of tissue-engineered blood vessels. However, the native architecture and low porosity of naturally derived biomaterials (i.e., decellularized vessels) have impeded efforts to seed and incorporate a VSMC layer in tissue-engineered blood vessels. To this end, the goal of this study was to develop improved methods for seeding, proliferation, and maturation of VSMCs on decellularized porcine carotid arteries. Decellularized vessels were prepared in the absence and presence of the adventitial layer, and statically seeded with a pipette containing a suspension of rat aortic VSMCs. After cell seeding, recellularized engineered vessels were placed in a custom bioreactor system for 1-2 weeks to enhance cellular proliferation, alignment, and maturation. Initial attachment of VSMCs was dramatically enhanced by removing the adventitial layer of the decellularized porcine artery. Moreover, cyclic bioreactor conditioning (i.e., flow and pressure) resulted in increased VSMC proliferation and accelerated formation of a muscularized medial layer in the absence of the adventitial layer during the first week of preconditioning. Fura-2-based digital imaging microscopy revealed marked and reproducible depolarization-induced calcium mobilization after bioreactor preconditioning in the absence, but not in the presence, of the adventitia. The major finding of this investigation is that bioreactor preconditioning accelerates the formation of a significant muscular layer on decellularized scaffolds, in particular on adventitia-denuded scaffolds. Further, the VSMC layer of bioreactor-preconditioned vessels was capable of mobilizing calcium in response to cellular depolarization. These findings represent an important first step toward the development of tissue-engineered vascular grafts that more closely mimic native vasculature.

Convection and the seeding of the North Atlantic bloom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Asaro, Eric A.

Observations of vertical velocities in deep wintertime mixed layers using neutrally buoyant floats show that the convectively driven vertical velocities, roughly 1000 m per day, greatly exceed the sinking velocities of phytoplankton, 10 m or less per day. These velocities mix plankton effectively and uniformly across the convective layer and are therefore capable of returning those that have sunk to depth back into the euphotic zone. This mechanism cycles cells through the surface layer during the winter and provides a seed population for the spring bloom. A simple model of this mechanism applied to immortal phytoplankton in the subpolar Labrador Sea predicts that the seed population in early spring will be a few percent of the fall concentration if the plankton sink more slowly than the mean rate at which the surface well-mixed layer grows over the winter. Plankton that sink faster than this will mostly sink into the abyss with only a minute fraction remaining by spring. The shallower mixed layers of mid-latitudes are predicted to be much less effective at maintaining a seed population over the winter, limiting the ability of rapidly sinking cells to survive the winter.

Heusler alloys with bcc tungsten seed layers for GMR junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, William; Hirohata, Atsufumi

2018-05-01

We demonstrate that polycrystalline Co2FeSi Heusler alloys films can be grown with perpendicular anisotropy without the use of an MgO interface. By heating the substrate to 400 °C prior to deposition and using a tungsten seed layer perpendicular anisotropy is induced in the Heusler layer. This is maintained as the thickness of the Co2FeSi is increased up to 12.5 nm. The layers with thickness dependent coercivity can be implemented into a giant magnetoresistance structure leading to spin-valve behaviour without the need for an exchange biased pinned layer.

Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using annato seeds (Bixa orellana Linn)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haryanto, Ditia Allindira; Landuma, Suarni; Purwanto, Agus

2014-02-24

The Fabrication of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using Annato seeds has been conducted in this study. Annato seeds (Bixa orellana Linn) used as a sensitizer for dye sensitized solar cell. The experimental parameter was concentration of natural dye. Annato seeds was extracted using etanol solution and the concentration was controlled by varying mass of Annato seeds. A semiconductor TiO{sub 2} was prepared by a screen printing method for coating glass use paste of TiO{sub 2}. Construction DSSC used layered systems (sandwich) consists of working electrode (TiO{sub 2} semiconductor-dye) and counter electrode (platina). Both are placed on conductive glass andmore » electrolytes that occur electrons cycle. The characterization of thin layer of TiO{sub 2} was conducted using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscpy) analysis showed the surface morphology of TiO{sub 2} thin layer and the cross section of a thin layer of TiO{sub 2} with a thickness of 15–19 μm. Characterization of natural dye extract was determined using UV-Vis spectrometry analysis shows the wavelength range annato seeds is 328–515 nm, and the voltage (V{sub oc}) and electric current (I{sub sc}) resulted in keithley test for 30 gram, 40 gram, and 50 gram were 0,4000 V; 0,4251 V; 0,4502 V and 0,000074 A; 0,000458 A; 0,000857 A, respectively. The efficiencies of the fabricated solar cells using annato seeds as senstizer for each varying mass are 0,00799%, 0,01237%, and 0,05696%.« less

Photoluminescence analysis of self induced planer alignment in azo dye dispersed nematic liquid crystal complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Rishi, E-mail: kkraina@gmail.com; Sood, Srishti, E-mail: kkraina@gmail.com; Raina, K. K., E-mail: kkraina@gmail.com

2014-04-24

We have developed azo dye doped nematic liquid crystal complex for advanced photonic liquid crystal display technology aspects. Disperse orange azo dye self introduced planer alignment in the nematic liquid crystal without any surface anchoring treatment. Planer alignment was characterized by optical polarizing microscopy. The electro-optical switching response of dye disperse planer aligned nematic cell was investigated as a function of applied voltage with the help of photoluminescence spectrophotometer for the tuning of photoluminescence contrast.

Azobenzenes as light-controlled molecular electronic switches in nanoscale metal-molecule-metal junctions.

PubMed

Mativetsky, Jeffrey M; Pace, Giuseppina; Elbing, Mark; Rampi, Maria A; Mayor, Marcel; Samorì, Paolo

2008-07-23

Conductance switching associated with the photoisomerization of azobenzene-based (Azo) molecules was observed in nanoscopic metal-molecule-metal junctions. The junctions were formed by using a conducting atomic force microscope (C-AFM) approach, where a metallic AFM tip was used to electrically contact a gold-supported Azo self-assembled monolayer. The measured 30-fold increase in conductance is consistent with the expected decrease in tunneling barrier length resulting from the conformational change of the Azo molecule.

A resistance ratio change phenomenon observed in Al doped ZnO (AZO)/Cu(In1-xGax)Se2/Mo resistive switching memory device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Tao; Sun, Bai; Mao, Shuangsuo; Zhu, Shouhui; Xia, Yudong; Wang, Hongyan; Zhao, Yong; Yu, Zhou

2018-03-01

In this work, the Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS), Al doped ZnO (AZO) and Mo has been used for constructing a resistive switching device with AZO/CIGS/Mo sandwich structure grown on a transparent glass substrate. The device represents a high-performance memory characteristics under ambient temperature. In particularly, a resistance ratio change phenomenon have been observed in our device for the first time.

Tuning the surface morphology of aluminium doped zinc oxide thin films by arrayed nanorods through chemical growth process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devasia, Sebin; Anila, E. I.

2018-04-01

Here we report the growth and characterization of chemically grown aluminium doped zinc oxide nanorods on seed layers. The seed layers were prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis which acted as the growth centers. The growth duration of nanorods were varied from 3h to 12h in steps of 3h. Further, investigations on their structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties. The SEM images confirmed the hexagonal shaped nanorod arrays grown on the seed layers. Later, the x-ray diffraction measurements revealed the pure zinc oxide phase of the samples. Photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies were carried out to analyze the potential of its optoelectronic properties.

Space Exposed Experiment Developed for Students (SEEDS) P-0004-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grigsby, Doris K.

1991-01-01

This cooperative endeavor of NASA Headquarters, the NASA Langley Research Center, and the George W. Park Seed Company, resulted in the distribution, by the end of March, 1990, of approximately 132,000 space exposed experiment developed for students (SEEDS) kits to 64,000 teachers representing 40,000 classrooms and 3.3 million kindergarden through university students. Kits were sent to every state, as well as to 30 foreign countries. Preliminary radiation data indicates that layer A received 725 rads, while layer D received 350 rads. Germination rate was reported to be 73.8 percent for space exposed seeds and 70.3 percent for earth based control seeds. Tests conducted within the first six months after retrieval indicated space exposed seeds germinated in an average of 8.0 days, while earth based control seeds' average germination rate was 8.3 days. Some mutations (assumed to be radiation induced) reported by students and Park Seed include plants that added a leaf instead of the usual flower at the end of the flower front and fruit produced from a flower with a variegated calyx bore seeds producing albino plants, while fruit from a flower with a green calyx from the same plant bore seeds produced green plants.

7 CFR 52.1851 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1851 Section 52.1851 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1842 - Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds. 52.1842 Section 52.1842 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL...

7 CFR 52.1853 - Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1853 Section 52.1853 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1853 - Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1853 Section 52.1853 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1842 - Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds. 52.1842 Section 52.1842 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL...

7 CFR 52.1852 - Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1852 Section 52.1852 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT O...

7 CFR 52.1851 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1851 Section 52.1851 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1853 - Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1853 Section 52.1853 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1850 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1850 Section 52.1850 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF...

7 CFR 52.1852 - Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1852 Section 52.1852 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT O...

7 CFR 52.1850 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1850 Section 52.1850 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF...

7 CFR 52.1851 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1851 Section 52.1851 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1842 - Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds. 52.1842 Section 52.1842 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL...

7 CFR 52.1842 - Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Product description of Layer or (Cluster) raisins with seeds. 52.1842 Section 52.1842 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL...

7 CFR 52.1852 - Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1852 Section 52.1852 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT O...

7 CFR 52.1850 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1850 Section 52.1850 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF...

7 CFR 52.1852 - Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1852 Section 52.1852 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT O...

7 CFR 52.1851 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1851 Section 52.1851 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1853 - Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Grades of raisins with seeds-layer or cluster. 52.1853 Section 52.1853 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946...

7 CFR 52.1850 - Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Sizes of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster. 52.1850 Section 52.1850 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF...

TiO 2 -Assisted Photoisomerization of Azo Dyes Using Self-Assembled Monolayers: Case Study on para -Methyl Red Towards Solar-Cell Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Lei; Cole, Jacqueline M.

2014-02-18

The optical and electronic properties of a TiO2 nanoparticle-assisted photo-isomerizable surface, prepared by an azo dye/TiO2 nanocomposite film, are examined experimentally and computationally. The azo dye, para-methyl red, undergoes photoisomerization at room temperature, catalyzed by the TiO2 nanoparticle supports, while it exhibits negligible photoisomerization in solvents under otherwise identical conditions. Density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory are employed to explain the origin of this photoisomerization in these dye…TiO2 nanoparticle self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The device performance of these SAMs when embedded into dye-sensitized solar cells is used to further elucidate the nature of this azo dye photoisomerization and relatemore » it to the ensuing optoelectronic properties.« less

Germination and elongation of flax in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Howard G.; Anderson, Ken; Boody, April; Cox, Dave; Kuznetsov, Oleg A.; Hasenstein, Karl H.

2003-01-01

This experiment was conducted as part of a risk mitigation payload aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-101. The objectives were to test a newly developed water delivery system, and to determine the optimal combination of water volume and substrate for the imbibition and germination of flax (Linum usitatissimum) seeds in space. Two different combinations of germination paper were tested for their ability to absorb, distribute, and retain water in microgravity. A single layer of thick germination paper was compared with one layer of thin germination paper under a layer of thick paper. Paper strips were cut to fit snugly into seed cassettes, and seeds were glued to them with the micropyle ends pointing outward. Water was delivered in small increments that traveled through the paper via capillary action. Three water delivery volumes were tested, with the largest (480 microliters) outperforming the 400 microliters and 320 microliters volumes for percent germination (90.6%) and root growth (mean=4.1 mm) during the 34-hour spaceflight experiment. The ground control experiment yielded similar results, but with lower rates of germination (84.4%) and shorter root lengths (mean=2.8 mm). It is not clear if the roots emerged more quickly in microgravity and/or grew faster than the ground controls. The single layer of thick germination paper generally exhibited better overall growth than the two layered option. Significant seed position effects were observed in both the flight and ground control experiments. Overall, the design of the water delivery system, seed cassettes and the germination paper strip concept was validated as an effective method for promoting seed germination and root growth under microgravity conditions. c2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Germination and elongation of flax in microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Howard G.; Anderson, Ken; Boody, April; Cox, Dave; Kuznetsov, Oleg A.; Hasenstein, Karl H.

2003-05-01

This experiment was conducted as part of a risk mitigation payload aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-101. The objectives were to test a newly developed water delivery system, and to determine the optimal combination of water volume and substrate for the imbibition and germination of flax ( Linum usitatissimum) seeds in space. Two different combinations of germination paper were tested for their ability to absorb, distribute, and retain water in microgravity. A single layer of thick germination paper was compared with one layer of thin germination paper under a layer of thick paper. Paper strips were cut to fit snugly into seed cassettes, and seeds were glued to them with the micropyle ends pointing outward. Water was delivered in small increments that traveled through the paper via capillary action. Three water delivery volumes were tested, with the largest (480 μL) outperforming the 400 μL, and 320 μL volumes for percent germination (90.6%) and root growth (mean = 4.1 mm) during the 34-hour spaceflight experiment. The ground control experiment yielded similar results, but with lower rates of germination (84.4%) and shorter root lengths (mean = 2.8 mm). It is not clear if the roots emerged more quickly in microgravity and/or grew faster than the ground controls. The single layer of thick germination paper generally exhibited better overall growth than the two layered option. Significant seed position effects were observed in both the flight and ground control experiments. Overall, the design of the water delivery system, seed cassettes and the germination paper strip concept was validated as an effective method for promoting seed germination and root growth under microgravity conditions.

Thickness-dependent blue shift in the excitonic peak of conformally grown ZnO:Al on ion-beam fabricated self-organized Si ripples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Basu, T.; Kumar, M.; Som, T., E-mail: tsom@iopb.res.in

2015-09-14

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films of thicknesses 5,10, 15, 20, and 30 nm were deposited on 500 eV argon ion-beam fabricated nanoscale self-organized rippled-Si substrates at room temperature and are compared with similar films deposited on pristine-Si substrates (without ripples). It is observed that morphology of self-organized AZO films is driven by the underlying substrate morphology. For instance, for pristine-Si substrates, a granular morphology evolves for all AZO films. On the other hand, for rippled-Si substrates, morphologies having chain-like arrangement (anisotropic in nature) are observed up to a thickness of 20 nm, while a granular morphology evolves (isotropic in nature) for 30 nm-thick film.more » Photoluminescence studies reveal that excitonic peaks corresponding to 5–15 nm-thick AZO films, grown on rippled-Si templates, show a blue shift of 8 nm and 3 nm, respectively, whereas the peak shift is negligible for 20-nm thick film (with respect to their pristine counter parts). The observed blue shifts are substantiated by diffuse reflectance study and attributed to quantum confinement effect, associated with the size of the AZO grains and their spatial arrangements driven by the anisotropic morphology of underlying rippled-Si templates. The present findings will be useful for making tunable AZO-based light-emitting devices.« less

Decolorization of acid and basic dyes: understanding the metabolic degradation and cell-induced adsorption/precipitation by Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Cerboneschi, Matteo; Corsi, Massimo; Bianchini, Roberto; Bonanni, Marco; Tegli, Stefania

2015-10-01

Escherichia coli strain DH5α was successfully employed in the decolorization of commercial anthraquinone and azo dyes, belonging to the general classes of acid or basic dyes. The bacteria showed an aptitude to survive at different pH values on any dye solution tested, and a rapid decolorization was obtained under aerobic conditions for the whole collection of dyes. A deep investigation about the mode of action of E. coli was carried out to demonstrate that dye decolorization mainly occurred via three different pathways, specifically bacterial induced precipitation, cell wall adsorption, and metabolism, whose weight was correlated with the chemical nature of the dye. In the case of basic azo dyes, an unexpected fast decolorization was observed after just 2-h postinoculation under aerobic conditions, suggesting that metabolism was the main mechanism involved in basic azo dye degradation, as unequivocally demonstrated by mass spectrometric analysis. The reductive cleavage of the azo group by E. coli on basic azo dyes was also further demonstrated by the inhibition of decolorization occurring when glucose was added to the dye solution. Moreover, no residual toxicity was found in the E. coli-treated basic azo dye solutions by performing Daphnia magna acute toxicity assays. The results of the present study demonstrated that E. coli can be simply exploited for its natural metabolic pathways, without applying any recombinant technology. The high versatility and adaptability of this bacterium could encourage its involvement in industrial bioremediation of textile and leather dyeing wastewaters.

Total aerobic destruction of azo contaminants with nanoscale zero-valent copper at neutral pH: promotion effect of in-situ generated carbon center radicals.

PubMed

Dong, Guohui; Ai, Zhihui; Zhang, Lizhi

2014-12-01

In this study, nanoscale zero-valent copper (nZVC) was synthesized with a facile solvothermal method and used for the aerobic removal of azo contaminants at neutral pH for the first time. We found that both Cu(I) and OH generated during the nZVC induced molecular oxygen activation process accounted for the rapid total destruction of azo contaminants in the nZVC/Air system, where nZVC could activate molecular oxygen to produce H2O2, and also release Cu(I) to break the -NN- bond of azo contaminants via the sandmeyer reaction for the generation of carbon center radicals. The in-situ generated carbon center radicals would then react with OH produced by the Cu(I) catalyzed decomposition of H2O2, resulting in the generation of low molecular weight organic acids and their subsequent mineralization. The indispensible role of Cu(I) catalyzed sandmeyer reaction and the promotion effect of in-situ generated carbon center radicals on the rapid total destruction of azo contaminants in the nZVC/Air system were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. This study can deepen our understanding on the degradation of organic pollutant with molecular oxygen activated by zero valent metal, and also provide a new method to remove azo contaminants at neutral pH. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer.

PubMed

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A; Willander, Magnus

2013-09-30

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer

PubMed Central

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S.; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A.; Willander, Magnus

2013-01-01

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices. PMID:28788336

Method of transferring strained semiconductor structure

DOEpatents

Nastasi, Michael A [Santa Fe, NM; Shao, Lin [College Station, TX

2009-12-29

The transfer of strained semiconductor layers from one substrate to another substrate involves depositing a multilayer structure on a substrate having surface contaminants. An interface that includes the contaminants is formed in between the deposited layer and the substrate. Hydrogen atoms are introduced into the structure and allowed to diffuse to the interface. Afterward, the deposited multilayer structure is bonded to a second substrate and is separated away at the interface, which results in transferring a multilayer structure from one substrate to the other substrate. The multilayer structure includes at least one strained semiconductor layer and at least one strain-induced seed layer. The strain-induced seed layer can be optionally etched away after the layer transfer.

Structure of the Developing Pea Seed Coat and the Post‐phloem Transport Pathway of Nutrients

PubMed Central

VAN DONGEN, JOOST T.; AMMERLAAN, ANKIE M. H.; WOUTERLOOD, MADELEINE; VAN AELST, ADRIAAN C.; BORSTLAP, ADRIANUS C.

2003-01-01

An important function of the seed coat is to deliver nutrients to the embryo. To relate this function to anatomical characteristics, the developing seed coat of pea (Pisum sativum L.) was examined by light‐ and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) from the late pre‐storage phase until the end of seed filling. During this time the apparently undifferentiated seed coat tissues evolve into the epidermal macrosclereids, the hypodermal hourglass cells, chlorenchyma, ground parenchyma and branched parenchyma. Using the fluorescent symplast tracer 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid, it could be demonstrated that solutes imported by the phloem move into the chlorenchyma and ground parenchyma, but not into the branched parenchyma. From a comparison with literature data of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.), it is concluded that in the three species different parenchyma layers, but not the branched parenchyma, may be involved in the post‐phloem symplasmic transport of nutrients in the seed coat. In pea, the branched parenchyma dies during the storage phase, and its cell wall remnants then form the boundary layer between the living seed coat parenchyma cells and the cotyledons. Using cryo‐SEM, clear images were obtained of this boundary layer which showed that many intracellular spaces in the seed coat parenchyma are filled with an aqueous solution. This is suggested to facilitate the diffusion of nutrients from the site of unloading towards the cotyledons. PMID:12714370

Assessment of photocatalytic potentiality and determination of ecotoxicity (using plant model for better environmental applicability) of synthesized copper, copper oxide and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Das, Debadrito; Kumbhakar, Divya Vishambhar; Ghosh, Bapi; Pramanik, Ankita; Gupta, Sudha; Mandal, Aninda

2017-01-01

NPs synthesis, characterization and azo-dye degradation A facile cost effective wet chemical method of synthesis is proposed for Cu-NPs, CuO-NPs and Cu-doped ZnO-NPs. The nanomaterials are opto-physically characterized for nano standard quality. Cu-doped ZnO-NPs based catalytic system is found to possess most efficient photocatalytic activity in degradation of two organic azo-dyes namely methyl red (MR) and malachite green (MG) that are released as industrial effluents in eco-environment intercollegium. Two possible photocatalytic degradation pathways are proposed to understand the mechanism of interaction prevailing during the mineralization of MR and MG dyes. Such study provides insight for waste water management. The uniqueness of the present work is 1) possible routes of MG dye degradation by Cu-doped ZnO-NPs and subsequent intermediate by-products are novel and pioneered of its kind. 2) two new intermediate byproducts are identified suggesting prevalence of multiple MR degradation pathways by Cu-doped ZnO-NPs. Assessment of ecotoxicity For assessment of residual NPs impact on environment, eco-toxicological assay is performed using plant system (Sesamum indicum L.) as model. The study encompasses seed germination, seedling morphology, quantification of endogenous H2O2 and MDA generation, estimation of DNA double strand break and analysis of cell cycle inhibition. Results highlight reduced ecotoxicity of Cu-doped ZnO-NPs compared to the other synthesized nanomaterials thereby suggesting better environmental applicability in waste water purification. PMID:28796823

Fast response dry-type artificial molecular muscles with [c2]daisy chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwaso, Kazuhisa; Takashima, Yoshinori; Harada, Akira

2016-06-01

Hierarchically organized myosin and actin filaments found in biological systems exhibit contraction and expansion behaviours that produce work and force by consuming chemical energy. Inspired by these naturally occurring examples, we have developed photoresponsive wet- and dry-type molecular actuators built from rotaxane-based compounds known as [c2]daisy chains (specifically, [c2]AzoCD2 hydrogel and [c2]AzoCD2 xerogel). These actuators were prepared via polycondensation between four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) and a [c2]daisy chain based on α-cyclodextrin as the host component and azobenzene as a photoresponsive guest component. The light-induced actuation arises from the sliding motion of the [c2]daisy chain unit. Ultraviolet irradiation caused the gels to bend towards the light source. The response of the [c2]AzoCD2 xerogel, even under dry conditions, is very fast (7° every second), which is 10,800 times faster than the [c2]AzoCD2 hydrogel (7° every 3 h). In addition, the [c2]AzoCD2 xerogel was used as a crane arm to lift an object using ultraviolet irradiation to produce mechanical work.

High-energy, stable and recycled molecular solar thermal storage materials using AZO/graphene hybrids by optimizing hydrogen bonds.

PubMed

Luo, Wen; Feng, Yiyu; Qin, Chengqun; Li, Man; Li, Shipei; Cao, Chen; Long, Peng; Liu, Enzuo; Hu, Wenping; Yoshino, Katsumi; Feng, Wei

2015-10-21

An important method for establishing a high-energy, stable and recycled molecular solar heat system is by designing and preparing novel photo-isomerizable molecules with a high enthalpy and a long thermal life by controlling molecular interactions. A meta- and ortho-bis-substituted azobenzene chromophore (AZO) is covalently grafted onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for solar thermal storage materials. High grafting degree and close-packed molecules enable intermolecular hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) for both trans-(E) and cis-(Z) isomers of AZO on the surface of nanosheets, resulting in a dramatic increase in enthalpy and lifetime. The metastable Z-form of AZO on RGO is thermally stabilized with a half-life of 52 days by steric hindrance and intermolecular H-bonds calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The AZO-RGO fuel shows a high storage capacity of 138 Wh kg(-1) by optimizing intermolecular H-bonds with a good cycling stability for 50 cycles induced by visible light at 520 nm. Our work opens up a new method for making advanced molecular solar thermal storage materials by tuning molecular interactions on a nano-template.

Estimation of loci involved in non-shattering of seeds in early rice domestication.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Ryo; Nishimura, Akinori; Htun, Than Myint; Nishioka, Ryo; Oka, Yumi; Tsujimura, Yuki; Inoue, Chizuru; Ishii, Takashige

2017-04-01

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is widely cultivated around the world and is known to be domesticated from its wild form, O. rufipogon. A loss of seed shattering is one of the most obvious phenotypic changes selected for during rice domestication. Previously, three seed-shattering loci, qSH1, sh4, and qSH3 were reported to be involved in non-shattering of seeds of Japonica-type cultivated rice, O. sativa cv. Nipponbare. In this study, we focused on non-shattering characteristics of O. sativa Indica cv. IR36 having functional allele at qSH1. We produced backcross recombinant inbred lines having chromosomal segments from IR36 in the genetic background of wild rice, O. rufipogon W630. Histological and quantitative trait loci analyses of abscission layer formation were conducted. In the analysis of quantitative trait loci, a strong peak was observed close to sh4. We, nevertheless, found that some lines showed complete abscission layer formation despite carrying the IR36 allele at sh4, implying that non-shattering of seeds of IR36 could be regulated by the combination of mutations at sh4 and other seed-shattering loci. We also genotyped qSH3, a recently identified seed-shattering locus. Lines that have the IR36 alleles at sh4 and qSH3 showed inhibition of abscission layer formation but the degree of seed shattering was different from that of IR36. On the basis of these results, we estimated that non-shattering of seeds in early rice domestication involved mutations in at least three loci, and these genetic materials produced in this study may help to identify novel seed-shattering loci.

The MADS Box Genes ABS, SHP1, and SHP2 Are Essential for the Coordination of Cell Divisions in Ovule and Seed Coat Development and for Endosperm Formation in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Tekleyohans, Dawit G.; Wittkop, Benjamin; Snowdon, Rod J.

2016-01-01

Seed formation is a pivotal process in plant reproduction and dispersal. It begins with megagametophyte development in the ovule, followed by fertilization and subsequently coordinated development of embryo, endosperm, and maternal seed coat. Two closely related MADS-box genes, SHATTERPROOF 1 and 2 (SHP1 and SHP2) are involved in specifying ovule integument identity in Arabidopsis thaliana. The MADS box gene ARABIDOPSIS BSISTER (ABS or TT16) is required, together with SEEDSTICK (STK) for the formation of endothelium, part of the seed coat and innermost tissue layer formed by the maternal plant. Little is known about the genetic interaction of SHP1 and SHP2 with ABS and the coordination of endosperm and seed coat development. In this work, mutant and expression analysis shed light on this aspect of concerted development. Triple tt16 shp1 shp2 mutants produce malformed seedlings, seed coat formation defects, fewer seeds, and mucilage reduction. While shp1 shp2 mutants fail to coordinate the timely development of ovules, tt16 mutants show less peripheral endosperm after fertilization. Failure in coordinated division of the innermost integument layer in early ovule stages leads to inner seed coat defects in tt16 and tt16 shp1 shp2 triple mutant seeds. An antagonistic action of ABS and SHP1/SHP2 is observed in inner seed coat layer formation. Expression analysis also indicates that ABS represses SHP1, SHP2, and FRUITFUL expression. Our work shows that the evolutionary conserved Bsister genes are required not only for endothelium but also for endosperm development and genetically interact with SHP1 and SHP2 in a partially antagonistic manner. PMID:27776173

Time-dependent efficiency measurements of polymer solar cells with dye additives: unexpected initial increase of efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandaccari, Kyle J.; Chesmore, Grace E.; Bugaj, Mitchel; Valverde, Parisa Tajalli-Tehrani; Barber, Richard P.; McNelis, Brian J.

2018-04-01

We report the effects of the addition of two azo-dye additives on the time-dependent efficiency of polymer solar cells. Although the maximum efficiencies of devices containing different amounts of dye do not vary greatly over the selected concentration range, the time dependence results reveal a surprising initial increase in efficiency in some samples. We observe this effect to be correlated with a leakage current, although a specific mechanism is not yet identified. We also present the measured lifetimes of these solar cells, and find that variations in dye concentrations produce a small effect at most. Characterization of the bulk heterojunction layer (active layer) morphology using atomic-force microscope (AFM) imaging reveals reordering patterns which suggest that the primary effects of the dyes arise via structural, not absorptive, characteristics.

Tunable Cascade Reaction of Aryl Diazonium Salts and Trialkylamine: Synthesis of Monofluorinated Arylhydrazones and gem-Difluorinated Azo Compounds.

PubMed

Guo, Rui; Zhang, Zhengjuan; Shi, Feng; Tang, Pingping

2016-03-04

The first example of a mild and tunable cascade reaction of aryl diazonium salts and trialkylamine in the presence of Selectfluor to prepare monofluorinated arylhydrazones and gem-difluorinated azo compounds without metal has been explored. In the presence of H2O, the monofluorinated arylhydrazones were observed in moderate to good yield. In the absence of H2O, the gem-difluorinated azo compounds were obtained. The fluorinated arylhydrazones were utilized to synthesize fluorinated pyrazoles and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

Influences of ultra-thin Ti seed layers on the dewetting phenomenon of Au films deposited on Si oxide substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamiko, Masao; Kim, So-Mang; Jeong, Young-Seok; Ha, Jae-Ho; Koo, Sang-Mo; Ha, Jae-Geun

2018-05-01

The influences of a Ti seed layer (1 nm) on the dewetting phenomenon of Au films (5 nm) grown onto amorphous SiO2 substrates have been studied and compared. Atomic force microscopy results indicated that the introduction of Ti between the substrate and Au promoted the dewetting phenomenon. X-ray diffraction measurements suggested that the initial deposition of Ti promoted crystallinity of Au. A series of Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed that Ti transformed to a Ti oxide layer by reduction of the amorphous SiO2 substrate surface, and that the Ti seed layer remained on the substrate, without going through the dewetting process during annealing. We concluded that the enhancement of Au dewetting and the improvement in crystallinity of Au by the insertion of Ti could be attributed to the fact that Au location was changed from the surface of the amorphous SiO2 substrate to that of the Ti oxide layer.

Dual-layer electrode-driven liquid crystal lens with electrically tunable focal length and focal plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. A.; Lin, C. F.; Lin, J. P.; Zeng, X. Y.; Yan, Q.; Zhou, X. T.; Guo, T. L.

2018-04-01

Electric-field-driven liquid crystal (ELC) lens with tunable focal length and their depth of field has been extensively applied in 3D display and imaging systems. In this work, a dual-layer electrode-driven liquid crystal (DELC) lens with electrically tunable focal length and controllable focal plane is demonstrated. ITO-SiO2-AZO electrodes with the dual-layer staggered structure on the top substrate are used as driven electrodes within a LC cell, which permits the establishment of an alternative controllability. The focal length of the DELC lens can be adjusted from 1.41 cm to 0.29 cm when the operating voltage changes from 15 V to 40 V. Furthermore, the focal plane of the DELC lens can selectively move by changing the driving method of the applied voltage to the next driven electrodes. This work demonstrates that the DELC lens has potential applications in imaging systems because of electrically tunable focal length and controllable focal plane.

Poole-Frenkel effect on electrical characterization of Al-doped ZnO films deposited on p-type GaN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Bohr-Ran; Liao, Chung-Chi; Ke, Wen-Cheng, E-mail: wcke@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

2014-03-21

This paper presents the electrical properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films directly grown on two types of p-type GaN thin films. The low-pressure p-GaN thin films (LP-p-GaN) exhibited structural properties of high-density edge-type threading dislocations (TDs) and compensated defects (i.e., nitrogen vacancy). Compared with high-pressure p-GaN thin films (HP-p-GaN), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy of Ga 3d core levels indicated that the surface Fermi-level shifted toward the higher binding-energy side by approximately 0.7 eV. The high-density edge-type TDs and compensated defects enabled surface Fermi-level shifting above the intrinsic Fermi-level, causing the surface of LP-p-GaN thin films to invert to n-type semiconductor. A highlymore » nonlinear increase in leakage current regarding reverse-bias voltage was observed for AZO/LP-p-GaN. The theoretical fits for the reverse-bias voltage region indicated that the field-assisted thermal ionization of carriers from defect associated traps, which is known as the Poole-Frenkel effect, dominated the I-V behavior of AZO/LP-p-GaN. The fitting result estimated the trap energy level at 0.62 eV below the conduction band edge. In addition, the optical band gap increased from 3.50 eV for as-deposited AZO films to 3.62 eV for 300 °C annealed AZO films because of the increased carrier concentration. The increasing Fermi-level of the 300 °C annealed AZO films enabled the carrier transport to move across the interface into the LP-p-GaN thin films without any thermal activated energy. Thus, the Ohmic behavior of AZO contact can be achieved directly on the low-pressure p-GaN films at room temperature.« less

Poole-Frenkel effect on electrical characterization of Al-doped ZnO films deposited on p-type GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bohr-Ran; Liao, Chung-Chi; Ke, Wen-Cheng; Chang, Yuan-Ching; Huang, Hao-Ping; Chen, Nai-Chuan

2014-03-01

This paper presents the electrical properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films directly grown on two types of p-type GaN thin films. The low-pressure p-GaN thin films (LP-p-GaN) exhibited structural properties of high-density edge-type threading dislocations (TDs) and compensated defects (i.e., nitrogen vacancy). Compared with high-pressure p-GaN thin films (HP-p-GaN), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy of Ga 3d core levels indicated that the surface Fermi-level shifted toward the higher binding-energy side by approximately 0.7 eV. The high-density edge-type TDs and compensated defects enabled surface Fermi-level shifting above the intrinsic Fermi-level, causing the surface of LP-p-GaN thin films to invert to n-type semiconductor. A highly nonlinear increase in leakage current regarding reverse-bias voltage was observed for AZO/LP-p-GaN. The theoretical fits for the reverse-bias voltage region indicated that the field-assisted thermal ionization of carriers from defect associated traps, which is known as the Poole-Frenkel effect, dominated the I-V behavior of AZO/LP-p-GaN. The fitting result estimated the trap energy level at 0.62 eV below the conduction band edge. In addition, the optical band gap increased from 3.50 eV for as-deposited AZO films to 3.62 eV for 300 °C annealed AZO films because of the increased carrier concentration. The increasing Fermi-level of the 300 °C annealed AZO films enabled the carrier transport to move across the interface into the LP-p-GaN thin films without any thermal activated energy. Thus, the Ohmic behavior of AZO contact can be achieved directly on the low-pressure p-GaN films at room temperature.

Germination and elongation of flax in microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, H.; Anderson, K.; Boody, A.; Cox, D.; Kuznetsov, O.; Hasenstein, K.

This experiment was conducted as part of a risk mitigation BIOTUBE Precursor hardware demonstration payload aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-101. The objectives were to provide a demonstration and test of the newly developed BIOTUBE water delivery subsystem, and to determine the optimal water volume and germination paper combination for the automated imbibition and germination of flax (Linum usitatissimum) seeds in space. Two different substrate treatments of standard laboratory germination paper were tested for their ability to absorb, distribute, and retain water in microgravity. The first consisted of one layer of thick germination paper (designated "heavy"), and the second consisted of one layer of standard germination paper (designated "normal") under one layer of heavy germination paper. The germination paper strips were cut (4 X 1.6 cm) to fit snugly into seed cassettes. The seeds were attached to them by applying guar glue (1.25% w/v) drops to 8 premarked spots and the seeds orientated with the micropyle ends pointing outward. Water was delivered in 50 μL boluses which slowly traveled down the paper via capillary action (eliminating the complications caused by excess water pooling around the seed's surface). The data indicated that the 480 μL water delivery volume provided the best wetness level treatment for both percent germination (90.6%) and overall root growth (mean = 4.1 mm) during the 34 hour spaceflight experiment. The ground control experiment experienced similar results, but with slightly lower rates of germination (84.4%) and significantly shorter root lengths (2.8 mm). It is not clear if the roots emerged more quickly in microgravity and/or grew faster than the ground controls. The single layer of "Heavy" germination paper generally exhibited better overall growth than the two layered option. This in conjunction with the simplicity of using a single strip per seed cassette argues in favor of its selection. Significant seed position effects were observed in both the flight and ground control experiments. Overall, the design of the water delivery subsystem, seed cassettes and the germination paper strip concept was validated under microgravity conditions as an effective method of maintaining seed position and allowing adequate room for root growth. This work was supported under NASA Contract NAS10-002001.

A Novel Seeding Method of Interfacial Polymerization-Assisted Dip Coating for the Preparation of Zeolite NaA Membranes on Ceramic Hollow Fiber Supports.

PubMed

Cao, Yue; Wang, Ming; Xu, Zhen-Liang; Ma, Xiao-Hua; Xue, Shuang-Mei

2016-09-28

A novel seeding method combining interfacial polymerization (IP) technique with dip-coating operation was designed for directly coating nanosized NaA seed crystals (150 nm) onto the micrometer-sized α-Al2O3 hollow fiber support, in which the polyamide (PA) produced by IP acted as an effective medium to freeze and fix seed crystals at the proper position so that the controlled seed layer could be accomplished. While a coating suspension with only 0.5 wt % seed content was used, a very thin seed layer with high quality and good adhesion was achieved through dip coating twice without drying between, and the whole seeding process was operated at ambient conditions. The resulting zeolite NaA membranes not only exhibited high pervaporation (PV) performance with an average separation factor above 10000 and flux nearly 9.0 kg/m(2)·h in dehydration of 90 wt % ethanol aqueous solution at 348 K but also demonstrated great reproducibility by testing more than eight batches of zeolite membranes. In addition, this seeding strategy could be readily extended to the preparation of other supported zeolite membranes for a wide range of separation applications.

DNA Microcapsule for Photo-Triggered Drug Release Systems.

PubMed

Kamiya, Yukiko; Yamada, Yoshinobu; Muro, Takahiro; Matsuura, Kazunori; Asanuma, Hiroyuki

2017-12-19

In this study we constructed spherical photo-responsive microcapsules composed of three photo-switchable DNA strands. These strands first formed a three-way junction (TWJ) motif that further self-assembled to form microspheres through hybridization of the sticky-end regions of each branch. To serve as the photo-switch, multiple unmodified azobenzene (Azo) or 2,6-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)azobenzene (SDM-Azo) were introduced into the sticky-end regions via a d-threoninol linker. The DNA capsule structure deformed upon trans-to-cis isomerization of Azo or SDM-Azo induced by specific light irradiation. In addition, photo-triggered release of encapsulated small molecules from the DNA microcapsule was successfully achieved. Moreover, we demonstrated that photo-triggered release of doxorubicin caused cytotoxicity to cultured cells. This biocompatible photo-responsive microcapsule has potential application as a photo-controlled drug-release system. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication and Characterization of Fully Transparent ZnO Thin-Film Transistors and Self-Switching Nano-Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y.; Ashida, K.; Sasaki, S.; Koyama, M.; Maemoto, T.; Sasa, S.; Kasai, S.; Iñiguez-de-la-Torre, I.; González, T.

2015-10-01

Fully transparent zinc oxide (ZnO) based thin-film transistors (TFTs) and a new type of rectifiers calls self-switching nano-diodes (SSDs) were fabricated on glass substrates at room temperature by using low resistivity and transparent conducting Al- doped ZnO (AZO) thin-films. The deposition conditions of AZO thin-films were optimized with pulsed laser deposition (PLD). AZO thin-films on glass substrates were characterized and the transparency of 80% and resistivity with 1.6*10-3 Ωcm were obtained of 50 nm thickness. Transparent ZnO-TFTs were fabricated on glass substrates by using AZO thin-films as electrodes. A ZnO-TFT with 2 μm long gate device exhibits a transconductance of 400 μS/mm and an ON/OFF ratio of 2.8*107. Transparent ZnO-SSDs were also fabricated by using ZnO based materials and clear diode-like characteristics were observed.

Growth and characterization of highly conducting Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films for optoelectronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardana, Sanjay K.; Singh, Anil; Srivastava, Sanjay K.; Pandya, Dinesh K.

2018-05-01

A comparative study of undoped ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films deposited on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis has been carried out at various aqueous molar concentration of zinc acetate. The thin films deposited on glass shows the wurtzite phase of ZnO, confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The optical study shows the high transmittance over 80% in the visible regime. The band gap of AZO thin films shows a blue shift as compared to undoped ZnO, which has been attributed to Burstein-Moss shift. Heat treatment of these samples in vacuum showed the improved conductivity in compared to as-deposited thin films. The electric study shows the minimum resistivity of 8 x 10-3 Ω-cm and carrier concentration of 6.5 × 1019 /cm3 correspond to AZO thin films.

Methods for the analysis of azo dyes employed in food industry--A review.

PubMed

Yamjala, Karthik; Nainar, Meyyanathan Subramania; Ramisetti, Nageswara Rao

2016-02-01

A wide variety of azo dyes are generally added for coloring food products not only to make them visually aesthetic but also to reinstate the original appearance lost during the production process. However, many countries in the world have banned the use of most of the azo dyes in food and their usage is highly regulated by domestic and export food supplies. The regulatory authorities and food analysts adopt highly sensitive and selective analytical methods for monitoring as well as assuring the quality and safety of food products. The present manuscript presents a comprehensive review of various analytical techniques used in the analysis of azo dyes employed in food industries of different parts of the world. A brief description on the use of different extraction methods such as liquid-liquid, solid phase and membrane extraction has also been presented. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design, synthesis, and spectroscopic study of some new flavones containing two azo linkages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayoob, Mzgin Mohammed; Hawaiz, Farouq Emam

2017-09-01

In the present study; 5-(4-chlorophenyl azo) -2-hydroxy acetophenone (1) was prepared by diazotization of 4-chloro aniline and its coupling reaction with 2-hydroxy acetophenone, then reacted with different azo benzyloxy benzaldehydes(3a-i) to give new synthesized 2-hydroxy chalcones(4a-i). The later compounds were subjected to oxidative cyclization by catalytic amount of I2 in DMSO affording the target molecules new flavones bearing two azo-linkages (5a-i). The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were identified on the bases of their FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and DEPT-135 spectra. The synthesized Flavone derivatives were evaluated against two types of bacteria gram positive (Staphylococcus aurous) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results showed that most of the synthesized flavones are more sensitive against (G -ve) bacteria than (G +ve) bacteria.

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Effect of Annealing Conditions on Properties of Sol-Gel Derived Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Mei-Zhen; Zhang, Feng; Liu, Jing; Sun, Hui-Na

2009-08-01

Transparent conductive Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films are prepared on normal glass substrates by the sol-gel spin coating method. The effects of drying conditions, annealing temperature and cooling rate on the structural, electrical and optical properties of AZO films are investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, the four-point probe method and UV-VIS spectrophotometry, respectively. The deposited films show a hexagonal wurtzite structure and high preferential c-axis orientation. As the drying temperature increases from 100°C to 300°C the resistivity of AZO films decreases dramatically. In contrast to the annealed films cooled in a furnace and in air, the resistivity of the annealed film which is cooled at -15°C is greatly reduced. Increasing the cooling rate dramatically increases the electrical conductivity of AZO films.

Crystalline Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsapatsis, Michael (Inventor); Lai, Zhiping (Inventor)

2008-01-01

In certain aspects, the invention features methods for forming crystalline membranes (e.g., a membrane of a framework material, such as a zeolite) by inducing secondary growth in a layer of oriented seed crystals. The rate of growth of the seed crystals in the plane of the substrate is controlled to be comparable to the rate of growth out of the plane. As a result, a crystalline membrane can form a substantially continuous layer including grains of uniform crystallographic orientation that extend through the depth of the layer.

Enzymatic reduction of azo and indigoid compounds.

PubMed

Pricelius, S; Held, C; Murkovic, M; Bozic, M; Kokol, V; Cavaco-Paulo, A; Guebitz, G M

2007-11-01

A customer- and environment-friendly method for the decolorization azo dyes was developed. Azoreductases could be used both to bleach hair dyed with azo dyes and to reduce dyes in vat dyeing of textiles. A new reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent azoreductase of Bacillus cereus, which showed high potential for reduction of these dyes, was purified using a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography and had a molecular mass of 21.5 kDa. The optimum pH of the azoreductase depended on the substrate and was within the range of pH 6 to 7, while the maximum temperature was reached at 40 degrees C. Oxygen was shown to be an alternative electron acceptor to azo compounds and must therefore be excluded during enzymatic dye reduction. Biotransformation of the azo dyes Flame Orange and Ruby Red was studied in more detail using UV-visible spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry (MS). Reduction of the azo bonds leads to cleavage of the dyes resulting in the cleavage product 2-amino-1,3 dimethylimidazolium and N approximately 1 approximately ,N approximately 1 approximately -dimethyl-1,4-benzenediamine for Ruby Red, while only the first was detected for Flame Orange because of MS instability of the expected 1,4-benzenediamine. The azoreductase was also found to reduce vat dyes like Indigo Carmine (C.I. Acid Blue 74). Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as an oxidizing agent was used to reoxidize the dye into the initial form. The reduction and oxidation mechanism of Indigo Carmine was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy.

Effect of Precursors on Key Opto-electrical Properties of Successive Ion Layer Adsorption and Reaction-Prepared Al:ZnO Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Deva Arun; Valanarasu, S.; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd.; Kathalingam, A.; AlFaify, S.

2018-02-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method using different precursors. This inexpensive SILAR method involves dipping of substrate sequentially in zinc solution, de-ionized water and ethylene glycol in multiple cycles. Prepared films were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectroscopy and electrical studies. XRD study confirmed incorporation of aluminum in ZnO lattice with a polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure of the films. The crystallite size determined by the Scherrer equation showed an increase from 28 nm to 35 nm for samples S1 to S4, respectively. SEM study showed smooth morphology with homogeneous distribution of particles. From the AFM images, the surface roughness was found to change according to precursors. For the optical analysis, the zinc chloride precursor showed high optical transmittance of about 90% in the visible range with a band gap value 3.15 eV. The room-temperature PL spectra exhibited a stronger violet emission peak at 420 nm for all the prepared samples. The Raman spectra showed a peak around 435 cm-1 which could be assigned to non-polar optical phonons (E2-high) mode AZO films of a ZnO wurtzite structure. Hall effect measurements showed n-type conductivity with low resistivity ( ρ) and high carrier concentrations ( n) of 2.39 × 10-3 Ω-cm and 8.96 × 1020 cm-3, respectively, for the film deposited using zinc chloride as precursor. The above properties make the prepared AZO film to be regarded as a very promising electrode material for fabrication of optoelectronic devices.

Simultaneous Decolorization and Biohydrogen Production from Xylose by Klebsiella oxytoca GS-4-08 in the Presence of Azo Dyes with Sulfonate and Carboxyl Groups

PubMed Central

Cao, Ming-yue; Wang, Peng-tao; Wang, Shi; Yue, Ying-rong; Yuan, Wen-duo; Qiao, Wei-chuan; Wang, Fei

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Biohydrogen production from the pulp and paper effluent containing rich lignocellulosic material could be achieved by the fermentation process. Xylose, an important hemicellulose hydrolysis product, is used less efficiently as a substrate for biohydrogen production. Moreover, azo dyes are usually added to fabricate anticounterfeiting paper, which further increases the complexity of wastewater. This study reports that xylose could serve as the sole carbon source for a pure culture of Klebsiella oxytoca GS-4-08 to achieve simultaneous decolorization and biohydrogen production. With 2 g liter−1 of xylose as the substrate, a maximum xylose utilization rate (URxyl) and a hydrogen molar yield (HMY) of 93.99% and 0.259 mol of H2 mol of xylose−1, respectively, were obtained. Biohydrogen kinetics and electron equivalent (e− equiv) balance calculations indicated that methyl red (MR) penetrates and intracellularly inhibits both the pentose phosphate pathway and pyruvate fermentation pathway, while methyl orange (MO) acted independently of the glycolysis and biohydrogen pathway. The data demonstrate that biohydrogen pathways in the presence of azo dyes with sulfonate and carboxyl groups were different, but the azo dyes could be completely reduced during the biohydrogen production period in the presence of MO or MR. The feasibility of hydrogen production from industrial pulp and paper effluent by the strain if the xylose is sufficient was also proved and was not affected by toxic substances which usually exist in such wastewater, except for chlorophenol. This study offers a promising energy-recycling strategy for treating pulp and paper wastewaters, especially for those containing azo dyes. IMPORTANCE The pulp and paper industry is a major industry in many developing countries, and the global market of pulp and paper wastewater treatment is expected to increase by 60% between 2012 and 2020. Such wastewater contains large amounts of refractory contaminants, such as lignin, whose reclamation is considered economically crucial and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, azo dyes are usually added in order to fabricate anticounterfeiting paper, which further increases the complexity of the pulp and paper wastewater. This work may offer a better understanding of biohydrogen production from xylose in the presence of azo dyes and provide a promising energy-recycling method for treating pulp and paper wastewater, especially for those containing azo dyes. PMID:28283518

Paths of water entry and structures involved in the breaking of seed dormancy of Lupinus.

PubMed

Robles-Díaz, Erika; Flores, Joel; Yáñez-Espinosa, Laura

2016-03-15

Physical dormancy is the water impermeability of the seed coat caused by one or more palisade cell layer(s) called macrosclereids. The specialised structure for water entry sites is the water gap, which serves as a detector of environmental cues for germination. In Fabaceae, the water gap is the lens, although another seed structure for water entry could exist. In this study, we identified the initial site of water entry, observed the hydration of a cushion-like structure near the radicle, described the anatomy of the water gap, and analysed the association of anatomical seed traits with the initial site of water entry and the imbibition velocity of six species of Lupinus from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Dye tracking with a toluidine blue solution was used to identify the initial site of water entry. The anatomical description was performed using conventional microtechnique and a light microscope. The entry of the toluidine solution into seeds of L. montanus was observed after 6h, followed by L. exaltatus and L. mexicanus after 18h and L. elegans, L. reflexus and L. rotundiflorus after 48h. The site of water entry was the lens in L. elegans, L. exaltatus, L. reflexus and L. rotundiflorus and the micropyle in L. mexicanus and L. montanus. The cushion-like structure was responsible for water accumulation in embryo imbibition. Significant differences among anatomical seed traits such as thickness in the hilar region, the counter-palisade layer, cushion-like structure, epidermis, hypodermis, and innermost parenchyma layer were found among the species. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The MADS-box gene Agamous-like 11 is essential for seed morphogenesis in grapevine.

PubMed

Malabarba, Jaiana; Buffon, Vanessa; Mariath, Jorge E A; Gaeta, Marcos L; Dornelas, Marcelo C; Margis-Pinheiro, Márcia; Pasquali, Giancarlo; Revers, Luís F

2017-03-01

Despite the wide appreciation of seedless grapes, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive the stenospermocarpic seedless-type phenotype in grapevine. In order to address the molecular mechanisms that control seedlessness in grapevine, our study aimed to characterize VviAGL11, a class D MADS-box transcription factor gene that has been proposed as the major candidate gene involved in Vitis vinifera seed morphogenesis. VviAGL11 allelic variations in seeded and seedless grapevine cultivars were determined, and its correlations with allele-specific steady-state mRNA levels were investigated. VviAGL11 relative expression was significantly higher in seeds at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after fruit set, whereas in the seedless grape its transcript levels were extremely low in all stages analyzed. In situ hybridization revealed transcript accumulation specifically in the dual endotesta layer of the seeds, which is responsible for elongation and an increase of cell number, a necessary step to determine the lignification and the final seed size. No hybridization signals were visible in the seedless grapevine tissues, and a morphoanatomical analysis showed an apparent loss of identity of the endotesta layer of the seed traces. Ectopic expression of VviAGL11 in the Arabidopsis SEEDSTICK mutant background restored the wild-type phenotype and confirmed the direct role of VviAGL11 in seed morphogenesis, suggesting that depletion of its expression is responsible for the erroneous development of a highly essential seed layer, therefore culminating in the typical apirenic phenotype. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Influence of the Testa on Seed Dormancy, Germination, and Longevity in Arabidopsis1

PubMed Central

Debeaujon, Isabelle; Léon-Kloosterziel, Karen M.; Koornneef, Maarten

2000-01-01

The testa of higher plant seeds protects the embryo against adverse environmental conditions. Its role is assumed mainly by controlling germination through dormancy imposition and by limiting the detrimental activity of physical and biological agents during seed storage. To analyze the function of the testa in the model plant Arabidopsis, we compared mutants affected in testa pigmentation and/or structure for dormancy, germination, and storability. The seeds of most mutants exhibited reduced dormancy. Moreover, unlike wild-type testas, mutant testas were permeable to tetrazolium salts. These altered dormancy and tetrazolium uptake properties were related to defects in the pigmentation of the endothelium and its neighboring crushed parenchymatic layers, as determined by vanillin staining and microscopic observations. Structural aberrations such as missing layers or a modified epidermal layer in specific mutants also affected dormancy levels and permeability to tetrazolium. Both structural and pigmentation mutants deteriorated faster than the wild types during natural aging at room temperature, with structural mutants being the most strongly affected. PMID:10677433

Micro-PIXE investigation of bean seeds to assist micronutrient biofortification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cvitanich, Cristina; Przybyłowicz, Wojciech J.; Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz, Jolanta; Blair, Matthew W.; Astudillo, Carolina; Orłowska, Elżbieta; Jurkiewicz, Anna M.; Jensen, Erik Ø.; Stougaard, Jens

2011-10-01

This study compares the distribution and concentrations of micro- and macronutrients in different bean cultivars with the aim of optimizing the biofortification, a sustainable approach towards improving dietary quality. Micro-PIXE was used to reveal the distribution of Fe, Zn, Mn, Ca, P, S in seeds of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus). Average concentrations of elements in different tissues were obtained using ICP-AES. The highest concentrations of Zn in the studied beans were found in the embryonic axis, but an increased concentration of this element was also detected in the provascular bundles of the cotyledons. The first layer of cells surrounding provascular bundles accumulated high concentrations of Fe, while the next cell layer had an increased concentration of Mn. The analysis showed that the provascular bundles and the first cell layers surrounding them could have a significant role in the storage of important seed micronutrients - Zn, Fe, and Mn. This information has important implications for molecular biology studies aimed at seed biofortification.

Influence of annealing temperature on optical properties of Al doped ZnO nanoparticles via sol-gel methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashid, Affa Rozana Abd; Hazwani, Tuan Nur; Mukhtar, Wan Maisarah; Taib, Nur Athirah Mohd

2018-06-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films have become technologically important materials due to their wide range of electrical and optical properties. The characteristics can be further adjusted by adequate doping processes. The effect of dopant concentration of Al, heating treatment and annealing in reducing atmosphere on the optical properties of the thin films is discussed. Undoped and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films are prepared by the sol-gel method. Zinc acetate dihydrate, 2-methoxyethanol and monoethanolamine are used as precursor, solvent and stabilizer. In the case of AZO, aluminum nitrate nanohydrate is added to the precursor solution with an atomic percentage equal to 0 %, 1 %, 2 % and 3 % of Al. The multi thin layers are transformed into ZnO upon annealing at 450 °C and 500 °C. The optical properties such as transmittance, absorbance, band gap and refractive index of the thin films have been investigated by using UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The results show that the effect of aluminium dopant concentration on the optical properties is depend on the post-heat treatment of the films. By doping with Al, the transmittance spectra in visible range increased and widen the band gap of ZnO which might due to Burstein-moss effects.

Fabrication of high-performance UVC photodiodes by Al+3 ion adjustment in AZO/Si Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efafi, Babak; Mousavi, Seyedeh Soraya; Majlesara, Mohamad Hossein; Ghafary, Bijan; Sajad, Batool

2018-07-01

In this research, fabrication of high-performance UVC photodiodes based on Al: ZnO thin films is reported. AZO thin films were prepared through sol-gel based chemical routes (using organic precursors) followed by a spin coating method. The layers play a role of the n-type semiconductor deposited on the p-type silicon substrate which formed a p-n heterojunction. Optimizing the percentage of dopants, salt concentration, as well as deposition conditions, is essential for achieving high efficiency and reliable devices. For this aim, different samples were characterized under illumination of an ultraviolet source (254 nm, 268.27 μWcm-2). Then, I-V curves and photoresponsivity of the samples were recorded. A comparison between the results indicates that the sample prepared with a soil concentration of 1 M zinc acetate contains about 2 at. % aluminum has the highest responsivity among the others. Also, studying the photoluminescence spectra of the optimized sample demonstrates that it is significantly sensitive to the wavelength of 260 NM in UVC region. Moreover, the photocurrent to dark current ratio of 1.6 × 103, was measured for the most sensitive sample (with 2 at. % Al). In addition, the highest amount of quantum efficiency about 81% was also determined for this sample.

Ferroelectric Nematic and Ferrielectric Smectic Mesophases in an Achiral Bent-Core Azo Compound.

PubMed

Kumar, Jitendra; Prasad, Veena

2018-03-22

Here, we report the observation of ferroelectric nematic and ferrielectric smectic mesophases in an achiral bent-core azo compound consisting of nonsymmetrical molecules with a lateral fluoro substitution on one of the wings. These mesophases are enantiotropic in nature with fairly low transition temperatures and wide mesophase ranges. The liquid crystalline properties of this compound are investigated using polarizing optical microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, and electro-optical studies. As revealed by X-ray diffraction measurements, the nematic mesophase is composed of skewed cybotactic clusters and, in the smectic mesophase, the molecules are tilted with respect to the layer normal. The polar order in these mesophases was confirmed by the electro-optical switching and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. The dielectric study in the nematic mesophase shows a single relaxation process at low frequency ( f < 1 kHz) measured in the range 10 Hz to 5 MHz, which is attributed to the collective motion of the molecules within cybotactic clusters. The formation of local polar order in these clusters leads to a ferroelectric-like polar switching in the nematic mesophase. Of particular interest is the fact that the smectic phase exhibits a field induced ferrielectric state, which can be exploited for designing of the potential optical devices due to multistate switching.

Progress in a-SiOx:H thin film solar cells with patterned MgF2 dielectric for top cell of multi-junction system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Dong-Won; Sichanugrist, Porponth; Konagai, Makoto

2016-07-01

We successfully designed and experimentally demonstrated an application of patterned MgF2 dielectric material at rear Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/Ag interface in thin film amorphous silicon oxide ( a-SiOx:H) solar cells. When it was realized in practical device process, MgF2 coverage with patterned morphology was employed to allow for current flow between the AZO and Ag against highly resistive MgF2 material. On the basis of the suggested structure, we found an improvement in quantum efficiency of the solar cells with the patterned MgF2. In addition, an enhancement of open circuit voltage ( V oc ) and fill factor ( FF) was observed. A remarkable increase in shunt resistance of the cells with the MgF2 would possibly indicate that the highly resistive MgF2 layer can partly suppress physical shunting across top and bottom electrodes caused by very thin absorber thickness of only 100 nm. The approach showed that our best-performing device revealed an essential improvement in conversion efficiency from 7.83 to 8.01% with achieving markedly high V oc (1.013 V) and FF (0.729). [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Effect of nickel seed layer on growth of α-V2O5 nanostructured thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kant, Chandra; Kumar, Prabhat; Singh, Megha; Reddy, G. B.

2015-08-01

In this communication, we reported the role of Ni seed layer on the growth of vanadium pentoxide (α-V2O5) nanostructured thin films (NSTs) using plasma assisted sublimation process (PASP). Two different substrates, simple glass substrate and the Ni coated glass substrate (Ni thickness ˜ 100 nm) are employing in the present work. The influence of seed layer on structural, morphological, and vibrational properties have been studied systematically. The structural analysis divulged that both films deposited on simple glass as well as on Ni coated glass shown purely orthorhombic phase, no other phases are detected. The morphological studies of V2O5 film deposited on both substrates are carried out by SEM, revealed that features of V2O5 NSTs is completely modified in presence of Ni seed layer and the film possessing the excellent growth of nanorods (NRs) on Ni coated glass rather than simple glass. The HRTEM analysis of NRs is performed at very high magnification, shows very fine fringe pattern, which confirmed the single crystalline nature of nanorods. The vibrational study of NRs is performed using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which strongly support the XRD observations.

Diazobenzene-containing conjugated polymers as dark quenchers.

PubMed

Wu, Jiatao; Tan, Ying; Xie, Yonghua; Wu, Yi; Zhao, Rui; Jiang, Yuyang; Tan, Chunyan

2013-12-18

The synthesis and photophysical characterization of new conjugated polymers (CPs) with alternating phenylethynylene and diazobenzene (azo-PPE) units were reported, which showed broadened absorption and no measurable fluorescence. Quenching studies showed that azo-PPEs displayed high efficiency over a wide wavelength range.

Synthesis and anion recognition studies of novel bis (4-hydroxycoumarin) methane azo dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panitsiri, Amorn; Tongkhan, Sukanya; Radchatawedchakoon, Widchaya; Sakee, Uthai

2016-03-01

Four new bis (4-hydroxycoumarin) methane azo dyes were synthesized by the condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin with four different azo salicylaldehydes and their structures were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS. Anion binding ability in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions with tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salts (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, AcO- and H2PO4-) was investigated by the naked eye, as well as UV-visible spectroscopy. The sensor shows selective recognition towards fluoride and acetate. The binding affinity of the sensors with fluoride and acetate was calculated using UV-visible spectroscopic technique.

Development of a novel high-entropy alloy with eminent efficiency of degrading azo dye solutions

PubMed Central

Lv, Z. Y.; Liu, X. J.; Jia, B.; Wang, H.; Wu, Y.; Lu, Z. P.

2016-01-01

In addition to its scientific importance, the degradation of azo dyes is of practical significance from the perspective of environmental protection. Although encouraging progress has been made on developing degradation approaches and materials, it is still challenging to fully resolve this long-standing problem. Herein, we report that high entropy alloys, which have been emerging as a new class of metallic materials in the last decade, have excellent performance in degradation of azo dyes. In particular, the newly developed AlCoCrTiZn high-entropy alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying exhibits a prominent efficiency in degradation of the azo dye (Direct Blue 6: DB6), as high as that of the best metallic glass reported so far. The newly developed AlCoCrTiZn HEA powder has low activation energy barrier, i.e., 30 kJ/mol, for the degrading reaction and thus make the occurrence of reaction easier as compared with other materials such as the glassy Fe-based powders. The excellent capability of our high-entropy alloys in degrading azo dye is attributed to their unique atomic structure with severe lattice distortion, chemical composition effect, residual stress and high specific surface area. Our findings have important implications in developing novel high-entropy alloys for functional applications as catalyst materials. PMID:27677462

Surface nucleation in complex rheological systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herfurth, J.; Ulrich, J.

2017-07-01

Forced nucleation induced by suitable foreign seeds is an important tool to control the production of defined crystalline products. The quality of a surface provided by seed materials represents an important variable in the production of crystallizing layers that means for the nucleation process. Parameters like shape and surface structure, size and size distribution of the seed particles as well as the ability to hold up the moisture (the solvent), can have an influence on the nucleation process of different viscous supersaturated solutions. Here the properties of different starch powders as seeds obtained from corn, potato, rice, tapioca and wheat were tested. It could be found, that the best nucleation behavior of a sugar solution could be reached with the use of corn starch as seed material. Here the surface of the crystallized sugar layer is smooth, crystallization time is short (<3 h) and the shape of the product is easily reproducible. Beneficial properties of seed materials are therefore an edged, uneven surface, small particle sizes as well as low moisture content at ambient conditions within the seed materials.

Photocatalytic mineralization and degradation kinetics of sulphamethoxazole and reactive red 194 over silver-zirconium co-doped titanium dioxide: Reaction mechanisms and phytotoxicity assessment.

PubMed

Naraginti, Saraschandra; Li, Yi; Puma, Gianluca Li

2018-09-15

The photodegradation and phytotoxicity of the pharmaceutical antibiotic, sulphamethoxazole (SMX) and the azo-dye reactive-red-194 (RR194) under visible-light irradiation of TiO 2 nanoparticles modified by silver and zirconium was investigated. The results indicated that sulphamethoxazole and its toxic degradation by product, 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole and RR-194 could be degraded efficiently by the co-doped Zr/Ag-TiO 2 catalyst. PL studies and ROS generation results suggested that the effective charge separation was carried out while irradiation of the modified TiO 2 nanoparticles. Phytotoxicity tests demonstrated lower percentage of germination in P. vulgaris (40%), V. radiata (30%) and P. lunatus (30%) of the seeds treated with 50 ppm of SMX, compared to the seeds treated with the degradation products (100%). The results with 50 ppm of RR-194 also showed lower percentage of germination in P. vulgaris (40%), V. radiata (50%) and P. lunatus (30%) compared to the degradation products (100%). Furthermore, significant increase in root and shoot development was observed in the seeds treated with the degraded products when compared with SMX and RR-194. Overall, this study contributes to further understanding the photodegradation mechanisms, degradation products and environmental fate of SMX and RR-194 in water which helps in the evaluation and mitigation of the environmental risk of SMX and RR-194 for water reuse and crop irrigation. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Seasonal dynamics of the plant community and soil seed bank along a successional gradient in a subalpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Ma, Miaojun; Zhou, Xianhui; Qi, Wei; Liu, Kun; Jia, Peng; Du, Guozhen

2013-01-01

Knowledge about how change the importance of soil seed bank and relationship between seed mass and abundance during vegetation succession is crucial for understanding vegetation dynamics. Many studies have been conducted, but their ecological mechanisms of community assembly are not fully understood. We examined the seasonal dynamics of the vegetation and soil seed bank as well as seed size distribution along a successional gradient. We also explored the potential role of the soil seed bank in plant community regeneration, the relationship between seed mass and species abundance, and the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes along a successional gradient. Species richness of seed bank increased (shallow layer and the total) and seed density decreased (each layer and the total) significantly with succession. Species richness and seed density differed significantly between different seasons and among soil depths. Seed mass showed a significant negative relationship with relative abundance in the earliest successional stage, but the relationships were not significant in later stages. Seed mass showed no relationship with relative abundance in the whole successional series in seed bank. Results were similar for both July 2005 and April 2006. The seed mass and abundance relationship was determined by a complex interaction between small and larger seeded species and environmental factors. Both stochastic processes and deterministic processes were important determinants of the structure of the earliest stage. The importance of seed bank decreased with succession. The restoration of abandoned farmed and grazed meadows to the species-rich subalpine meadow in Tibetan Plateau can be successfully achieved from the soil seed bank. However, at least 20 years are required to fully restore an abandoned agricultural meadow to a natural mature subalpine meadow.

Methodological bias in the seed bank flora holds significant implications for understanding seed bank community functions.

PubMed

Plue, J; Colas, F; Auffret, A G; Cousins, S A O

2017-03-01

Persistent seed banks are a key plant regeneration strategy, buffering environmental variation to allow population and species persistence. Understanding seed bank functioning within herb layer dynamics is therefore important. However, rather than assessing emergence from the seed bank in herb layer gaps, most studies evaluate the seed bank functioning via a greenhouse census. We hypothesise that greenhouse data may not reflect seed bank-driven emergence in disturbance gaps due to methodological differences. Failure in detecting (specialist) species may then introduce methodological bias into the ecological interpretation of seed bank functions using greenhouse data. The persistent seed bank was surveyed in 40 semi-natural grassland plots across a fragmented landscape, quantifying seedling emergence in both the greenhouse and in disturbance gaps. Given the suspected interpretational bias, we tested whether each census uncovers similar seed bank responses to fragmentation. Seed bank characteristics were similar between censuses. Census type affected seed bank composition, with >25% of species retrieved better by either census type, dependent on functional traits including seed longevity, production and size. Habitat specialists emerged more in disturbance gaps than in the greenhouse, while the opposite was true for ruderal species. Both censuses uncovered fragmentation-induced seed bank patterns. Low surface area sampling, larger depth of sampling and germination conditions cause underrepresentation of the habitat-specialised part of the persistent seed bank flora during greenhouse censuses. Methodological bias introduced in the recorded seed bank data may consequently have significant implications for the ecological interpretation of seed bank community functions based on greenhouse data. © 2016 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Depth Profiles in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Seeds Studied by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández-Aguilar, C.; Domínguez-Pacheco, A.; Cruz-Orea, A.; Zepeda-Bautista, R.

2015-06-01

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) has been used to analyze agricultural seeds and can be applied to the study of seed depth profiles of these complex samples composed of different structures. The sample depth profile can be obtained through the photoacoustic (PA) signal, amplitude, and phase at different light modulation frequencies. The PA signal phase is more sensitive to changes of thermal properties in layered samples than the PA signal amplitude. Hence, the PA signal phase can also be used to characterize layers at different depths. Thus, the objective of the present study was to obtain the optical absorption spectra of maize seeds ( Zea mays L.) by means of PAS at different light modulation frequencies (17 Hz, 30 Hz, and 50 Hz) and comparing these spectra with the ones obtained from the phase-resolved method in order to separate the optical absorption spectra of seed pericarp and endosperm. The results suggest the possibility of using the phase-resolved method to obtain optical absorption spectra of different seed structures, at different depths, without damaging the seed. Thus, PAS could be a nondestructive method for characterization of agricultural seeds and thus improve quality control in the food industry.

Numerical Investigation of PLIF Gas Seeding for Hypersonic Boundary Layer Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johanson, Craig T.; Danehy, Paul M.

2012-01-01

Numerical simulations of gas-seeding strategies required for planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) in a Mach 10 air flow were performed. The work was performed to understand and quantify adverse effects associated with gas seeding and to compare different flow rates and different types of seed gas. The gas was injected through a slot near the leading edge of a flat plate wedge model used in NASA Langley Research Center's 31- Inch Mach 10 Air Tunnel facility. Nitric oxide, krypton, and iodine gases were simulated at various injection rates. Simulation results showing the deflection of the velocity field for each of the cases are presented. Streamwise distributions of velocity and concentration boundary layer thicknesses as well as vertical distributions of velocity, temperature, and mass distributions are presented for each of the cases. Relative merits of the different seeding strategies are discussed.

40 CFR 721.757 - Polyoxyalkylene substituted aromatic azo colorant.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.757 Polyoxyalkylene substituted aromatic azo colorant. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically...

40 CFR 721.5917 - Phenyl azo dye (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 721.5917 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5917 Phenyl azo dye (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to...

40 CFR 721.5276 - 2-Naphthalenol, heptyl-1-[[(4-phenylazo)phenyl]azo]-, ar′,ar″-Me derivs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-phenylazo)phenyl]azo]-, ar′,ar″-Me derivs. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to...]-, ar′,ar″-Me derivs (PMN P-95-538) is subject to reporting under this section for the significant new...

Timing is everything: early degradation of abscission layer is associated with increased seed shattering in U.S. weedy rice

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Seed shattering, or shedding, is an important fitness trait for wild and weedy grasses. U.S. weedy rice (Oryza sativa) is a highly shattering weed, thought to have evolved from non-shattering cultivated ancestors. All U.S. weedy rice individuals examined to date contain a mutation in the sh4 locus associated with loss of shattering during rice domestication. Weedy individuals also share the shattering trait with wild rice, but not the ancestral shattering mutation at sh4; thus, how weedy rice reacquired the shattering phenotype is unknown. To establish the morphological basis of the parallel evolution of seed shattering in weedy rice and wild, we examined the abscission layer at the flower-pedicel junction in weedy individuals in comparison with wild and cultivated relatives. Results Consistent with previous work, shattering wild rice individuals possess clear, defined abscission layers at flowering, whereas non-shattering cultivated rice individuals do not. Shattering weedy rice from two separately evolved populations in the U.S. (SH and BHA) show patterns of abscission layer formation and degradation distinct from wild rice. Prior to flowering, the abscission layer has formed in all weedy individuals and by flowering it is already degrading. In contrast, wild O. rufipogon abscission layers have been shown not to degrade until after flowering has occurred. Conclusions Seed shattering in weedy rice involves the formation and degradation of an abscission layer in the flower-pedicel junction, as in wild Oryza, but is a developmentally different process from shattering in wild rice. Weedy rice abscission layers appear to break down earlier than wild abscission layers. The timing of weedy abscission layer degradation suggests that unidentified regulatory genes may play a critical role in the reacquisition of shattering in weedy rice, and sheds light on the morphological basis of parallel evolution for shattering in weedy and wild rice. PMID:21235796

Timing is everything: early degradation of abscission layer is associated with increased seed shattering in U.S. weedy rice.

PubMed

Thurber, Carrie S; Hepler, Peter K; Caicedo, Ana L

2011-01-14

Seed shattering, or shedding, is an important fitness trait for wild and weedy grasses. U.S. weedy rice (Oryza sativa) is a highly shattering weed, thought to have evolved from non-shattering cultivated ancestors. All U.S. weedy rice individuals examined to date contain a mutation in the sh4 locus associated with loss of shattering during rice domestication. Weedy individuals also share the shattering trait with wild rice, but not the ancestral shattering mutation at sh4; thus, how weedy rice reacquired the shattering phenotype is unknown. To establish the morphological basis of the parallel evolution of seed shattering in weedy rice and wild, we examined the abscission layer at the flower-pedicel junction in weedy individuals in comparison with wild and cultivated relatives. Consistent with previous work, shattering wild rice individuals possess clear, defined abscission layers at flowering, whereas non-shattering cultivated rice individuals do not. Shattering weedy rice from two separately evolved populations in the U.S. (SH and BHA) show patterns of abscission layer formation and degradation distinct from wild rice. Prior to flowering, the abscission layer has formed in all weedy individuals and by flowering it is already degrading. In contrast, wild O. rufipogon abscission layers have been shown not to degrade until after flowering has occurred. Seed shattering in weedy rice involves the formation and degradation of an abscission layer in the flower-pedicel junction, as in wild Oryza, but is a developmentally different process from shattering in wild rice. Weedy rice abscission layers appear to break down earlier than wild abscission layers. The timing of weedy abscission layer degradation suggests that unidentified regulatory genes may play a critical role in the reacquisition of shattering in weedy rice, and sheds light on the morphological basis of parallel evolution for shattering in weedy and wild rice.

Growth of cubic silicon carbide on oxide using polysilicon as a seed layer for micro-electro-mechanical machine applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frewin, C. L.; Locke, C.; Wang, J.; Spagnol, P.; Saddow, S. E.

2009-08-01

The growth of highly oriented 3C-SiC directly on an oxide release layer, composed of a 20-nm-thick poly-Si seed layer and a 550-nm-thick thermally deposited oxide on a (1 1 1)Si substrate, was investigated as an alternative to using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates for freestanding SiC films for MEMS applications. The resulting SiC film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with the X-ray rocking curve of the (1 1 1) diffraction peak displaying a FWHM of 0.115° (414″), which was better than that for 3C-SiC films grown directly on (1 1 1)Si during the same deposition process. However, the XRD peak amplitude for the 3C-SiC film on the poly-Si seed layer was much less than for the (1 1 1)Si control substrate, due to slight in-plane misorientations in the film. Surprisingly, the film was solely composed of (1 1 1) 3C-SiC grains and possessed no 3C-SiC grains oriented along the <3 1 1> and <1 1 0> directions which were the original directions of the poly-Si seed layer. With this new process, MEMS structures such as cantilevers and membranes can be easily released leaving behind high-quality 3C-SiC structures.

Modification of the structural and magnetic properties of granular FePt films by seed layer conditioning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wicht, S., E-mail: s.wicht@ifw-dresden.de; TU Dresden, Institut für Werkstoffwissenschaft, Helmholtzstraße 10, D-01069 Dresden; Neu, V.

2015-01-07

The steadily increasing amount of digital information necessitates the availability of reliable high capacity magnetic data storage. Here, future hard disk drives with extended areal storage densities beyond 1.0 Tb/in{sup 2} are envisioned by using high anisotropy granular and chemically L1{sub 0}-ordered FePt (002) perpendicular media within a heat-assisted magnetic recording scheme. Perpendicular texturing of the [001] easy axes of the individual grains can be achieved by using MgO seed layers. It is therefore investigated, if and how an Ar{sup +} ion irradiation of the MgO seed layer prior to the deposition of the magnetic material influences the MgO surfacemore » properties and hereby the FePt [001] texture. Structural investigations reveal a flattening of the seed layer surface accompanied by a change in the morphology of the FePt grains. Moreover, the fraction of small second layer particles and the degree of coalescence of the primarily deposited FePt grains strongly increases. As for the magnetic performance, this results in a reduced coercivity along the magnetic easy axis (out of plane) and in enhanced hard axis (in-plane) remanence values. The irradiation induced changes in the magnetic properties of the granular FePt-C films are traced back to the accordingly modified atomic structure of the FePt-MgO interface region.« less

Improvements in the Formation of Boron-Doped Diamond Coatings on Platinum Wires Using the Novel Nucleation Process (NNP)

PubMed Central

Fhaner, Mathew; Zhao, Hong; Bian, Xiaochun; Galligan, James J.; Swain, Greg M.

2010-01-01

In order to increase the initial nucleation density for the growth of boron-doped diamond on platinum wires, we employed the novel nucleation process (NNP) originally developed by Rotter et al. and discussed by others [1–3]. This pretreatment method involves (i) the initial formation of a thin carbon layer over the substrate followed by (ii) ultrasonic seeding of this “soft” carbon layer with nanoscale particles of diamond. This two-step pretreatment is followed by the deposition of boron-doped diamond by microwave plasma-assisted CVD. Both the diamond seed particles and sites on the carbon layer itself function as the initial nucleation zones for diamond growth from an H2-rich source gas mixture. We report herein on the characterization of the pre-growth carbon layer formed on Pt as well as boron-doped films grown for 2, 4 and 6 h post NNP pretreatment. Results from scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical studies are reported. The NNP method increases the initial nucleation density on Pt and leads to the formation of a continuous diamond film in a shorter deposition time than is typical for wires pretreated by conventional ultrasonic seeding. The results indicate that the pregrowth layer itself consists of nanoscopic domains of diamond and functions well to enhance the initial nucleation of diamond without any diamond powder seeding. PMID:21617759

Identification of non-regulated aromatic amines of toxicological concern which can be cleaved from azo dyes used in clothing textiles.

PubMed

Brüschweiler, Beat J; Küng, Simon; Bürgi, Daniel; Muralt, Lorenz; Nyfeler, Erich

2014-07-01

Azo dyes in textiles may release aromatic amines after enzymatic cleavage by skin bacteria or after dermal absorption and metabolism in the human body. From the 896 azo dyes with known chemical structure in the available textile dyes database, 426 azo dyes (48%) can generate one or more of the 22 regulated aromatic amines in the European Union in Annex XVII of REACH. Another 470 azo dyes (52%) can be cleaved into exclusively non-regulated aromatic amines. In this study, a search for publicly available toxicity data on non-regulated aromatic amines was performed. For a considerable percentage of non-regulated aromatic amines, the toxicity database was found to be insufficient or non-existent. 62 non-regulated aromatic amines with available toxicity data were prioritized by expert judgment with objective criteria according to their potential for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and/or skin sensitization. To investigate the occurrence of azo dye cleavage products, 153 random samples of clothing textiles were taken from Swiss retail outlets and analyzed for 22 high priority non-regulated aromatic amines of toxicological concern. Eight of these 22 non-regulated aromatic amines of concern could be detected in 17% of the textile samples. In 9% of the samples, one or more of the aromatic amines of concern could be detected in concentrations >30 mg/kg, in 8% of the samples between 5 and 30 mg/kg. The highest measured concentration was 622 mg/kg textile. There is an obvious need to assess consumer health risks for these non-regulated aromatic amines and to fill this gap in the regulation of clothing textiles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dynamic actuation of glassy polymersomes through isomerization of a single azobenzene unit at the block copolymer interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molla, Mijanur Rahaman; Rangadurai, Poornima; Antony, Lucas; Swaminathan, Subramani; de Pablo, Juan J.; Thayumanavan, S.

2018-06-01

Nature has engineered exquisitely responsive systems where molecular-scale information is transferred across an interface and propagated over long length scales. Such systems rely on multiple interacting, signalling and adaptable molecular and supramolecular networks that are built on dynamic, non-equilibrium structures. Comparable synthetic systems are still in their infancy. Here, we demonstrate that the light-induced actuation of a molecularly thin interfacial layer, assembled from a hydrophilic- azobenzene -hydrophobic diblock copolymer, can result in a reversible, long-lived perturbation of a robust glassy membrane across a range of over 500 chemical bonds. We show that the out-of-equilibrium actuation is caused by the photochemical trans-cis isomerization of the azo group, a single chemical functionality, in the middle of the interfacial layer. The principles proposed here are implemented in water-dispersed nanocapsules, and have implications for on-demand release of embedded cargo molecules.

Preparation of C.I. Pigment 52:1 anion-pillared layered double hydroxide and the thermo- and photostability of the resulting intercalated material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shengchang; Evans, David G.; Li, Dianqing

2006-05-01

Intercalation of 2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 4-((4-chloro-5-methyl-2-sulfophenyl) azo)-3-hydroxy-, calcium salt (1:1) (C.I. Pigment Red 52:1, also known as New Rubine S6B) into a layered double hydroxide (LDHs) host was carried out using MgAl NO3 LDHs as a precursor in an effort to improve the thermal and photo stability of the pigment. After intercalation, the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the basal spacing of the LDHs increased from 0.86 to 1.92 nm. Infrared spectra and TG DTA curves demonstrate that there are supramolecular host guest interactions. It was found that the intercalated material is more stable than the pristine pigment at high temperatures. The pigment anion-pillared LDHs also exhibit much higher photostablity to UV-light than the pristine pigment.

Experiments on the enhancement of compressible mixing via streamwise vorticity. II - Vortex strength assessment and seed particle dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naughton, J. W.; Cattafesta, L. N.; Settles, G. S.

1993-01-01

The effect of streamwise vorticity on compressible axisymmetric mixing layers is examined using vortex strength assessment and seed particle dynamics analysis. Experimental results indicate that the particles faithfully represent the dynamics of the turbulent swirling flow. A comparison of the previously determined mixing layer growth rates with the present vortex strength data reveals that the increase of turbulent mixing up to 60 percent scales with the degree of swirl. The mixing enhancement appears to be independent of the compressibility level of the mixing layer.

40 CFR 721.2097 - Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.2097 Azo chromium complex dyestuff preparation (generic name). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical...

Optimization of the optical and electrical properties of electron beam evaporated aluminum-doped zinc oxide films for opto-electronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, H. M.; Abd El-Raheem, M. M.; Megahed, N. M.; Mohamed, H. A.

2006-08-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films have been deposited by electron beam evaporation technique on glass substrates. The structural, electrical and optical properties of AZO films have been investigated as a function of annealing temperature. It was observed that the optical properties such as transmittance, reflectance, optical band gap and refractive index of AZO films were strongly affected by annealing temperature. The transmittance values of 84% in the visible region and 97% in the NIR region were obtained for AZO film annealed at 475 °C. The room temperature electrical resistivity of 4.6×10-3 Ω cm has been obtained at the same temperature of annealing. It was found that the calculated refractive index has been affected by the packing density of the thin films, whereas, the high annealing temperature gave rise to improve the homogeneity of the films. The single-oscillator model was used to analyze the optical parameters such as the oscillator and dispersion energies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ilnytskyi, Jaroslav M.; Neher, Dieter; Saphiannikova, Marina

Photo-induced deformations in azobenzene-containing polymers (azo-polymers) are central to a number of applications, such as optical storage and fabrication of diffractive elements. The microscopic nature of the underlying opto-mechanical coupling is yet not clear. In this study, we address the experimental finding that the scenario of the effects depends on molecular architecture of the used azo-polymer. Typically, opposite deformations in respect to the direction of light polarization are observed for liquid crystalline and amorphous azo-polymers. In this study, we undertake molecular dynamics simulations of two different models that mimic these two types of azo-polymers. We employ hybrid force field modelingmore » and consider only trans-isomers of azobenzene, represented as Gay-Berne sites. The effect of illumination on the orientation of the chromophores is considered on the level of orientational hole burning and emphasis is given to the resulting deformation of the polymer matrix. We reproduce deformations of opposite sign for the two models being considered here and discuss the relevant microscopic mechanisms in both cases.« less

Characteristics of Laminating Transparent Conductive Films Aimed at Nursing Indium Ingredient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikuta, Kimihiro; Aoki, Takanori; Suzuki, Akio; Matsushita, Tatsuhiko; Okuda, Masahiro

By irradiating ArF excimer laser (λ=193 nm) with energies density 0.8 ∼ 1.4 J/cm2 on the targets of ITO and AZO (Al-doped zinc oxide) by turns, the laminated transparent conducting films composed of ITO (50 nm)/AZO (250 nm) with a total films thickness of 300 nm were fabricated at substrate temperature of 220°C. At laser energy density of 1.2 J/cm2, a sheet resistance of 6.12 Ω/_??_ was obtained under conditions of oxygen pressure of 0.5 Pa for ITO. In addition, electrical characteristics of the laminated transparent conducting composed of ITO/AZO was equal to or more than that of ITO (300 nm). As a result, about 80 percent consumption of ITO was reduced at its maximum. After having examined environmental load, the sheet resistance of the laminated ITO/AZO transparent conductive oxide films did not change and therefore, the durability to the environmental conditions was maintained.

Development of an activated carbon-packed microbial bioelectrochemical system for azo dye degradation.

PubMed

Cardenas-Robles, Arely; Martinez, Eduardo; Rendon-Alcantar, Idelfonso; Frontana, Carlos; Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Linda

2013-01-01

A microbial bioelectrochemical reactor (BER) was employed for the degradation of azo dyes without the use of an external electron donor, using activated carbon (GAC) as a redox mediator. Contribution of pH values, open circuit potential (OCP), dye concentration and applied current were individually studied. A batch system and an upflow fixed bed bioreactor were built for analyzing the effect of the applied current on biodegradation of the azo dye Reactive Red 272. The presence of GAC (20% w/v) regulated both pH and OCP values in solution and led to a removal efficiency of 98%. Cyclic voltammetry results indicate a dependence of the electron transfer mechanism with the concentration of the azo compound. With these results, a continuous flow reactor operating with J=0.045 mA cm(-2), led to removal rates of 95% (± 3.5%) in a half-residence time of 1 hour. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic and theoretical study of the "azo"-dye E124 in condensate phase: evidence of a dominant hydrazo form.

PubMed

Almeida, Mariana R; Stephani, Rodrigo; Dos Santos, Hélio F; de Oliveira, Luiz Fernando C

2010-01-14

Spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, IR, UV/vis, and NMR were used to characterize the samples of the azo dye Ponceau 4R (also known as E124, New Coccine; Cochineal Red; C.I. no. 16255; Food Red No. 102), which is 1,3-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-[(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl) azo] trisodium salt in aqueous solution and solid state. In addition, first principle calculations were carried out for the azo (OH) and hydrazo (NH) tautomers in order to assist in the assignment of the experimental data. The two intense bands observed in the UV/vis spectrum, centered at 332 and 507 nm, can be compared to the calculated values at 296 and 474 nm for azo and 315 and 500 nm for hydrazo isomer, with the latter in closer agreement to the experiment. The Raman spectrum is quite sensitive to tautomeric equilibrium; in solid state and aqueous solution, three bands were observed around 1574, 1515, and 1364 cm(-1), assigned to mixed modes including deltaNH + betaCH + nuCC, deltaNH + nuC horizontal lineO + nuC horizontal lineN + betaCH and nuCC vibrations, respectively. These assignments are predicted only for the NH species centered at 1606, 1554, and 1375 cm(-1). The calculated Raman spectrum for the azo (OH) tautomer showed two strong bands at 1468 (nuN = N + deltaOH) and 1324 cm(-1) (nuCC + nuC-N), which were not obtained experimentally. The (13)C NMR spectrum showed a very characteristic peak at 192 ppm assigned to the carbon bound to oxygen in the naphthol ring; the predicted values were 165 ppm for OH and 187 for NH isomer, supporting once again the predominance of NH species in solution. Therefore, all of the experimental and theoretical results strongly suggest the food dye Ponceau 4R or E124 has a major contribution of the hydrazo structure instead of the azo form as the most abundant in condensate phase.

7 CFR 52.1852 - Grades of raisins with seeds-except layer or cluster.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...) “U.S. Grade A” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that have similar varietal characteristics; that... requirements as outlined in Table II of this subpart. (b) “U.S. Grade B” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds... in Table II of this subpart. (c) “U.S. Grade C” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that have...

Quantitative and simultaneous analysis of the polarity of polycrystalline ZnO seed layers and related nanowires grown by wet chemical deposition.

PubMed

Guillemin, Sophie; Parize, Romain; Carabetta, Joseph; Cantelli, Valentina; Albertini, David; Gautier, Brice; Brémond, Georges; Fong, Dillon D; Renevier, Hubert; Consonni, Vincent

2017-03-03

The polarity in ZnO nanowires is an important issue since it strongly affects surface configuration and reactivity, nucleation and growth, electro-optical properties, and nanoscale-engineering device performances. However, measuring statistically the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays grown by chemical bath deposition and elucidating its correlation with the polarity of the underneath polycrystalline ZnO seed layer grown by the sol-gel process represents a major difficulty. To address that issue, we combine resonant x-ray diffraction (XRD) at Zn K-edge using synchrotron radiation with piezoelectric force microscopy and polarity-sensitive chemical etching to statistically investigate the polarity of more than 10 7 nano-objects both on the macroscopic and local microscopic scales, respectively. By using high temperature annealing under an argon atmosphere, it is shown that the compact, highly c-axis oriented ZnO seed layer is more than 92% Zn-polar and that only a few small O-polar ZnO grains with an amount less than 8% are formed. Correlatively, the resulting ZnO nanowires are also found to be Zn-polar, indicating that their polarity is transferred from the c-axis oriented ZnO grains acting as nucleation sites in the seed layer. These findings pave the way for the development of new strategies to form unipolar ZnO nanowire arrays as a requirement for a number of nanoscale-engineering devices like piezoelectric nanogenerators. They also highlight the great advantage of resonant XRD as a macroscopic, non-destructive method to simultaneously and statistically measure the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays and of the underneath ZnO seed layer.

Quantitative and simultaneous analysis of the polarity of polycrystalline ZnO seed layers and related nanowires grown by wet chemical deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillemin, Sophie; Parize, Romain; Carabetta, Joseph; Cantelli, Valentina; Albertini, David; Gautier, Brice; Brémond, Georges; Fong, Dillon D.; Renevier, Hubert; Consonni, Vincent

2017-03-01

The polarity in ZnO nanowires is an important issue since it strongly affects surface configuration and reactivity, nucleation and growth, electro-optical properties, and nanoscale-engineering device performances. However, measuring statistically the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays grown by chemical bath deposition and elucidating its correlation with the polarity of the underneath polycrystalline ZnO seed layer grown by the sol-gel process represents a major difficulty. To address that issue, we combine resonant x-ray diffraction (XRD) at Zn K-edge using synchrotron radiation with piezoelectric force microscopy and polarity-sensitive chemical etching to statistically investigate the polarity of more than 107 nano-objects both on the macroscopic and local microscopic scales, respectively. By using high temperature annealing under an argon atmosphere, it is shown that the compact, highly c-axis oriented ZnO seed layer is more than 92% Zn-polar and that only a few small O-polar ZnO grains with an amount less than 8% are formed. Correlatively, the resulting ZnO nanowires are also found to be Zn-polar, indicating that their polarity is transferred from the c-axis oriented ZnO grains acting as nucleation sites in the seed layer. These findings pave the way for the development of new strategies to form unipolar ZnO nanowire arrays as a requirement for a number of nanoscale-engineering devices like piezoelectric nanogenerators. They also highlight the great advantage of resonant XRD as a macroscopic, non-destructive method to simultaneously and statistically measure the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays and of the underneath ZnO seed layer.

Quantitative and simultaneous analysis of the polarity of polycrystalline ZnO seed layers and related nanowires grown by wet chemical deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guillemin, Sophie; Parize, Romain; Carabetta, Joseph

The polarity in ZnO nanowires is an important issue since it strongly affects surface configuration and reactivity, nucleation and growth, electro-optical properties, and nanoscaleengineering device performances. However, measuring statistically the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays grown by chemical bath deposition and elucidating its correlation with the polarity of the underneath polycrystalline ZnO seed layer grown by the sol–gel process represents a major difficulty. To address that issue, we combine resonant x-ray diffraction (XRD) at Zn K-edge using synchrotron radiation with piezoelectric force microscopy and polarity-sensitive chemical etching to statistically investigate the polarity of more than 107 nano-objects both on themore » macroscopic and local microscopic scales, respectively. By using high temperature annealing under an argon atmosphere, it is shown that the compact, highly c-axis oriented ZnO seed layer is more than 92% Zn-polar and that only a few small O-polar ZnO grains with an amount less than 8% are formed. Correlatively, the resulting ZnO nanowires are also found to be Zn-polar, indicating that their polarity is transferred from the c-axis oriented ZnO grains acting as nucleation sites in the seed layer. These findings pave the way for the development of new strategies to form unipolar ZnO nanowire arrays as a requirement for a number of nanoscaleengineering devices like piezoelectric nanogenerators. They also highlight the great advantage of resonant XRD as a macroscopic, non-destructive method to simultaneously and statistically measure the polarity of ZnO nanowire arrays and of the underneath ZnO seed layer.« less

Transparent and flexible heaters based on Al:ZnO degenerate semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roul, Monee K.; Obasogie, Brandon; Kogo, Gilbert; Skuza, J. R.; Mundle, R. M.; Pradhan, A. K.

2017-10-01

We report on high performance transparent Al:ZnO (AZO) thin film heaters on flexible polymer (polyethylene terephthalate) and glass substrates which demonstrate low sheet resistivity. AZO thin films were grown by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at low Ts (below 200 °C) on flexible, transparent polyethylene terephthalate substrates that show stable and reproducible results by applying low (<10 V) voltages. This study also examined identical AZO thin films on glass substrates that showed highly reproducible heating effects due to the Joule heating effect. The potential applications are foldable and wearable electronics, pain/injury therapy smart windows, automobile window defrosters, and low-cost power electronics.

Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of novel star azo-oligomers containing well-defined oligo(ethylene glycol) segments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Gómez, Roberto; Vonlanthen, Mireille; Ortíz-Palacios, Jesús; Ruiu, Andrea; Valderrama-García, Bianca X.; Rivera, Ernesto

2018-05-01

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of a series of star azo-oligomers bearing amino, amino-methoxy, amino-nitro and amino-cyano substituted azobenzene units and oligo(ethylene glycol) segments is reported. The full characterization of the obtained compounds was achieved by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies, and their molecular weights were determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The optical properties of these compounds were studied by absorption spectroscopy in solution. Finally, light polarized microscopy experiments as a function of the temperature were performed in order to study the liquid-crystalline behavior of these star azo-oligomers.

40 CFR 721.980 - Sodium salt of azo acid dye.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 721.980 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.980 Sodium salt of azo acid dye. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to...

Preparation of 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole

DOEpatents

Lee, Kien-Yin

1986-01-01

A new high density composition of matter, 1,1'-dinitro-3,3'-azo-1,2,4-triazole, has been synthesized using inexpensive, commonly available compounds. This compound has been found to be an explosive, and its use as a propellant is anticipated.

40 CFR 721.2140 - Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance generically identified as carbopolycyclicol azo-al-kyl-a-mino-al-kyl-car-bo-mon-o-cyc-lic ester, halogen acid salt (PMN P-88-1682) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.2140 - Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance generically identified as carbopolycyclicol azo-al-kyl-a-mino-al-kyl-car-bo-mon-o-cyc-lic ester, halogen acid salt (PMN P-88-1682) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.2140 - Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance generically identified as carbopolycyclicol azo-al-kyl-a-mino-al-kyl-car-bo-mon-o-cyc-lic ester, halogen acid salt (PMN P-88-1682) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.2140 - Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance generically identified as carbopolycyclicol azo-al-kyl-a-mino-al-kyl-car-bo-mon-o-cyc-lic ester, halogen acid salt (PMN P-88-1682) is subject to reporting under...

Synthesis and Characterization of Antireflective ZnO Nanoparticles Coatings Used for Energy Improving Efficiency of Silicone Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pîslaru-Dănescu, Lucian; Chitanu, Elena; El-Leathey, Lucia-Andreea; Marinescu, Virgil; Marin, Dorian; Sbârcea, Beatrice-Gabriela

2018-05-01

The paper proposes a new and complex process for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for antireflective coating corresponding to silicone solar cells applications. The process consists of two major steps: preparation of seed layer and hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanoparticles. Due to the fact that the seed layer morphology influences the ZnO nanoparticles proprieties, the process optimization of the seed layer preparation is necessary. Following the hydrothermal growth of the ZnO nanoparticles, antireflective coating of silicone solar cells is achieved. After determining the functional parameters of the solar cells provided either with glass or with ZnO, it is concluded that all the parameters values are superior in the case of solar cells with ZnO antireflection coating and are increasing along with the solar irradiance.

Removal of azo dye using Fenton and Fenton-like processes: Evaluation of process factors by Box-Behnken design and ecotoxicity tests.

PubMed

Fernandes, Neemias Cintra; Brito, Lara Barroso; Costa, Gessyca Gonçalves; Taveira, Stephânia Fleury; Cunha-Filho, Marcílio Sérgio Soares; Oliveira, Gisele Augusto Rodrigues; Marreto, Ricardo Neves

2018-06-06

The conventional treatment of textile effluents is usually inefficient in removing azo dyes and can even generate more toxic products than the original dyes. The aim of the present study was to optimize the process factors in the degradation of Disperse Red 343 by Fenton and Fenton-like processes, as well as to investigate the ecotoxicity of the samples treated under optimized conditions. A Box-Behnken design integrated with the desirability function was used to optimize dye degradation, the amount of residual H 2 O 2 [H 2 O 2residual ], and the ecotoxicity of the treated samples (lettuce seed, Artemia salina, and zebrafish in their early-life stages). Dye degradation was affected only by catalyst concentration [Fe] in both the Fenton and Fenton-like processes. In the Fenton reaction, [H 2 O 2residual ] was significantly affected by initial [H 2 O 2 ] and its interaction with [Fe]; however, in the Fenton-like reaction, it was affected by initial [H 2 O 2 ] only. A. salina mortality was affected by different process factors in both processes, which suggests the formation of different toxic products in each process. The desirability function was applied to determine the best process parameters and predict the responses, which were confirmed experimentally. Optimal conditions facilitated the complete degradation of the dye without [H 2 O 2residual ] or toxicity for samples treated with the Fenton-like process, whereas the Fenton process induced significant mortality for A. salina. Results indicate that the Fenton-like process is superior to the Fenton reaction to degrade Disperse Red 343. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seed bank and established vegetation in the last remnants of the Mexican Central Plateau wetlands: the Lerma marshes.

PubMed

Zepeda, Carmen; Lot, Antonio; Nemiga, Xanat Antonio; Manjarrez, Javier

2014-06-01

Seed banks play a central role in vegetation dynamics of many wetlands. Therefore, knowledge of seed reservoirs in the soils of aquatic communities should provide useful tools for conservation and restoration efforts. This study was conducted in the Lerma marshes, one of the last remnants of the vast wetlands that were once in the Mexican Central Plateau. The main objective was to determine the composition and abundance of seed bank and its relationship with established vegetation of the three Lerma marshes. In each marsh, we systematically selected 18 to 40 sampling sites. In each site, the composition of vascular plant vegetation was evaluated in two 10m lines perpendicular to the shore. Every 0.5m, we determined the coverage of species by measuring the intercepted length for each plant or group of plants. At each sampling site where we had evaluated the established vegetation, we collected a sample of the top 10cm of sediment; the soil cores were divided into an upper layer (0-5cm) and a lower layer (5-10cm). These samples were used to evaluate the seed bank by the seedling emergence method. All samples were placed in a greenhouse at 20-25 degrees C and remained flooded for 15 weeks. Forty-nine species were recorded in the vegetation. Chiconahuapan had the richest and most diverse flora and the greatest number of perennial species. A life-forms analysis showed that perennial herbs, especially rooted-emergent hydrophytes, dominated in the three wetlands. Sixty-one species were identified in the total seed bank; Chimaliapan had the most diverse total seed bank, whereas the mean seedling density was higher in Chignahuapan. Only two species of the total seed bank of each marsh had a density greater than 10% of the total, and more than half were uncommon. The upper layer of sediment (0-5cm) contained two times more seeds/m2 and species per sample than the lower layer (5-10cm), and there was a significant decrease of seed density with depth. The detrended correspondence analysis produced a clear separation between the composition of the seed banks and established vegetation. In general, in each marsh there was less species diversity in the established vegetation than in the seed bank. Dominance by a few species in the seed bank, the presence of opportunistic species, and the low representation of established species in the seed bank suggest wetland degradation and a low probability of regenerating the natural communities from the seed bank. To ensure the permanence of these marshes, their biodiversity, and therefore the environmental services they provide, up to date planning is a must, and efforts to control and monitor hydrology, water quality, and the influence of human activities are suggested.

Evaluation of the structural, optical and electrical properties of AZO thin films prepared by chemical bath deposition for optoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Deva Arun; Valanarasu, S.; Rosario, S. Rex; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd.; Sreelatha, C. J.; AlFaify, S.

2018-04-01

Aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films for electrode applications were deposited on glass substrates using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The influence of deposition time on the structural, morphological, and opto-electrical properties of AZO films were investigated. Structural studies confirmed that all the deposited films were hexagonal wurtzite structure with polycrystalline nature and exhibited (002) preferential orientation. There is no other impurity phases were detected for different deposition time. Surface morphological images shows the spherically shaped grains are uniformly arranged on to the entire film surface. The EDS spectrum confirms the presence of Zn, O and Al elements in deposited AZO film. The observed optical transmittance is high (87%) in the visible region, and the calculated band gap value is 3.27 eV. In this study, the transmittance value is decreased with increasing deposition time. The room temperature PL spectrum exposed that AZO thin film deposited at (60 min) has good optical quality with less defect density. The minimum electrical resistivity and maximum carrier concentration values were observed as 8.53 × 10-3(Ω cm) and 3.53 × 1018 cm-3 for 60 min deposited film, respectively. The obtained figure of merit (ϕ) value 3.05 × 10-3(Ω/sq)- 1 is suggested for an optoelectronic device.

Transport behaviors of anionic azo dyes at interface between surfactant-modified flax shives and aqueous solution: Synchrotron infrared and adsorption studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wenxia; Huang, Guohe; An, Chunjiang; Xin, Xiaying; Zhang, Yan; Liu, Xia

2017-05-01

From the viewpoint of sustainability, biomass adsorbent has a high potential in pollution control and there is an emerging interest to investigate the behaviors of pollutants at the interface between biomass adsorbent and solution. This study investigated the performance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant-modified flax shives (MFS) for removal of anionic azo dyes from aqueous solution. The equilibrium and kinetic analysis for the adsorption of Acid Orange 7 (AO-7), Acid Red 18 (AR-18) and Acid Black 1 (AB-1) on MFS were conducted. The surface of MFS was characterized by synchrotron infrared and SEM analysis. The absorbed amount of three anionic azo dyes varied with the change of adsorbent dosage, pH and ionic strength. The adsorption isotherm data well fit to the Langmuir model. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the liquid film diffusion models. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of three anionic azo dyes was spontaneous. The adsorption of AR-18 and AB-1 onto MFS was endothermic while the adsorption of AO-7 was exothermic. The results can help better understand the behaviors of organic pollutants at biomass adsorbent-water interface. They also present the potential of using MFS as a suitable adsorbent for the removal of anionic azo dyes from wastewater.

Effect of nickel seed layer on growth of α-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructured thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kant, Chandra; Kumar, Prabhat

In this communication, we reported the role of Ni seed layer on the growth of vanadium pentoxide (α-V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) nanostructured thin films (NSTs) using plasma assisted sublimation process (PASP). Two different substrates, simple glass substrate and the Ni coated glass substrate (Ni thickness ∼ 100 nm) are employing in the present work. The influence of seed layer on structural, morphological, and vibrational properties have been studied systematically. The structural analysis divulged that both films deposited on simple glass as well as on Ni coated glass shown purely orthorhombic phase, no other phases are detected. The morphological studies of V{sub 2}O{submore » 5} film deposited on both substrates are carried out by SEM, revealed that features of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} NSTs is completely modified in presence of Ni seed layer and the film possessing the excellent growth of nanorods (NRs) on Ni coated glass rather than simple glass. The HRTEM analysis of NRs is performed at very high magnification, shows very fine fringe pattern, which confirmed the single crystalline nature of nanorods. The vibrational study of NRs is performed using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which strongly support the XRD observations.« less

Titanium nitride as a seed layer for Heusler compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Niesen, Alessia, E-mail: aniesen@physik.uni-bielefeld.de; Glas, Manuel; Ludwig, Jana

Titanium nitride (TiN) shows low resistivity at room temperature (27 μΩ cm), high thermal stability and thus has the potential to serve as seed layer in magnetic tunnel junctions. High quality TiN thin films with regard to the crystallographic and electrical properties were grown and characterized by x-ray diffraction and 4-terminal transport measurements. Element specific x-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed pure TiN inside the thin films. To investigate the influence of a TiN seed layer on a ferro(i)magnetic bottom electrode in magnetic tunnel junctions, an out-of-plane magnetized Mn{sub 2.45}Ga as well as in- and out-of-plane magnetized Co{sub 2}FeAl thin films were depositedmore » on a TiN buffer, respectively. The magnetic properties were investigated using a superconducting quantum interference device and anomalous Hall effect for Mn{sub 2.45}Ga. Magneto optical Kerr effect measurements were carried out to investigate the magnetic properties of Co{sub 2}FeAl. TiN buffered Mn{sub 2.45}Ga thin films showed higher coercivity and squareness ratio compared to unbuffered samples. The Heusler compound Co{sub 2}FeAl showed already good crystallinity when grown at room temperature on a TiN seed-layer.« less

Direct observation of growth front movement in electron beam recrystallization of silicon layer on insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Tomoyasu; Hamasaki, Toshihiko

1987-04-01

A high-speed movie technique was used to investigate the growth front movement during electron beam recrystallization of thin silicon layers on insulating material. In a laterally epitaxial growth process, it was clearly observed that the molten zone shape dramatically changes across a seed opening, which is due to nonuniformity in heat dissipation toward the substrate in the vicinity of the seed opening. The molten zone width and velocities of the melt front and growth front were quantitatively analyzed using digital film motion analysis. The growth front velocity was found to drastically change by ˜30% across the seed opening.

Cracks in the palisade cuticle of soybean seed coats correlate with their permeability to water.

PubMed

Ma, Fengshan; Cholewa, Ewa; Mohamed, Tasneem; Peterson, Carol A; Gijzen, Mark

2004-08-01

Soybean (Glycine max) is among the many legumes that are well known for 'hardseededness'. This feature can be beneficial for long-term seed survival, but is undesirable for the food processing industry. There is substantial disagreement concerning the mechanisms and related structures that control the permeability properties of soybean seed coats. In this work, the structural component that controls water entry into the seed is identified. Six soybean cultivars were tested for their seed coat permeabilities to water. To identify the structural feature(s) that may contribute to the determination of these permeabilities, fluorescent tracer dyes, and light and electron microscopic techniques were used. The cultivar 'Tachanagaha' has the most permeable seed coat, 'OX 951' the least permeable seed coat, and the permeabilities of the rest ('Harovinton', 'Williams', 'Clark L 67-3469', and 'Harosoy 63') are intermediate. All seeds have surface deposits, depressions, a light line, and a cuticle about 0.2 microm thick overlaying the palisade layer. In permeable cultivars the cuticle tends to break, whereas in impermeable seeds of 'OX 951' it remains intact. In the case of permeable seed coats, the majority of the cracks are from 1 to 5 micro m wide and from 20 to 200 micro m long, and occur more frequently on the dorsal side than in other regions of the seed coat, a position that correlates with the site of initial water uptake. The cuticle of the palisade layer is the key factor that determines the permeability property of a soybean seed coat. The cuticle of a permeable seed coat is mechanically weak and develops small cracks through which water can pass. The cuticle of an impermeable seed coat is mechanically strong and does not crack under normal circumstances.

DEVELOPING AZO AND FORMAZAN DYES BASED ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: SALMONELLA MUTAGENICITY

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract
In previous papers, the synthesis and chemical properties of iron-complexed azo and formazan dyes were reported. In this regard, it was shown that in certain cases iron could be substituted for the traditionally used metals, chromium and cobalt, without having an adve...

Photopiezoelectric Composites of Azobenzene-Functionalized Polyimides and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

equilib- rium condition, exposure of the undrawn and drawn azo- BPA -6FDI-100 material to sequenced irradiation at 0.25 Hz generates signifi cant changes...crossed polarizers, showing green birefringence color. c) Photogenerated stress with sequenced light irradia- tion of undrawn and drawn azo- BPA -6FDI-100

40 CFR 721.2095 - Chromate(3-), bis 2-[[substituted-3-[(5-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo] phenyl]azo]substituted...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 721.2095 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical...]substituted monocycle, trisodium (generic name). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to...

40 CFR 721.1300 - [(Dinitrophenyl)azo]-[2,4-dia-mino-5-methoxybenzene] derivatives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1300 [(Dinitrophenyl)azo]-[2,4-dia-mino-5-methoxybenzene] derivatives. (a) Chemical substances and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substances...

40 CFR 721.267 - N-[2-[(substituted dinitrophenyl)azo]diallylamino-4- substituted phenyl] acetamide (generic name).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.267 N-[2-[(substituted dinitrophenyl)azo]diallylamino-4- substituted phenyl] acetamide (generic name). (a) Chemical substance and...

40 CFR 721.1555 - Substituted phenyl azo substituted benzenediazonium salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Substituted phenyl azo substituted benzenediazonium salt. 721.1555 Section 721.1555 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances §...

Sexual and vegetative propagation of the medicinal Mexican species Phyllonoma laticuspis (Phyllonomaceae).

PubMed

Alcántara-Flores, Ela; Brechú-Franco, Alicia E; Villegas-Monter, Angel; Laguna-Hernández, Guillermo; Gómez-Campos, Armando

2017-03-01

Phyllonoma laticuspis leaves are used in Carrizal de Bravo, Guerrero, Mexico, to heal skin lesions such as injuries and smallpox sequelae and to treat diabetes mellitus type 2, and organic extracts of these leaves have been reported to exert antibacterial effects. High demand of P. laticuspis as a medicinal plant has decreased its natural populations, and propagation of the species has not yet been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the vegetative propagation of the species through cutting and air layering, as well as its sexual propagation in a preserved population. For this, concentrations of 1 000, 4 000 and 6 000 ppm of a commercial root enhancer, with indole butyric acid (IBA), and a control treatment without IBA, were applied to the cuttings and air layers. Germination was evaluated under light and dark conditions using lots of freshly collected seeds and lots of seeds that had been stored for three months at 4 °C or 24 ± 2 °C. All experiments were performed in a completely randomized design. The cuttings did not develop roots in any concentration, whereas 100 % of the air layers rooted, displaying vigorous roots in the presence of 4 000 ppm IBA, after four month of treatment application. Regarding germination, more than 60 % of the freshly collected seeds germinated, whereas less than 20 % of the seeds stored at 4 °C, and close to 50 % of the seeds stored at 24 ± 2 °C germinated under light and dark conditions. No significant differences were observed between light and dark conditions, so they were categorized as indifferent photoblastic seeds. The observed moisture content of 13.5 % and germination behaviour as the response to cold storage, suggest that the resultant seed quality was intermediate. P. laticuspis propagation for short-term foliage production can be carried out in air layers, in populations with a high density of adult plants as a source of plant material and for the restoration of disturbed areas, in the same locality. On the other hand, large-scale seedling production, medium-term foliage production and preservation of species variability can be achieved using seeds.

Study of earth abundant tco and absorber materials for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabhakar, Tejas

In order to make photovoltaic power generation a sustainable venture, it is necessary to use cost-effective materials in the manufacture of solar cells. In this regard, AZO (Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide) and CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide) have been studied for their application in thin film solar cells. While AZO is a transparent conducting oxide, CZTS is a photovoltaic absorber. Both AZO and CZTS consist of earth abundant elements and are non-toxic in nature. Highly transparent and conductive AZO thin films were grown using RF sputtering. The influence of deposition parameters such as working pressure, RF power, substrate temperature and flow rate on the film characteristics was investigated. The as-grown films had a high degree of preferred orientation along the (002) direction which enhanced at lower working pressures, higher RF powers and lower substrate temperatures. Williamson-Hall analysis on the films revealed that as the working pressure was increased, the nature of stress and strain gradually changed from being compressive to tensile. The fall in optical transmission of the films was a consequence of free carrier absorption resulting from enhanced carrier density due to incorporation of Al atoms or oxygen vacancies. The optical and electrical properties of the films were described well by the Burstein-Moss effect. CZTS absorber layers were grown using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at a deposition temperature of 350 C and subsequently annealed in a sulfurization furnace. Measurements from XRD and Raman spectra confirmed the presence of pure single phase Cu2ZnSnS4. Texture analysis of as-deposited and annealed CZTS films indicated that the (112) plane which is characteristic of the kesterite phase was preferred. The grain size increased from 50 nm to 100 nm on conducting post-deposition annealing. CZTS films with stoichiometric composition yielded a band gap of 1.5 eV, which is optimal for solar energy conversion. The variation of tin in the film changed its resistivity by several orders of magnitude and subsequently the tin free ternary chalcogenide Cu2ZnS2 having very low resistivity was obtained. By carefully optimization of concentrations of tin, zinc and copper, a zinc-rich/tin-rich/copper-poor composition was found to be most suitable for solar cell applications. Etching of CZTS films using KCN solution reduced their resistivity, possibly due to the elimination of binary copper sulfide phases. CZTS solar cells were fabricated both in the substrate and superstrate configurations.

One-Seeded Fruits in the Core Caryophyllales: Their Origin and Structural Diversity

PubMed Central

Sukhorukov, Alexander P.; Mavrodiev, Evgeny V.; Struwig, Madeleen; Nilova, Maya V.; Dzhalilova, Khalima Kh.; Balandin, Sergey A.; Erst, Andrey; Krinitsyna, Anastasiya A.

2015-01-01

The core Caryophyllales consist of approximately 30 families (12 000 species) distributed worldwide. Many members evolved one-seeded or conjoined fruits, but their origin and structural diversity have not been investigated. A comparative anatomical investigation of the one-seeded fruits within the core Caryophyllales was conducted. The origin of the one-seeded fruits and the evolutionary reconstructions of some carpological characters were traced using a tree based on rbcl and matK data in order to understand the ancestral characters and their changes. The one-seeded fruit type is inferred to be an ancestral character state in core Caryophyllales, with a subsequent increase in the seed number seen in all major clades. Most representatives of the ‘Earlier Diverging’ clade are distinguished in various carpological traits. The organization of the pericarp is diverse in many groups, although fruits with a dry, many-layered pericarp, consisting of sclerenchyma as outer layers and a thin-walled parenchyma below, with seeds occupying a vertical embryo position, are likely ancestral character states in the core Caryophyllales clade. Several carpological peculiarities in fruit and seed structure were discovered in obligate one-seeded Achatocarpaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Seguieriaceae and Sarcobataceae. The horizontal embryo evolved in only certain groups of Chenopodiaceae. The bar-thickening of endotegmen cells appears to be an additional character typical of core Caryophyllales. The syncarpy-to-lysicarpy paradigm in Caryophyllaceae needs to be reinterpreted. PMID:25710481

Heterojunction solar cell with 6% efficiency based on an n-type aluminum-gallium-oxide thin film and p-type sodium-doped Cu2O sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minami, Tadatsugu; Nishi, Yuki; Miyata, Toshihiro

2015-02-01

In this paper, we describe efforts to enhance the efficiency of Cu2O-based heterojunction solar cells fabricated with an aluminum-gallium-oxide (Al-Ga-O) thin film as the n-type layer and a p-type sodium (Na)-doped Cu2O (Cu2O:Na) sheet prepared by thermally oxidizing copper sheets. The optimal Al content [X; Al/(Ga + Al) atomic ratio] of an AlX-Ga1-X-O thin-film n-type layer was found to be approximately 2.5 at. %. The optimized resistivity was approximately 15 Ω cm for n-type AlX-Ga1-X-O/p-type Cu2O:Na heterojunction solar cells. A MgF2/AZO/Al0.025-Ga0.975-O/Cu2O:Na heterojunction solar cell with 6.1% efficiency was fabricated using a 60-nm-thick n-type oxide thin-film layer and a 0.2-mm-thick Cu2O:Na sheet with the optimized resistivity.

Development of Enhanced Window layers for CIGS Photovoltaic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, J. Nicholas

One of the most promising thin film devices right now is the Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cell with maximum reported power conversion efficiency of 22.3%. The Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) which is the top layer of the CIGS device also known as the window layer, is responsible for collecting the electrons generated in the CIGS device and conducting them to the circuit. Development of a very low resistivity film with a high optical transmission is crucial for optimal performance of devices as well as the ability to be deployed without changes to their properties for several decades. Current TCOs such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) are met with limitations with either using large amounts of expensive materials such as indium, often requiring and anneal step to obtain good conductivity, or have shown poor long term reliability. This thesis is focused on development of InZnO and zirconium doped InZnO as a potential replacement TCO to obtain high conductivity and high transmission like the leading TCOs without needing heated depositions, post deposition annealing, and maintain a good film reliability. Zirconium doping was employed to farther enhance both the optical and electrical properties through enhancement of the films high frequency permittivity of InZnO while providing improved reliability to the film. The films were grown through a mix of DC and RF co-sputtering. InZnO films were deposited at varying indium concentration ( 10-30%) and samples were able to achieve low resistivity ( 7x10-4 O-cm), high mobility (>30 cm2/v.s), high carrier concentration (>10 20 cm-3), while maintaining high transmission (> 80%) in the visible and near-infrared region. After zirconium was incorporated into the InZnO films by replacement of the ZnO target with a ZrO2/ZnO (5:95) target, films of Zr:InZnO were deposit through the same method to achieve films that maintained very similar electrical and optical properties. The little change found in the elerical and optical properties has strongly indicated that incorporation of zirconium into the InZnO thin film may not be replacing indium and zinc in the structure of the film and not influence the high frequency permittivity and carrier concentration of InZnO. It is also shown that the incorporation of zirconium does not indicate any detrimental effects on the properties of InZnO. To investigate film reliability, a custom damp-heat chamber was designed in this study to expose samples of InZnO/SLG (soda lime glass), Zr:InZnO/SLG, and AZO up to 5000 hours in approximately 85°C and 85% relative humidity to accelerate the degradation rate of the films. AZO was found to degrade very rapidly and enter MO resistance in approximately 1 week in this damp heat setup, while the majority of InZnO and Zr:InZnO films remained conductive through the entire experiment. It was found films showed improvements to their reliability with increases in film thickness and indium content, decreases in the amount of oxygen present in the films (containing more oxygen vacancies), and films incorporated with zirconium. Zirconium may not have had the desired impact to the electrical and optical properties, but by adding zirconium doping and tailoring oxygen incorporation, films of Zr:InZnO were able to show no significant change in several thousand hours exposed to the damp-heat environment. Films were also investigated by XPS and chemical analysis showed hydroxide formation, which similar to AZO is likely the reason for performance degradation. Even in samples that did not heavily change in electrical properties show indication of diffusion of moisture through the film which is a potential problem for degradation at the interfaces in completed CIGS devices. In Addition to the TCO studies, two other studies are performed in this work on CIGS and photovoltaic related work. First the CdS layer, which is part of the window layers, usually referred to as the n-type buffer layer, had an alternative deposition chemistry investigated. This new chemistry replacing thiourea with N-methylthiourea was used in a chemical bath deposition (CBD). This new chemistry yielded more controlled growth kinetics with a wider processing window. The films grown using this chemistry were more uniform than those grown with the standard process using thiourea. These uniform films were shown to have more complete surface coverage at very thin layers ( 20-30 nm). The second study investigated commercial modules of crystalline silicon, CIGS, and CdTe based technologies with a total system capacity of approximately 100 kW. The system is fitted with current, voltage, temperature, irradiance, and a complete weather station. The purpose of the system is to investigate different panel technologies and monitoring challenges in northeast climates and to track their degradation over time. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Large Scale Laser Crystallization of Solution-based Alumina-doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) Nanoinks for Highly Transparent Conductive Electrode

PubMed Central

Nian, Qiong; Callahan, Michael; Saei, Mojib; Look, David; Efstathiadis, Harry; Bailey, John; Cheng, Gary J.

2015-01-01

A new method combining aqueous solution printing with UV Laser crystallization (UVLC) and post annealing is developed to deposit highly transparent and conductive Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) films. This technique is able to rapidly produce large area AZO films with better structural and optoelectronic properties than most high vacuum deposition, suggesting a potential large-scale manufacturing technique. The optoelectronic performance improvement attributes to UVLC and forming gas annealing (FMG) induced grain boundary density decrease and electron traps passivation at grain boundaries. The physical model and computational simulation developed in this work could be applied to thermal treatment of many other metal oxide films. PMID:26515670

Enhancing electrical conductivity of room temperature deposited Sn-doped In2O3 thin films by hematite seed layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohaus, Christian; Steinert, Céline; Deyu, Getnet; Brötz, Joachim; Jaegermann, Wolfram; Klein, Andreas

2018-04-01

Hematite Fe2O3 seed layers are shown to constitute a pathway to prepare highly conductive transparent tin-doped indium oxide thin films by room temperature magnetron sputtering. Conductivities of up to σ = 3300 S/cm are observed. The improved conductivity is not restricted to the interface but related to an enhanced crystallization of the films, which proceeds in the rhombohedral phase.

Influence Al doped ZnO nanostructure on structural and optical properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramelan, Ari Handono, E-mail: aramelan@mipa.uns.ac.id; Wahyuningsih, Sayekti; Chasanah, Uswatul

2016-04-19

The preparation of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films prepared by the spin-coating method was reported. Preparation of AZO was conducted by annealing treatment at a temperature of 700°C. While the spin-coating process of AZO thin films were done at 2000 and 3000 rpm respectively. The structural properties of ZnO were determined by X- ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. ZnOnanostructure was formed after annealed at atemperature of 400°C.The morphology of ZnO was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the irregular morphology about 30-50µm in size. Al doped on ZnO influenced the optical properties of those material. Increasing Al contain on ZnO causemore » of shifting to the lower wavelength. The optical properties of the ZnO as well as AZO films showed that higher reflectance on the ultraviolet region so those materials were used as anti-reflecting agent.Al addition significantly enhance the optical transparency and induce the blue-shift in optical bandgap of ZnO films.« less

Nematic DNA Thermotropic Liquid Crystals with Photoresponsive Mechanical Properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Maity, Sourav; Liu, Kai; Liu, Qing; Göstl, Robert; Portale, Giuseppe; Roos, Wouter H; Herrmann, Andreas

2017-09-01

Over the last decades, water-based lyotropic liquid crystals of nucleic acids have been extensively investigated because of their important role in biology. Alongside, solvent-free thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs) from DNA are gaining great interest, owing to their relevance to DNA-inspired optoelectronic applications. Up to now, however, only the smectic phase of DNA TLCs has been reported. The development of new mesophases including nematic, hexagonal, and cubic structures for DNA TLCs remains a significant challenge, which thus limits their technological applications considerably. In this work, a new type of DNA TLC that is formed by electrostatic complexation of anionic oligonucleotides and cationic surfactants containing an azobenzene (AZO) moiety is demonstrated. DNA-AZO complexes form a stable nematic mesophase over a temperature range from -7 to 110 °C and retain double-stranded DNA structure at ambient temperature. Photoisomerization of the AZO moieties from the E- to the Z-form alters the stiffness of the DNA-AZO hybrid materials opening a pathway toward the development of DNA TLCs as stimuli-responsive biomaterials. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Virus-based Photo-Responsive Nanowires Formed By Linking Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Chemical Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murugesan, Murali; Abbineni, Gopal; Nimmo, Susan L.; Cao, Binrui; Mao, Chuanbin

2013-05-01

Owing to the genetic flexibility and error-free bulk production, bio-nanostructures such as filamentous phage showed great potential in materials synthesis, however, their photo-responsive behaviour is neither explored nor unveiled. Here we show M13 phage genetically engineered with tyrosine residues precisely fused to the major coat protein is converted into a photo-responsive organic nanowire by a site-specific chemical reaction with an aromatic amine to form an azo dye structure on the surface. The resulting azo-M13-phage nanowire exhibits reversible photo-responsive properties due to the photo-switchable cis-trans isomerisation of the azo unit formed on the phage. This result shows that site-specific display of a peptide on bio-nanostructures through site-directed genetic mutagenesis can be translated into site-directed chemical reaction for developing advanced materials. The photo-responsive properties of the azo-M13-phage nanowires may open the door for the development of light controllable smart devices for use in non-linear optics, holography data storage, molecular antenna, and actuators.

Enhanced Azo-Dyes Degradation Performance of Fe-Si-B-P Nanoporous Architecture

PubMed Central

Weng, Nan; Wang, Feng; Qin, Fengxiang; Tang, Wanying; Dan, Zhenhua

2017-01-01

Nanoporous structures were fabricated from Fe76Si9B10P5 amorphous alloy annealed at 773 K by dealloying in 0.05 M H2SO4 solution, as a result of preferential dissolution of α-Fe grains in form of the micro-coupling cells between α-Fe and cathodic residual phases. Nanoporous Fe-Si-B-P powders exhibit much better degradation performance to methyl orange and direct blue azo dyes compared with gas-atomized Fe76Si9B10P5 amorphous powders and commercial Fe powders. The degradation reaction rate constants of nanoporous powders are almost one order higher than those of the amorphous counterpart powders and Fe powders, accompanying with lower activation energies of 19.5 and 26.8 kJ mol−1 for the degradation reactions of methyl orange and direct blue azo dyes, respectively. The large surface area of the nanoporous structure, and the existence of metalloids as well as residual amorphous phase with high catalytic activity are responsible for the enhanced azo-dyes degradation performance of the nanoporous Fe-Si-B-P powders. PMID:28846622

Novel colorimetric sensors for cyanide based on azo-hydrazone tautomeric skeletons.

PubMed

Adegoke, Olajire A; Adesuji, Temitope E; Thomas, Olusegun E

2014-07-15

The monoazo dyes, 4-carboxyl-2, 6-dinitrophenylazohydroxynaphthalenes dyes (AZ-01, AZ-03 and AZ-04), were evaluated as a highly selective colorimetric chemosensor for cyanide ion. The recognition of cyanide ion gave an obvious colour change from light yellow to brownish red and upon dilution with acetone produced a purple to lilac colour. Optimum conditions for the reaction between the azo dyes and cyanide ion were established at 30°C for 5 min, and different variables affecting the reaction were carefully studied and optimised. Under the optimum conditions, linear relationships between the CN(-) concentrations and light absorption were established. Using these azo-hydrazone molecular switch entities, excellent selectivity towards the detection of CN(-) in aqueous solution over miscellaneous competitive anions was observed. Such selectivity mainly results from the possibility of nucleophilic attack on the azo-hydrazone chemosensors by cyanide anions in aqueous system, which is not afforded by other competing anions. The cyanide chemosensor method described here should have potential application as a new family probes for detecting cyanide in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accelerated decolorization of azo dye Congo red in a combined bioanode-biocathode bioelectrochemical system with modified electrodes deployment.

PubMed

Kong, Fanying; Wang, Aijie; Cheng, Haoyi; Liang, Bin

2014-01-01

In this study, BES with bioanode and biocathode was applied to decolorize an azo dye Congo red (CR). Results showed that the Congo red decolorization efficiency (CR-DE) within 23 h in a combined bioanode-biocathode single chamber BES was 98.3±1.3%, significantly higher than that of mixed solution in a dual chamber BES (67.2±3.5%) (P<0.005). Various electrodes deployments (horizontal, vertical and surrounding) in the combined bioanode-biocathode BES were further compared based on the decolorization performance and electrochemical characterization. Results indicated that CR-DE within 11h improved from 87.4±1.3% to 97.5±2.3%, meanwhile the internal resistance decreased from 236.6 to 42.2Ω as modifying the horizontal deployment to be a surrounding deployment. It proved that the combination of bioanode and biocathode with suitable electrodes deployment could accelerate the decolorization of azo dye Congo red, which would be great potential for the application of bioelectrochemical technology in azo dye wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Virus-based Photo-Responsive Nanowires Formed By Linking Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Chemical Reaction

PubMed Central

Murugesan, Murali; Abbineni, Gopal; Nimmo, Susan L.; Cao, Binrui; Mao, Chuanbin

2013-01-01

Owing to the genetic flexibility and error-free bulk production, bio-nanostructures such as filamentous phage showed great potential in materials synthesis, however, their photo-responsive behaviour is neither explored nor unveiled. Here we show M13 phage genetically engineered with tyrosine residues precisely fused to the major coat protein is converted into a photo-responsive organic nanowire by a site-specific chemical reaction with an aromatic amine to form an azo dye structure on the surface. The resulting azo-M13-phage nanowire exhibits reversible photo-responsive properties due to the photo-switchable cis-trans isomerisation of the azo unit formed on the phage. This result shows that site-specific display of a peptide on bio-nanostructures through site-directed genetic mutagenesis can be translated into site-directed chemical reaction for developing advanced materials. The photo-responsive properties of the azo-M13-phage nanowires may open the door for the development of light controllable smart devices for use in non-linear optics, holography data storage, molecular antenna, and actuators. PMID:23673356

Stability study: Transparent conducting oxides in chemically reactive plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjunatha, Krishna Nama; Paul, Shashi

2017-12-01

Effect of plasma treatment on transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) including indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and aluminium-doped zinc oxide (AZO) are discussed. Stability of electrical and optical properties of TCOs, when exposed to plasma species generated from gases such as hydrogen and silane, are studied extensively. ITO and FTO thin films are unstable and reduce to their counterparts such as Indium and Tin when subjected to plasma. On the other hand, AZO is not only stable but also shows superior electrical and optical properties. The stability of AZO makes it suitable for electronic applications, such as solar cells and transistors that are fabricated under plasma environment. TCOs exposed to plasma with different fabrication parameters are used in the fabrication of silicon nanowire solar cells. The performance of solar cells, which is mired by the plasma, fabricated on ITO and FTO is discussed with respect to plasma exposure parameters while showing the advantages of using chemically stable AZO as an ideal TCO for solar cells. Additionally, in-situ diagnostic tool (optical emission spectroscopy) is used to monitor the deposition process and damage caused to TCOs.

Synthesis, kinetic studies and pharmacological evaluation of mutual azo prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid with D-phenylalanine for colon specific drug delivery in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Dhaneshwar, Suneela S; Gairola, Neha; Kandpal, Mini; Bhatt, Lokesh; Vadnerkar, Gaurav; Kadam, S S

2007-04-01

Mutual azo prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid with d-phenylalanine was synthesized by coupling D-phenylalanine with salicylic acid, for targeted drug delivery to the inflamed gut tissue in inflammatory bowel disease. The structure of synthesized prodrug was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy. In vitro kinetic studies in HCl buffer (pH 1.2) showed negligible release of 5-aminosalicylic acid, whereas in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) only 15% release was observed over a period of 7h. In rat fecal matter the release of 5-aminosalicylic acid was almost complete (85%), with a half-life of 160.1 min, following first order kinetics. The azo conjugate was evaluated for its ulcerogenic potential by Rainsford's cold stress method. Therapeutic efficacy of the carrier system and the mitigating effect of the azo conjugate were evaluated in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced experimental colitis model. The synthesized prodrug was found to be equally effective in mitigating the colitis in rats as that of sulfasalazine without the ulcerogenicity of 5-aminosalicylic acid.

[Dynamics of seed rain of Tripterygium hypoglaucum and soil seed bank].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi-Wei; Wei, Yong-Sheng; Liu, Xiang; Su, Shu; Qu, Xian-You; Wang, Chang-Hua

2017-11-01

Tripterygium hypoglaucum is an endangered species in arid areas of Xiannvshan Chongqing, China. The dynamic characteristics of seed rain and soil seed bank of T. hypoglaucum were studied in this paper．Results showed that T. hypoglaucum years of mature seeds distribution number up to October; the seed rain occurred from the last ten-day of September to in the first ten-day of November and the peak of scattered seed rain concentrated in the October．The numbers of soil seed bank at 2-5 cm soil layer,mainly concentrated in the 1.5-3.5 m range. T. hypoglaucum seeds to the wind as a force for transmission, the transmission ability is strong, but in the process of natural reproduction, full mature seed rate is low, the soil seed bank seeds seed short-lived factors these were unfavorable for the natural reproduction of T. hypoglaucum population. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Enhanced spin-valve giant magneto-resistance in non-exchange biased sandwich films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mao, M; Cerjan, C; Law, B

2000-02-17

A large giant magnetoresistance (GMR) value of 7.5% has been measured in simple NiFeCo(1)/Cu/NiFeCo(2) sandwich films grown on a 30 {angstrom} Cr seed layer. This spin-valve GMR effect is consistent with the differential switching of the two NiFeCo layers due to an enhanced coercivity of the NiFeCo(1) layer grown on the Cr seed layer. A change in growth texture of the NiFeCo(1) layer from fcc (111) to bcc (110) crystallographic orientation leads to an increase in magnetic anisotropy and an enhancement in coercivity. The GMR value increases to 8.7% when a thin CoFe interfacial enhancing layer is incorporated. Further enhancementmore » in GMR values up to 14% is seen in the sandwich films by nano-oxide layer formation. The specular reflection at oxide/magnetic layer interface further extends the mean free path of spin-polarized electrons.« less

Heavily-doped ZnO:Al thin films prepared by using magnetron Co-sputtering: Optical and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Eun-A.; Jun, Young-Kil; Kim, Nam-Hoon; Lee, Woo-Sun

2016-07-01

Photovoltaic applications require transparent conducting-oxide (TCO) thin films with high optical transmittance in the visible spectral region (380 - 780 nm), low resistivity, and high thermal/chemical stability. The ZnO thin film is one of the most common alternatives to the conventional indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film TCO. Highly transparent and conductive ZnO thin films can be prepared by doping with group III elements. Heavily-doped ZnO:Al (AZO) thin films were prepared by using the RF magnetron co-sputtering method with ZnO and Al targets to obtain better characteristics at a low cost. The RF sputtering power to each target was varied to control the doping concentration in fixed-thickness AZO thin films. The crystal structures of the AZO thin films were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction. The morphological microstructure was observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The optical transmittance and the band gap energy of the AZO thin films were examined with an UV-visible spectrophotometer in the range of 300 - 1800 nm. The resistivity and the carrier concentration were examined by using a Hall-effect measurement system. An excellent optical transmittance > 80% with an appropriate band gap energy (3.26 - 3.27 eV) and an improved resistivity (~10 -1 Ω·cm) with high carrier concentration (1017 - 1019 cm -3) were demonstrated in 350-nm-thick AZO thin films for thin-film photovoltaic applications.

[Determination of carcinogenic aromatic amines derived from azo colorants in plastic components of electrical and electronic products by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Niu, Zengyuan; Luo, Xin; Ye, Xiwen; Wang, Huihui; Li, Jingying

2014-01-01

A study for the simultaneous determination of 21 primary aromatic amines derived from the reduction of the azo colorants in plastic components of electrical and electronic products was conducted. Organic solvents were used to dissolve or swell the plastics to release the azo dyes existing in the plastic components. The azo colorants were reduced to aromatic amines under strong reducing condition of dithionite. Aromatic amines were extracted with methyl tert-butyl ether. Methanol-water (1: 1, v/v) was used to concentrate the extract to constant-volume for HPLC-MS analysis. The analytes were separated on a ZORBAX Eclipse XDB C18 column using the gradient elution with acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The analyte confirmation was performed using retention time and characteristic ions in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The correlation coefficients (r) of all the standard curves were more than 0.998, and the limits of quantification of the analytes were 0.5 mg/kg. The recoveries were 60.1% - 129.5% for the 21 aromatic amines with the RSDs not more than 14.0% except for a few compounds. The results showed that the banned azo colorants in the plastic products can be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively through reductive conversion into aromatic amines. In addition, this method has high accuracy and good precision.

Application of acidic treated pumice as an adsorbent for the removal of azo dye from aqueous solutions: kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Colored effluents are one of the important environment pollution sources since they contain unused dye compounds which are toxic and less-biodegradable. In this work removal of Acid Red 14 and Acid Red 18 azo dyes was investigated by acidic treated pumice stone as an efficient adsorbent at various experimental conditions. Removal of dye increased with increase in contact time and initial dye concentration, while decreased for increment in solution temperature and pH. Results of the equilibrium study showed that the removal of AR14 and AR18 followed Freundlich (r2>0.99) and Langmuir (r2>0.99) isotherm models. Maximum sorption capacities were 3.1 and 29.7 mg/g for AR 14 and AR18, namely significantly higher than those reported in the literature, even for activated carbon. Fitting of experimental data onto kinetic models showed the relevance of the pseudo-second order (r2>0.99) and intra-particle diffusion (r2>0.98) models for AR14 and AR18, respectively. For both dyes, the values of external mass transfer coefficient decreased for increasing initial dye concentrations, showing increasing external mass transfer resistance at solid/liquid layer. Desorption experiments confirmed the relevance of pumice stone for dye removal, since the pH regeneration method showed 86% and 89% regeneration for AR14 and AR18, respectively. PMID:23369579

Cobalt-based multilayers with ultrathin seedlayers for perpendicular magnetic recording media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Wenbin

With the rapid increase in areal density in longitudinal magnetic recording, it is widely believed that the superparamagnetic limit will soon be reached. Perpendicular magnetic recording is now being seriously considered to be a candidate for the replacement. Co/Pd and Co/Pt multilayers are promising candidates because of their high anisotropy, high coercivity, high remanent squareness, and high negative nucleation field. However, Co/Pd and Co/Pt multilayers usually require thick seed layers to promote perpendicular anisotropies, which leads to large "spacing loss". In this work, different seed layers were studied and it showed that an amorphous indium tin oxide (ITO) seed layer as thin as 2nm could promote good perpendicular anisotropy. The processing parameters for Co-based multilayers such as deposition pressure, temperature, individual layer thickness, and number of bilayers were optimized to obtain better interfaces, higher coercivity, and higher anisotropies. Boron was added as dopants into Co layers to obtain better intergranular segregation and reduce the grain growth during the thin film deposition. The substrates were heated to promote the migration of boron atoms. It was proved that the addition of boron has successfully reduced the magnetic domain sizes as well as the media noise. Spin stand test showed that the CoB/Pd multilayers with 2nm ITO seed layer and 6mum thick NiFe soft underlayers deposited at 230°C gave a D50 of 340 kfci for differentiated output signals and an areal density of 11 Gb/in2 at a bit-error-rate of 10 -7. Given narrower heads, better soft underlayer, and lower flying height, the media can reach a much higher recording density.

A Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in an Endo-1,4-β-Glucanase Gene Controls Seed Coat Permeability in Soybean

PubMed Central

Jang, Seong-Jin; Sato, Masako; Sato, Kei; Jitsuyama, Yutaka; Fujino, Kaien; Mori, Haruhide; Takahashi, Ryoji; Benitez, Eduardo R.; Liu, Baohui; Yamada, Tetsuya; Abe, Jun

2015-01-01

Physical dormancy, a structural feature of the seed coat known as hard seededness, is an important characteristic for adaptation of plants against unstable and unpredictable environments. To dissect the molecular basis of qHS1, a quantitative trait locus for hard seededness in soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.), we developed a near-isogenic line (NIL) of a permeable (soft-seeded) cultivar, Tachinagaha, containing a hard-seed allele from wild soybean (G. soja) introduced by successive backcrossings. The hard-seed allele made the seed coat of Tachinagaha more rigid by increasing the amount of β-1,4-glucans in the outer layer of palisade cells of the seed coat on the dorsal side of seeds, known to be a point of entrance of water. Fine-mapping and subsequent expression and sequencing analyses revealed that qHS1 encodes an endo-1,4-β-glucanase. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) introduced an amino acid substitution in a substrate-binding cleft of the enzyme, possibly reducing or eliminating its affinity for substrates in permeable cultivars. Introduction of the genomic region of qHS1 from the impermeable (hard-seeded) NIL into the permeable cultivar Kariyutaka resulted in accumulation of β-1,4-glucan in the outer layer of palisade cells and production of hard seeds. The SNP allele found in the NIL was further associated with the occurrence of hard seeds in soybean cultivars of various origins. The findings of this and previous studies may indicate that qHS1 is involved in the accumulation of β-1,4-glucan derivatives such as xyloglucan and/or β-(1,3)(1,4)-glucan that reinforce the impermeability of seed coats in soybean. PMID:26039079

Germination and emergence of annual species and burial depth: Implications for restoration ecology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limón, Ángeles; Peco, Begoña

2016-02-01

Due to the high content of viable seeds, topsoil is usually spread on ground left bare during railway and motorway construction to facilitate the regeneration of vegetation cover. However, during handling of the topsoil, seeds are often buried deeply and they cannot germinate or the seedlings cannot emerge from depth. This study experimentally explores the predictive value of seed mass for seed germination, mortality and seedling emergence at different burial depths for 13 common annual species in semiarid Mediterranean environments. We separate the effect of burial depth on germination and emergence by means of two experiments. In the germination experiment, five replicates of 20 seeds for each species were buried at depths ranging from 0 to 4 cm under greenhouse conditions. Germinated and empty or rotten seeds were counted after 8 weeks. In the emergence experiment, five replicates of four newly-germinated seeds per species were buried at the same depths under controlled conditions and emergence was recorded after 3 weeks. The effect of burial depth on percentage of germination and seedling emergence was dependent on seed size. Although all species showed a decrease in germination with burial depth, this decrease was greater for small-than large-seeded species. Percentage of emergence was positively related to seed mass but negatively related to burial depth. Seed mortality was higher for small-than large-seeded species, but there was no general effect of burial depth on this variable. Thus, the current practice of spreading 30 cm deep layers of topsoil in post-construction restoration projects is unadvisable. In this restoration scenario, thinner layers of topsoil should be used to achieve the maximum potential of the topsoil for germination and seedling establishment.

Variation in the effects of burial in different peatland successional stages on seed survival of four wetland species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egawa, Chika

2017-01-01

The availability of viable seeds in soil helps to determine the success of ecological restoration in disturbed habitats. Although seed survival in soil generally increases with an increase in burial depth, whether the effects of burial on seed survival are comparable across different sites is unclear. In this study, I tested the hypothesis that the positive effects of burial on seed survival decrease as vegetation develops through succession. Four wetland species, Drosera rotundifolia, Lobelia sessilifolia, Rhynchospora alba and Moliniopsis japonica, were used for the study. The four species differ in their light requirement for germination; i.e., D. rotundifolia, L. sessilifolia and R. alba germinate best in light, whereas M. japonica germinates equally well in light and darkness. The seeds of these species were buried for two years at three depths (litter, 0 and 4 cm) in three successional stages with different amounts of vegetation and litter in a post-mined peatland. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature at each of litter layer, 0 cm and 4 cm depths were measured for each successional stage. The between-depth differences in PAR and temperature fluctuations decreased as succession progressed. For the three light-demanding species, burial promoted seed survival more in the initial successional stage than in the later successional stages, whereas for M. japonica, burial promoted seed survival equally in all successional stages. This study revealed significant variation in the effects of burial on seed survival, particularly for light-sensitive seeds, and that the soil surface layers in vegetated sites can contain persistent seeds, which could be used as a seed source in restoration.

Incidence of seed-borne fungi and aflatoxins in Sudanese lentil seeds.

PubMed

el-Nagerabi, S A; Elshafie, A E

2001-01-01

Thirteen seed samples of lentil (Lens esculenta) were incubated on agar plate and moist filter papers (Moist Chambers) at 28 +/- 2 degrees C for determination of the incidence of seed-borne fungi. Aflatoxins content of the seeds was measured using the bright greenish- yellow fluorescence test (BGYF) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Sixty-nine species and seven varieties, which belong to 24 genera of fungi, were isolated from this crop. Of these fungi, 51 species and two varieties are considered new for this crop, whereas seven genera and 13 species are new to the mycoflora of the Sudan. The genus Aspergillus (13 species and 6 varieties) which comprising 44% of the total colony count was the most prevalent genus followed by Rhizopus (2 species, 19%), Penicillium (6 species) and Fusarium (8 species) (12%), Chaetomium (3 species) and Cladosporium (5 species) (6%), where the 18 genera (1-4 species) showed very low level of incidence (19%). Of the possible pathogens of lentil plants, F. oxysporum the main cause of vascular wilt was recovered from seeds of this crop. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of chloroform extracts of 13 seed samples showed that only one samples was naturally contaminated with aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 (14.3 micrograms/kg).

40 CFR 721.4098 - Substituted heteroaromatic-2[[4-(dimethylamino) phenyl]azo]-3-methyl-, salts (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Substituted heteroaromatic-2[[4-(dimethylamino) phenyl]azo]-3-methyl-, salts (generic). 721.4098 Section 721.4098 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for...

Detection of azo dyes in curry powder using a 1064-nm dispersive hyperspectral Raman imaging system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Curry powder is extensively used in Southeast Asian dishes. It has been subject to adulteration by azo dyes. This study used a newly developed 1064 nm dispersive hyperspectral Raman imaging system for detection of metanil yellow and Sudan-I contamination in curry powder. Curry powder was mixed with ...

Textured substrate tape and devices thereof

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit

2006-08-08

A method for forming a sharply biaxially textured substrate, such as a single crystal substrate, includes the steps of providing a deformed metal substrate, followed by heating above the secondary recrystallization temperature of the deformed substrate, and controlling the secondary recrystallization texture by either using thermal gradients and/or seeding. The seed is selected to shave a stable texture below a predetermined temperature. The sharply biaxially textured substrate can be formed as a tape having a length of 1 km, or more. Epitaxial articles can be formed from the tapes to include an epitaxial electromagnetically active layer. The electromagnetically active layer can be a superconducting layer.

Integration of a waveguide self-electrooptic effect device and a vertically coupled interconnect waveguide

DOEpatents

Vawter, G Allen [Corrales, NM

2008-02-26

A self-electrooptic effect device ("SEED") is integrated with waveguide interconnects through the use of vertical directional couplers. Light initially propagating in the interconnect waveguide is vertically coupled to the active waveguide layer of the SEED and, if the SEED is in the transparent state, the light is coupled back to the interconnect waveguide.

Identification and Characterization of Arabidopsis Seed Coat Mucilage Proteins.

PubMed

Tsai, Allen Yi-Lun; Kunieda, Tadashi; Rogalski, Jason; Foster, Leonard J; Ellis, Brian E; Haughn, George W

2017-02-01

Plant cell wall proteins are important regulators of cell wall architecture and function. However, because cell wall proteins are difficult to extract and analyze, they are generally poorly understood. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of proteins integral to the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed coat mucilage, a specialized layer of the extracellular matrix composed of plant cell wall carbohydrates that is used as a model for cell wall research. The proteins identified in mucilage include those previously identified by genetic analysis, and several mucilage proteins are reduced in mucilage-deficient mutant seeds, suggesting that these proteins are genuinely associated with the mucilage. Arabidopsis mucilage has both nonadherent and adherent layers. Both layers have similar protein profiles except for proteins involved in lipid metabolism, which are present exclusively in the adherent mucilage. The most abundant mucilage proteins include a family of proteins named TESTA ABUNDANT1 (TBA1) to TBA3; a less abundant fourth homolog was named TBA-LIKE (TBAL). TBA and TBAL transcripts and promoter activities were detected in developing seed coats, and their expression requires seed coat differentiation regulators. TBA proteins are secreted to the mucilage pocket during differentiation. Although reverse genetics failed to identify a function for TBAs/TBAL, the TBA promoters are highly expressed and cell type specific and so should be very useful tools for targeting proteins to the seed coat epidermis. Altogether, these results highlight the mucilage proteome as a model for cell walls in general, as it shares similarities with other cell wall proteomes while also containing mucilage-specific features. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Antibacterial Activity of Pharbitin, Isolated from the Seeds of Pharbitis nil, against Various Plant Pathogenic Bacteria.

PubMed

Nguyen, Hoa Thi; Yu, Nan Hee; Park, Ae Ran; Park, Hae Woong; Kim, In Seon; Kim, Jin-Cheol

2017-10-28

This study aimed to isolate and characterize antibacterial metabolites from Pharbitis nil seeds and investigate their antibacterial activity against various plant pathogenic bacteria. The methanol extract of P. nil seeds showed the strongest activity against Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of 250 μg/ml. Among the three solvent layers obtained from the methanol extract of P. nil seeds, only the butanol layer displayed the activity with an MIC value of 125 μg/ml against Xap. An antibacterial fraction was obtained from P. nil seeds by repeated column chromatography and identified as pharbitin, a crude resin glycoside, by instrumental analysis. The antibacterial activity of pharbitin was tested in vitro against 14 phytopathogenic bacteria, and it was found to inhibit Ralstonia solanacearum and four Xanthomonas species. The minimum inhibitory concentration values against the five bacteria were 125-500 μg/ml for the n-butanol layer and 31.25-125 μg/ml for pharbitin. In a detached peach leaf assay, it effectively suppressed the development of bacterial leaf spot, with a control value of 87.5% at 500 μg/ml. In addition, pharbitin strongly reduced the development of bacterial wilt on tomato seedlings by 97.4% at 250 μg/ml, 7 days after inoculation. These findings suggest that the crude extract of P. nil seeds can be used as an alternative biopesticide for the control of plant diseases caused by R. solanacearum and Xanthomonas spp. This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of pharbitin against phytopathogenic bacteria.

Identification and Characterization of Arabidopsis Seed Coat Mucilage Proteins1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Tsai, Allen Yi-Lun; Kunieda, Tadashi; Rogalski, Jason; Foster, Leonard J.; Ellis, Brian E.

2017-01-01

Plant cell wall proteins are important regulators of cell wall architecture and function. However, because cell wall proteins are difficult to extract and analyze, they are generally poorly understood. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of proteins integral to the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed coat mucilage, a specialized layer of the extracellular matrix composed of plant cell wall carbohydrates that is used as a model for cell wall research. The proteins identified in mucilage include those previously identified by genetic analysis, and several mucilage proteins are reduced in mucilage-deficient mutant seeds, suggesting that these proteins are genuinely associated with the mucilage. Arabidopsis mucilage has both nonadherent and adherent layers. Both layers have similar protein profiles except for proteins involved in lipid metabolism, which are present exclusively in the adherent mucilage. The most abundant mucilage proteins include a family of proteins named TESTA ABUNDANT1 (TBA1) to TBA3; a less abundant fourth homolog was named TBA-LIKE (TBAL). TBA and TBAL transcripts and promoter activities were detected in developing seed coats, and their expression requires seed coat differentiation regulators. TBA proteins are secreted to the mucilage pocket during differentiation. Although reverse genetics failed to identify a function for TBAs/TBAL, the TBA promoters are highly expressed and cell type specific and so should be very useful tools for targeting proteins to the seed coat epidermis. Altogether, these results highlight the mucilage proteome as a model for cell walls in general, as it shares similarities with other cell wall proteomes while also containing mucilage-specific features. PMID:28003327

The determination of trace lead in Chinese medicinal herbs by flow injection analysis in polyethyleneglycol medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Aiqin; Zhu, Xiashi; Huang, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Yaqin

2008-01-01

In this work, a new flow injection analysis (FIA) for the determination of Pb 2+ in Chinese medicinal herbs was developed. In the buffer solution of borax-NaOH (pH 10.5), Pb 2+ reacted with 2-[(5-bromo-2-pyridyl)-azo]-5-(diethyl-amino)phenol (5-Br-PADAP) to form a complex. The experimental results showed that the sensitivity was enhanced in the presence of polyethyleneglycol-800 (PG-800). The main factors affecting the determination were investigated in detail. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range and detection limit is 0.0-0.3 μg/mL and 1.5 ng/mL (correlation coefficient r = 0.9996), respectively. The linear regression equation is A = -0.005 + 0.60 c (μg/mL). The sample throughout is 10 h -1. Foreign substrates effects were also investigated. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of lead in reference material, goldthread and lepidium seed.

Cracks in the Palisade Cuticle of Soybean Seed Coats Correlate with their Permeability to Water

PubMed Central

MA, FENGSHAN; CHOLEWA, EWA; MOHAMED, TASNEEM; PETERSON, CAROL A.; GIJZEN, MARK

2004-01-01

• Background and Aims Soybean (Glycine max) is among the many legumes that are well known for ‘hardseededness’. This feature can be beneficial for long-term seed survival, but is undesirable for the food processing industry. There is substantial disagreement concerning the mechanisms and related structures that control the permeability properties of soybean seed coats. In this work, the structural component that controls water entry into the seed is identified. • Methods Six soybean cultivars were tested for their seed coat permeabilities to water. To identify the structural feature(s) that may contribute to the determination of these permeabilities, fluorescent tracer dyes, and light and electron microscopic techniques were used. • Key Results The cultivar ‘Tachanagaha’ has the most permeable seed coat, ‘OX 951’ the least permeable seed coat, and the permeabilities of the rest (‘Harovinton’, ‘Williams’, ‘Clark L 67-3469’, and ‘Harosoy 63’) are intermediate. All seeds have surface deposits, depressions, a light line, and a cuticle about 0·2 µm thick overlaying the palisade layer. In permeable cultivars the cuticle tends to break, whereas in impermeable seeds of ‘OX 951’ it remains intact. In the case of permeable seed coats, the majority of the cracks are from 1 to 5 µm wide and from 20 to 200 µm long, and occur more frequently on the dorsal side than in other regions of the seed coat, a position that correlates with the site of initial water uptake. • Conclusions The cuticle of the palisade layer is the key factor that determines the permeability property of a soybean seed coat. The cuticle of a permeable seed coat is mechanically weak and develops small cracks through which water can pass. The cuticle of an impermeable seed coat is mechanically strong and does not crack under normal circumstances. PMID:15217785

Germination, growth rates, and electron microscope analysis of tomato seeds flown on the LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.; Bridgers, Kevin; Brown, Cecelia Wright

1995-01-01

The tomato seeds were flown in orbit aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) for nearly six years. During this time, the tomato seeds received an abundant exposure to cosmic radiation and solar wind. Upon the return of the LDEF to earth, the seeds were distributed throughout the United States and 30 foreign countries for analysis. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the long term effect of cosmic rays on living tissue. Our university analysis included germination and growth rates as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray analysis of the control as well as Space-exposed tomato seeds. In analyzing the seeds under the Electron Microscope, usual observations were performed on the nutritional and epidermis layer of the seed. These layers appeared to be more porous in the Space-exposed seeds than on the Earth-based control seeds. This unusual characteristic may explain the increases in the space seeds growth pattern. (Several test results show that the Space-exposed seeds germinate sooner than the Earth-Based seeds. Also, the Space-exposed seeds grew at a faster rate). The porous nutritional region may allow the seeds to receive necessary nutrients and liquids more readily, thus enabling the plant to grow at a faster rate. Roots, leaves and stems were cut into small sections and mounted. After sputter coating the specimens with Argon/Gold Palladium Plasma, they were ready to be viewed under the Electron Microscope. Many micrographs were taken. The X-ray analysis displayed possible identifications of calcium, potassium, chlorine, copper, aluminum, silicon, phosphate, carbon, and sometimes sulfur and iron. The highest concentrations were shown in potassium and calcium. The Space-exposed specimens displayed a high concentration of copper and calcium in the two specimens. There was a significantly high concentration of copper in the Earth-based specimens, whereas there was no copper in the Space-exposed specimens.

Green technologies in natural and synthetic surfaces use for dumps reclamation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimkina, Iryna; Fedotov, Viacheslav; Heilmeier, Hermann

2016-04-01

Last 50 years coal dumps reclamation in Ukraine was based on two- or three-layer models. These models use a fertile substratum underneath a black soil (chernozem) layer 0.5 m thick (Model 1) or 0.70-1 m thick (Model 2). Model 3 has 3 layers. The deepest layer is a substrate which is phytotoxic or unfavourable for crop growth (coal-bearing substrates with a high content of pyrite, saline substrates). The second layers acts as a protective shield and consist of loess (0.5 m). The third is the layer of fertile chernozem (0.3-0.8 m). However, due to the situation of a shortage of fertile soils, a lack of nutrient elements in the waste rock, and a moisture deficit with strong rock acidification, it is considered important to develop new non-traditional reclamation methods based on the geo-synthetic materials used in conjunction with sowing lawn grasses or grass seeds inside. The geogrids and biogeotextiles made from natural materials such as hemp, flax, jute, coconut and other plant biopolymer fibers are recommended for bioremediation. The biodegradable carcass of reclamation covering materials stabilises the slopes, effectively restraints the soil particles from leaching and blowing, and prevents wash-out of the plant seeds, as well as protecting them from being eaten by animals. The research object of the presented work was the coal dumps of sulfide rocks in Western Donbass (Ukraine). These rocks are characterized by low level of the maximum hygroscopic moisture (4.3%) and moisture content not available for plant growth (5-6%). Also the rock has an average level of salinity, mainly of the sulphate type. The main goal of the study was to justify the use of some non-traditional materials such as burlap (jute cloth), agricultural fibers (light non-woven material from polypropylene fiber of spun-bond type) and a padding of polyester in the capacity of a geosynthetic substrate as a basis for the mixed grass crop that enable a reduction in the bioremediation costs (in comparison with traditional methods of covering by fertile soil layer) and the arrangement of lawn roll. A mixture of grass crops was used that included three types of grass seeds which were sown in the condition of hydroponics with settled tap water in a floating poly-foam frame on the one- and two-layer (with grass seeds inside) substrates of the above-mentioned materials. The best results, in terms of seed germination, root and above-ground parts of the plants length, were obtained with a single layer of jute burlap on which practically all germinated seeds reached a high degree of seedlings mass and root productivity similar to indices of growth mixtures in greenhouses. As a mulch of organic ingredients a wide range of crop residues, namely wheat straw, corn stalks, sunflower stalks and husks, and others, can be used.

Nanostructure of aluminium (Al) - Doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussin, Rosniza; Husin, M. Asri

2017-12-01

Aluminium (Al)-doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) was deposited on glass substrates by using the sol-gel dip coating technique. Next, AZO sol-gel solution was produced via sol-gel method. Al was used as doped element with molar ratios of 1%, 2%, and 3%, while the calcination temperatures were set at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C for 2 hours. In fact, characterization was carried out in order to determine the effect of calcination temperature and molar ratio of doping by using several techniques, such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). XRD was performed to investigate the crystal structure in which the ZnO was in wurtzite hexagonal form. Next, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the composition of thin films where the result revealed the existence of zinc, oxygen, and aluminium. The roughness of the deposited film was later measured by using the AFM approach where the findings indicated increment in RMS from 8.496 nm to 35.883 nm as the temperature was increased. Additionally, FESEM was carried out to look into the microstructure surfaces of the deposited AZO thin film for increased temperature caused the particle to grow bigger for all molar ratio of dopant. Lastly, UV-Vis was conducted to study the optical properties of AZO, in which the result demonstrated that AZO thin film possessed the highest transmittance percentage among all samples above 90% with band gap value that ranged from 3.25 eV to 3.32 eV.

Synthesized TiO2/ZSM-5 composites used for the photocatalytic degradation of azo dye: Intermediates, reaction pathway, mechanism and bio-toxicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Kefu; Hu, Xin-Yan; Chen, Bor-Yann; Hsueh, Chung-Chuan; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Jiajie; Lin, Yu-Jung; Chang, Chang-Tang

2016-10-01

In this study, a one-step solid dispersion method was used to synthesize titanium dioxide (TiO2)/Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5) composites with substantially reduced time and energy consumption. A degradation efficiency of more than 95% was achieved within 10 min using 50% PTZ (synthesized TiO2/ZSM-5 composites with TiO2 contents of 50 wt% loaded on ZSM-5) at pH 7 and 25 °C. The possible degradation pathway of azo-dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5) was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ion chromatography (IC). The bonds between the N atoms and naphthalene groups are likely attacked first and cleaved by hydroxyl radicals, ultimately resulting in the decolorization and mineralization of the azo dye. A comparative assessment of the characteristics of abiotic and biotic dye decolorization was completed. In addition, the toxicity effects of the degradation intermediates of azo-dye RB5 on cellular respiratory activity were analyzed. The bio-toxicity results showed that the decay rate constants of CO2 production from the azo-dye RB5 samples at different degradation times increased initially and subsequently decreased, indicating that intermediates of higher toxicity could adhere to the catalyst surface and gradually destroyed by further photocatalytic oxidation. Additionally, EDTA (hole scavengers) and t-BuOH (radical scavengers) were used to detect the main active oxidative species in the system. The results showed that the hydroxyl radicals are the main oxidation species in the photocatalytic process.

Biodecolorization of recalcitrant dye as the sole sourceof nutrition using Curvularia clavata NZ2 and decolorization ability of its crude enzymes.

PubMed

Neoh, Chin Hong; Lam, Chi Yong; Lim, Chi Kim; Yahya, Adibah; Bay, Hui Han; Ibrahim, Zaharah; Noor, Zainura Zainon

2015-08-01

Extensive use of recalcitrant azo dyes in textile and paper industries poses a direct threat to the environment due to the carcinogenicity of their degradation products. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Curvularia clavata NZ2 in decolorization of azo dyes. The ability of the fungus to decolorize azo dyes can be evaluated as an important outcome as existing effluent treatment is unable to remove the dyes effectively. C. clavata has the ability to decolorize Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Acid Orange 7 (AO7), and Congo Red azo dyes, utilizing these as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the extracted RB5's metabolites along with desorption tests confirmed that the decolorization process occurred due to degradation and not merely by adsorption. Enzyme activities of extracellular enzymes such as carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), xylanase, laccase, and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were also detected during the decolorization process. Toxicity expressed as inhibition of germination was reduced significantly in fungal-treated azo dye solution when compared with the control. The cultivation of C. clavata under sequential batch system also recorded a decolorization efficiency of above 90%. The crude enzyme secreted by C. clavata also showed excellent ability to decolorize RB5 solutions with concentrations of 100 ppm (88-92%) and 1000 ppm (70-77%) without redox mediator. This proved that extracellular enzymes produced by C. clavata played a major role in decolorization of RB5.

Chronic toxicity of azo and anthracenedione dyes to embryo-larval fathead minnow.

PubMed

Parrott, Joanne L; Bartlett, Adrienne J; Balakrishnan, Vimal K

2016-03-01

The toxicity of selected azo and anthracenedione dyes was studied using chronic exposures of embryo-larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Newly fertilized fathead minnow embryos were exposed through the egg stage, past hatching, through the larval stage (until 14 days post-hatch), with dye solutions renewed daily. The anthracenedione dyes Acid Blue 80 (AB80) and Acid Blue 129 (AB129) caused no effects in larval fish at the highest measured concentrations tested of 7700 and 6700 μg/L, respectively. Both azo dyes Disperse Yellow 7 (DY7) and Sudan Red G (SRG) decreased survival of larval fish, with LC50s (based on measured concentrations of dyes in fish exposure water) of 25.4 μg/L for DY7 and 16.7 μg/L for SRG. Exposure to both azo dyes caused a delayed response, with larval fish succumbing 4-10 days after hatch. If the exposures were ended at the embryo stage or just after hatch, the potency of these two dyes would be greatly underestimated. Concentrations of dyes that we measured entering the Canadian environment were much lower than those that affected larval fish survival in the current tests. In a total of 162 samples of different municipal wastewater effluents from across Canada assessed for these dyes, all were below detection limits. The similarities of the structures and larval fish responses for the two azo and two anthracenedione dyes in this study support the use of read-across data for risk assessment of these classes of compounds. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laser transit anemometer measurements on a slender cone in the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Humphreys, William M., Jr.; Hunter, William W., Jr.; Covell, Peter F.; Nichols, Cecil E., Jr.

1990-01-01

A laser transit anemometer (LTA) system was used to probe the boundary layer on a slender (5 degree half angle) cone model in the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel. The anemometer system utilized a pair of laser beams with a diameter of 40 micrometers spaced 1230 micrometers apart to measure the transit times of ensembles of seeding particles using a cross-correlation technique. From these measurements, boundary layer profiles around the model were constructed and compared with CFD calculations. The measured boundary layer profiles representing the boundary layer velocity normalized to the edge velocity as a function of height above the model surface were collected with the model at zero angle of attack for four different flow conditions, and were collected in a vertical plane that bisected the model's longitudinal center line at a location 635 mm from the tip of the forebody cone. The results indicate an excellent ability of the LTA system to make velocity measurements deep into the boundary layer. However, because of disturbances in the flow field caused by onboard seeding, premature transition occurred implying that upstream seeding is mandatory if model flow field integrity is to be maintained. A description and results of the flow field surveys are presented.

Onomatopeya, Derivacion y el Sufijo -azo. (Onomatopeia, Derivation, and the Suffix -azo).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corro, Raymond L.

1985-01-01

The nature and source of onomatopeic words in Spanish are discussed in order of decreasing resemblance to the sound imitated. The first group of onomatopeic words are the interjections, in which sound effects and animal sounds are expressed. Repetition is often used to enhance the effect. The second group includes verbs and nouns derived from the…

40 CFR 721.2140 - Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Carbo-poly-cycli-col azo-alkyl-aminoalkyl-carbo-mono-cyclic ester, halogen acid salt. 721.2140 Section 721.2140 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specifi...

Spatial structure of radio frequency ring-shaped magnetized discharge sputtering plasma using two facing ZnO/Al2O3 cylindrical targets for Al-doped ZnO thin film preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumiyama, Takashi; Fukumoto, Takaya; Ohtsu, Yasunori; Tabaru, Tatsuo

2017-05-01

Spatial structure of high-density radio frequency ring-shaped magnetized discharge plasma sputtering with two facing ZnO/Al2O3 cylindrical targets mounted in ring-shaped hollow cathode has been measured and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film is deposited without substrate heating. The plasma density has a peak at ring-shaped hollow trench near the cathode. The radial profile becomes uniform with increasing the distance from the target cathode. A low ion current flowing to the substrate of 0.19 mA/cm2 is attained. Large area AZO films with a resistivity of 4.1 - 6.7×10-4 Ω cm can be prepared at a substrate room temperature. The transmittance is 84.5 % in a visible region. The surface roughnesses of AZO films are 0.86, 0.68, 0.64, 1.7 nm at radial positions of r = 0, 15, 30, 40 mm, respectively, while diffraction peak of AZO films is 34.26°. The grains exhibit a preferential orientation along (002) axis.

UV-visible-DAD and 1H-NMR spectroscopy data fusion for studying the photodegradation process of azo-dyes using MCR-ALS.

PubMed

Fernández, Cristina; Pilar Callao, M; Larrechi, M Soledad

2013-12-15

The photodegradation process of three azo-dyes - Acid Orange 61, Acid Red 97 and Acid Brown 425 - was monitored simultaneously by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy with diode array detector (UV-vis-DAD) and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR). Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied to obtain the concentration and spectral profile of the chemical compounds involved in the process. The analysis of the H-NMR data suggests there are more intermediate compounds than those obtained with the UV-vis-DAD data. The fusion of UV-vis-DAD and the (1)H-NMR signal before the multivariate analysis provides better results than when only one of the two detector signals was used. It was concluded that three degradation products were present in the medium when the three azo-dyes had practically degraded. This study is the first application of UV-vis-DAD and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy data fusion in this field and illustrates its potential as a quick method for evaluating the evolution of the azo-dye photodegradation process. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recycling food waste to clean water: the use of a biodigester's residual liquid inoculum (RLI) to decolourise textile azo dyes.

PubMed

Maganha de Almeida, A C; Backhaus, J; Corso, C R

2018-01-01

A residual liquid inoculum (RLI) was used to decolourise solutions of Acid Yellow 25 (AY25) and Direct Violet 51 (DV51) azo dyes. The RLI was obtained through anaerobic digestion of food waste from a university restaurant. The concentration of bacteria in the RLI was 8.45 × 10 7 CFU mL -1 . Dye solutions (50 μg mL -1 ) were inoculated with the RLI (20% v/v) and incubated at room temperature. The decolourisation studies took place at microaerophilic and in-batch conditions and at pH = 2.50. Initially, the dyes were taken up from solution by biosorption; maximum colour removal was achieved after 3 hours of incubation, with 88.66% for AY25 and 77.65% of DV51. At prolonged incubation times (3-96 hours) decolourisation was mainly attributed to biodegradation of the azo solutions, with breakage of the azo bond, as detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. Analysis of UV-VIS absorption rates of dyes showed, however, that AY25 was more readily biodegradable whereas DV51 was more recalcitrant to the action of the RLI.

Effect of solvents on sol-gel spin-coated nanostructured Al-doped ZnO thin films: a film for key optoelectronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Deva Arun; Valanarasu, S.; Kathalingam, A.; Ganesh, V.; Shkir, Mohd.; AlFaify, S.

2017-12-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were deposited by sol-gel spin coating technique onto the glass substrates using different solvents such as 2-methoxyethanol, methanol, ethanol and isopropanol. Prepared films were characterized by XRD, Raman spectrum, SEM, UV-visible spectrophotometer, photoluminescence (PL) and electrical studies. XRD studies showed that all the prepared films are hexagonal wurtzite structure with polycrystalline nature oriented along (002) direction. SEM images showed uniform particles of size around 60 nm distributed regularly on to the entire glass substrate. EDX analysis confirmed the composition of grown AZO film consisting of Al, Zn and O elements. The prepared films showed highest optical transmittance 94% in the visible range and band gap 3.30 eV. PL spectra for all AZO films showed a strong UV emission peak at 387 nm. The AZO films prepared using isopropanol solvent showed high carrier concentration and low resistivity values as 1.72 × 1020 cm-3 and 2.90 × 10-3 Ω cm, respectively, with high figure of merit ( ϕ) value 8.42 × 10-3 (Ω/sq)-1.

Photocatalytic activity against azo dye and cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cell lines of zirconium oxide nanoparticle mediated using leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa.

PubMed

Sai Saraswathi, V; Santhakumar, K

2017-04-01

Metal oxide nanoparticles are gaining interest in recent years. The present paper explains about the green synthesis of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO NPs) mediated from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa. The prepared ZrO NPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activity of ZrO NPs was studied for azo dye by exposing to sunlight. The azo dye was degraded up to 94.58%. Also the ZrO NPs were studied for in vitro cytotoxicity activity against breast cancer cell lines-MCF-7 and evaluated by MTT assay. The cell morphological changes were recorded by light microscope. The cells viability was seen at 500μg/mL when compared against control. Hence the research highlights, that the method was simple, eco-friendly towards environment by phytoremediation activity of the azo dye and cytotoxicity activity against MCF-7 cell lines. Hence the present paper may help to further explore the metal nanoparticle for its potential applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of defect modes in a defective photonic crystal with a semiconductor metamaterial defect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Meng-Ru; Wu, Chien-Jang; Chang, Shoou-Jinn

2014-11-01

In this work, we theoretically investigate the properties of defect modes in a defective photonic crystal containing a semiconductor metamaterial defect. We consider the structure, (LH)N/DP/(LH)N, where N and P are respectively the stack numbers, L is SiO2, H is InP, and defect layer D is a semiconductor metamaterial composed of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) and ZnO. It is found that, within the photonic band gap, the number of defect modes (transmission peaks) will decrease as the defect thickness increases, in sharp contrast to the case of using usual dielectric defect. The peak height and position can be changed by the variation in the thickness of defect layer. In the angle-dependent defect mode, its position is shown to be blue-shifted as the angle of incidence increases for both TE and TM waves. The analysis of defect mode provides useful information for the design of tunable transmission filter in semiconductor optoelectronics.

Synchrotron radiation based cross-sectional scanning photoelectron microscopy and spectroscopy of n-ZnO:Al/p-GaN:Mg heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kai-Hsuan; Chang, Ping-Chuan; Chen, Tse-Pu; Chang, Sheng-Po; Shiu, Hung-Wei; Chang, Lo-Yueh; Chen, Chia-Hao; Chang, Shoou-Jinn

2013-02-01

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) deposited by radio frequency co-sputtering is formed on epitaxial Mg-doped GaN template at room temperature to achieve n-AZO/p-GaN heterojunction. Alignment of AZO and GaN bands is investigated using synchrotron radiation based cross-sectional scanning photoelectron microscopy and spectroscopy on the nonpolar side-facet of a vertically c-axis aligned heterostructure. It shows type-II band configuration with valence band offset of 1.63 ± 0.1 eV and conduction band offset of 1.61 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Rectification behavior is clearly observed, with a ratio of forward-to-reverse current up to six orders of magnitude when the bias is applied across the p-n junction.

Synchrotron radiation based cross-sectional scanning photoelectron microscopy and spectroscopy of n-ZnO:Al/p-GaN:Mg heterojunction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Kai-Hsuan; Chen, Chia-Hao; Chang, Ping-Chuan

2013-02-18

Al-doped ZnO (AZO) deposited by radio frequency co-sputtering is formed on epitaxial Mg-doped GaN template at room temperature to achieve n-AZO/p-GaN heterojunction. Alignment of AZO and GaN bands is investigated using synchrotron radiation based cross-sectional scanning photoelectron microscopy and spectroscopy on the nonpolar side-facet of a vertically c-axis aligned heterostructure. It shows type-II band configuration with valence band offset of 1.63 {+-} 0.1 eV and conduction band offset of 1.61 {+-} 0.1 eV, respectively. Rectification behavior is clearly observed, with a ratio of forward-to-reverse current up to six orders of magnitude when the bias is applied across the p-n junction.

Modulations of anisotropic optical transmission on alumina-doped zinc oxide surface by femtosecond laser induced ripples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yanhui; Jiang, Lan; Sun, Jingya; Cao, Qiang; Wang, Qingsong; Han, Weina; Lu, Yongfeng

2018-04-01

This study demonstrated that femtosecond-laser-induced ripples on an alumina-doped zinc oxide (AZO) film with space intervals of approximately 340 and 660 nm exhibit modulations of anisotropic optical transmission. At low laser fluence, ripples can not affect the original absorption peak of AZO film, but at higher laser fluence, the absorption peak of AZO film is disappeared due to the modulation by femtosecond laser induced ripples. Moreover, the relationship between the anisotropic optical transmission and the features of nanostructures is discussed. Ripples with a space interval of approximately 660 nm have a higher ability to block light than nanostructures with a space interval of approximately 340 nm. These observations indicate that anisotropic optical transmission has potential applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Thermoelectric Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, S.; Mele, P.; Honda, H.; Matsumoto, K.; Miyazaki, K.; Ichinose, A.

2014-06-01

We have prepared 2 % Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on SrTiO3 substrates by a pulsed laser deposition technique at various deposition temperatures ( T dep = 300-600 °C). The thermoelectric properties of AZO thin films were studied in a low temperature range (300-600 K). Thin film deposited at 300 °C is fully c-axis-oriented and presents electrical conductivity 310 S/cm with Seebeck coefficient -65 μV/K and power factor 0.13 × 10-3 Wm-1 K-2 at 300 K. The performance of thin films increases with temperature. For instance, the power factor is enhanced up to 0.55 × 10-3 Wm-1 K-2 at 600 K, surpassing the best AZO film previously reported in the literature.

Effects of surface morphology of ZnO seed layers on growth of ZnO nanostructures prepared by hydrothermal method and annealing.

PubMed

Yim, Kwang Gug; Kim, Min Su; Leem, Jae-Young

2013-05-01

ZnO nanostructures were grown on Si (111) substrates by a hydrothermal method. Prior to growing the ZnO nanostructures, ZnO seed layers with different post-heat temperatures were prepared by a spin-coating process. Then, the ZnO nanostructures were annealed at 500 degrees C for 20 min under an Ar atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) were carried out at room temperature (RT) to investigate the structural and optical properties of the as-grown and annealed ZnO nanostructures. The surface morphologies of the seed layers changed from a smooth surface to a mountain chain-like structure as the post-heating temperatures increased. The as-grown and annealed ZnO nanostructures exhibited a strong (002) diffraction peak. Compared to the as-grown ZnO nanostructures, the annealed ZnO nanostructures exhibited significantly strong enhancement in the PL intensity ratio by almost a factor of 2.

Boron-bridged RG-II and calcium are required to maintain the pectin network of the Arabidopsis seed mucilage ultrastructure.

PubMed

Shi, Da-Chuan; Wang, Juan; Hu, Rui-Bo; Zhou, Gong-Ke; O'Neill, Malcolm A; Kong, Ying-Zhen

2017-06-01

The structure of a pectin network requires both calcium (Ca 2+ ) and boron (B). Ca 2+ is involved in crosslinking pectic polysaccharides and arbitrarily induces the formation of an "egg-box" structure among pectin molecules, while B crosslinks rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) side chain A apiosyl residues in primary cell walls to generate a borate-dimeric-rhamnogalacturonan II (dRG-II-B) complex through a boron-bridge bond, leading to the formation of a pectin network. Based on recent studies of dRG-II-B structures, a hypothesis has been proposed suggesting that Ca 2+ is a common component of the dRG-II-B complex. However, no in vivo evidence has addressed whether B affects the stability of Ca 2+ crosslinks. Here, we investigated the L-fucose-deficient dwarf mutant mur1, which was previously shown to require exogenous B treatment for phenotypic reversion. Imbibed Arabidopsis thaliana seeds release hydrated polysaccharides to form a halo of seed mucilage covering the seed surface, which consists of a water-soluble outer layer and an adherent inner layer. Our study of mur1 seed mucilage has revealed that the pectin in the outer layer of mucilage was relocated to the inner layer. Nevertheless, the mur1 inner mucilage was more vulnerable to rough shaking or ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) extraction than that of the wild type. Immunolabeling analysis suggested that dRG-II-B was severely decreased in mur1 inner mucilage. Moreover, non-methylesterified homogalacturonan (HG) exhibited obvious reassembly in the mur1 inner layer compared with the wild type, which may imply a possible connection between dRG-II-B deficiency and pectin network transformation in the seed mucilage. As expected, the concentration of B in the mur1 inner mucilage was reduced, whereas the distribution and concentration of Ca 2+ in the inner mucilage increased significantly, which could be the reason why pectin relocates from the outer mucilage to the inner mucilage. Consequently, the disruption of B bridges appears to result in the extreme sensitivity of the mur1 mucilage pectin complex to EDTA extraction, despite the reinforcement of the pectin network by excessive Ca 2+ . Therefore, we propose a hypothesis that B, in the form of dRG-II-B, works together with Ca 2+ to maintain pectin network crosslinks and ultimately the mucilage ultrastructure in seed mucilage. This work may serve to complement our current understanding of mucilage configuration.

Histochemical studies on protease formation in the cotyledons of germinating bean seeds.

PubMed

Yomo, H; Taylor, M P

1973-03-01

Protease formation in Phaseolus vulgaris L. cotyledons during seed germination was studied histochemically using a gelatin-film-substrate method. Protease activity can be detected by this method on the 5th day of germination, at approximately the same time that a rapid increase of activity was observed by a test-tube assay with casein as a substrate. At the early stage of germination, protease activity was observed throughout the cotyledon except in two or three cell layers below the cotyledon surface and in several cell layers around the vascular bundles. A highly active cell layer surrounding the protease-inactive cells near the vascular bundles is suggested to be a source of the protease.

[Preparation of large area Al-ZnO thin film by DC magnetron sputtering].

PubMed

Jiao, Fei; Liao, Cheng; Han, Jun-Feng; Zhou, Zhen

2009-03-01

Solar cells of p-CIS/n-buffer/ZnO type, where CIS is (CuInS2, CuInSe2 or intermediates, are thin-film-based devices for the future high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic devices. As important thin film, the properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) directly affect the parameter of the cell, especially for large volume. In the present paper, AZO semiconductor transparent thin film on soda-lime glass was fabricated using cylindrical zinc-aluminum target, which can not only lower the cost of the target but also make the preparation of large area AZO thin film more easily. Using the DC magnet sputtering techniques and rolling target, high utilization efficiency of target was achieved and large area uniform and directional film was realized. An introduction to DC magnet sputtering techniques for large area film fabrication is given. With different measurement methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scan electron microscope (SEM), we analyzed large size film's structure, appearance, and electrical and optical characteristics. The XRD spectrum indicated that the AZO film shows well zinc-blende structure with a preferred (002) growth and the c-axis is oriented normal to the substrate plane. The lattice constant is 5.603 9 nm and the mismatch with CdS thin film is only 2 percent. It absolutely satisfied the demand of the GIGS solar cell. The cross-section of the AZO thin film indicates the columnar structure and the surface morphology shows that the crystal size is about 50 nm that is consistent with the result of XRD spectrum. By the optical transmission curve, not only the high transmission rate over 85 percent in the visible spectrum between 400 nm and 700 nm was showed but also the band gap 3.1 eV was estimated. And all these parameters can meet the demand of the large area module of GIGS solar cell. The result is that using alloy target and Ar gas, and controlling the appropriate pressure of oxygen, we can get directional, condensed, uniform, high transmitting rate, low resistance and large size (300 mm x 300 mm) AZO film.

Slippery interfaces: lubrication of director and helix rotation motions (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Jun; Sakatsuji, Waki; Nishiyama, Isa

2017-02-01

Anchoring effects on the polymer films in the liquid crystal (LC) display devices plays key role to create the restoring force to the black state. However, the chiral materials with spontaneous helix, such as deformed helix mode in SmC* (DH-FLC) or the polymer stabilized blue phase (PSChBP), can recover black state by rewinding motion of the helix itself. We have invented the principle and design of slippery interfaces, which has zero anchoring force for attached LC molecules on the interfaces, and confirmed the drastic reduction of driving voltage in DH-FLC mode of SmC* (<1 order) keeping the fast switching response (tau 50 micro sec). We have reported the lateral slippery interfaces consist of the phase separated liquid phases created by tran-cis isomerization of doped azo dye. It is not enough to the complete transmission of the light(I/I0 1) by applying the typical driving voltage ( 1.0V/micro m) for current IPS panels. It is also problem that slippery interface become effective only just below the I-SmC phase transition temperature (TIC-T<20°). Here, we report new type of the vertical slippery interface realized by the spin coated swollen azo-LC gel films on the glass substrates. Under UV irradiation, trans-cis isomerization of the azo-dye co-polymerized in the azo-LC gel film, induces the vertical slippery interfaces by the disordering effect. Since the co-polymerized azo-dye cannot be dissolved into LC, the disordering effect is completely localized in the interface between swollen azo-LC gel and bulk SmC* material. Then the slippery interfaces can be stabilized over wide temperature range. We greatly improve the reduction of the driving voltage, I/Io=1, 1.0V/micro m for rather slow change of the driving voltage (tau 1msec 2.5msec pulse), I/I0=0.6, 1.5V/micro m for fast change (tau 50 micro sec, 250 micro sec pulse) by lubrication of intra and inter helix C-director rotation motions.

Biodegradation and detoxification of textile azo dyes by bacterial consortium under sequential microaerophilic/aerobic processes

PubMed Central

Lade, Harshad; Kadam, Avinash; Paul, Diby; Govindwar, Sanjay

2015-01-01

Release of textile azo dyes to the environment is an issue of health concern while the use of microorganisms has proved to be the best option for remediation. Thus, in the present study, a bacterial consortium consisting of Providencia rettgeri strain HSL1 and Pseudomonas sp. SUK1 has been investigated for degradation and detoxification of structurally different azo dyes. The consortium showed 98-99 % decolorization of all the selected azo dyes viz. Reactive Black 5 (RB 5), Reactive Orange 16 (RO 16), Disperse Red 78 (DR 78) and Direct Red 81 (DR 81) within 12 to 30 h at 100 mg L-1 concentration at 30 ± 0.2 °C under microaerophilic, sequential aerobic/microaerophilic and microaerophilic/aerobic processes. However, decolorization under microaerophilic conditions viz. RB 5 (0.26 mM), RO 16 (0.18 mM), DR 78 (0.20 mM) and DR 81 (0.23 mM) and sequential aerobic/microaerophilic processes viz. RB 5 (0.08 mM), RO 16 (0.06 mM), DR 78 (0.07 mM) and DR 81 (0.09 mM) resulted into the formation of aromatic amines. In distinction, sequential microaerophilic/ aerobic process doesn’t show the formation of amines. Additionally, 62-72 % reduction in total organic carbon content was observed in all the dyes decolorized broths under sequential microaerophilic/aerobic processes suggesting the efficacy of method in mineralization of dyes. Notable induction within the levels of azoreductase and NADH-DCIP reductase (97 and 229 % for RB 5, 55 and 160 % for RO 16, 63 and 196 % for DR 78, 108 and 258 % for DR 81) observed under sequential microaerophilic/aerobic processes suggested their critical involvements in the initial breakdown of azo bonds, whereas, a slight increase in the levels of laccase and veratryl alcohol oxidase confirmed subsequent oxidation of formed amines. Also, the acute toxicity assay with Daphnia magna revealed the nontoxic nature of the dye-degraded metabolites under sequential microaerophilic/aerobic processes. As biodegradation under sequential microaerophilic/aerobic process completely detoxified all the selected textile azo dyes, further efforts should be made to implement such methods for large scale dye wastewater treatment technologies. PMID:26417357

Physical, metabolic and developmental functions of the seed coat

PubMed Central

Radchuk, Volodymyr; Borisjuk, Ljudmilla

2014-01-01

The conventional understanding of the role of the seed coat is that it provides a protective layer for the developing zygote. Recent data show that the picture is more nuanced. The seed coat certainly represents a first line of defense against adverse external factors, but it also acts as channel for transmitting environmental cues to the interior of the seed. The latter function primes the seed to adjust its metabolism in response to changes in its external environment. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the structure and functionality of the seed coat, and to expose its hidden interaction with both the endosperm and embryo. Any breeding and/or biotechnology intervention seeking to increase seed size or modify seed features will have to consider the implications on this tripartite interaction. PMID:25346737

Strain relaxation in nm-thick Cu and Cu-alloy films bonded to a rigid substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrmann, Ashley Ann Elizabeth

In the wide scope of modern technology, nm-thick metallic films are increasingly used as lubrication layers, optical coatings, plating seeds, diffusion barriers, adhesion layers, metal contacts, reaction catalyzers, etc. A prominent example is the use of nm-thick Cu films as electroplating seed layers in the manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs). These high density circuits are linked by on-chip copper interconnects, which are manufactured by filling Cu into narrow trenches by electroplating. The Cu fill by electroplating requires a thin Cu seed deposited onto high-aspect-ratio trenches. In modern ICs, these trenches are approaching 10 nm or less in width, and the seed layers less than 1 nm in thickness. Since nm-thick Cu seed layers are prone to agglomeration or delamination, achieving uniform, stable and highly-conductive ultra-thin seeds has become a major manufacturing challenge. A fundamental understanding of the strain behavior and thermal stability of nm-thick metal films adhered to a rigid substrate is thus critically needed. In this study, we focus on understanding the deformation modes of nm-thick Cu and Cu-alloy films bonded to a rigid Si substrate and under compressive stress. The strengthening of Cu films through alloying is also studied. In-situ transport measurements are used to monitor the deformation of such films as they are heated from room temperature to 400 °C. Ex-situ AFM is then used to help characterize the mode of strain relaxation. The relaxation modes are known to be sensitive to the wetting and adhesive properties of the film-substrate interface. We use four different liners (Ta, Ru, Mo and Co), interposed between the film and substrate to provide a wide range of interfacial properties to study their effect on the film's thermal stability. Our measurements indicate that when the film/liner interfacial energy is low, grain growth is the dominant relaxation mechanism. As the interface energy increases, grain growth is suppressed, and the strain is relaxed through hillock/island formation instead. The kinetics-limiting parameters for these relaxation modes are identified and used to simulate their kinetics, and a deformation map is then constructed to delineate the conditions under which each mode would prevail. Such a deformation map would prove useful when one seeks to optimize the thermal stability or other mechanical properties in any ultra-thin film system.

Electrical, structural and thermal studies of carbon nanotubes from natural legume seeds: kala chana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranu, Rachana; Chauhan, Yatishwar; Singh, Pramod K.; Bhattacharya, B.; Tomar, S. K.

2016-12-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the carbon materials measured at nanoscale level and they are defined in two types according to the number of concentric layers, i.e. single-layer tube is single-walled nanotubes, while multi-layer tube structure is called multi-walled nanotubes. The green method synthesis for the preparation of CNTs begins with the smashing of legume seeds kala chana, and then they form complex with cobalt salt. Desiccation of the complex compound forms cobalt salt and seed protein. The complex is then decomposed at 625 °C in muffle furnace for 20 min. Purification of the decomposed sample is done through acid wash treatment and dried in vacuum oven. The confirmations of CNTs are done by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared, which analyzes the denatured protein, reacted to the metal salt. X-Ray diffraction determines the MWNTs with transmission electron microscope (TEM) reports the network structure of CNTs. thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)-differential thermal analysis (DTA)-thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) tests the amount of sample under thermal treatment. Vibrating sample magnetometer determines the paramagnetic nature of CNTs. CNTs thus prepared can be used in mechanical fields, in solar cells, in electronics fields, etc. because of their multidisciplinary properties. The synthesized CNTs are eco-friendly in nature, prepared by the legume seed natural precursor.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Highly Oriented, Transparent, and Pinhole-Free ZnO and Al-Doped ZnO Films and Their Use in Heterojunction Solar Cells.

PubMed

Kang, Donghyeon; Lee, Dongho; Choi, Kyoung-Shin

2016-10-04

Electrochemical synthesis conditions using nonaqueous solutions were developed to prepare highly transparent (T > 90%) and crystalline ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films for use in solar energy conversion devices. A focused effort was made to produce pinhole-free films in a reproducible manner by identifying a key condition to prevent the formation of cracks during deposition. The polycrystalline domains in the resulting films had a uniform orientation (i.e., the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate), which enhanced the electron transport properties of the films. Furthermore, electrochemical Al doping of ZnO using nonaqueous media, which was demonstrated for the first time in this study, effectively increased the carrier density and raised the Fermi level of ZnO. These films were coupled with an electrodeposited p-type Cu 2 O to construct p-n heterojunction solar cells to demonstrate the utilization of these films for solar energy conversion. The resulting n-ZnO/p-Cu 2 O and n-AZO/p-Cu 2 O cells showed excellent performance compared with previously reported n-ZnO/p-Cu 2 O cells prepared by electrodeposition. In particular, replacing ZnO with AZO resulted in simultaneous enhancements in short circuit current and open circuit potential, and the n-AZO/p-Cu 2 O cell achieved an average power conversion efficiency (η) of 0.92 ± 0.09%. The electrodeposition condition reported here will offer a practical and versatile way to produce ZnO or AZO films, which play key roles in various solar energy conversion devices, with qualities comparable to those prepared by vacuum-based techniques.

Metabolism of azo dyes by human skin microbiota

PubMed Central

Stingley, Robin L.; Zou, Wen; Heinze, Thomas M.; Chen, Huizhong; Cerniglia, Carl E.

2018-01-01

Reduction of Methyl Red (MR) and Orange II (Or II) by 26 human skin bacterial species was monitored by a rapid spectrophotometric assay. The analysis indicated that skin bacteria, representing the genera Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Dermacoccus and Kocuria, were able to reduce MR by 74–100 % in 24 h, with only three species unable to reduce completely the dye in that time. Among the species tested, only Corynebacterium xerosis was unable to reduce Or II to any degree by 24 h, and only Staphylococcus delphini, Staphylococcus sciuri subsp. sciuri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were able to reduce completely this dye within 24 h. MR reduction started with early-exponential growth in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and around late-exponential/early-stationary growth in P. aeruginosa. Reduction of Or II, Ponceau S and Ponceau BS started during late-exponential/early-stationary growth for all three species. Using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses, MR metabolites produced by Staph. aureus, Staph. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa were identified as N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid. Searches of available genomic and proteomic data revealed that at least four of the staphylococci in this study, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staph. epidermidis, Staphylococcus cohnii and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, have hypothetical genes with 77, 76, 75 and 74 % sequence identity to azo1 encoding an azoreductase from Staph. aureus and hypothetical proteins with 82, 80, 72 and 74 % identity to Azo1, respectively. In addition, Staphylococcus capitis has a protein with 79 % identity to Azo1. Western analysis detected proteins similar to Azo1 in all the staphylococci tested, except Staph. delphini, Staph. sciuri subsp. sciuri and Staphylococcus auricularis. The data presented in this report will be useful in the risk assessment process for evaluation of public exposure to products containing these dyes. PMID:19729456

Influence of auxochrome group in disperse dyes bearing azo groups as chromophore center in the biotransformation and molecular docking prediction by reductase enzyme: Implications and assessment for environmental toxicity of xenobiotics.

PubMed

Franco, Jefferson Honorio; da Silva, Bianca F; Dias, Elisangela Franciscon G; de Castro, Alexandre A; Ramalho, Teodorico C; Zanoni, Maria Valnice Boldrin

2018-05-21

Synthetic azo dyes have increasingly become a matter of great concern as a result of the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the products derived from azo dye biotransformation. This work evaluates the manner in which reducing enzymes produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) act on three disperse dyes bearing azo groups, namely Disperse Red 73 (DR 73), Disperse Red 78 (DR 78), and Disperse Red 167 (DR 167). UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were applied towards the identification of the main products. Seven days of incubation of the azo dyes with the tested enzymes yielded a completely bleached solution. 3-4-Aminophenyl-ethyl-amino-propanitrile was detected following the biotransformation of both DR 73 and DR 78. 4-Nitroaniline and 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline were detected upon the biotransformation of DR 73 and DR 78, respectively. The main products derived from the biotransformation of DR 167 were dimethyl 3,3'-3-acetamido-4-aminophenyl-azanedyl-dipropanoate and 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline. The results imply that DR 73 lost the CN - substituent during the biotransformation. Furthermore, theoretical calculations were also carried out aiming at evaluating the interaction and reactivity of these compounds with DNA. Taken together, the results indicate that DR 73, DR 78, and DR 167 pose health risks and serious threats to both human beings and the environment at large as their biotransformation produces harmful compounds such as amines, which have been widely condemned by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Azo compound degradation kinetics and halonitromethane formation kinetics during chlorination.

PubMed

Fu, Jing; Wang, Xiaomao; Bai, Weiliang; Yang, Hongwei; Xie, Yuefeng F

2017-05-01

The chlorination of azo compounds can produce halonitromethanes (HNMs), which have attracted increasing concern due to their high genotoxicity. By impacting the speciation of chlorine and azo compounds, pH impacts apparent second-order rate constants of Methyl Orange (MO, 27.5-1.4 × 10 3  M -1  s -1 ), Acid Orange II (AO, 16.7-99.3 M -1  s -1 ), and Acid Red 1 (AR 1, 3.7-72.5 M -1  s -1 ) (pH range 6.3-9.0). The two-compartment first-order model successfully described the chloropicrin (TCNM) formation kinetics, suggesting that both fast- and slow-reacting precursors of TCNM are generated from the chlorination of azo compounds. The ratios between fast and slow formation rate constants for MO and AO were 15.6-5.4 × 10 2 , while that of AR 1 was 9.8-19.4 (pH range 6.5-9.0). The fraction of the fast-reacting TCNM precursors decreased with increasing pH for MO and AO; while that for AR 1 decreased when pH increased from 6.5 to 8.0, and then increased when pH increased from 8.0 to 9.0. The impact of pH on TCNM formation was also precursor-specific. The highest molar yields of TCNM predicted from the model in this study were 2.4%, 2.5%, and 1.5% for MO, AO, and AR 1, respectively. The study demonstrates that azo compounds are important HNM precursors, and pose a potential threat to drinking water safety. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of millisecond flash lamp annealing on electrical and structural properties of ZnO:Al/Si structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lindberg, P. F.; Riise, H. N.; Vines, L.

2016-05-14

The effect of millisecond flash lamp annealing (FLA) on aluminum doped ZnO (AZO) films and their interface with Si have been studied. The AZO films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on Si (100) substrates. The electrical and structural properties of the film and AZO/Si structures were characterized by current–voltage, capacitance–voltage, and deep level transient spectroscopy measurements, X-ray diffraction, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The resistivity of the AZO film is reduced to a close to state-of-the-art value of 2 × 10{sup −4} Ω cm after FLA for 3 ms with an average energy density of 29 J/cm{sup 2}. In addition, most of the interfacial defects energymore » levels are simultaneously annealed out, except for one persisting shallow level, tentatively assigned to the vacancy-oxygen complex in Si, which was not affected by FLA. Subsequent to the FLA, the samples were treated in N{sub 2} or forming gas (FG) (N{sub 2}/H{sub 2}, 90/10%{sub mole}) ambient at 200–500 °C. The latter samples maintained the low resistivity achieved after the FLA, but not the former ones. The interfacial defect level persisting after the FLA is removed by the FG treatment, concurrently as another level emerges at ∼0.18 eV below the conduction band. The electrical data of the AZO films are discussed in term of point defects controlling the resistivity, and it is argued that the FLA promotes formation of electrically neutral clusters of Zink vacancies (V{sub Zn}'s) rather than passivating/compensating complexes between the Al donors and V{sub Zn}'s.« less

Metabolism of azo dyes by human skin microbiota.

PubMed

Stingley, Robin L; Zou, Wen; Heinze, Thomas M; Chen, Huizhong; Cerniglia, Carl E

2010-01-01

Reduction of Methyl Red (MR) and Orange II (Or II) by 26 human skin bacterial species was monitored by a rapid spectrophotometric assay. The analysis indicated that skin bacteria, representing the genera Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Dermacoccus and Kocuria, were able to reduce MR by 74-100 % in 24 h, with only three species unable to reduce completely the dye in that time. Among the species tested, only Corynebacterium xerosis was unable to reduce Or II to any degree by 24 h, and only Staphylococcus delphini, Staphylococcus sciuri subsp. sciuri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were able to reduce completely this dye within 24 h. MR reduction started with early-exponential growth in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and around late-exponential/early-stationary growth in P. aeruginosa. Reduction of Or II, Ponceau S and Ponceau BS started during late-exponential/early-stationary growth for all three species. Using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses, MR metabolites produced by Staph. aureus, Staph. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa were identified as N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminobenzoic acid. Searches of available genomic and proteomic data revealed that at least four of the staphylococci in this study, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staph. epidermidis, Staphylococcus cohnii and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, have hypothetical genes with 77, 76, 75 and 74 % sequence identity to azo1 encoding an azoreductase from Staph. aureus and hypothetical proteins with 82, 80, 72 and 74 % identity to Azo1, respectively. In addition, Staphylococcus capitis has a protein with 79 % identity to Azo1. Western analysis detected proteins similar to Azo1 in all the staphylococci tested, except Staph. delphini, Staph. sciuri subsp. sciuri and Staphylococcus auricularis. The data presented in this report will be useful in the risk assessment process for evaluation of public exposure to products containing these dyes.

Adsorption of transition metal ions from aqueous solutions onto a novel silica gel matrix inorganic-organic composite material.

PubMed

Yin, Ping; Xu, Qiang; Qu, Rongjun; Zhao, Guifang; Sun, Yanzhi

2010-01-15

A novel inorganic-organic composite material silica gel microspheres encapsulated by imidazole functionalized polystyrene (SG-PS-azo-IM) has been synthesized and characterized. This composite material was used to investigate the adsorption of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Ag(I), and Au(III) from aqueous solutions, and the research results displayed that SG-PS-azo-IM has the highest adsorption capacity for Au(III). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data, the best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm equation, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Au(III) is 1.700 mmol/g. The adsorption selectivity, the dynamic adsorption and desorption properties of SG-PS-azo-IM for Au(III) have also been studied. The results showed that SG-PS-azo-IM had excellent adsorption for Au(III) in four binary ions system, especially in the systems of Au(III)-Zn(II) and Au(III)-Cu(II), and almost Au(III) could be desorbed with the eluent solution of 0.5% thiourea in 1 mol/L HCl. Moreover, this novel composite material was used to preconcentrate Au(III) before its determination by flame atomic adsorption spectrometry. In the initial concentration range of 0.10-0.20 microg/mL, multiple of enrichment could reach 5.28. Thus, silica gel encapsulated by polystyrene coupling with imidazole (SG-PS-azo-IM) is favorable and useful for the removal of transition metal ions, and the high adsorption capacity makes it a good promising candidate material for Au(III) removal.

Biosorption of Azo dyes by spent Rhizopus arrhizus biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvi, Neeta A.; Chattopadhyay, S.

2017-10-01

In the present study, spent Rhizopus arrhizus biomass was used for the removal of six azo dyes from aqueous solutions. The dye removal capacity of the biomass was evaluated by conducting batch tests as a function of contact time, biomass dosage, pH and initial dye concentrations. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted well with the experimental data with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999, suggesting that chemisorptions might be the rate limiting step. The equilibrium sorption data showed good fit to the Langmuir isotherm model. Among the six dyes tested, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for fast red A and metanil yellow was found to be 108.8 and 128.5 mg/g, respectively. These encouraging results suggest that dead Rhizopus arrhizus biomass could be a potential biomaterial for the removal of azo dyes from aqueous dye solution.

AzoCholine Enables Optical Control of Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Neural Networks.

PubMed

Damijonaitis, Arunas; Broichhagen, Johannes; Urushima, Tatsuya; Hüll, Katharina; Nagpal, Jatin; Laprell, Laura; Schönberger, Matthias; Woodmansee, David H; Rafiq, Amir; Sumser, Martin P; Kummer, Wolfgang; Gottschalk, Alexander; Trauner, Dirk

2015-05-20

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are essential for cellular communication in higher organisms. Even though a vast pharmacological toolset to study cholinergic systems has been developed, control of endogenous neuronal nAChRs with high spatiotemporal precision has been lacking. To address this issue, we have generated photoswitchable nAChR agonists and re-evaluated the known photochromic ligand, BisQ. Using electrophysiology, we found that one of our new compounds, AzoCholine, is an excellent photoswitchable agonist for neuronal α7 nAChRs, whereas BisQ was confirmed to be an agonist for the muscle-type nAChR. AzoCholine could be used to modulate cholinergic activity in a brain slice and in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In addition, we demonstrate light-dependent perturbation of behavior in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans.

FIA-Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Nitrite in Meat Products: An Experiment Exploring Color Reduction of an Azo-Compound

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Penteado, Jose C.; Angnes, Lucio; Masini, Jorge C.; Oliveira, Paulo C. C.

2005-01-01

This article describes the reaction between nitrite and safranine O. This sensitive reaction is based on the disappearance of color of the reddish-orange azo dye, allowing the determination of nitrite at the mg mL-1 level. A factorial optimization of parameters was carried out and the method was applied for the quantification of nitrite in…

21 CFR 73.3122 - 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one. 73.3122 Section 73.3122 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

21 CFR 73.3122 - 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one. 73.3122 Section 73.3122 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

21 CFR 73.3122 - 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one. 73.3122 Section 73.3122 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

21 CFR 73.3122 - 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one. 73.3122 Section 73.3122 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

21 CFR 73.3122 - 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]-2,4-dihydro-5-methyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one. 73.3122 Section 73.3122 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION Medical...

Studies of third-order optical nonlinearities and optical limiting properties of azo dyes.

PubMed

Gayathri, C; Ramalingam, A

2008-03-01

In order to protect optical sensors and human eyes from debilitating laser effects, the intensity of the incoming laser light has to be opportunely reduced. Here, we report our results on the third-order optical nonlinearity and optical limiting properties of three azo dyes exposed to a 532nm continuous wave laser. We have observed low power optical limiting based on nonlinear refraction in our samples.

Light Management in Transparent Conducting Oxides by Direct Fabrication of Periodic Surface Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckhardt, S.; Sachse, C.; Lasagni, A. F.

Line- and hexagonal-like periodic textures were fabricated on aluminium zinc oxide (AZO) using direct laser interference patterning method. It was found that hexagonally patterned surfaces show a higher performance in both transparency and diffraction properties compared to line-like textured and non-patterned substrates. Furthermore, the electrical resistance of the processed AZO coated substrates remained below the tolerance values for transparent conducting electrodes.

21 CFR 73.3115 - 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.... The color additive2-[[2,5-diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol is formed in situ in soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. (b) Uses and restrictions. The color additive 2-[[2,5... following restrictions: (1) The quantity of the color additive does not exceed 1.1×10−7 grams in a soft...

21 CFR 73.3115 - 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

.... The color additive2-[[2,5-diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol is formed in situ in soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. (b) Uses and restrictions. The color additive 2-[[2,5... following restrictions: (1) The quantity of the color additive does not exceed 1.1×10−7 grams in a soft...

21 CFR 73.3115 - 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.... The color additive2-[[2,5-diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol is formed in situ in soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. (b) Uses and restrictions. The color additive 2-[[2,5... following restrictions: (1) The quantity of the color additive does not exceed 1.1×10−7 grams in a soft...

21 CFR 73.3115 - 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.... The color additive2-[[2,5-diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol is formed in situ in soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. (b) Uses and restrictions. The color additive 2-[[2,5... following restrictions: (1) The quantity of the color additive does not exceed 1.1×10−7 grams in a soft...

21 CFR 73.3115 - 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

.... The color additive2-[[2,5-diethoxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]phenyl]azo]-1,3,5-benzenetriol is formed in situ in soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. (b) Uses and restrictions. The color additive 2-[[2,5... following restrictions: (1) The quantity of the color additive does not exceed 1.1×10−7 grams in a soft...

Genetic damage induced by a food coloring dye (sunset yellow) on meristematic cells of Brassica campestris L.

PubMed

Dwivedi, Kshama; Kumar, Girjesh

2015-01-01

We have performed the present piece of work to evaluate the effect of synthetic food coloring azo dye (sunset yellow) on actively dividing root tip cells of Brassica campestris L. Three doses of azo dye were administered for the treatment of actively dividing root tip cells, namely, 1%, 3%, and 5%, for 6-hour duration along with control. Mitotic analysis clearly revealed the azo dye induced endpoint deviation like reduction in the frequency of normal divisions in a dose dependent manner. Mitotic divisions in the control sets were found to be perfectly normal while dose based reduction in MI was registered in the treated sets. Azo dye has induced several chromosomal aberrations (genotoxic effect) at various stages of cell cycle such as stickiness of chromosomes, micronuclei formation, precocious migration of chromosome, unorientation, forward movement of chromosome, laggards, and chromatin bridge. Among all, stickiness of chromosomes was present in the highest frequency followed by partial genome elimination as micronuclei. The present study suggests that extensive use of synthetic dye should be forbidden due to genotoxic and cytotoxic impacts on living cells. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess potential hazardous effects of these dyes on other test systems like human and nonhuman biota for better scrutiny.

Real-Time and Accurate Identification of Single Oligonucleotide Photoisomers via an Aerolysin Nanopore.

PubMed

Hu, Zheng-Li; Li, Zi-Yuan; Ying, Yi-Lun; Zhang, Junji; Cao, Chan; Long, Yi-Tao; Tian, He

2018-04-03

Identification of the configuration for the photoresponsive oligonucleotide plays an important role in the ingenious design of DNA nanomolecules and nanodevices. Due to the limited resolution and sensitivity of present methods, it remains a challenge to determine the accurate configuration of photoresponsive oligonucleotides, much less a precise description of their photoconversion process. Here, we used an aerolysin (AeL) nanopore-based confined space for real-time determination and quantification of the absolute cis/ trans configuration of each azobenzene-modified oligonucleotide (Azo-ODN) with a single molecule resolution. The two completely separated current distributions with narrow peak widths at half height (<0.62 pA) are assigned to cis/ trans-Azo-ODN isomers, respectively. Due to the high current sensitivity, each isomer of Azo-ODN could be undoubtedly identified, which gives the accurate photostationary conversion values of 82.7% for trans-to- cis under UV irradiation and 82.5% for cis-to- trans under vis irradiation. Further real-time kinetic evaluation reveals that the photoresponsive rate constants of Azo-ODN from trans-to- cis and cis-to -trans are 0.43 and 0.20 min -1 , respectively. This study will promote the sophisticated design of photoresponsive ODN to achieve an efficient and applicable photocontrollable process.

Tuning Solvatochromism of Azo Dyes with Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Solution and on Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Lei; Cole, Jacqueline M.; Liu, Xiaogang

2013-11-25

“Smart tuning” of optical properties in three azo dyes containing intramolecular hydrogen bonding is realized by the judicious control of solvents, when the dyes are in solution or adsorbed onto titanium dioxide nanoparticles. In solution, certain solvents destabilizing intramolecular hydrogen bonding induce a distinctive ≈70 nm “blue-shifted” absorption peak, compared with other solvents. In parallel, the optical properties of azo dye/TiO2 nanocomposites can be tuned using solvents with different hydrogen-bond accepting/donating abilities, giving insights into smart materials and dye-sensitized solar cell device design. It is proposed that intramolecular hydrogen bonding alone plays the leading role in such phenomena, which ismore » fundamentally different to other mechanisms, such as tautomerism and cis–trans isomerization, that explain the optical control of azo dyes. Hybrid density functional theory (DFT) is employed in order to trace the origin of this optical control, and these calculations support the mechanism involving intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Two complementary studies are also reported: 1H NMR spectroscopy is conducted in order to further understand the solvent effects on intramolecular hydrogen bonding; crystal structure analysis from associated research indicates the importance of intramolecular hydrogen bonding on intramolecular charge transfer.« less